Category: All News

Nestled in the valley of Woodstock, Connecticut lies the Chamberlin Mill, a rare example of a water-powered circular sawmill originating back to the early 1800s. The two-story post-and-beam structure still boasts the same historic cast iron gears and flat belt pulleys that transferred all the waterpower to the circular saw on the main level. Impressively, a mill has stood at the site along the Still River since the 18th century, however, the sawmill ceased its operations in the late 1960s, leaving it unused for over forty years. That’s where QVCC’s Dan Xavier comes in.

Dan Xavier, a Technology Studies major at QVCC, is also in the computer-aided design (CAD) certificate program, which led him to his project at the Chamberlin Mill. One of Xavier’s instructors Jakob Spjut, Professor of Engineering Science, was approached by Jeff Paul, former CEO of Whitcraft, about doing some modeling of the moving parts at the Chamberlin Mill.

“In fall 2020, I had Dan in my Intro to Engineering class, and he was looking for an interesting CAD course to take to finish his CAD certificate, so we worked out an independent study for him this spring 2021 at the Chamberlin Mill. We’re building on some work done previously by Woodstock Academy students, supervised by Peter Sumner, to model the turbine part of the setup,” explained Spjut, elaborating that “There’s really no substitute for applying technical skills to a real project for deep learning. If you don’t understand something, you can’t just take a 75 on an exam and move on. You need to figure it out.”

Throughout his extensive work at the mill, Xavier visited the mill frequently to take measurements of the many parts he needed to render the 3D solid models. He depicted relevant 2D prints, combined the parts into an assembly, and created an animated video that demonstrates the model moving with a narration explaining the function of the different moving parts.

Interestingly, Xavier is not QVCC’s only connection to the Chamberlin Mill. William Lonsdale Tayler (who, with his wife Pearle Chamberlin Tayler, were owners of the Mill property for many decades until their deaths in the 1990s) was instrumental in the founding of QVCC. Dr. Tayler served on the CT Regional Community College’s Board of Trustees from 1969-1973. A newspaper report from 1983 notes that, “in 1971 [he] realized a goal he had sought since 1948 was the establishment of a community college in northeast Connecticut.”

“I think it would give Dr. Tayler great pleasure to see the link forged between Quinebaug Valley Community College and Chamberlin Mill by Jeff Paul, Jakob Spjut, and Daniel Xavier through this project. Daniel’s work should be useful to the Mill for many years to come,” says Jean McClellan, President of Chamberlin Mill, Inc., the non-profit organization responsible for the mill.

Thanks to the work done by local students at Woodstock Academy and Dan Xavier at QVCC, Chamberlin Mill, Inc. intends to preserve and sustain its site as a historic and educational asset for the enjoyment of future generations. Once the mill is operational, it will expand its current calendar of walks, demonstrations, local school programs, experiential learning, and participation in regional and national programs and events. Artifacts now in storage will also be returned to the site for exhibition.

For more information, please contact Jakob Spjut at jspjut@qvcc.edu or Jean McClellan at chamberlinmill@gmail.com.

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

Quinebaug Valley Community College announced it is working to help build consumer awareness about the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program.  The temporary benefit will help to lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The $3.2B Emergency Broadband Benefit program provides a discount of up to a $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying Tribal lands. The benefit also provides up to a $100 per household discount toward a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase through a participating broadband provider.

A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid or the FCC’s Lifeline program;
• Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
• Experienced a substantial loss of income through job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

Emergency Broadband Benefit enrollment will begin on May 12, 2021. Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail-in application.

Additional information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available at www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, or by calling 833-511-0311 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. any day of the week.

Registration is open for Summer and Fall 2021! Summer College at QVCC is the perfect way to catch up or get ahead with three sessions designed to fit into your schedule:

Session I (10 weeks, June 7 – August 13)
Session II (5 weeks, June 7 – July 11)
Session III (5 weeks, July 12 – August 13)

These summer sessions are taken in an accelerated format, allowing students to earn necessary credits in a reduced timeframe. Course types include on-ground, online, hybrid, and LRON*. Summer 2021 courses include Anatomy & Physiology, Art History, General Biology, General Psychology, Intro to Mass Communications, Intro to Nutrition, Medical Terminology, Microbiology, Precalculus, Principles of Macro & Microeconomics, Principles of Statistics, U.S. History, and more.

Students who were awarded a scholarship through the QVCC Foundation for the 2021-2022 academic year can use it towards a summer course. 

The Fall 2021 semester begins on August 26; Register now to secure your class schedule early! Late Start and Half Term sessions are also available during the Fall 2021 semester:

Full Term (August 26 – December 15)
Late Start Term (10 weeks, September 27 – December 15)
Half Term I (1st 7 weeks, August 26 – October 17)
Half Term II (2nd 7 weeks, October 18 – December 15)

Fall courses will be offered in a variety of formats, including on-ground, online, hybrid, LRON, and FLEX*. Academic advising is available for any student planning for Summer and/or Fall 2021. Visit QVCC.edu/advising for more information and to book a virtual advising session via Bookings.

To see the complete list of Summer and Fall 2021 course offerings:

• Visit my.commnet.edu 
• Select: Search for Course Offerings
• Select Term: Summer 2021 or Fall 2021
• Select College: Quinebaug Valley CC
• Select (O)pen or (C)Closed: Click Open
• Select Course Level: Check Credit

View the full Academic Calendar on QVCC’s website.
*Learn more about QVCC’s course types. 

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 Virtual Open House on Wednesday, April 14 @ 6 pm is the best way to discover why QVCC should be your choice for starting, continuing, or finishing your college education. By registering, you will have access to the virtual recording for one year! Open House includes:

Alumni & Student Panel Q&A   |   6 pm
• Get the student perspective
• Why do students choose QVCC?
• Beyond QVCC – Transfer and Career

Program Breakout Sessions   |   7 pm
Art, Business, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Transfer Programs
• Explore your area(s) of interest
• Hear from our Program Coordinators & faculty
• Learn the specifics about QVCC’s degrees & certificates, internships & career insights

Student Services Informational Panel   |   7:30 pm
• Learn more about QVCC’s Student Services to support your enrollment and academic success
• Academic Advising, Admissions, Career Services, Disability Services, Financial Aid, Foundation Scholarships, SNAP Employment Training, Student Government Association (SGA) and Student Activities, Supportive Counseling

Register for Open House at www.qvcc.edu/openhouse.
Questions? Contact the Admissions Team at admissions@qvcc.edu.

Quinebaug Valley Community College will hold its 14th Annual Julius Sokenu Poetry Prize Celebration from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday April 29th, 2021 livestreamed on QVCC’s YouTube channel. The event, organized by the QVCC Cultural Programming Committee, will feature a reading and performance by The Cornelius Eady Trio and award-winning student poets.

National Book Award winner and Pulitzer prize nominated poet Cornelius Eady has set his poetry to song with the Cornelius Eady Trio. Eady’s songs tell the story of passing time, the Black American experience, and the blues in the style of folk & Americana music. Guitarists Charlie Rauh & Lisa Liu create layered and graceful arrangements to bolster Eady’s adept craftsmanship as a songwriter, lyricist, & poet. The Trio have been featured in many venues, including The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, the Julia de Burgos Park, and The Sunken Garden Poetry Festival at the Hill-Stead Museum. They have recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis, TN. More information is available at www.corneliuseadytrio.com

The Julius Sokenu Poetry Awards is a lively annual event honoring the best student poetry in English and Spanish at Quinebaug Valley Community College and at the Quinebaug Middle College. The event is sponsored by the QVCC Foundation, Department of English, Department of Spanish, Cultural Programming Committee, QVCC Library, EASTCONN’s Quinebaug Middle College, and the QVCC Student Government Association, as well as generous Julius Sokenu Poetry Prize donors.

For more information contact Jon Andersen, professor of English at jandersen@qvcc.edu or Elkin Espitia-Loaiza, professor of Spanish, at eespitia-loaiza@qvcc.edu.

Each year, Earth Hour and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) ask people, businesses, and government agencies all over the globe to shut off their lights for one hour as a way to promote awareness of environmental and climate change issues and to demonstrate the power of the individual to promote change.

This year, the event will take place on Saturday, March 27, from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. QVCC will be shutting off all nonessential lights during this time, including the street sign. If you are interested in standing up against climate change and showing your support for environmental issues, please turn off your lights for one hour on Saturday, March 27. Thank you from Quinebaug Valley Community College.

Watch the Earth Hour 2021 Official Video. For even more information, see the Earth hour website at: Join One Of The World’s Largest Movements for Nature | Earth Hour 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