Gateway to College at STCC alumni find success at UMass Amherst

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Two graduates of the Gateway to College program at Springfield Technical Community College are thriving at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, proving that alternative educational pathways can lead to academic and personal success.

Daniel Doby and Savannah “Savvy” Freidus, who began their journeys with the support and guidance of STCC’s innovative program, are now finding their footing at Massachusetts’ flagship university. Doby graduated from Gateway to College in 2021 and obtained his associate degree in Business Transfer from STCC in 2022. Freidus graduated from Gateway to College in 2022 and earned an associate from STCC in biology in 2024.

Gateway to College, a partnership between STCC and the Springfield Public Schools, is a unique initiative that helps high school students who have struggled in traditional settings or are at risk of not graduating. By allowing them to complete their high school diplomas while earning college credits, the program gives them a second chance to not only finish their education but also jumpstart their college careers. For many students, this opportunity becomes a transformative experience, opening doors to higher education they may have thought were closed.

STCC also offers opportunities to transfer to four-year institutions like UMass. STCC participates in the MassTransfer Program with all Massachusetts public colleges and universities. The program guarantees participating students admission to the institution of their choice, provided they graduate from an approved degree program at STCC with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Doby, who is majoring in finance at the Isenberg School of Management at UMass, expects to graduate in December 2024. He wants to pursue a law degree and is considering entering corporate law.

“I want to be able to give back to the community I grew up in,” Doby said. “That’s my end goal… and give back to institutions like STCC that provide great opportunities. I want to help other students have the same opportunities I have had.”

Getting into the prestigious management school was a  “welcome surprise,” Doby said.

I feel like Gateway really set me up to transfer to UMass, because I learned the necessary skills needed and required to be a successful college student. Savannah 'Savvy' Freidus '24 STCC graduate and current UMass student

“I was able to get in mostly due to the transfer program that STCC has with UMass Amherst,” Doby said. “It felt great (getting into Isenberg), and it was nice to know that I made the right choice. I got a great start at my education.”

Like Doby, Freidus credits Gateway to College at STCC for preparing her for the academic rigors at UMass.

“I feel like Gateway really set me up to transfer to UMass, because I learned the necessary skills needed and required to be a successful college student,” said Freidus, who is in her first semester at UMass. “It was because of Gateway that I gained an edge when it comes to transitioning into college life. That has made it much easier to be successful as a student at a larger university.”

Freidus hopes to go to medical school after graduating from UMass with a degree in biology in 2026. Her goal in life is to “become the best doctor I can be for my community.”

“Not only do we need more doctors,” she said. “We need more doctors who care about people like myself, who care about people who live in the communities that I grew up in.”

Both Freidus and Doby worked in the office at Gateway to College as alumni of the program, assisting other students and the staff.

Dr. Christopher Thuot, Vice President of Academic Affairs, praised the program for helping students adapt to the college environment and achieve success.

“We take pride in seeing students like Daniel and Savannah start at Gateway, continue in a degree program at STCC and then successfully transfer to institutions like UMass Amherst,” Thuot said. “Their achievements are a testament to STCC's focus on access and the foundation we provide that opens up so many opportunities for our graduates.  We are thrilled to have been a part of their story and look forward to watching them thrive.”

Gateway to College Program Director Katara Robinson said she is proud of Doby and Freidus for leveraging the supports and opportunities offered through Gateway to College STCC to excel in their studies and navigate the transition into a university setting with confidence and skill.

“Their success is a testament to our mission of supporting students and transforming lives by equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in higher education and beyond,” Robinson said. “I am excited to see how they will continue to impact their communities and achieve their goals.”

Freidus recommends Gateway to anyone looking for a high-quality alternative high school experience.

“I think a majority of students have been successful at Gateway,” she said. “What encouraged me to decide (on Gateway) was seeing the number of success stories – seeing people who are in the same situation as myself. They went through Gateway and graduated. They moved on to higher education. I would definitely say that they should consider Gateway.”

Interested in applying to Gateway to College at STCC? Visit stcc.edu/gateway for more information. For questions, email gateway@stcc.edu or call (413) 755-4581.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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