Three STCC alumni named to ’40 Under Forty’ Class of 2024
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Three Springfield Technical Community College alumni have joined BusinessWest’s “40 Under Forty” Class of 2024 in recognition of their career achievements and service to the community.
STCC congratulates Shirley Arriaga, Jennifer McGrath, and Vilenti Tulloch for being named to the list of young, up-and-coming leaders in the community.
Shirley Arriaga, the state representative for the 8th Hampden District, her hometown of Chicopee, earned an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Transfer from STCC. When she spoke at STCC in 2022 as part of the “We the Women” series, she said education was always a top priority. She began her academic journey at STCC. She served in the military, taking part in deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. After STCC, she went on to earn other degrees, including a master of law degree.
“It has taken me very far, and I am not done yet,” she said when she visited STCC. “I take (education) seriously and I hope I can inspire others to invest in themselves.”
Jennifer McGrath received an associate degree in Broadcast Media and Video Production from STCC and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree. Today, she works for MGM Springfield as director of philanthropy and community engagement. McGrath joined MGM after working in communications at Six Flags New England for more than a dozen years.
“Jennifer McGrath is a force in Western Mass,” said Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Communication at Square One, in BusinessWest. Allard nominated McGrath to be a member of “40 Under Forty.”
A passionate health advocate, McGrath is also an instructor at Fitness First and an experienced Zumba and JumpSport instructor.
Vilenti Tulloch, who earned an associate degree in General Studies, comes from a family of STCC graduates, including his wife, Yeselie. He started a business called Academic Leadership Assoc. (ALA), with a mission to empower youth to make positive changes within themselves and their community through mentoring, literacy, and self-advocacy while addressing their social emotional needs. The program does outreach in schools in Springfield and Holyoke, serving youth and teachers.
Tulloch said starting his educational journey at STCC changed his life for the better.
“If I didn’t start my college career here, I might not have ever even gone to college,” Vilenti said in an STCC feature article from 2023. “My life could have been so much different. STCC helped create an entrepreneurial spirit and shaped the work that we do.”
Tulloch earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and then a master’s degree in educational psychology.
Dr. Karen-Louise Walker, Assistant Vice President of Advancement, congratulated the three alumni for joining the prestigious “40 Under Forty” list.
“We are proud of Shirley Arriaga, Jennifer McGrath and Vilenti Tulloch for their accomplishments,” Walker said. “This is a well-deserved honor and a testament to their hard work, dedication and their positive impact on our community.”
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