Tackle the Trail Returns to Northeast CT on October 21

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.}

QVCC Foundation Awards $173,000 in Scholarships to Current and Future Students

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

CT State Swears In First Chief of Police

CT State Community College’s first chief of police Chris Chute (center) is sworn in by Chris Watson, state’s attorney as his mother Norma Chute (left) looks on.

Connecticut native Christopher Chute is now Connecticut State Community College’s inaugural chief of police following a public swearing-in ceremony today at Naugatuck Valley Community College.

The event included students, faculty and staff from Connecticut State Community College’s (CT State) 12 community colleges, Chute’s family, and police and municipal leaders from throughout Connecticut. Chute’s appointment, which was approved by the Board of Regents for Higher Education, is effective immediately.

Chute will assume a role leading safety, security and law enforcement and emergency preparedness for Connecticut’s 12 community colleges across 18 locations, with about 5,000 employees and close to 60,000 credit and non-credit students each year.

“This position is a critical step forward as we continue toward merging our 12 community colleges into a single CT State,” said CT State President John Maduko, M.D. “The priorities of this position are essential to ensuring protection, quality of campus life, and fair and equitable treatment for all members of our campus communities.”

“We are excited to have someone with such a solid background and influence in his field joining our team in this important role,” added Rob Steinmetz, Ed.D., CT State’s executive vice president of college services and student affairs. “His extensive experience in Connecticut, dedication to the larger community, and leadership acumen make him well-suited for the scope and responsibilities of this position.”

In his new position, Chute will work closely with campus police and security staff, leaders, faculty, staff, and students to continue ensuring that the colleges are safe and secure places to learn, work and collaborate. He will also lead the department in the implementation of best practices and innovative approaches in public safety, including the standardization of policies, procedures, and preparedness while expanding the use of technology and emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.

“I promise to lead and build this police department to serve the needs of each campus across the state, and to instill integrity, professionalism, transparency, and accountability,” said Chute, who will spend his first few weeks visiting campuses and listening to stakeholders. “I am committed to implementing policies and practices that will provide the best public safety for this educational system.”

Chute has more than 26 years of experience in progressively responsible roles within the New Britain Police Department. For the past four years, he has served as chief of police, where he initiated and implemented several community outreach projects and led the organization through organizational changes before his retirement in January. He has also developed curriculum and taught as an adjunct instructor at two Connecticut universities at the undergraduate and graduate level, and is a certified instructor for the Police Standards and Training Council.

Chute holds a master’s degree in computer information technology and a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration. He also holds professional certificates as a certified forensic computer examiner and certified polygraph examiner.

About CT State

The 12 community colleges in Connecticut are merging on July 1, 2023 to become CT State Community College, one of the largest community colleges in the country and largest in New England, dedicated to quality, access and affordability. CT State students will be able to apply once and take classes at any campus. Locations include Asnuntuck (Enfield), Capital (Hartford), Gateway (New Haven and North Haven), Housatonic (Bridgeport), Manchester, Middlesex (Middletown & Meriden), Naugatuck Valley (Waterbury and Danbury), Northwestern (Winsted), Norwalk, Quinebaug Valley (Danielson and Willimantic), Three Rivers (Norwich), and Tunxis (Farmington). Find out more at www.ctstate.edu/becoming. CT State’s central office is located in New Britain.

Contacts:Ann Harrison, 860-578-7963, harrisona@ct.edu; Melissa Lamar, 860-773-1407, mlamar@tunxis.edu

Don’t Wait! Tuition Due Now

Tuition and fees for spring semester classes are due now. It is not too late to apply for financial aid; visit fafsa.gov. In addition to direct payment, tuition can be paid by financial aid, waivers (such as veterans benefits), third party deferments (employers, outside vendors, etc.) and payment plans. Connect with your Bursar’s/Cashier’s office for more information; your Financial Aid office also has information on educational loans. Ensure your spring schedule today; go to the Payments page for more information.

Registration Open for Spring Semester at CT’s Community Colleges

Credit registration for the Spring 2023 semester is in progress at Connecticut’s 12 community colleges.

Credit classes start on January 20 with a mix of on-campus, online, and hybrid course options.

Students intending to attend a Connecticut community college for the first time should start by applying online. Applications for the upcoming Spring 2023 semester can be found at www.ct.edu/admission.

Connecticut’s community colleges offer hundreds of associate degrees and certificates as well as career training certifications that prepare students for transfer to four-year degrees and transition into the workforce with such programs as advanced manufacturing technology, business, cybersecurity, data science, early childhood education, information technology, health care, pathway to teaching careers, and technology. Students can complete a certificate in as little as six months, and a degree in two years.

Student support services, job placement assistance and financial aid are available. Prospective credit students are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Registration for career training certifications is ongoing, with programs and classes in health care, information technology, manufacturing, real estate, culinary, veterinary assistant, and more. Scholarships for information technology, health care and manufacturing classes are available through CareerConneCT. Certified dislocated workers and those receiving SNAP assistance may also be eligible for scholarships and tuition waivers for many continuing education programs. Some programs are approved for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding through the CT Department of Labor. For more information, visit www.ctstate.edu/ce.

About CT State

The 12 community colleges in Connecticut are merging in 2023 to become CT State Community College, one of the largest community colleges in the country and largest in New England, dedicated to quality, access and affordability. CT State students will be able to apply once and take classes at any campus. Locations include 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). Find out more at www.ctstate.edu/becoming.

###

For Immediate Release: 21 December 2022
Contact Melissa Lamar, Director of Marketing & Public Relations
W 860-773-1407 mlamar@tunxis.edu
CT State Marketing Department
ctstate.edu

Tackle the Trail Returns to Northeast CT on October 15th

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

Hispanic Heritage Month at QVCC: Bomba Workshop and Performance with the Sonia Plumb Dance Company and Movimiento Cultural

WILLIMANTIC AND DANIELSON, CT — Quinebaug Valley Community College is pleased to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which is annually celebrated from September 15 to October 15, with two Bomba workshops and performances by Movimiento Cultural and the Sonia Plumb Dance Company.

The first performance will be held on Thursday, September 15, from 7 to 8 pm near QVCC’s Willimantic Center at 729 Main Street during the city’s Third Thursday Street Festival. The second performance will be held on Thursday, October 20, at 12:30 – 2:00 pm on the cafeteria patio on the main campus, located at 742 Upper Maple Street, Danielson, CT.

Movimiento Cultural is a community-based nonprofit that seeks to educate people across Connecticut about Puerto Rico’s rich African-based folklore, music, dance, and other art forms, especially the Bomba, which is the oldest Puerto Rican dance and music style rooted in resistance and dating back to the days of slavery, while strengthening racial understanding and relationships. The Sonia Plumb Dance Company’s mission is to “awaken, enrich, and educate communities to diverse perspectives of our world” through the lens of modern dance.

The event is organized and sponsored by the QVCC Cultural Programming Committee.

For more information, contact Interim Academic Division Director Elkin Espitia-Loaiza at eespitia-loaiza@qvcc.commnet.edu or Jon Andersen jandersen@qvcc.edu.

QVCC Spring Open House, March 30 at 6pm

Have you always wanted to go to college? Are you looking for a new career or the right career for you? Do you need help figuring out your next steps? QVCC is the place to find yourself and your path. Attending Open House on Wednesday, March 30 @ 6 pm is the best way to discover why QVCC should be your choice for starting, continuing, or finishing your college education. Space is limited, so register now at qvcc.edu/openhouse!

Alumni & Student Panel Q&A:
• Get the student perspective
• Includes Q&A

Learn about our programs:
• Allied Health, Business, Computer Science, Human Services, Liberal Arts, Manufacturing, STEM, Transfer Pathways, Visual Arts, and more!
• Staff & faculty will be on-hand to answer questions

Learn about paying for college:
• Financial Aid
• PACT Free Community College
• Scholarships

Tour the campus & apply on the same day:
• If you apply to the college and attend Open House, you may win the $1000 scholarship!

For more information, contact QVCC Admissions at admissions@qvcc.edu.

CSCU COVID Protocol Changes Effective April 4

The following is a message from Terrence Cheng, CSCU President:

Today marks two years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. I want to thank all of you for all you have done to support our students and institutions over the last two years and your continued efforts to ensure we have a safe and vibrant spring semester.

Several weeks ago, as I reviewed plans for the balance of the semester with campus leaders, we thought we would have to stay the course with our virus mitigation strategies. I am pleased to say that the state is turning the corner on the virus, and we therefore can relax our pandemic response, including ending the mask mandate effective Monday, April 4, 2022 for all 17 CSCU institutions and system office.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state Department of Public Health (DPH) have issued updated guidance and mandates which have lifted restrictions on public activities. In particular, the CDC’s new metrics related to the virus have deemed that all of Connecticut is at low risk of spreading of virus. Given these changes in guidance and through conversations with DPH, campus leaders, and COVID Coordinators, our consensus is that we are ready to relax our current protocols. Furthermore, although we had an agreement with the bargaining units on COVID mitigation strategies for the fall semester we did not execute an agreement this spring to continue those strategies.

Our campuses will now shift from pandemic emergency response to routine disease prevention. Campus leaders and their teams will continue to monitor state and federal guidance and the community virus conditions. They will be prepared to reinstate mitigation strategies as needed to respond to upticks in cases if and when they occur this spring and in future semesters.

On April 4, the COVID reopen plans that were developed in June 2020 will expire. Effective that day, the mask mandate will come to an end. The campuses will shift to a “mask-optional” protocol. No employee has the authority to mandate the use of masks by others. However, mask wearing remains an effective prevention strategy against the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases, and we fully support and expect all employees and students to respect those who choose to continue wearing masks. Our COVID Coordinators will continue to make masks available for employees and students who want them.

In addition, we will remove physical distancing restrictions in areas such as lounges, cafeterias, conference rooms, and other non-academic setting. However, in most instances, current classroom arrangements will remain as set for the remainder of the semester. Campus leaders are encouraged to plan for more in-person activities including commencements and other special events this spring as well as a full schedule of in-person courses, meetings, convenings, etc. for the summer and fall.

Lastly, we will end weekly testing of employees and students and individual case contact tracing, effective April 1, 2022. We have made provisions to continue PCR testing on campus for any employee or student who wants access to testing through April 1, 2022. In addition, COVID Coordinators will have antigen tests available for those who are concerned about their potential exposure to the virus and would like access to a rapid test.

We expect employees and students to continue to self-monitor their health and stay home whenever they have COVID-like symptoms and follow current CDC guidance on quarantine and isolation. Employees and students who test positive should continue to follow the campus process for notification. Human Resources, Health Services, or the COVID Coordinator, as appropriate, will determine the quarantine and isolation expectations, confirm when it is safe to return to campus or classes, and notify close contacts as needed.

Thank you again for all your hard work over the past two years. I am very excited that we’ve reached this point and can move forward having learned many lessons along the way about how to support our institutions, our employees and most importantly our students through a public health crisis.

Sincerely,

Terrence Cheng
President, CSCU

The QVCC Foundation Kicks-Off $130,000 Scholarship Application Period

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