STCC graduate finds inspiration to propel career and education forward
Sinéad Murray '17 stands in the lobby of the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.One day while working at the front desk at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, Murray happened to meet STCC leaders who were staying at the hotel for a conference. In February, she spoke with Dr. John B. Cook, STCC president, and Samalid Hogan, a member of the STCC Board of Trustees.
“It’s a small world,” Cook said after returning from D.C. where he had joined a Massachusetts delegation attending a community college summit. “It is just incredible to meet talented STCC graduates everywhere, and I was grateful to hear Sinéad describe her journey from the Pioneer Valley down to the Capital.”
Sinéad Murray met STCC Trustee Samalid Hogan who was attending a conference in Washington, D.C.
Murray, 33, who made her way to D.C. in order to attend Howard University, continues to work toward a bachelor’s degree in business. She received her associate degree in Business Administration from STCC in January 2017. She grew up in Springfield and graduated from The MacDuffie School, a private college preparatory school in Granby.
While she works full time, Murray manages her business venture, Sincerely, Sinéad. She sells “Sincerely Sinéad” branded watches and plans to expand to designer eyeglass frames.
Murray said she was excited to soon be moving into a new position as an Administrative Assistant in the Sales Accounts Organization department within Marriott. The promotion means she will learn the sales and revenue side of the hospitality industry and will have the privilege to work remotely and based out of the hotel’s global headquarters in Bethesda, Md., which only houses 1% of their international workforce.
Murray will be navigating a robust career while taking classes at Howard. Her goal is to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in 2025.
“I enjoy studying international business because I love culture and I love people,” she said. “One of my goals is to enhance the community. I would love to own a few hotels.”
Sinéad Murray
Her college path started at a four-year university, which she admits was not the best fit. She returned to Springfield and applied to STCC. She started classes at the community college, studying while working full time at MassMutual in Springfield.
“I remember the professors who were supportive. Ann Gervais (a professor and Department Chair) helped me and was very hands on,” Murray said.
Professor Gervais recalled having Murray in class. “It's wonderful to hear that STCC's business program prepared Sinéad for Howard University, and she's thriving in her career in the hospitality industry,” she said.
Murray’s sister, Sade Murray, was also attending STCC at the same time.
“We enjoyed the flexible schedule and all the opportunities that STCC offers,” Sinéad said. “Some colleges are pretty structured. At STCC, you’re able to tailor your learning to your lifestyle, so my sister and I took advantage of that.”
Sade moved to New York, while Sinéad went to the D.C. area in 2019 and started working at the Marriott Marquis. She lives in Silver Spring, Md.
“I love working at the hotel. I’m very personable, and Marriott is an international company. This was perfect for me,” Sinéad said.
She would recommend STCC to anyone looking to get their start at a college, whether they’re just graduating from high school or returning to college after working.
“If you go to STCC, use the resources. Schools like STCC pay attention to their students,” she said. “You’ll get the confidence to move forward. You will learn a lot about yourself and be ready for the next step in your life.”
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
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