Raymond Dunham '13

Raymond Dunham '13

1/4/24, 11:21 AM
Raymond Dunham

Alumni Story

Raymond Dunham

Criminal Justice

Meet Raymond: An Alum Full of 酴圖弝け 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 酴圖弝けs through a UMASS program called "Upward Bound." After building many relationships and friends there he knew he also wanted to live in the 酴圖弝けs. Due to some discrepancies with his high school diploma, Raymond earned his GED at 酴圖弝け Community College. Years later, a friend invited him to 酴圖弝け'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 酴圖弝け 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 酴圖弝け). 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 酴圖弝け was full of accomplishments. Raymond made the All-USA academic team and the Massachusetts academic team. "I brag about my 酴圖弝け accomplishments; I had one of the best experiences that anyone possibly could have." After 酴圖弝け, 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 酴圖弝け 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 酴圖弝け 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 酴圖弝け Community College's programs, and he wants his community to know, "Do not doubt yourself, I think 酴圖弝け is one of the best schools around. The people at 酴圖弝け are there to help, just ask somebody".

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