Category: Foundation

On September 27th, 1971, Quinebaug Valley Community College began offering classes at Harvard H. Ellis Technical School and Killingly High School prior to the construction of a campus at the 742 Upper Maple Street location in 1983. QVCC invites the community to celebrate 50 years of serving the communities of Northeast Connecticut on Thursday, October 21, 2021 beginning at 4:30 p.m. at our Danielson location.

In recognition of this monumental event, the College is seeking nominations for “Five Champions of QVCC”. 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. Whether their presence was felt fifty years ago or today, they made impact on the history of the college. Nominations must be submitted online by Wednesday, September 29th for consideration.

NOMINATION APPLICATION

Program

• 4:30 – 5:30 Cocktail Hour
• 5:30 – 6: 30 Celebratory Ceremony including comments from QVCC President Emeritus Dianne E. Williams, Regional President Robert Steinmetz, QVCC CEO Karen Hynick, and the President of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Terence Cheng
  • Recognition of the Five Champions of QVCC
• 6:30 – 7:30 Memories & Mingle

The College’s COVID-19 policies on masking and social distancing will be in effect. In the event we are unable to host the celebration on October 21, we will postpone until Thursday, April 14, 2022

RSVP is required. Please respond by October 7th, 2021, to Jennifer Green,  or 860.932.4140

The Jobs for New England Recovery Grant Program, offered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston to member financial institutions, is intended to assist small businesses and non-profit organizations that have experienced significant losses due to the pandemic. As a member, Jewett City Savings Bank was able to reserve grant funds for eligible organizations in the Bank’s service area. Jewett City Savings Bank focused its support to those organizations that had limited opportunities to participate in other funding sources that became available through the CARES Act and other government programs. One of those organizations was the QVCC Foundation.

“On behalf of the students who will benefit from this generous grant, I want to extend my appreciation to Jewett City Savings Bank. The bank demonstrates time and again their dedication to the communities they serve. QVCC is fortunate to be part of the JCSB community!” Peter Deary, President of the QVCC Foundation.

Photo Caption (L to R)
_{Jewett City Savings Bank President and CEO Kevin Merchant and Diana Rose, Senior Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Chief Operations Officer present check to Monique Wolanin, Director of Institutional Advancement and Peter Deary, President of the Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation.} 

The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation is pleased to announce that 102 scholarships, totaling over $125,000, have been awarded to current and future QVCC students in support of a debt-free education.  Students from Northeast Connecticut, Central Massachusetts and Western Rhode Island round-out the list of winners.

In addition to current QVCC students, several area high school students were scholarship recipients. New for 2021, matriculated students may use scholarship funds for summer college, fall, winter intersession, or spring of the 2021/2022 academic year. This is an expansion to the typical fall and spring semester usage of funds by students.

Peter Deary, President of the QVCC Foundation, offered his best wishes to the recipients, “On behalf of the entire QVCC Foundation, it’s my honor to congratulate our 2021 Scholarship Winners, who have distinguished themselves in numerous ways. We are proud of your efforts and look forward to celebrating your future accomplishments.” Deary also shared his appreciation for donor and community support of Foundation scholarships, “It is thanks to the generosity of many donors who believe in education as a “hand up” that the Foundation is able to provide these scholarships and additional block grants to students. To our loyal supporters, current and former, heartfelt thanks.”

For more information about the QVCC Foundation, please contact Monique Wolanin, director of Institutional Advancement at 860-932-4174 or mwolanin@qvcc.edu.

Release: May 13, 2021

Generous Donation from Steve and Marge Townsend, the Buttner Family, and LiR members

**As of May 27, 2021 all funds have been expended**

DANIELSON – The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation is pleased to announce a $25,000 block grant for 2021 Summer College courses. For any matriculated QVCC student, including incoming and existing QVCC students, who are pursuing careers in health care, may register for the following courses free of charge until funds have been expended:

• HLT 141- Intro to Phlebotomy
• MED 125, Med. Terminology
• HLT 170, Law and Ethics

Professor and Medical Assisting Program Coordinator Brian Clinton states, “This funding is serving students at different stages of their education. For those interested in new career fields and who need quick training, they can start with phlebotomy and medical terminology.  For those students getting nearer to the end of their training, the health care law and ethics introduce students to the complex issues of bioethics, maleficence, and justice. These are often topics on the national board exams student take upon completion from the allied health programs.”

Director of Intuitional Advancement, Monique Wolanin, praised our donors for their continued support, “This generous donation from Steve and Marge Townsend, the Buttner Family and LiR members is truly a “win-win.” For our hardworking students, they don’t have to worry about the financial burden of paying for these courses, while the greater community also wins as these same students will eventually graduate and go on to serve others in their chosen medical fields. As the pandemic has shown, health care providers are essential in all communities.  These donors are helping educate our future essential heroes.”

There are three summer sessions offered, two five-week sessions and a ten-week session, beginning June 7. If you qualify as a matriculated student, funds to cover the cost of the course will be applied to your account. For additional information, contact Jennifer Hyatt

For more information about the QVCC Foundation, please contact Monique Wolanin, director of institutional advancement at 860-932-4174

Release: May 11,2021, UPDATE May 27, 2021

The Robert and Mary Heneault Memorial Scholarship Second for the Family

 The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation graciously announces the creation of The Robert and Mary Heneault Memorial Fund, which will support a deserving QVCC student that demonstrates high academic achievement while contributing to the overall good of their community. Robert and Mary Heneault (nee Keenan) were born and raised in Danielson, CT, and while their lives took them away from Danielson, it remained home in their hearts.  With their children they made a life in Canada; first in Montreal, then in Toronto, where Robert’s career culminated in his appointment as President and CEO of Stelco Enterprises. Robert and Mary recognized the transformative value of education and passed on a passion for learning that their children wish to extend to a QVCC student.

Monique Wolanin, director of institutional advancement stated, “Special thanks to the Heneault siblings for endowing their 2nd scholarship with the QVCC Foundation.  This meaningful gift pays tribute to their parents, helps local students pursue their academic dreams and shows the family’s trust in the QVCC Foundation.”

The QVCC Foundation annual scholarship application period will end on Friday, March 12, 2021. $150,000 in scholarships are available for students who are planning to start next fall and students who are currently enrolled at the College.

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.

Released: March 9, 2021

Students can receive up to $650 dollars of support toward their success

The Quinebaug Valley Community College Advanced Manufacturing Center has received a $15,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation.  Since 2016, the program has received $75,000 to support student success in advanced manufacturing.

233 students have received support from the grants and are able to use the funds to support themselves inside or outside of the classroom.  There are a variety of incentives for students in the program to earn funds: enrolling full-time for semester one and two of the Advanced Manufacturing Machine Technology Certificate; making the Dean’s List (also available for students enrolled in the Mechatronics Automation Technician Certificate); and for graduating with a grade point average of 3.8 or higher.

The QVCC Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center has been preparing program graduates for immediate entry into the workforce since 2012.  The 10,000 square foot state-of-the-art center has placed graduates at Connecticut and neighboring state manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and defense industries.

For additional information about enrolling in the program and for assistance with funding, contact Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center Assistant Director, Jodi Clark, jclark1@qvcc.edu or 860.932.4128.

Released: January 25, 2021

Quinebaug Valley Community College is very excited to welcome Sarah Wolfburg back to campus. On Monday, December 14, she joined the QVCC Foundation as the Director of Alumni Relations.

Raised locally in Plainfield, Connecticut, Sarah graduated from QVCC in 2002 and went on to earn both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in English at Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada. After returning to Connecticut, Sarah began working for Villager Newspapers. In 2015, Sarah became the first Executive Director for Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. (NOW), a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of youth wellness, offering scholarship opportunities to children in the region to access sports, fitness, and nutrition.

“Sarah exemplifies what we hope for in all our graduates: a person who has gone on to pursue her dreams while never forgetting where she started. Sarah’s learning curve will not be steep as over the past few years, in addition to her career and family responsibilities, she has made time to volunteer at QVCC Foundation events and served as an inaugural member of the Alumni Association Advisory Committee. I know our alumni and our students will benefit from having Sarah join our team,” said Monique Wolanin, Director of Institutional Advancement.

In addition to her professional roles, Sarah has served on the executive boards of both the Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club and the Putnam Business Association, including serving as chairperson of the First Fridays Committee. She resides in Brooklyn, Connecticut with her husband, Josh, and their son, William. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, painting, and traveling.

Sarah is eager to make connections with QVCC faculty, staff, students and alumni, sharing “I am thrilled to be taking on the Director of Alumni Relations role with the QVCC Foundation. As a proud alumna, I am excited to engage with past, current, and future QVCC students. I believe in the power and importance of education and it is an honor to have the opportunity to support the students of QVCC.” Sarah can be reached by email at swolfburg@qvcc.edu or by phone at (860) 932-4133.

Safe and successful in-person events raise close to $100,000 this fall for QVCC students

The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation successfully ran two in-person fundraising events this fall to ensure residents of Northeast Connecticut have access to an affordable higher education at QVCC.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2020, the 28th Annual Foundation Golf Tournament, chaired by Foundation member and QVCC alumni Mark Light’03, was held at Connecticut National Country Club, in Putnam, CT.  There was a reduced field of golfers, who followed COVID-19 protocol, but the generosity of sponsors, players and volunteers shined as $40,000 was raised at the outing. The first-place team, with a score of 54, included Bill Bartholic, Kevin Cole, Joe Markley, and Christian Sarantopoulos. Special thanks to Platinum Sponsors bankHOMETOWN, Foster Corporation/Putnam Plastics, and Jeff and Lindsay Paul/Whitcraft Group.

Tackle the Trail™

An early rainstorm gave way to crisp, clear skies on Saturday, October 17 for the seventh annual Tackle the Trail™ race. The field included 46 individual runners and 39 teams running 20-miles on the Airline Trail from Windham to Pomfret, CT. The first-place winner was Eric Blake, West Hartford, CT, with a time of 2:01:44 and the first-place female was Brittany Telke, Bristol, CT, with a time of 2:43:00.  For the second year in a row, the 5 man team, Hartbeat Track Club, came in first-place with a scorching time of 1:49:47.

For 2021, Tackle the Trail™ will grow to include a marathon, a ½ marathon and relay team options. The race, always the 3rd Saturday in October, will end in Putnam, CT. The event raised $50,000 thanks to the support of racers and sponsors, including 2020 race sponsor Whitcraft Group. Tackle the Trail Race Director Monique Wolanin stated, “There is no doubt that it would have been easier to cancel this year’s race. However, that is NOT whom we are. Team Tackle, led by Foundation member Lynne Comtois, consisting of over 100 volunteers including; QVCC Faculty, staff, foundation members, alumni, scholarship winners and community members made this race happen.”

Support from both events continue to enable students to have a debt-free education at QVCC. Questions regarding the race or other opportunities to support QVCC students should be directed to Monique Wolanin, Race Director/Director of Institutional Advancement,  860.932.4174.

TACKLE THE TRAIL RACE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS

Release: October 29, 2020

Tackle the Trail: A Unique Race in a Unique Place
(Even More Unique This Year!)

We are RUNNING! Tackle the Trail will be held on-ground and virtually on Saturday, October 17, 2020. The race is open to individuals and up to five-person relay teams. Runners will enjoy the quiet solitude of nature with bursts of energetic and supportive volunteers at four relay stations throughout the 20-mile point-to-point race, which starts in Windham and ends in Pomfret, CT. Other highlights include great prizes, SWAG, and the most important part: knowing that proceeds help local students attend Quinebaug Valley Community College in the form of scholarships!

Virtual Race: Not comfortable running on-ground? Join us virtually! Enjoy the chance to compete on your own 20-mile course over a two-day period wearing a downloadable bib. Know that you are supporting a great cause too…helping local students attend college!

For more information about the race and to register, visit tacklethetrail.org.

Congratulations to all 2020 QVCC Foundation Scholarship recipients! The QVCC Foundation is pleased to award over $140,000 in scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic school year. Thank you to our all of our donors who continue to support students in Northeast Connecticut and allow them the opportunity to receive an excellent education at QVCC.

While we are unable to congratulate our scholarship winners in person at our annual Scholarship Night, we are excited to announce this years recipients:

A.L. Simonds Memorial Scholarship        

Marshal Gohn
Jaylen Brinson
Julia Christensen

Alice and Lionel Romney Memorial Scholarship

Katherine Soto

Altrusa International of Northeastern Connecticut Scholarship

Yasmin Garcia

Archambault-Beauchamp Scholarship

Isabelle Croke
Katherine Soto

BankHOMETOWN Scholarship (Returning Student)

Breana Weidele
Brandon Steen
Natalia Reali
Shelby Pendleton
Hayley Kuhn
Lauryn Hart
Kevin Champagne
Kristina Dyba
Christiana Filbert
Allison Hall

BankHOMETOWN Scholarship (Transferring Student)

Korrin Durning
William Hamill
Kate Crescenzo

Barbara Morowski Memorial Scholarship

Hunter Caldwell

Betty and Newell Hale Scholarship

Rowan Coleman
Julia Boyce

Burke Memorial Scholarship

Garcia  Yasmin

David and Nancy Bull Scholarship

Olha Lacasse

David T. Britland Memorial Scholarship

Aaron Blanchflower

Day Kimball Healthcare Scholarship

Tarryn Desrosiers

Demers Family Scholarship

Cyd Marie Valentin Padua

Dr. Carlee R. and Michael J. Drummer President’s Scholarship

Michael Guilmette

Dr. Ellis A. and Shirley L. Hagstrom Memorial Scholarship

Samantha Pultz

Dr. Frank Aleman Scholarship

Joshua Sandage

Dr. Lynn Pasquerella ’78 and John Kuchle Scholarship

Maricela Concepcion Pabon

Dr. Robert E. and Sylvia M. Miller Scholarship

Caitlin Baer

Elizabeth Czepiel Memorial Scholarship

Juan Ajqui

Emil and Alice Miller Memorial Scholarship

Jaylen Brinson

George and Demeter Lakatzis Scholarship

Isabelle Croke

Haines Family Scholarship

Caroline Hamill

Hans Langhammer Scholarship

Alexa Michalski

Jeanne L. Zesut Northeastern Connecticut Human Resources Association Scholarship

Marisol Prather

Jewett City Savings Bank Scholarship

Kenneth Adams

Joan Dash Scholarship

Anjuli Pickett

Joan F. Golrick Memorial Scholarship

Madison Tatro

John J. “Bud” Keenan Memorial Scholarship

Ismail Ahmed Kiani

John J. Sarnowski Memorial Scholarship

Brandon Johnson

Kathleen A. Russell Memorial Scholarship

Shania Scharlack

Keith John Kipper Memorial Scholarship

Mirabelle Bates

Killingly Brooklyn Rotary Scholarship

Brianna Worden

LiR Scholarship, In Memory of Dr. Robert E. Miller

Colby Bodo
Aaron Blanchflower

Maria Angelos and George Lakatzis Scholarship

India McDermott Arriola

Mary Espinola Memorial Scholarship

Brian (Brittney) Montpelier-Gomes

May and Frank Messinger Memorial Scholarship

Stacie Digby

Michael F. Davis Memorial Scholarship

Carlos Poch

Moumouris Dykstra Family Scholarship

Madeline Whitten

Norma and David Senger Family Scholarship

Jordan Keith

Northeast Connecticut Arts Council Scholarship

Isabella Donaldson
Zia Donais

Northeast Opportunities for Wellness Norman Corriveau Scholarship

Jared Green

Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Scholarship

Erin Lannon
Lidia Korytkowska

Putnam Rotary Gerry Cotnoir Scholarship

Tarryn Desrosiers

Rhoda L. and David T. Chase Academic Scholarship

Sylwia Helwig

Rhoda L. and David T. Chase Motivation Scholarship

Luke Norman

Richard C. Berry & Louise S. Berry Scholarship

Garrett Sward

Rooke-Norman Women’s Opportunity Scholarship

Grace Renee Terwilliger

Rose Bove La Rose and Normand O. La Rose Scholarship

Angelica Villafane

Rotaract Mal Schumann Memorial Scholarship

Desiree Grochowski

Ryan S. Doyle Memorial Scholarship

Paige Anne Audet
Rachel Vertefeuille
Abena Adjei
Jacob Orowson
Michaela Marshall

Savings Institute Bank and Trust Scholarship

Cristal Alvarez
Eryka Gomez-Garcia

Sommer Family Scholarship

Yaned Perez

Spirol International Corporation Scholarship

Amanda Champagne
Jesse Paprota

Steven and Marjolaine ’87, ’88 Townsend Business Scholarship

Bernardo Barron
Diana Cone
Kyla Atwood
Ethan Bibeau
Desiree Grochowski
Joshua Sandage
Hannah LaRose
Jordan Keith
Manuel Velasquez
Cade Wolak

Steven and Marjolaine ’87, ’88 Townsend Fine Arts Scholarship

Jaimie Lohman
Paul Brisson
Mandi Beckman
Carlos  Poch
Rebeca Burnham

Steven and Marjolaine ’87, ’88 Townsend Liberal Arts and Sciences Scholarship

Cyd Marie Valentin Padua
Taylor Copeland
Mya Windrow
Brianna Worden
Jordan Alexander
Ashley Bonnette
Kerra Kendall
Victoria Dejesus
Myia Harris
Courtney Robicheau
Seth Benoit

Steven and Marjolaine ’87, ’88 Townsend Putnam High School

Matthew Chzaszcz
Janete  Morente-Uz
Niajah  DeWolfe
Hannah Smith

Thompson Lions Club Scholarship

Sylwia Helwig

Tracy Thompson Memorial Scholarship

Natalie Ionkin

United Natural Foods Scholarship

Kerryann Frenier
Jazmin Daley

Virginia A. ’78 and Thomas E. Moumouris Scholarship

Stephanie Feliciano

W.H.G. Herklots Family Scholarship

Ruth Soderberg
Abigail Spiewakowski
Erika Rivera

William and Dorothy St. Onge Memorial Scholarship

Emily Keeling

The Elizabeth Espitia-Perez and Walter J. Hines Scholarship

Maricela Concepcion Pabon

The Helena B. Witkowski Memorial Scholarship

Chiricahua Cochise
Adrianna Aubin