STCC hosts veterans event to showcase impactful legislation
Secretary Jon Santiago of the Executive Office of Veterans Services speaks at STCC.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College welcomed veterans to the HERO Act Roadshow, a statewide initiative aimed at educating those who served about the most comprehensive veterans legislation in Massachusetts history.
The event, which took place in the auditorium of Scibelli Hall on Dec. 11, drew veterans from the community including STCC students and alumni who served.
The goal of the special town hall was to provide veterans and their families with important information on the impact of the HERO Act, officially titled An Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing our Servicemembers and Veterans.
Ronnie Williams, an STCC student and veteran.
Veterans in the audience heard an overview of the HERO Act and its goals including expanded healthcare and mental health resources for veterans, updates to education and job training opportunities and housing assistance programs.
Ronnie Williams, who is studying social work, served in the Marines. “I'm hoping to get some insight on what the state is doing for us,” Williams said from his seat in the auditorium. “And I want to be able to network with other veterans.”
He was going to share information gleaned from the event with Springfield Disabled American Veterans Chapter 68.
Williams and other students and alumni who attended the event praised the veteran-friendly atmosphere at STCC. They highlighted STCC’s Office of Veteran and Military Services and Veterans Academic Counselor Dr. Kimberly Reese.
I tell every vet I see that if you want to go to school, go to STCC. They really treat veterans right.Bruce McLean, Veteran and STCC Class of 2024 graduate
“Dr. Reese got me into the program, got me set up,” Williams said. “She always gets back to me if I have any questions. She’s always reaching out to us in emails with information.”
Bruce McLean, a veteran who graduated in spring 2024 with a degree in Business Administration, said he came to the event for information to “know what’s going on.”
McClean also had praise for STCC as an institution that pays attention to veterans’ needs. “I tell every vet I see that if you want to go to school, go to STCC. They really treat veterans right,” he said.
STCC alumnus Bruce McLean, left, and STCC student Mario Cote.
STCC student Mario Cote, a veteran who is studying business administration, said he wanted “real information about what’s going on with the HERO Act.”
He added the college offers support for veterans. He also takes advantage of other programs.
Cote said he joined the MILE program at STCC, which provides inclusive academic support, mentoring and community engagement opportunities to male students.
“It’s amazing here,” he said. “I think veterans should be coming here more often.”
Dr. Reese emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for veterans at STCC. “Our goal is to help veterans transition successfully from military life to college and beyond,” Reese said. “We are here to guide them, advocate for them and ensure they have access to the resources they need to thrive academically and personally.”
The event drew members of the Springfield legislative delegation – Sen. Adam Gomez and Rep. Carlos González – and featured remarks from Secretary Jon Santiago of the Executive Office of Veterans Services.
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