Category: All News

Thank you to everyone who made The QVCC Foundation’s 32nd Annual Golf Tournament a success!

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the QVCC Foundation hosted its 32nd Annual Golf Tournament at Connecticut National Golf Club in Putnam, CT. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and players, the Foundation raised over $55,000 at this year’s outing. Funds from this event will support local students attending CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley.

Tournament Results 

1st Place – Roger Noll, Sean Vigue, Scott Vose, Pat Kozelka – Score of 53
2nd Place – Christian Sarantopoulos, Kevin Cole, Don Semenza, Charlie Lee – 56
3rd Place – Vinnie Carminati, Dave Fundin, Larry Russo, Jess Russo – 58

Long Drive Women – Deb Gould
Long Drive Men – Brendan Meehan

Closest to Pin #7 – Don Semenza
Closest to Pin #9 – Jason Tata
Closest to Pin #11 – Leonce Bedard

SKINS
Birdie on 4 – Roger Noll, Sean Vigue, Scott Vose, Pat Kozelka

Thank you to our 2024 Platinum Sponsors:

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PUTNAM, CT – On Thursday, June 6, The QVCC Foundation held its annual Donuts for Donations event which sees the Foundation partnering with The Baker’s Dozen and WINY Radio to raise funds for local students attending Connecticut State Community College Quinebaug Valley. This year’s event, which started in 2014, continued the tradition of Foundation members stationed at the WINY Radio parking lot passing out Baker’s Dozen coffee and donuts in exchange for donations to the Foundation. As a creative twist, the 2024 event also featured a Donut Eating Contest with 11 community leaders competing to see who could eat the most glazed donuts in 2 minutes. Contestants also collected pledges from supporters, with all proceeds to benefit the QVCC Foundation. The combined total of donations added up to an event record of $22,000.

There were two champions that emerged from the Donut Eating Contest: with a total of $2,715 raised, CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley CEO Dr. Karen Hynick claimed the top fundraising award; the contestant who brought home the trophy for most donuts eaten was Killingly Hight School Coach Chad Neal, scarfing down a whopping 5 donuts in 2 minutes. At the conclusion of the contest, Ken & Trevor Cardinal of Baker’s Dozen announced they would donate an additional $1,000 in Chad Neal’s name in honor of his competition win. Other donut eating contestants included Amy Brunet of Brunet & Company Real Estate, Peter Deary of Deary’s Gymnastics Supply, Putnam Police Chief Chris Ferace, Day Kimball Healthcare CEO Kyle Kramer, Woodstock Academy Head of School Chris Sandford, Christian Sarantopoulos of the Law Office of Sarantopoulos & Sarantopoulos, Executive Director of the Northeastern CT Chamber of Commerce Elle Sherman, Executive Director of Northeast Opportunities for Wellness Tayler Sazhin and Jason Verraneault of NorthStar Home Loans. The Foundation thanks all contestants for supporting the event and putting their stomachs on the line. Additional thanks go to Foundation board member Jeff Rawson for chairing the contest and to his team at Rawson Materials for providing a rain location for the competition.

Donuts for Donations would not be possible without the generosity of The Cardinal Family at Baker’s Dozen, who have supported this event for over 10 years with delicious coffee and donuts. Thanks also goes to Gary & Karen Osbrey at WINY Radio for promotional support and for providing a home for the event each year. As the final fundraiser of the QVCC Foundation’s fiscal year, Donuts for Donations continues to be a fun, community-focused event with many former QV students, faculty and staff, as well as countless friends and supporters stopping by to say hello and contribute to the Foundation. Most importantly, all proceeds help local students achieve their educational dreams.

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.

DANIELSON, CT – On Wednesday, June 12th the QVCC Foundation hosted its annual end-of-year board meeting that included a special celebration to honor several former board members with emeritus status. Selected by the board development & nominating committee and unanimously supported by the full board of directors, the four new emeritus members include Sean B. Doyle ’98, ’02, Pamela Bonneville Dunn, Thomas Harney, and Susan Harrod. Emeritus status is awarded in recognition of extraordinary contribution to the Foundation’s mission. Candidates must have demonstrated significant commitment and made a positive impact due to their service, leadership, and tenure.

With a combined total of 53 years of service to the QVCC Foundation, the four new emeritus members were each recognized for their individual contributions by current Foundation and fellow emeritus members. Sean B. Doyle ’98, ’02 was introduced by emeritus member Steve Townsend ’23 who spoke of Sean’s dedication to the Foundation during his tenure, which originally began when Sean was a Student Government Representative in the late 1990’s. In addition to serving on multiple committees, including chairing the golf committee for three consecutive years, Sean served as board president from 2009 to 2011. His legacy will continue to benefit students for generations to come with the scholarship he endowed in 2009 in memory of his brother Ryan. Long-time board member Marc Archambault introduced Pamela Bonneville Dunn, who served on the board from 1992 to 2003. Through her extensive business knowledge, Pam developed a fundraising plan that included various campaigns to increase fundraising and donor recognition. She served as president from 1997 to 1999 and her contributions helped make the Foundation a stronger and more professional organization. Emeritus member Donald St. Onge introduced Thomas Harney, who served on the board of directors from 2004 to 2022. During his almost two decades of service, Tom chaired multiple committees, including both the golf and board development and nominating committees. During his time as board president from 2013 to 2015, Tom helped establish the Tackle the Trail event, which has gone on to attract runners from around the country and globe and raised hundreds of thousands in funds to support local students. The fourth emeritus member recognized, Susan Harrod, was welcomed by board member Pam Brown. Sue, also lovingly known as “SuHa,” served on the Foundation board from 2012 to 2020. Though she did not serve in a leadership role, her behind the scenes efforts were crucial to the success of the Foundation, including the thousands of hours she volunteered to support Foundation staff members. She was a passionate advocate for scholarships and proudly served on the scholarship committee throughout her time as a board member. SuHa continues to be an active supporter of Foundation fundraising efforts and events like the golf tournament and Tackle the Trail.

In addition to the recognition of the four emeritus members, the Foundation also shared their affection and appreciation for Maureen Brodeur, who has served as Assistant to the Foundation since 2011. This spring, Maureen announced her retirement. Director of Institutional Advancement Monique Wolanin shared her immense gratitude for the 13 years of service Maureen has given to the Foundation and noted that her even-keeled, positive attitude, and strong work ethic made her an integral part of the Foundation’s success. The members present toasted Maureen, the emeritus members, and the success of the 2023-2024 year.

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.

CT State Community College’s campuses statewide will hold special Saturday hours for new and continuing students on July 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can meet with an advisor, finalize their schedules, and register for classes at one of CT State’s campus locations listed.

Bridgeport—CT State Housatonic, 900 Lafayette Boulevard
Danbury—CT State Naugatuck Valley, 190 Main Street
Danielson—CT State Quinebaug Valley, 742 Upper Maple Street
Enfield—CT State Asnuntuck, 170 Elm Street
Farmington—CT State Tunxis, 271 Scott Swamp Road
Hartford—CT State Capital, 950 Main Street
Manchester—CT State Manchester, Great Path

Middletown—CT State Middlesex, 100 Training Hill Road
New Haven—CT State Gateway, 20 Church Street
Norwalk—CT State Norwalk, 188 Richards Ave.
Norwich—CT State Three Rivers, 574 New London Turnpike
Waterbury—CT State Naugatuck Valley, 750 Chase Parkway
Winsted—CT State Northwestern, Park Place

These Saturday hours offer convenience for those prospective and current students who may wish to meet with student support staff in-person, but who are unable to connect during regular Monday through Friday business hours. For more on reserving a spot in advance and details on what to bring, visit www.ctstate.edu/enroll.

Representatives from the admissions, registration, financial aid, bursar and advising offices will be on-hand that day to work with students. Attendees can also learn more about course placement and how best to meet the prerequisites needed to take a class, as well as learn more about paying for college. In some locations, the campus bookstores may be open for students to buy textbooks and other supplies.

Students intending to apply to CT State Community College for the first time should start by applying online. Applications for Fall 2024 semester can be found at www.ctstate.edu/apply. Fall semester credit classes begin August 28.

Free tuition is available to Connecticut residents who are high school graduates, whether from the state or elsewhere. Anyone who first attended college in fall 2020 or later may be eligible, as well. Accessing the free tuition program and any financial aid starts with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. The free tuition program is not based on household income; all students who plan on attending full- or part-time should complete the FAFSA so they can access the program, even if they do not think they will quality for need-based aid. Program funding is available on a rolling basis; applicants can see if they may qualify at www.ctstate.edu/free-tuition.

About CT State
Following the merger of the 12 Connecticut community colleges on July 1, CT State Community College stands as the Northeast’s largest community college and the sixth-largest nationwide. As the largest and most affordable college in CT, CT State is dedicated to making quality education accessible to all in a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Students benefit from a streamlined financial aid process and apply once to take classes at any campus. The campuses—Asnuntuck (Enfield), Capital (Hartford), Gateway (New Haven and North Haven), Housatonic (Bridgeport), Manchester, Middlesex (Middletown and Meriden), Naugatuck Valley (Waterbury and Danbury), Northwestern (Winsted), Norwalk, Quinebaug Valley (Danielson and Willimantic), Three Rivers (Norwich), and Tunxis (Farmington and Bristol)—form a network that empowers students to tailor their educational journey to their needs. CT State’s college office is located in New Britain.

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:

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:

CT State Community College’s 12 campuses will hold “Enroll in a Day” for new and continuing students on Saturday, November 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can meet with an advisor, finalize their schedules, and register for classes at one of CT State’s 12 locations listed.  

Bridgeport—CT State Housatonic, 900 Lafayette Boulevard 

Danielson—CT State Quinebaug Valley, 742 Upper Maple Street 

Enfield—CT State Asnuntuck, 170 Elm Street 

Farmington—CT State Tunxis, 271 Scott Swamp Road 

Hartford—CT State Capital, 950 Main Street 

Manchester—CT State Manchester, Great Path 

Middletown—CT State Middlesex, 100 Training Hill Road 

New Haven—CT State Gateway, 20 Church Street 

Norwalk—CT State Norwalk, 188 Richards 

Norwich—CT State Three Rivers, 574 New London Turnpike 

Waterbury—CT State Naugatuck Valley, 750 Chase Parkway 

Winsted—CT State Northwestern, Park Place 

These Saturday hours offer convenience for those prospective and current students who may wish to meet with student support staff in person, but who are unable to connect during regular Monday through Friday business hours. For more on reserving a spot in advance and details on what to bring, visit www.ctstate.edu/enroll.  

Representatives from the admissions, registration, financial aid, cashier and advising offices will be on-hand that day to work with students. Attendees can also learn more about course placement and how best to meet the prerequisites needed to take a class, as well as learn more about paying for college. In some locations, the campus bookstores may be open for students to buy textbooks and other supplies.  

Students intending to apply to CT State Community College for the first time should start by applying online. Applications for Spring 2024 semester can be found at www.ctstate.edu/apply. Spring semester credit classes begin January 19. 

Free college through PACT: Pledge to Advance Connecticut is still available to graduates of Connecticut’s high schools and first-time college students. Accessing PACT and any financial aid starts with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. PACT is not based on household income; all students who plan on attending full- or part-time should complete the FAFSA so they can access PACT, even if they do not think they will qualify for need-based aid. PACT funding is available on a rolling basis; applicants can see if they may qualify at www.ctstate.edu/pact.  

About CT State  

With the merger of the 12 Connecticut community colleges on July 1, CT State Community College is now the largest community college in New England. CT State students will be able to apply once and take classes at any campus: Asnuntuck (Enfield), Capital (Hartford), Gateway (New Haven and North Haven), Housatonic (Bridgeport), Manchester, Middlesex (Middletown and Meriden), Naugatuck Valley (Waterbury and Danbury), Northwestern (Winsted), Norwalk, Quinebaug Valley (Danielson and Willimantic), Three Rivers (Norwich), and Tunxis (Farmington).

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.}