Raymond Dunham '13

Meet Raymond: An Alum Full of BCC Accomplishments

Raymond grew up in Springfield, MA. After high school, he served in the Marine Corps for three years before returning to Springfield. Back in his home town, he learned more about the Berkshires through a UMASS program called "Upward Bound." After building many relationships and friends there he knew he also wanted to live in the Berkshires. Due to some discrepancies with his high school diploma, Raymond earned his GED at Berkshire Community College. Years later, a friend invited him to BCC's Awards Ceremony. Seeing one of the students on stage who was married with children and seemed to have an extremely busy life motivated Raymond. He thought, "I should have no excuse." He decided to return to Berkshire Community College and pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. At first, he struggled, and didn't feel like he belonged. A friend brought him to Deborah Carderella (now retired Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students at BCC). She was able to give Raymond the push he needed to get more involved with the school. And Raymond did more than just get involved; he was part of Student Government, TRIO, the Honors Program, the Veteran's Group, and served as a Student Trustee. He says, "I appreciate Deborah for everything she did, and I don't know if I could have done it without her."

His time at BCC was full of accomplishments. Raymond made the All-USA academic team and the Massachusetts academic team. "I brag about my BCC accomplishments; I had one of the best experiences that anyone possibly could have." After BCC, he went on to UMASS to finish his bachelor's degree where he double majored in Political Science and Legal Studies. He came to this decision through conversations with former faculty member Donald Lathrop and his wife Merry. Raymond believes, "When you go to community college first, it is a smaller setting that prepares you for a four-year school." After graduating from UMASS, he worked for a state representative and found a passion for the political world. Even though he's not working in politics anymore, he has not given up hope to enter that world again. Now Raymond works with veterans and would love to get involved again with BCC to help other students from underserved communities and push them to see their potential. The people in his community could see he defied the odds. [To the people in his community, it was clear that Raymond had defied the odds.] "I owe everything to BCC and everybody in it. I love the school and think it's a strong pillar for the community." Raymond believes the community needs to know more about Berkshire Community College's programs, and he wants his community to know, "Do not doubt yourself, I think BCC is one of the best schools around. The people at BCC are there to help, just ask somebody".

I owe everything to BCC and everybody in it. I love the school and think it's a strong pillar for the community.