On Wednesday, May 1st, The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation held its 32nd Annual Scholarship Night at the Killingly Intermediate School in Dayville. The ceremony celebrated both current and incoming students attending Connecticut State Community College Quinebaug Valley, with families, Foundation members and donors in attendance. In total,117 scholarships at over $183,000 were awarded to 112 local students. Foundation scholarships support direct educational expenses including tuition, books, fees, technology, and other course requirements.
2024 Scholarship Chair, Eddie Graff ‘13, offered his best wishes to the recipients, “On behalf of the scholarship committee and the entire QVCC Foundation, it’s my honor to congratulate our 2024 Scholarship winners who have earned this honor because of your stellar academic achievements.” Graff, who is a Quinebaug Valley graduate, also shared his pride as an alumnus, former scholarship winner, and member of the QVCC Foundation, “When I was a QV student, Foundation scholarships changed my life and provided opportunities I could never have imagined. It gives me such pride to serve as a Foundation board member and as Scholarship Chair. I truly hope that the 2024 recipients will be inspired to one day help others achieve their educational dreams.”
There were several highlights of the event; Steven ’23 and Marjolaine ’87, ’88 Townsend, both alumni and long supporters of the QVCC Foundation, celebrated their 25th year of scholarships. At this year’s ceremony, the Townsends presented $53,000 in funds to 20 students. Another QV alumnus and donor, Sean B. Doyle ’98,’00, was recognized as one of the Foundation’s newest emeritus honorees for his outstanding dedication to the organization. Sean’s time with the Foundation began when he was a student in the 1990s, serving as a QV Student Government Association representative. Since 2009 Sean has presented annual Foundation scholarships to local students in memory of his late brother, Ryan S. Doyle.
The QVCC Foundation extends sincere appreciation to Killingly Intermediate School administration and staff for providing their auditorium as a rain site for the ceremony. In addition, Scholarship Night was supported by several local businesses, including Sugarz Bakery, Chase Graphics, and Ginger Photography, owned by QV alumna Mikayla Gagnon ’12.
The QVCC Foundation was established in 1971 as a 501c3 organization to help those who otherwise could not attend college due to financial constraints by involving area business and community members in fundraising efforts. Today’s 25-member strong diverse group of community leaders continues to work tirelessly in support of the Foundation’s mission… to raise funds so that all residents of Northeastern Connecticut are provided the opportunity to attend QVCC regardless of income and to support educational excellence, technological advancement, and professional development at the College and to serve as the Regional Advisory Council to the College.
For more information about the QVCC Foundation, please contact Monique Wolanin, director of Institutional Advancement at 860-932-4174 or mwolanin@qvcc.edu.
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF 2024 SCHOLARSHIPS & RECIPIENT NAMES