Skip to main content

Student Success Stories

Alumni Who Have Gone the Distance

Many remarkable people with remarkable careers started their journey here at Housatonic Community College. Meet some of our alumni who have gone the distance and attained great success!

Matthew McCarthy
Matthew McCarthyClass of 2012
Bridgeport City Counselor, CPA 
and Housatonic Foundation Board Member

“I believe that my return on investment was far greater than my peers who went to non-community college, non-state schools, so I tell anybody who will listen it’s not where you go that’s what you do while you were there, because I got my first internship based upon my grades at Housatonic.” Read the full article here.

 

 

David Pizarro
David PizarroClass of 2005
IT Tech
CT State Community College

“Never let a bad situation keep you from pushing to better yourself. When you are not sure or feeling discouraged, seek help and guidance from someone who cares. You make your own world. Know that you can do anything you set yourself to do, if you believe.” Read the full article here.

 

 

Mary-Ann Vlahac
Mary-Ann VlahacClass of 1974
Instructor of Business 
CT State Community College

“I believe in the value of education. I spent many years in corporate/non-profit marketing and wanted to share my experiences with others. I have been an adjunct at HCC since the 1990's (along with SHS, Albertus Magnus, Fairfield U and UNH). I find energy from students (and faculty/staff) unique to a community college and not experienced elsewhere. I see myself as "coming home" in a way with my student-to-faculty journey.” Read the full article here.

 

 

Travis Brivett
Travis BrivettClass of 2013
Early Childhood Educator

“Take the time out to decipher the services the college offers. You might be experiencing difficulties, not knowing you’re a part of an institution that has the tools necessary to help you: Counselling, Financial Aid, different types of available tutoring, and help with Computer skills...” Read the full article here.

 

Craig Leachman
Craig LeachmanClass of 2015
Current student at Academy of Art University (AAU)

HCC alum and current student at Academy of Art University (AAU) Craig Leachman ‘15, took home six awards from this year’s Connecticut Art Directors Club (CADC) Awards Show.

Leachman’s portrait of local Bridgeport rapper and youth leader, ABC Man, won CADC’s prestigious Silver Award. Read the full article here.

 

Tiffany Teixeira
Tiffany TeixeiraClass of 2011
Miss Connecticut 2016
Registered Nurse

Tiffany graduated in 2011 with an Associate of Science Degree and continued her education at Quinnipiac University earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She is now a registered critical care nurse at Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven pursuing a doctorate degree.

 

 Jermaine Burke
Jermaine BurkeClass of 2016
Advanced Manufacturing Graduate
Employed at Balding Precision

Through HCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology program, Jermaine found a passion for creating and a huge purpose in being a part of innovation. Jermaine graduated HCC receiving top grades in his class. Through the programs internship component, Jermaine completed an intership at Balding Precision where he was offered a full-time position upon graduation.

 

Kevin Russo
Kevin RussoClass of 1989
State Superior Judge 
State of Connecticut

Kevin is a true HCC success story. At age 23, he made the life-altering decision to give  academia a second chance and enrolled at HCC. In 1986, Kevin earned his Associate’s in Science Degree. He progressed to SCSU for his Bachelor’s, and then to Western New England College School of Law for his Juris Dector in Law. Today Kevin is a State Superior Judge for the State of Connecticut.

 

 

Carlos Reinoso
Carlos ReinosoClass of 2000
Instructor of Human Services
CT State Commuity College

“This was and is full circle for me as I was once a student in the program and now, I'm in front of the classroom teaching our students in the program. I feel as if I'm home where I belong. So, I don't plan to go anywhere.”