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.}  

The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation is pleased to announce that 112 scholarships, totaling over $173,000, have been awarded to local students. In addition to current QVCC students, 24 area high school students were 2023 recipients. Foundation scholarships support direct educational expenses including tuition, books, fees, technology, and other course requirements.

2023 Scholarship Chair, Mark Light, 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 2023 Scholarship winners, who have earned this honor because of your stellar academic achievements. We hope these funds help you pursue your academic goals and dreams.” Light, who is a 2002 QVCC graduate, also shared his pride as an alumnus and member of the QVCC Foundation, “As a former QVCC student, it gives me distinct pride to serve as a Foundation board member and as Scholarship Chair. It is my hope for students that by receiving a hand-up from our Foundation and generous donors, they will be inspired to one day help others 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.

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 2023 SCHOLARSHIPS & RECIPIENT NAMES

THANK YOU to everyone who made The QVCC Foundation’s 30th Annual Golf Tournament a HUGE success!

On September 21, 2022, the QVCC Foundation hosted its 30th Annual Golf Tournament at Connecticut National Golf Club in Putnam, CT. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and players, the Foundation raised over $78,000 at this year’s outing. Funds from this event will support local students attending Quinebaug Valley Community College.

Tournament Results

1st Place – Roger Noll, Jonah Dupuis, Sean Vigue, Pat Kozelka – Score of 52
2nd Place – Jim Dandeneau, Debbie Dandeneau, Ryan Dandeneau, Jon Kantorski – Score of 57 (matching cards)
3rd Place – Tom Harney, Todd Porier, Mike Durand, Alan Balavender – Score of 57 (matching cards)

Middle of the Pack – Dick Loomis, Lynn Converse, Pat O’Brien, Courtney Ravenelle

Long Drive Women – Michelle Kile
Long Drive Men – Dave Apuzzo

Closest to Pin #7 – Dennis Mills – 1 foot 9 inches
Closest to Pin #9 – Roger Noll – 1 foot 2 inches
Closest to Pin #11 – Andre Lavoie – 2 feet 3 inches

SKINS (3)
Eagle on 8 – Team Gaudreau (David Gaudreau, Tyler Gaudreau, Richard Gaudreau, Steve Kempain)
Eagle on 13 – Team Dandeneau (Jim Dandeneau, Debbie Dandeneau, Ryan Dandeneau, Jon Kantorski)
Eagle on 18 – Team Cardinal (Trevor Cardinal, Andre Lavoie, Mark Lowell, Jeremy Hendrickson)

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF 2022 SPONSORS, DONORS, & PLAYERS

THANK YOU to everyone who made The QVCC Foundation’s 30th Annual Golf Tournament a HUGE success!

On September 21, 2022, the QVCC Foundation hosted its 30th Annual Golf Tournament at Connecticut National Golf Club in Putnam, CT. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and players, the Foundation raised over $80,000 at this year’s outing. Funds from this event will support local students attending Quinebaug Valley Community College.

Tournament Results

1st Place – Roger Noll, Jonah Dupuis, Sean Vigue, Pat Kozelka – Score of 52
2nd Place – Jim Dandeneau, Debbie Dandeneau, Ryan Dandeneau, Jon Kantorski – Score of 57 (matching cards)
3rd Place – Tom Harney, Todd Porier, Mike Durand, Alan Balavender – Score of 57 (matching cards)

Middle of the Pack – Dick Loomis, Lynn Converse, Pat O’Brien, Courtney Ravenelle

Long Drive Women – Michelle Kile
Long Drive Men – Dave Apuzzo

Closest to Pin #7 – Dennis Mills – 1 foot 9 inches
Closest to Pin #9 – Roger Noll – 1 foot 2 inches
Closest to Pin #11 – Andre Lavoie – 2 feet 3 inches

SKINS (3)
Eagle on 8 – Team Gaudreau (David Gaudreau, Tyler Gaudreau, Richard Gaudreau, Steve Kempain)
Eagle on 13 – Team Dandeneau (Jim Dandeneau, Debbie Dandeneau, Ryan Dandeneau, Jon Kantorski)
Eagle on 18 – Team Cardinal (Trevor Cardinal, Andre Lavoie, Mark Lowell, Jeremy Hendrickson)

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF 2022 SPONSORS, DONORS, & PLAYERS

On Saturday, October 15th, runners from twenty-one states and two countries 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 ninth year, this annual event features marathon, half-marathon, 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 and half-marathon 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 Michelob Ultra. 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 Whitcraft Group 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 nine 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 25. 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.}  

Current and Future Students Can Apply February 1 – March 11, 2022

The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation is pleased to kick off the annual scholarship application period.  $130,000 will be awarded to students who will be attending QVCC as of the fall 2022 semester. The Foundation continues to support low or no-cost tuition to the residents of Windham County.

Chair of the 2022 Foundation Scholarship Committee and QVCC graduate Mark Light ’02 stated, “Thanks to the support of many donors, the QVCC Foundation will award over $130,000 to local students this year. The average scholarship is $1,500 and the process to apply only takes about 60-minutes. How many of us can say that we earned $1,500 for an hour’s work? We know these funds can help many students achieve their educational dreams and encourage current high school students, returning QVCC students, and PACT eligible students to apply.”

It is a short process to apply for a wide range of scholarships through an online application. The scholarship period begins Tuesdays, February 1 and ends on Friday, March 11. Apply and learn more at www.QVCC.edu/scholarships.

BEGIN THE SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS

Scholarship applicants are screened by an impartial committee from the QVCC Foundation. Recipients will be notified by members of the QVCC Foundation by April 20.

Questions should be directed to the QVCC Financial Aid department, 860.932.4003

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On Thursday, January 6, 2022, a group of local dignitaries gathered at the Henry Breault Bridge, Kennedy Drive, Putnam, CT to commemorate the addition of a permanent bronze plaque for the final stretch of The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation signature fundraiser and race, Tackle the Trail™.

Celebrating this milestone were: QVCC Foundation President Joseph Adiletta, Town of Putnam Mayor Barney Seney, QVCC Director of Institutional Advancement and Tackle the Trail™ Race Director Monique Wolanin, President of the Northeastern CT Chamber of Commerce, Putnam Business Association Business Coordinator and owner of The Courthouse Bar and Grille Sheila Frost, Putnam Business Association President and owner of WINY Radio Gary Osbrey, and WINY Radio Sports Director (the 2021 race announcer) Mike Brunetti.

QVCC Director of Institutional Advancement and Tackle the Trail Race Director, Monique Wolanin stated, “Thank you all and the Town of Putnam for your continued support of Tackle the Trail™, which proceeds from the race will help hundreds of students each year pursue their educational goals.”

Make Tackle Your Destination brings even more energy to the already vibrant Town of Putnam on the third Saturday of October and coincides with The Great Pumpkin Festival and the Roseland Cottage Fine Arts and Crafts Festival. Runners, fans, volunteers, business owners, and community members will enjoy a warm NE CT welcome and all that our region offers.

The Henry Breault Bridge recognizes Henry Breault, Putnam, CT, Peacetime Medal of Honor Recipient, for action at Limon Bay, Canal Zone, Panama on October 28, 1923.  Citation: For heroism and devotion to duty while serving onboard the U.S. submarine 0-5 at the time of the sinking of that vessel. On the morning of 28 October 1923, the 0-5 collided with the steamship Abangarez and sank in less than a minute. When the collision occurred, Breault was in the torpedo room. Upon reaching the hatch, he saw that the boat was rapidly sinking. Instead of jumping overboard to save his own life, he returned to the torpedo room to the rescue of a shipmate whom he knew was trapped in the boat, closing the torpedo room hatch on himself. Breault and Brown remained trapped in this compartment until rescued by the salvage party 31 hours later.

Tackle the Trail™ is a trail race through Northeast Connecticut for marathoners, half-marathoners, and relay teams.  Runners enjoy the quiet solitude of nature with bursts of energetic and supportive fans throughout this point-to-point race. Just 45 minutes from Providence and 1 hour from Boston, Tackle the Trail, a unique race in an amazing place! your gateway to trail racing in New England.

Tackle is always the third Saturday in October and benefits students attending Quinebaug Valley Community College. Learn more about Tackle the Trail™ https://tacklethetrail.org/  .

Released January 10, 2022

The Quinebaug Valley Community College Workforce Development and Continuing Education Department has expanded in staff, programs, and funding.  With the recent growth of tuition assistance funds, more community members will have the opportunity for low or no-cost training to advance or start a career.

Patricia Meyer, the new Director of Workforce Development and Continuing Education, comes to QVCC from Fredrick Community College, MD with extensive experience in leading Workforce Development programs. Jennifer Armstrong, Continuing Education Aide and QVCC alumna, previously worked as a student worker at QVCC and is supporting enrollment of Workforce Development students.

The community is invited to attend one of the upcoming open house events to learn more about short-term workforce training options for this spring. Virtual Open House dates are January 13 or 20, from 5 – 6 p.m., and an in-person event is scheduled for the QVCC Willimantic location, 729 Main Street, on January 18 from 3p-4p. QVCC is offering courses in Certified Nursing Assistant, Introduction to Medical Cannabis, Computer Skills, Pharmacy Technician, Real Estate, Business Leadership Series, Business Office Professional, Project Management, Dementia Care, MLT National Exam Preparation, and Veterinary Assistant. More courses will be added in the spring including the popular Motorcycle Basic Riders Course.

Twenty-seven years ago, community leaders started Learning in Retirement (now called LiR) at Quinebaug Community College to offer advanced learning and social opportunities for adults in the Quiet Corner. In 2008, as a thank you to the college, LiR started an endowed scholarship fund for those students seeking a college degree and reached a goal of $50,000 in 2012. Bill Brower, former LiR President and QVCC Foundation member stated, “In 2012, LiR decided to endow another fund for students seeking professional certifications which would provide for better jobs/better lives. This year, despite not meeting because of COVID, we reached another $50,000.00 goal.”  QVCC Director of Institutional Advancement, Monique Wolanin stated, “QVCC is made better thanks to our long relationship with LiR as part of our learning community. In addition to their course offerings, LiR Members volunteer at College and Foundation events, serve as QVCC Foundation Members, and thanks to the generosity of many members, provide annual scholarships to both credit and workforce development students. LiR has endowed two funds totaling over $100,000!”.

More information:

To register for an open house event: January 13 OR January 20    January 18 In -person
Learn more about workforce development programs
Application for the application for tuition assistance and payment options

Questions and Contact Information: 860.932.4005 or Email

Released January 7, 2022

Five Champions of QVCC Celebrated

Quinebaug Valley Community College celebrated fifty years of serving the communities of Northeast Connecticut on Thursday, October 21, 2021. Following campus COVID-19 protocols, more than 130 faculty, staff, emeritus faculty and staff, and community members were able to gather for this special occasion.

The evening featured remarks from Governor Ned Lamont, Terrence Cheng – President CT State Colleges and Universities, Robert Steinmetz – Regional President, CT Community Colleges, Diane Williams – QVCC President Emeritus, and Karen Hynick QVCC CEO.  State Senator Mae Flexer and State Representative Pat Boyd presented a Connecticut State Legislature Proclamation to QVCC commemorating 50 years of service to Northeast CT.

The highlight of the event included the recognition of “Five Champions of QVCC”. The Five Champions were selected from more than 30 nominations. Whether in a classroom setting, in a student support role, in a peer role or as a community member, champions advocate for our students, and the college’s mission. They tirelessly work for the betterment of our institution and have helped us to be a model for the state of Connecticut and beyond. Whether their presence was felt fifty years ago or today, they made impact on the history of the college.

The Five Champions:

• Joy Chartier ‘78 – Joy is not only a graduate but former QVCC employee. She was known as the backbone of QVCC and many said that if no one in administration was around Joy could run the College. Joy worked at QVCC in Student Services and served on the QVCC Foundation, where she is a Foundation Member Emeritus.
• Gary and Karen Osbrey – Gary and Karen are the owners of WINY Radio in Putnam, CT. They work tirelessly as advocates for the communities in Northeast Connecticut. There is rarely an event in the region that the Osbrey’s are not in attendance or participating in some fashion. As a friend of the College, they provide a free monthly spot on the GaryO morning show for the Foundation, provide live broadcasts during campus events, and always promote the College, students, and faculty and staff. Karen is the longest serving member of the QVCC Foundation and former QVCC Foundation President.
• Lynn Pasquerella ’78 – Lynn was a first-generation college student at QVCC.  Encouragement by faculty members pushed her to further her education and she attended Mount Holyoke College.  She received a full fellowship at Brown University where she earned her Ph.D. in Philosophy in 1985. Lynn has spent her career in higher education serving in roles at the University of Rhode Island, University of Hartford, president of Mount Holyoke, and currently is the President of the Association of American Colleges and Universities. Lynn has never forgotten QVCC and the foundation the college provided for her. With her husband, they endowed a scholarship with the QVCC Foundation benefiting students pursuing Liberal Arts & Sciences.
• Denise Walsh ’90 – Denise is a Professor of Mathematics at QVCC. She served as the Faculty Representative to the QVCC Foundation for many years, volunteers at Foundation events, and is the department chair of Mathematics. Denise works tirelessly with students and is seen year-round on the campus. Former student Sean Gilmartin nominated Denise. He noted the impact she had on him with demystifying math and after accepting a high school teaching position, she was the first person he called for advice.
• Monique Wolanin – Monique has served at the Director of Institutional Advancement for thirteen years and is known as the face of the College in the community. Since she has taken the reigns of the Foundation, the Foundation has grown to be one of the largest Foundations of the Twelve Community Colleges in the state. She has introduced new learning opportunities and fundraising events for the community including Perspectives and Visions in Leadership speaker series, The QVCC Spelling Bee, and Tackle the Trail™. Monique has served on numerous boards in Northeast Connecticut including the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center, Day Kimball Women’s Board, and the Performing Arts of Northeast Connecticut.

50TH ANNIVERSARY IMAGES