Category: General Information

Republished from The Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn.

Michelle Warren, The Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn.
Sat, August 21, 2021, 11:59 PM·3 min read

WILLIMANTIC — In an era when community college enrollments are dropping nationwide, it can be difficult for schools like Quinebaug Valley Community College to recruit new students. For more than 30 years, the college has served the region with a satellite campus in Willimantic, acting as a resource for those who wish to obtain an affordable college education. While there has been an uptick in non- traditional students attending the Willimantic center, the goal is to increase the total enrollment at that campus, according to QVCC Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Services Joseph Cullen.

” We absolutely adore the Willimantic community,” he said. ” We want our program to grow but in order to grow, we need people to come.” QVCC has had a satellite campus in Willimantic since 1986. The main campus is at 742 Upper Maple St. in Danielson. Cullen said the school didn’t always have a ” center” in Willimantic, per say, but at times, it just had space in buildings. In 2017, the center moved from Main Street to Windham Technical High School. Starting this past fall, QVCC has been on Main Street once again and it currently shares space with EASTCONN’s Learners Empowered to Achieve their Potential ( LEAP) program, an alternative high school, at 729 Main St. QVCC has four classrooms in that building, as well as a break room and office space.

” This is just the start,” Cullen said. ” We just really hope and anticipate the community will partner with us and then we’ll build something special.” He said there was a drop in enrollment after the move to Windham Tech, but enrollment has bounced back somewhat since the return to Main Street. ” It feels like a more adult environment than a high school environment,” Cullen said, comparing the current site to the Windham Tech site. Cullen said there was an increase in enrollment during the past spring semester at the Willimantic site. “It was modest,” he said. ” I want to say, maybe, 5 percent.” Cullen said, last semester, 137 students were enrolled at QVCC’s Willimantic center.

The registration period for the fall semester is currently underway. QVCC offers both credit and non-credit courses. The registration deadline for the fall semester is Sept. 16. The regular term courses start Aug. 26 and the late term classes, which are shorter and more compact, start Sept. 27. The institution is attractive to students who just graduated high school, referred to as traditional students, as well as non- traditional students. Some non- traditional students are attending college for the first time while others are continuing their college education. “I have a lot of non-traditional ( students) who have families and want to finish in two years, but it’s not always that easy,” QVCC Community Outreach and Evening Coordinator Maria Garcia- Alvarez said.

There are currently 20 courses offered in a variety of subjects at the Willimantic campus, including courses in English as a Second Language, English composition, math, environmental science, and general psychology. Currently, the plan is to offer hybrid classes in the fall at the Willimantic center, with both in- person and online components, but that could change as the pandemic evolves. Cullen said the decision to have hybrid classes was based on a survey students took. He said if conditions of the pandemic change, the school can easily move to entirely virtual classes. Students who don’t have a car can either walk to campus, if they live nearby, or ride a Windham Region Transit District bus, which runs between the Danielson and Willimantic campuses twice a day.

Cullen said tuition rates are ” very reasonable” and there is financial aid available for those who qualify. Students from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island taking 12 or more credits, but no more than 17 credits, would be charged $2,253, including tuition and fees. After 17 credits, there is an additional flat tuition charge of $100 per semester. Students may qualify for free tuition through the free community college program offered by the state.

A limited number of hotspots and laptops are also available to students.

Follow Michelle Warren on Twitter — @mwarrentc.

The fall semester begins on Thursday, August 26 and if you need assistance, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment today with admissions, advising, financial aid, Willimantic staff, and Veteran Services.

ADMISSIONS
Schedule your appointment
Mon – Thurs, 8:30 am – 4pm
Email Admissions

ADVISING
Schedule your In-Person Appointment
Schedule your  Phone or Video Appointment
Danielson: Mon – Fri, 9am – 4pm
Willimantic: Mon – Thurs, 3 – 8pm

Drop-In:
Danielson: Mon and Tues, 9am – 11:30am, Wed and Thurs, 1 – 3:30pm
Willimantic: Wed, 3 – 8pm

FINANCIAL AID
Schedule your In-Person Appointment
Schedule your Phone or Video Appointment
Mon – Thurs, 8:30am – 4pm

Bookstore
Mon – Thurs, 9am – 3pm (closed from 1 – 2pm) and Fri 9am – 12pm

Library
Mon – Thurs, 9am – 4pm and Fri 9am – 2pm
Evening hours by appointment: (860) 932-4007 or library@qvcc.edu

Records
Mon – Thurs, 8:30am – 4pm (until August 16)
Mon – Fri, 8:30am – 4pm (after August 16)

RELEASED: August 10, 2021

Visit to the Quiet Corner Included stop by Commissioner Lehman and Local Officials

A visit to The Quinebaug Valley Community College Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center (AMTC) was part of the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), David Lehman’s tour through Killingly. Hosted by Killingly Town Manager, Mary Calorio, a QVCC alum, and the Killingly Economic Development Director, Jill St. Clair, Lehman had the opportunity to hear, first-hand, the impact the AMTC has in the community and region.

QVCC Director of Advanced Manufacturing, Steve LaPointe, and Assistant Director, of Advanced Manufacturing, Jodi Clark, provided a tour of the 10,000 square foot center and expounded upon the success of the program and continued demand for graduates by local and regional business partners. While visiting Putnam Plastics and United Natural Foods Inc., in the Killingly Industrial Park, Lehman had the opportunity to meet graduates of the program who offered high praise for the program. LaPointe stated, “Our students and graduates not only have fun learning while learning skills in our programs, they continue to succeed in their real-world experiences. They have careers that have a foundation with what they learned at QVCC. We keep in touch with our graduates and it’s a great feeling to see them succeed and add to the growth of Northeast Connecticut.” LaPointe added, “We have opportunity for additional growth by expanding our programs to Willimantic and hope to see this become a reality sooner than later.”

Calorio stated, “We are an innovative area and are here to help retain our local businesses and help them with expansion and unlocking space for new growth.” St. Clair added, “Growth and expansion stems from education. We have the pieces here and just need to make the connections. This is a special program.”

Also joining in on the visit were Connecticut State Senator Mae Flexer, Northeast Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Betti Kuszaj, and Shawn Johnston, a QVCC alum.

LEARN MORE:

Advanced Manufacturing Certificate
Mechatronics Automation Technician Certificate

Release: June 23, 2021

DANIELSON — The following events at Quinebaug Valley Community College are free and open to the public:

INFORMATION SESSIONS: MEET WITH ADMISSIONS
Tuesdays, June 15, 22, or 29 at 5:30 pm | Virtual
Learn about our 50+ degree and certificate programs, get your questions answered about the admissions process, and hear how you might qualifty for FREE tuition. It’s always FREE to apply to QVCC. Register now at QVCC.edu/virtual-information-sessions.

ACCEPTED STUDENT DAYS
June 23 or 24, 2—6 pm | Virtual or *On Campus
You’ve been accepted to QVCC! Not sure what your next steps are? Attend one of our Accepted Student Days and receive personal, one-on-one assistance, virtually or by appointment on campus. The Admissions Team can help you complete your Accepted Student Checklist, create your schedule for the fall, and more!

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING & MECHATRONICS TOUR AND INFORMATION SESSION
June 23, 4 OR 6 pm | *On Campus 
There is a huge demand for our graduates by local and regional businesses. Meet our team, tour our facilities, and learn about internships and job placement for graduates. No RSVP needed!

^{*On the Danielson campus}

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

QVCC will proudly celebrate our 270 degree and certificate recipients in the 49th commencement on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, from 3 – 7 p.m.. The college is hosting a drive-through diploma distribution, outdoors, at the main campus at 742 Upper Maple Street in Danielson. The rain date will be Thursday, May 27, 2021, from 3 – 7 p.m.

Graduating students who have chosen to participate in the celebration are instructed to come to campus, in one vehicle including their family and friends, at a designated time according to their last name. Timeframes are as follows:
• 3 – 4 p.m. A – C
• 4 – 5 p.m. D – H
• 5 – 6 p.m. I – P
• 6 – 7 p.m. Q – Z

All participants will have the opportunity to receive their diploma, cross the stage and have their photograph taken by QVCC staff photographers. Faculty, staff and the QVCC Foundation and Alumni Association will be on-hand to cheer our graduates.

DIPLOMA EVENT DETAILS

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

Quinebaug Valley Community College has earned the designation of Gold status as a 2021-2022 Military Friendly® School.  Gold status is the highest designation given to any of the community colleges in the state of Connecticut. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 schools participated in the 2021-2022 survey with around 750 schools earning the designation of which 162 selected for the “Gold” award status for their leading practices, outcomes, and effective programs.

Tracey Ferguson, QVCC Veteran Services Certifying Official, “QVCC is proud to be designated a Military Friendly School. Offering exemplary educational opportunities to our military members, both active duty and veteran, is just one small way that we thank our service members and their families for the tremendous sacrifices that they have made for our country.”

Military Friendly® is owned and operated by VIQTORY, a veteran-owned business. Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs ®, Military Spouse, and Military Friendly ® brands.

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