Quinebaug Valley Community College will hold its 50th Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 6 pm at the Richard C. Berry Amphitheater, located on the grounds of the Danielson campus. Approximately 200 students are expected to receive degrees and certificates.
This year’s speakers will include:
• Terrence Cheng, CSCU President
• Alexa Michalski, National Anthem soloist and graduating student
• Sarah Wolfburg ’02, Alumni Speaker
• Hannah Kipp, Student Speaker
• Linda Colangelo ’03, Keynote Speaker
Michalski, who enjoys drawing, sculpting, and performing arts, is graduating with an Associate of Arts in Visual Arts and plans to attend Eastern Connecticut State University to pursue her goal of becoming an art teacher.
Wolfburg, who is a 2002 graduate of QVCC, went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature at Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada. After returning to Connecticut, Sarah first worked for Villager Newspapers before becoming the first Executive Director for Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. (NOW). Sarah then returned to QVCC in 2020, accepting the Director of Alumni Relations role, twenty years after she first began studying at the college.
Kipp, who served as a member of the Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and was a tutor in the Learning Center, is graduating with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences. She plans to attend Eastern Connecticut State University in the fall as she works towards her ultimate goal of becoming an occupational therapist.
Colangelo, a proud 2003 QVCC graduate, is a caregiver, public health educator, skilled communicator, freelance writer, and professional vocalist. She has enjoyed a life-long love affair with northeast Connecticut, contributing her skills, time, and talent to a number of community causes and callings. She will be delivering the ceremony’s keynote address.
Steven and Marjolaine ’87 ’88 Townsend will also be receiving the Quinebaug Valley Community College Merit Award, which recognizes extraordinary service or lifetime commitment to QVCC. Steven Townsend is a nationally recognized business leader who co-founded United Natural Foods (UNFI) in Danielson, CT. A long-time member of the QVCC Foundation, in 2012 Steve was honored with emeritus status for his “extraordinary contribution to the Foundation’s mission.” Marge Townsend is an active community volunteer whose hard work and dedication has helped many from our community. Steve and Marge are both proud Putnam High School graduates and both started their college career at QVCC. Steven went on to graduate from Bryant University, earning both a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and an MBA in Management and Information Systems. Marge graduated from Quinebaug Valley Community College with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts: General Studies and an Associate of Science in Accounting.
The Danielson campus is located at 742 Upper Maple Street. The ceremony will be held outside at the Richard C. Berry Amphitheater. Guests should bring lawn chairs or blankets, as seating is not available. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place at The Woodstock Academy field house, located at 57 Academy Rd, Woodstock, CT 06281. Tickets will be limited to six per graduate. A decision will be made by 12 noon on Monday, May 23 if there is a change in venue. Additional information about the ceremony can be found on the college website at qvcc.edu/commencement.