Success at STCC: Frank Quigley reflects on service to college

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Frank Quigley loves to talk up Springfield Technical Community College. He’s seen how STCC has transformed lives, including his own.

Quigley, Class of 1977, applied the lessons he learned at STCC to his long and illustrious career in construction project management.

“I’ve had a great deal of success in my career,” said Quigley, owner of F.D. Quigley & Associates, a construction project management firm. “I owe my success to STCC. Once I got to STCC, I realized this is it! This is exactly what I wanted to do.”

He mentions the benefit and value of STCC to anyone who is thinking about college or careers. “I do that all the time,” he said with a grin, before telling a story to illustrate his point.

Speaking from his home office in Wilbraham, Quigley recalled a time when a family member told him he was not happy with his major at college. Quigley recalled sitting his nephew down for a talk after Christmas dinner. It turns out his nephew wanted to pursue a career in construction like his Uncle Frank.

Quigley’s eyes lit up. “I said, ‘Perfect, I’ll make a phone call.” His nephew switched majors to study Architecture and Building Technology at STCC. He excelled in the program and transferred to Wentworth Institute of Technology.

“The transfer program wasn’t there for me, but it was for him, and it was the best gift he ever got,” Quigley said.

Quigley noted that the transfer agreement between STCC and Wentworth made the total cost of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in project management extremely affordable. Wentworth offers discounted tuition to students who participate in the transfer program.

An advocate of STCC

Quigley enjoys giving back to the college that inspired him throughout his career. After serving for five years, he stepped down this year from his position as vice chairman and the alumni representative to the STCC Board of Trustees. Since 2010, he has served as a member of the STCC Foundation Board of Directors, including serving as president of the board. He continues to serve on the Foundation Board.

Denise Hurst, Vice President of Advancement and External Affairs at STCC, called Quigley an advocate of STCC and true ambassador of the Foundation’s mission.

“He championed our most recent Major Gifts Campaign, the first in almost 10 years,” Hurst said. “He understands how important it is to minimize any and all financial barriers for our students to complete their education. His years of unwavering dedication have made certain that students have been able to transform their lives for the better.”

Frank has been an infectious advocate for STCC, a tireless and enthusiastic supporter of our access and affordability mission. John B. Cook, President, STCC

STCC President John B. Cook described Quigley as an exemplary community leader. Quigley has been closely involved with Special Olympics Massachusetts since 1984, when he began volunteering as a program director, coach, and floor hockey official. He serves on the Board of Directors.

A champion of many causes for STCC, Quigley received the Distinguished Alumni award in 2010.

“Frank has been an infectious advocate for STCC, a tireless and enthusiastic supporter of our access and affordability mission,” Cook said. “Along with his wife, Mary Jo, also an STCC alum, we are so thankful to Frank and the Quigley family for their support.”

At STCC, Quigley played hockey, which is one of his passions, while pursuing a degree in one of the engineering  programs. He served as a professional hockey referee with the American Hockey League for 15 years. After graduating from STCC in 1977, Quigley worked for a company that built custom homes. Some years later, he saw an opening for district manager at Bohler Engineering, a New Jersey firm expanding into New England.

“I interviewed for the job and was able to get it, even though I was told I wasn’t qualified because I didn’t have a bachelor’s degree,” Quigley said. “But they said, ‘Give him a chance.’ I made them more money in six years than they could ever possibly imagine. One thing I’ve learned in my career is anything’s possible.”

Starting a new business in 2000

In 2000, Quigley decided to strike out on his own. He founded his company, F.D. Quigley & Associates, a construction project management firm which provides national retailers and commercial real estate developers throughout the Northeast with outsourcing of construction and project management. Projects include hotels, retail stores and residential homes, to name a few. Among the big name projects managed by Quigley was the construction of Tree House Brewing Company’s facility. Tree House is a renowned craft brewery based in Charlton. One of the owners, Dean Rohan, is an STCC alumnus.

Quigley recommends STCC to anyone who dreams of one day owning their own company. The college offers programs that span a variety of academic disciplines, from liberal arts to business, engineering, computer information technology, health and more.

“You get a hands-on education taught by phenomenal professors,” Quigley said. “They will go out of their way to help you succeed.”

Whether a student is thinking of starting a business or wants a good job after graduation, STCC offers an affordable pathway to careers with starting positions that pay well, Quigley said.

“You can come out of a two-year STCC program like mechanical engineering technology and start at $50,000 to $70,000,” Quigley said. “Think about it. You can get a head-of-household income with a two-year degree in today’s day and age. It’s phenomenal! And, if you want to go on, all the schools around here are partnered with STCC. They want you to continue your education. They recognize that the students from STCC are well-trained, well-educated and prepared.”

Continuing to support students as they transform their lives

While he’s no longer serving as Trustee, Quigley will continue to support STCC in his role as a member of the Board of Directors to the STCC Foundation. The Foundation raises money for student scholarships and other support services.

“I helped build up the Foundation after it was disbanded,” Quigley said. “Today, we have several members, and we are continuing to add people. That’s very important because the business community hires our students, and they need to be a part of the Foundation. They can then turn around and help with scholarships for the students.

“I’m very proud of the Foundation work because we raise money for students,” Quigley said. “I want them to get the support they need, so they can pursue their dreams like I did.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, liberal arts, and STEM fields continue to provide the most affordable options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of about 7,000 day, evening, weekend, and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.

For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@S_T_C_C) and Instagram (@stccpics).

MEDIA CONTACT:

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

• See All News