Author: Jen Green

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

Thank you to everyone who made The QVCC Foundation’s 31st Annual Golf Tournament a success!

On September 20, 2023, the QVCC Foundation hosted its 31st Annual Golf Tournament at Connecticut National Golf Club in Putnam, CT. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and players, the Foundation raised over $65,000 at this year’s outing. Funds from this event will support local students attending Quinebaug Valley Community College.

Tournament Results

1st Place – Tom Harney, Don St. Onge, Mike Bernier, Tim Murray – Score of 56
2nd Place – Kevin Cole, Mark Seiffert, Christian Sarantopolous, Derek Seney – Score of 57
3rd Place – Steve LaPointe, Scott Belanger, Bruce Lavallee, Adam Nason – Score of 58

Middle of the Pack – Team bankHOMETOWN (Shawn Mc Nerney, Peter Deary, Mike Gaudreau, Jay Howard)

Long Drive Women – Kathy Mulford
Long Drive Men – Kevin Cole

Closest to Pin #7 – David Coderre – 4 feet 0 inches
Closest to Pin #9 – Mike Gerhard – 4 feet 2 inches
Closest to Pin #15 – Bob Therrien – 4 feet 7 inches

SKINS (3)
Eagle on 8 – Trevor Cardinal, Andre Lavoie, Jeremy Hendrickson, Dan Desrosiers
Eagle on 12 – Steve LaPointe, Scott Belanger, Bruce Lavallee, Adam Nason
Eagle on 18 – Kevin Cole, Mark Seiffert, Christian Sarantopolous, Derek Seney

Thank you to our 2023 Platinum Sponsors:

On Saturday, October 21, runners from twenty+ states will take part in Tackle the Trail™, a trail race along the scenic Airline Trail in Northeast Connecticut. Tackle the Trail™ embodies the idea of a community event with 150 volunteers supporting a course that runs through the towns of Windham, Pomfret and Putnam, CT. Celebrating its tenth year, this annual event features marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and relay team options, as well as TackleJR, a half-mile youth race that ends at the official Tackle the Trail finish line.

Individuals and up to 5-person relay teams will enjoy the quiet solitude of nature with bursts of energetic and supportive volunteers at 4 relay stations during this point-to-point race. Individual runners can choose between the marathon, half-marathon, and 10K course options for a fun and challenging experience with mixed terrain including some single-track technical sections. In addition to prizes for the top runners in each event, all finishers will receive race medals, complimentary food, and free beverages from brews sponsor Omission Balanced Brewing. Following the finish line festival, runners are encouraged to explore the quaint but lively communities of Northeast CT, including the many fall festivals that coincide with race weekend.

Tackle the Trail™ serves as a major fundraiser for the Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation and benefits students attending the Danielson and Willimantic campuses of Quinebaug Valley Community College. This cause, coupled with the event’s promotion of wellness, attracts the support of many sponsors on the local and national level. Race sponsor Pursuit Aerospace has supported the event since its inception in 2014 and has demonstrated the company’s commitment to employee health and wellness, with over 200 employees participating in the race over the event’s ten years. Community and youth wellness is also a motivator for TackleJR sponsor the Newell D. Hale Foundation, a charitable body known for their support of access to healthy activities and education for children. Sponsor support like this ensures healthier communities and future Tackle the Trail™ runners for generations to come.

Those interested in running at this year’s Tackle the Trail™ are encouraged to sign up before the registration deadline of September 30. For more information or to register, visit tacklethetrail.org.

Monique Wolanin
Race Director
742 Upper Maple Street
Danielson, CT 06239
860-932-4174
mwolanin@qvcc.edu

_{The QVCC Foundation Mission is to raise funds, so all residents of northeast Connecticut have the opportunity to attend QVCC regardless of income and to support educational excellence, technological advancement, and professional development at the College. The Foundation also serves as the Regional Advisory Council to the College.}