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A panel discussion focusing on the topic of sexual assault was held Monday evening at QVCC.

Jane Doe No More: Sexual Assault Survivors Fighting for Change, organized by On Cue: Culture and Conversations at QV, featured three women who shared their harrowing stories of sexual assault and survival.

Donna Palomba, founder of Jane Doe No More, Hartford Courant columnist and University of New Haven lecturer Susan Campbell, and writer Dylan Farrow, daughter of Mia Farrow, spoke candidly about their experiences as well as the backlash when they came forward.

Palomba was raped at her home in Waterbury in 1993 the first night, since their marriage, that her husband was away. She was further victimized by the Waterbury Police Department which didn’t believe her story and threatened to arrest her unless she admitted to lying. She ended up filing a lawsuit again the police department, and thanks to DNA evidence, her assailant was arrested 11 years later.

Campbell was sexually molested by her stepfather from the age of seven until 13. It wasn’t until she was 29 that she remembered the horrible details and considered suicide. At age 31 she called a hotline and asked for help. She eventually confronted her stepfather and mother, but her perpetrator denied everything.

For as long as she could remember, Farrow said her father, Woody Allen, had been “doing things to me that I didn’t like.” But after an incident in the family’s attic when she was seven, Farrow could not keep her secret any longer. In 2014 when Allen was honored at the Golden Globe Awards and her brother Ronan’s tweet referring to the incident 22 years earlier, Farrow started to write about her experience. Her essay eventually appeared in New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof’s blog, followed a week later by a lengthy response from Allen, who again denied the allegations.

The three panelists discussed what they referred to as the “rape culture” that tries to silence victims and deny their allegations. Victims get the message that it’s not worth the anguish to come forward. In fact Palomba says sexual assault is the most misunderstood and under-reported crime in the world.

Jane Doe No More is trying to change that and give a voice to the survivors of sexual assault. Its mission is to make the prevention of sexual violence and re-victimization personal through education, awareness, advocacy, and support.

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The annual Baugstock Music Festival continues again this year at Quinebaug Valley Community College on Friday, May 4, 2018, starting at 4 p.m. This event will feature national and local talent, food trucks from across the state; craft vendors and more at the Danielson campus. The event is open to the community, there is no admissions charge and will be held rain or shine.

The Student Government Association sponsored event will feature national entertainer and illusionist Wayne Hoffman.  Hoffman has been featured on America’s Got Talent, The TODAY show, NBC’s hit TV show “Phenomenon”; The Howard Stern Show and The Ellen DeGeneres show to name a few.  Local bands Desert Rain and The Infinite Groove Band return to this year’s event.  New to the festival is local musician Tyler Fauxbel.

The 2018 Line-up includes:

4 p.m. QVCC Lunchtime Jams and Open Mic
5 p.m. Run off the Riff (acapella) and Elle-Jordyn
5:30 p.m. Elijah & Jacqueline
6:00 p.m. Infinite Groove Band
6:30 p.m.  Gaian Heart Tribe
7:00 p.m. Precious Plum
7:30 p.m. Wayne Hoffman
8:30 p.m. Tyler Fauxbel
9 p.m. Desert Rain

In the event of rain, all activities will be held indoors on campus.  For questions, contact Amanda Giles, 860-932-4217

Quinebaug Valley Community College will host a screening of the film Digital Nation: Life on the Virtual Frontier Wednesday, April 25, at 12:30 pm.

This fascinating documentary created by PBS and Frontline looks at how the web and digital media have reshaped almost every aspect of our lives. The ways in which we think, socialize, and work have been transformed in a multitude of ways because of this powerful medium and the importance we have placed upon it.

Some of the questions the film examines include: Do you think that multitasking with your devices is positively affecting the way your brain works? Is the digital age causing a huge problem with media addiction? How have our relationships been transformed by digital media?

The screening will take place in the Robert Miller Auditorium at the Danielson campus. The public is invited to attend and there is no admissions charge. For additional information contact Jane Carey at 860-932-4071 or Mark Lowe at 860-932-4912.

Released April 16, 2018

Author and poet Joseph Bruchac will be the featured guest at the 11th annual Julius Sokenu Poetry Prize Celebration, sponsored by Quinebaug Valley Community College, on Wednesday April 25. This year’s event will be held outdoors at the Julia de Burgos Park, located at the corner of Jackson Street and Terry Avenue (Poet’s Corner) in Willimantic and starts at 4:30 pm.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the auditorium at Windham Middle School, 123 Quarry Street in Willimantic.

The Julius Sokenu Poetry Awards honor the best student poetry in England and Spanish at QVCC and Quinebaug Middle College. The event, free and open to the public, will feature a reading by Bruchac, award-winning student poets, and open mic participants. Sandwiches, chips, sweets, and cool beverages will be provided.

Bruchac has been creating poetry, short stories, novels, anthologies and music that reflect his Native American heritage and traditions for over 40 years. He has received numerous honors for his work, including the American Book Award, the Boston Globe Book Award, a National Endowment for the Arts Writing Fellowship for Poetry, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers Circle of the Americas. His poems, articles, and stories have appeared in over 500 publications, from American Poetry Review, Cricket, and Aboriginal Voices to National Geographic, Parabola, and Smithsonian Magazine. Bruchac resides in in the Adirondack foothills town of Greenfield Center, New York, in the same house where his maternal grandparents raised him. He, his younger sister Margaret, and his two grown sons, James and Jesse, continue to work extensively in projects involving the preservation of Abenaki culture, language and traditional Native skills, including performing traditional and contemporary Abenaki music with the Dawnland Singers.

For more information contact Jon Andersen, professor of English at jandersen@qvcc.edu, Elkin Esitia-Loaiza, professor of Spanish, at espitia-loaiza@qvcc.edu, or M’lyn Hines, reference and instruction librarian, at mhines@qvcc.edu. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and warm jackets.

Released April 10, 2018

Sarah White, nursing admissions specialist for the Connecticut Community Colleges, will host an information session at Quinebaug Valley Community College Monday, April 23, at 11 am.

The session, designed for students interested in transferring into a nursing program within the Community College system, will cover preparing for a nursing program, overview of the nursing curriculum, as well as the admissions process. Nursing programs are offered at six of the Connecticut Community Colleges, including Capital Community College in Hartford; Gateway Community College in New Haven; Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury; Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted; Norwalk Community College in Norwalk; and Three Rivers Community College in Norwich.

Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 26% from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur primarily because of technological advancements, an increased emphasis on preventative care, and the large, aging baby-boomer population who will demand more healthcare services as they live longer and more active lives.

The free information session will be held in room C127 at the Danielson campus. For more information, please contact Bob Kozlowski at 860-932-4109.

Released April 10, 2018

Two Quinebaug Valley Community College students, Michaela Grimaldi of Plainfield and Stephen Jacobsen of Bolton, have been named to the All-Connecticut Academic Team and were honored at the State Capitol on Friday, April 6.

The All-Connecticut Academic Team recognizes outstanding scholarly achievements and leadership accomplishments of students enrolled in Connecticut’s community, technical, and junior colleges. It is sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa honor society in 38 participating states.

Grimaldi, a graduate of Plainfield High School, is enrolled in the Pathways to Teaching Careers program. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a student ambassador, and treasurer of the Student Government Association. She plans to transfer to Eastern Connecticut State University to pursue a degree in elementary education.

Jacobsen is a Human Services major and graduate of the Learning Clinic. He is also a student ambassador and member of Phi Theta Kappa. His goal is to transfer to a four-year college and become a human services professional.

Photo: Students Stephen Jacobsen and Michaela Grimaldi are flanked by President Carlee Drummer and PTK Advisor Debbie Rimkus after the ceremony at the State Capitol.

Released April 9, 2018

Stephen M. Harney, president and CEO of Internal Security Associates and internationally recognized expert in the areas of physical and personnel security, will be the featured speaker for this year’s Visions in Leadership program at Quinebaug Valley Community College.

The event takes place Thursday, April 19, starting at 5:30 pm. Why We Are, Where We Are: The Evolving Nature of Our Nation’s Security is the title of his presentation.

Harney has a broad array of experience advising and assisting major airlines, insurance companies, educational institutions, state government agencies, Fortune 500 corporations, the Social Security Administration, as well as the U.S. Departments of Justice, Defense, State and Treasury in securing sensitive facilities and substantially reducing losses attributable to theft, fraud and corruption.

He has served as special agent in charge, director of security, and regional director of internal affairs for a federal agency now within the Department of Homeland Security. He was responsible for physical and personnel security operations at over 300 government facilities, both domestically as well as in foreign countries.

Harney has either directed or participated in many high level security operations, including events associated with the 2004 Democratic National Convention, high profile political and corporate events, coordination of security details for prime ministers and visiting heads of state in concert with federal agencies, and finally as a former senior special agent on loan to the U.S. Secret Service during his government career.

Now in its tenth year, Visions in Leadership provides an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and community members to hear from a speaker of national recognition.

Tickets to the evening event must be purchased in advance and are expected to sell out. The cost is $50 per person and includes dinner, dessert, the presentation, and a silent auction. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Monique Wolanin at 860-932-4174 or mwolanin@qvcc.edu

Released April 5, 2018

Forty-two Quinebaug Valley Community College students were inducted into one or more of the college’s academic honor societies at a ceremony held March 28.

Alpha Beta Gamma is an international business honor society established in 1970 to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students in business and related curricula. New members include: Dean Campanaro of Brooklyn; Grace Denault of Thompson; Sarah Dragon of Norwich; Maria Miranda and Jason Walker of North Grosvenordale; Tanya Rizer of Canterbury; Emma Salatin of Preston; Valerie Schrump of Putnam; Christina Small of Danielson; and Megan Vertefeuille of Dayville.

Phi Theta Kappa is the International Honor Society of the Two Year College. Students must pass rigorous academic requirements, which include enrollment in a degree program, the completion of 12 credits, and maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or above. New members include: Sarah Acelin and Renee Vezina of Plainfield; Tyler Adams and Michaela Rouillard of Sterling; Hannah-Rose Andrews, Thomas Kacerik, and Stephanie Marasco of Pomfret; Alexus Arrington of Moosup; Mary Arsenault and Christina Haynes of Willimantic; Crystal Coraccio, Ryan Deoliveira, Marrisa Herring, and Patty Pescatello of Brooklyn; Analia Correa, Dana Huber, Roxann Huckaby, and Edward Walsh of Danielson; Aurora Dziadul of Griswold; Vincent Goernert, Genie Johnson, and Cuinn Stevenson of Woodstock; Cameron Huizenga and Alexander Iamartino of Thompson; Rachel Kistler of Jewett City; Courtney Knudson of Canterbury; James Laudon and Emma Salatin of Preston; Jose Negron of Hartford; Emily Stewart of Storrs; Samantha Stone of Putnam; and Shannon McMaugh of Foster, RI.

Tau Upsilon Alpha, a human services honor society, honors academic excellence, fosters lifelong learning, leadership and development, and promotes excellence in service to humanity. Karena Burnham of Thompson is the newest member.

Released March 29, 2018

Secretary of State Denise Merrill, State Representative Anne Dauphinais, Windham Town Councilwoman Rose Reyes, and Pomfret First Selectwoman Maureen Nicholson (left to right in photo) participated in a panel discussion on Women in Government on Monday, March 26. Topics included why they ran for office, how they won, and what challenges they faced as women.

‘The following is a letter sent to the panelists by student Heather Vogt:

I was at the discussion Monday afternoon where you talked about being a woman in politics. I would first, like to thank you all for coming, and second, to say thank you for inspiring me. I attended my first Democratic Town Council meeting tonight where I was not only made a member, but also voted Co-Vice Chair. I could not have said yes if it had not been for you all yesterday. Each of you said that you started out small, and said yes when asked to serve your towns. Tonight I was asked and I said yes. Though attendance was small the other day, just know that your time was worthwhile.

Photo below shows student Heather Vogt with
Pomfret First Selectwoman Maureen Nicholson.

QVCC to Host Discussion on Sexual Assault with Strong Survivors Fighting for Change

On April 23 at 6:00 pm, On Cue: Culture and Conversations at QV will present “JANE DOE NO MORE: Sexual Assault Survivors Fighting for Change,” an exploration of the challenges faced by sexual assault survivors who speak up about their experiences. The event will feature Dylan Farrow, with assault survivors Donna Palumbo and Susan Campbell.  Investigative journalist Andy Thibault will moderate. The event will be held in the Robert E. Miller Auditorium at the Quinebaug Valley Community College main campus in Danielson. Seating is limited, so attendees are urged to arrive before the event, which is free and open to the public. Donations for Jane Doe No More, an organization that supports survivors of sexual abuse, will be accepted. Audience members should be aware of the potential for emotionally difficult content.

Panelists will include Dylan Farrow, who renewed allegations of a sexual assault she suffered as a 7-year-old with a column in the Los Angeles Times www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-farrow-woody-allen-me-too-20171207-story.html and an interview on CBS This Morning www.cbsnews.com/video/dylan-farrow-details-her-sexual-assault-allegations-against-woody-allen/. Director Woody Allen, Farrow’s adoptive father, has denied the allegations www.cbsnews.com/news/woody-allen-responds-dylan-farrow-sexual-abuse-allegations.

Joining Farrow are rape and assault survivors Donna Palomba www.janedoenomore.org/about/donnas-story and Susan Campbell www.newhaven.edu/faculty-staff-profiles/susan-campbell.php. Palomba is founder of Jane Doe No More www.janedoenomore.org/, Inc. a CT based non-profit organization that honored Farrow last year with the Dr. Henry C. Lee Award. Farrow is a member of

The Jane Doe No More Survivors Speak Outreach Team. Campbell, a well-known journalist and author www.courant.com/opinion/op-ed/hc-op-campbell-metoo-sexual-abuse-1126-20171122-column.html, teaches at the University of New Haven and appears regularly on WNPR wnpr.org/people/susan-campbell.

In an interview with Gayle King on CBS, Dylan Farrow commented on her motivation to make her story public “With so much silence being broken by so many brave people against so many high profile people, I felt it was important to add my story to theirs because it’s something I’ve struggled with for a long time ….It was very momentous for me to see this conversation finally carried into a public setting.”

Veteran investigative journalist Andy Thibault morecooljustice.com/ will serve as moderator. Thibault’s 1997 Connecticut Magazine article about the criminal case against Allen has been cited by news outlets including Vanity Fair www.vanityfair.com/style/2013/11/mia-farrow-frank-sinatra-ronan-farrow, Huffington Post www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghfr68nZL0A and Bustle www.bustle.com/p/dylan-farrows-new-woody-allen-statements-are-excerpts-from-a-1997-connecticut-magazine-article-8065683.

A question and answer session with the audience will follow the panel discussion.

Supplemental security for this event will be provided by Integrated Security Services of Hartford.

For more information, please contact professor of English Jonathan Andersen at jandersen@qvcc.edu

Released March 21, 2018