Washtenaw Community College is proud to be named a gold-level veteran-friendly school for the eight consecutive year by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
The Wadhams Veterans Center on the second floor of the college’s Student Center is a place where military veterans attending WCC can meet fellow veterans, receive academic advising or just hang out.
It’s a great place to meet students with interesting stories, including Quincy Stark and Dustin Simmons.
QUINCY STARK
Branch: U.S.Navy (2013-2017)
Military Job: Culinary Specialist
Deployment: East Asian Sea, based out of San Diego and Pearl Harbor
WCC Program: Associate degrees in Surgical Technology (2025) and Health Program Preparation (2022).
Hometown: Saline
Employed: Orthopedics surgical technologist at Michigan Medicine
Q. What brought you to WCC?
A. The opportunity to go to a school with unlimited resources and support. I had multipe friends and family members who worked and studied at WCC and said it was outstanding. WCC has shown me a clear path to starting and finishing career goals instead of wasting time on unnecessary classes.
Q. What led you to choose Surgical Technology?
A. I was guided by an orthopedic surgeon to pursue this career based on my work ethic. I worked as a medical assistant at Trinity Health-Ann Arbor after earning my first WCC degree.
Q. Tell us about your current job.
A. I absolutely love working alongside orthopedic surgeons, staying sterile and helping with cases. There's nothing more rewarding than being part of a team that restores mobility and quality of life for patients. I especially love assisting with joint replacements. They combine precision, skill and teamwork.
Q. Do you plant to transfer to pursue a bachelor's or higher degree?
A. Yes! I hope to go to nursing school at the University of Michigan one day.
DUSTIN SIMMONS
Branch: U.S.Army (2010-2013)
Military Job: Patriot Missile Enhanced Operator Maintainer
WCC Program: Associate degrees in Business Administration Transfer (2025).
Transfer Plan: Enrolled at Eastern Michigan University, studying Finance
Q. What brought you to WCC?
A. After the military, I started working as an oil changer and kept moving up until I obtained by master mechanic license. In 2023, I decided it was time to do something that wasn't going to break my back, something to help people so they don't end up in the same situation that I was in after I got out of the Army and was homeless for a while.
Q. What is your career goal?
A. My goal is to be a certified financial planner. I want to be able to help veterans and people who are less informed, less fortunate and are living below the poverty level. Money is not really taught to the younger generation. How else will they know how to save and create a future for their families?
Q. How has WCC set you up for success?
A. WCC has been a huge stepping stone to further my education at a four-year school. From someone who didn't do great in high school, I was able to come here and get the education I needed to transfer. The Veterans Center has been a great help, ensuring we have the proper resources and offering a place to meet with other veterans you can relate to. Instructors are a big help in breaking down material that is understandable and relatable. I also served as the vice president and treasurer of the Student Veterans Association.
---
This story first appeared in the Winter 2026 edition of Launch magazine. See the full issue here.
Tags: Launch, Launch Winter 2026, Student Veterans, Wadhams Veterans Center