The John J. Binienda Center for Community Engagement recently held its inaugural Community Luncheon, honoring three key community partners who have supported Worcester State University’s mission and initiatives. The event featured remarks from university leadership and partners praising the impact of these collaborations.
Fred Jenoure, interim director of the Binienda Center, presented plaques to the three honorees. They were Worcester Public Schools, Friendly House, a local social service organization, and the Latin American Business Organization. Also recognized for his enduring support of the university was State Rep. Jim O’Day, who graduated from Worcester State in 1983 with a degree in Urban Studies.
Maria Juncos Gaultier, executive director of the Latino Education Institute at Worcester State, expressed gratitude for LEI’s partnership with Worcester Public Schools, which she said has been ongoing since LEI’s founding 25 years ago. “Almost 50% of Worcester Public school students are Latinos, so a collaboration like LEI has with the Worcester Public Schools is critically important right now to keep moving forward,” she said.
Laxmi Bissoondial, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Worcester State, also praised the university’s long-standing collaboration with Worcester Public Schools, highlighting programs like Upward Bound and the Alternatives Individual Development Summer Bridge that have supported generations of students.
“Together we have created pathways of opportunity and have truly transformed lives,” Bissoondial said. “This partnership has also been a powerful catalyst for cultivating future educators whose dedication and impact is a testament to the strong preparation, mentorship, and community connections fostered through our joint efforts.”
Thomas Conroy, chair of the Department of Urban Studies at Worcester State, spoke about the university’s partnership with Friendly House. Conroy discussed a project where students are documenting the stories of individuals experiencing homelessness in Worcester. “The reasons for homelessness are so multifaceted and so various and it’s important for students to start to understand this, and you can see in the students’ eyes when they’re interacting with people, the dawning of, ‘This is interesting. This is important,’” he said.
Carla Orellana, director of the Gambling Prevention Program, discussed the program’s collaboration with the Latin American Business Organization (LABO) to provide financial literacy and entrepreneurship education to youth. “We were able to work with the Latin American Business Organization this year to focus on financial empowerment and it was amazing to see our youth and their families really engaged and really thankful for this new opportunity,” she said.
In his closing remarks, Worcester State President Barry Maloney emphasized the significance of community partnerships, saying: “We are reminded today as we head into the 250th anniversary of our country, that education needs to continue to be part of the solution going forward. So, on behalf of Worcester State, to our three recipients and the organizations they represent, we want to say thank you and congratulations.”
Earlier in the day, Holiday Hoops, an event co-sponsored by the Binienda Center and Worcester State Athletics, provided fun drill activities in the gym and reading sessions in adjacent classrooms for 105 fifth graders from the May Street and Chandler Magnet schools.
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