Category: All News

The popular Dean’s Debate Series,  designed to promote spirited and thoughtful civil discourse, returns to Quinebaug Valley Community College on Monday, September 25.

These 45-minute Lincoln-Douglas style debates feature two experienced debaters: Alfred Williams, dean of academic affairs and student services, and Heath Hightower, associate professor of human services. The two will debate both sides of a controversial topic or timely issue, followed by a community cross-examination period when the audience can ask questions.

In addition, each of the debate series will include a post-debate community discussion about the topic, facilitated by Williams and Hightower. The public is invited to attend and join the conversation.

The first topic, “The Internet has benefited humanity more than it has harmed it.”, will be held from 10:30 to 11:55 a.m. in Room W100 on September 25. On Wednesday, November 15, the topic will be “Abortion is morally unjustified.” This debate will be held in the auditorium from 12:30 to 1:55 p.m.

For additional information, please contact Heath Hightower at 860-932-4139 or hhightower@qvcc.edu

Released September 8, 2017

Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated each year at Quinebaug Valley Community College to honor the contributions of Latinos and Hispanics to the history and development of the United States.

This fall the college is sponsoring two events, one at the 3rd Thursday Street Fest in Willimantic and the other at the Danielson campus.

The Puerto Rican folkloric music of Jose Diaz and Grupo Boriken can be heard on Thursday, September 21, from 6-7 pm, on the North Stage at 3rd Thursday. The band of seven musicians, including two singers, will play the cuartro, guitar, congas, bongos, and guiro. To hear a music clip, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llki-qGWwUg

On Monday, October 23, from 12–2 pm, the Core Ensemble brings its chamber music theatre performance of Tres Vidas to the auditorium at the college’s campus. Tres Vidas celebrates the lives of three legendary Latin American women: Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Salvadoran peasant activist Rufina Amaya, and Argentinean poet Alfonsina Storni. The audience will hear folk songs of Mexico, El Salvador, and Argentina as well as vocal and instrumental tangos. The three women are played by one actress.

These events are sponsored by the college’s Cultural Programming Committee. According to member Elkin Espitia-Loaiza, professor of Spanish, many groups of Latinos have settled in the Windham area and made significant contributions to economic development. In fact, the Willimantic area has the largest presence of Latinos in the country.

The public is invited to attend both performances and admission is free. For more information call 860-932-4155.

Released September 7, 2017

A topic that has been in the forefront of the news will be the subject of a panel discussion at Quinebaug Valley Community College on Wednesday, September 13.

As the United States experiences increasingly charged political discourse, moral questions concerning the limits, if any, of the nation’s sacrosanct freedom of speech frequently become the focus of intense debate. What should and should not be protected speech? Is incivility ever justified in the face of “hate speech”? What is “hate speech”? Who decides?

“Free Speech, Hate Speech, and (In)civility in 2017” is the first event of the academic year sponsored by the college’s Cultural Programing Committee and On Cue Speakers Series. It focuses on the 2017-18 learning theme “Civility and Freedom in a Connected World.

Featured panelists include Bryan Stascavage, a Wesleyan University student; Bishop John L. Selders Jr., Amistad United Church of Christ pastor; Linus Owens, associate professor of sociology at Middlebury College; and Melvin Medina, advocacy and outreach director at ACLU-CT. The panelists will explore competing ideas regarding these issues and engage audience questions.

The event, free and open to the public, starts at 2 p.m. in the Robert Miller Auditorium on the Danielson campus. For more information please contact Professor of English Jon Andersen at 860-932-4054 or Reference and Instruction Librarian M’Lyn Hines at 860-932-4056.

Released August 30, 2017

Quinebaug Valley Community College is partnering with World Instructor Training Schools (WITS) to offer a National Certified Personal Training course this fall in Willimantic.

The nine-week program includes 16 hours of lecture on topics such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, fitness testing, equipment usage, and health assessment, along with 16 hours of hands-on practical training. An option to complete an internship is also available.

WITS leads the fitness industry in collegiate educationally based training for national personal trainer certification. This course is offered at numerous colleges and universities through the United States.

The Certified Personal Training course runs from September 19 to November 16 and will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at CLiCK, 41 Club Road, Windham. For more information or to register, call Continuing and Professional Education at 860-932-4005.

A free online information session will be held September 7 at 4 pm. Register at http://tinyurl.com/fitnessorientation917

Released August 8, 2017

Released June 29, 2017

Students interested in studying one of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs at Quinebaug Valley Community College are invited to attend a special enrollment day on Tuesday, July 25, from 1-6 p.m.

QVCC offers certificates and degrees in computer services, engineering, manufacturing, and technology studies, as well as transfer programs for students wishing to major in science or mathematics.

Faculty from these disciplines will be on hand to answer questions and advise on course selection. Tours of the campus, including the new Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center, will be available. Students can submit an application for admission and be enrolled the same day.

Appointments are not necessary. Fall semester classes start Tuesday, August 29. For additional information, contact Bob Kozlowski, director of advising and retention services, at 860-932-4109.

Released June 28, 2017

Short Drive. Great Value.

Students from neighboring towns in Rhode Island and Massachusetts will now pay the same tuition rates at Quinebaug Valley Community College as Connecticut residents.

Previously, tuition for Rhode Island and Massachusetts residents was 50 percent higher than in-state tuition, though considerably lower than what out-of-state residents were charged. This was part of the New England Regional Student Program run by the New England Board of Higher Education.

With the new tuition structure, it will be less expensive for Rhode Island and Massachusetts students to attend QVCC than Community College of Rhode Island or Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester. A full time student who chooses to attend QVCC will save between $258 and $1,198 during the first year.

For more information about enrolling at QVCC, contact the Admissions Office at 860-932-4002.

Released June 20, 2017—

Canterbury resident Aili Galasyn was recently honored by the Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation and awarded emeritus status in recognition of extraordinary contribution to the Foundation’s mission.

“The Foundation appreciates the commitment and dedication all members bring during their tenure,” said Monique Wolanin, director of institutional advancement, “but recognizes only select individuals for emeritus status.”

“Aili has served QVCC for over 46 years,” said President Emeritus Dr. Robert Miller. “She was one of the first members of the Citizens Planning Committee, made up of representatives from the towns in Windham County. This committee was a major force in bringing about the establishment of QVCC. She was an original member of the Regional Advisory Committee and the first female president of the QVCC Foundation. Aili is a wonderful example of the extraordinary support of QVCC by the residents of Northeastern Connecticut.”

“I have had the honor of working with Aili for ten years,” said Wolanin. “There is no doubt in my mind that it is thanks to the dedication and work of individuals like Aili that the QVCC Foundation is now able to provide over $200,000 annually to local students. Her commitment to education and passion for this College inspire us every day. We owe Aili our sincere gratitude for all she has done and continues to do for QVCC.”

The Foundation has seven other emeritus members: Rheo Brouillard, Laurence Hale, Dr. Miller, Frank Postemski, Donald St. Onge, Steven Townsend, and Dianne E. Williams.

Released June 8, 2017—

Quinebaug Valley Community College has joined the growing number of colleges and universities, governors, mayors, businesses and investors from across the United States to declare that they will continue to support climate action to meet the Paris Agreement and ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in reducing carbon emissions.

According to the movement, We Are Still In, the group of leaders who represent a broad cross section of the American economy is sending a strong signal to the international community about the continued commitment of the U.S. to ambitious action on climate change.

“The Trump administration’s announcement undermines a key pillar in the fight against climate change and damages the world’s ability to avoid the most dangerous and costly effects of climate change,” reads the coalition statement. “Importantly, it is also out of step with what is happening in the United States.”

QVCC President Carlee Drummer signed the letter along with the presidents of Eastern Connecticut State University, University of Connecticut, Connecticut College, Trinity College, Wesleyan University, Southern Connecticut State University, University of New Haven, as well as Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy.

Last year QVCC released its Climate Action Plan that outlines the goals and steps the institution will take to advance sustainability efforts and operate as a zero-carbon campus by 2050. The document evolved from the college’s participation in the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment Effort.

A copy of the letter, signatories, press release, and additional information can be found at www.wearestillin.com/#intro-p

Released June 5, 2017

Two hundred twenty-nine students were recently named to the spring dean’s list at Quinebaug Valley Community College. To be eligible, students must have attained a grade point average of 3.4 or above.

Andover: Melissa Kjellquist

Ashford: Jeffrey Cosman, Kyle Dziekan, Connor Grimason, Mariusz Leszczynski, Juana Paredes, Ryan Rupert

Brooklyn: Elaina Becher, Christian Bollinger, Stacy Brais, Valerie Brodeur, Riley Burns, John Carr, James Christopher, Daniel Coraccio, Mark Daubert, Richard Dragonette, Cathleen Dunlop, Michael Ferguson, Noah Godino, Debra Hadley, Jenna Haines, Thomas Hull, Kerry McGuire, Heather McLean, Bradford McLeish, Matthew McMerriman, Teddy Mercado, Morgan Morrow, Jose Negron, Alan O’Donnell, Andrew Ozimek, Aaron Wood, Katrina Zannini

Canterbury: Julianne Alice, Peter Avery, Nicole Benoit, Romona Clauson, Paula Farrar, Matthew Hare, Adam Roberts

Central Village: Ashley Burbank

Chaplin: Kristina Davenport, Jenna Eldredge

Colchester: Eileen Hamon

Columbia: Yvonne Picard, Kathleen Smith

Danielson: Tammy Adams, Jean Armstrong, Ryan Ballard, Alyssa Bergstrom, Tyra Bergstrom, Sarrah Berkery, Robert Challinor Jr., Analia Correa, Sarah Dragon, Andrew Ferguson, James Lebeau, Catarina Lima, Cami Marion, Amanda Martel, Courtney Normandie, Rebecca Roy, Monique Sanborn, Christina Small, Anthony Sychevsky, Carrie Tetreault, Katrina Webster, Kathy Wu

Dayville: Melissa Beaupre, Atalya Champalath, Kristen DeFazio, Stephanie Dzat, Thomas Ellis, Sabrina Kudelsky, Karlee Miller, Laurie Plantier, Luke Stanislawski

East Killingly: Bryan Highley

Eastford: Amy Ayer, Sean Gilmartin, Elise Schiavetti, Christian Wolfe

Gales Ferry: Daphne Walsh

Griswold: William Bradley, Mackenzie Chenette, Aurora Dziadul, Deneuve Mazarine Hernandez, Alex LaBonne, Kenneth Leite

Groton: Donna Andrews

Hampton: Rose Bisson, Ashley Brown, Priscilla Leon, Sydney Rodriguez

Jewett City: Allison LaBossiere, Jennifer Robillard

Lebanon: Skye Budney, Christina Spencer

Lisbon: Melissa Urban

Mansfield Center: Paul Bacon, Rongdan Gates, Tyler Hall, Shannara Roy

Moosup: Veronica Adamski, Alexus Arrington, Bear Barkhurst, Sunshine Barkhurst, Christie Cantwell, Shelly Dumont, Briana Ferraj, Eneriko Ferraj, Joshua Fingerle, Allison Heath, Laurel Morganson, Bennet Sage, Paige Waterman, Frank Zemanek

Niantic: Leif Carlson

North Grosvenordale: Joshua Allen, Daniel Baker, Ernest Blanchard Jr., Laura Leeza Ching, Julienne Faucher, Nickolas Graham, Ashley Klein, Mailloux, Kasey Marrier, George Murphy, Molly Ware, Thomas Watson

Plainfield: Heather DeParasis, Abena Edusei, Michaela Grimaldi, Caitlyn Millette, Cheri Peltier, Matthew Sandage, Magen Surrell

Pomfret Center: Christian Andrews, Sarah Andrews, Olivia DePetrillo, Rosaleen Donovan, Lenka Horsakova, Emiajlen Malcein, Tyson Malek, Stephanie Marasco, Kelly Phar, Delaina Shaw, Summer Winslow

Preston: James Laudon, Laura Walsh

Putnam: Christine Ashton, Charles Blagburn, Lorenzo Chavez, Taylor Copeland, Ronald Denaro, Zachary Dion, Tanya Flick, Dylan Glaude, Adam Greczkowski, Joyce Hauber, Ian Hussey, Olivia Hussey, Kaitlyn Ivey, Myriah Morris, Michael Pedersen, Devin Provost, Marc Ravenelle, Jamie Soroka, Brittany Stott, Robin Vaudrain

Sterling: Kimberly Popiel, Tyler Rabideau, Michaela Rouillard, Johannah Thompson, Emily Vaughan

Storrs Mansfield: Ashley Apuzzo, Ashley Sackschewsky, Emily Stewart

Thompson: Kevin Caputo, Linda Charlton, Alexander Iamartino, Elizabeth Jourdan, Alyssa Juszczyk

Voluntown: Shane Sterling

Willimantic: Israel Branham, John Branham, Naomi Crespo, Fabiola Gonzalez, Sandra Gonzalez, Victoria Grenier, John Heald, Ibia Hernandez, Rubi Parra Gonzalez, Irmarie Santiago, Alicia Springer, Milagro Velasquez, Ashley Vincent, Elizabeth Viveros, Eric Weissenborn

Willington: Michael Kane, Ashley Palozie

Windham: Axel Oschmann

Woodstock: Stephanie Auger, Rachel Bober, Tyler Clough, Jeffrey Draper, Elijah Dufour, Vincent Goernert, Kaeleigh Gould, Charles Hall, Joshua Honeychurch, Luke Honeychurch, Aaron Jocson, Matthew Labonte, Edward Lanzoni, William Minkema, Jacob Parent, Zeke Parent, Veronica Phillips, Jacqueline Pillo, Courtney Pollock, Kiara Rainey, Emma Salatin, Ashton Stephens

Woodstock Valley: Patricia Devin, Robert John

Cranston RI: Peter Ujj

Goose Creek SC: Sabrina Mercure

Released May 15, 2017

Quinebaug Valley Community College will hold its 45th commencement Thursday, May 25, 2017, at 6 p.m. at the Danielson campus, where approximately 300 students are expected to receive degrees and certificates.

This year’s speakers will include Jenna Haines of Brooklyn, CT, a graduating student, and Keith M. Phaneuf, state budget reporter for The Connecticut Mirror.

Haines, a member of the Student Government Association, was co-founder/co-president of the Current Events Club and actively involved in the college’s Baugstock Music Festival. She will receive an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences and is transferring to Smith College to study government. Her grandmother, Lois Dapsis ‘96, is QVCC professor emeritus of mathematics, and her mother, Rebecca Haines, is an adjunct instructor.

Phaneuf, a graduate of Putnam High School who attended QVCC, has spent most of 24 years as a reporter specializing in state government finances, analyzing such topics as income tax equity, waste in government and the complex funding systems behind Connecticut’s transportation and social services networks. A former contributing writer to The New York Times, he is a graduate of and former journalism instructor at the University of Connecticut.

The Danielson campus is located at 742 Upper Maple Street. The ceremony is held outside in the Richard 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 H.H. Ellis Technical High School, 613 Upper Maple Street, Danielson. A decision will be made by 12 noon on May 25 if there is a change in venue. Additional information about the ceremony can be found on the college website https://qvcc.ctstate.edu/graduation/.