Category: All News

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

Quinebaug Valley Community College will celebrate Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11 with a virtual ceremony, highlighting the addition and dedication of 19 new bricks to the Veterans Garden. The virtual ceremony will also include greetings from QVCC’s Dr. Rose R. Ellis and several local legislators.

Messages from legislators include Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Mae Flexer, Congressman Joe Courtney, Representative Anne Dauphinais, and Representative Pat Boyd. The Presentation of Colors will be done by the American Legion of Putnam, CT and the musical selection will be performed by Linda Colangelo.

Over 400 bricks already lie in QVCC’s Veterans Garden, which was built in 2010 with the goal of having a place where local veterans could be honored and remembered for their service. The new bricks added this year honor the following servicemen and servicewomen:

James L. Ayers
US Army, World War II

Lester E. Day
US Army, World War II

Joseph Dziki
USMC, World War II

Roland J. Farfand
US Navy, WWII Seabees

David A. Griffiths
USAF, THS, 1965-1970

SGT Paul A. LaJeunesse
US Army

ENCM John D. Lord
US Navy, Vietnam

George E. Marczac
US Coast Guard, Vietnam

Dennis J. Matteau
US Army, Vietnam

Floyd R. Merriman
US Army, 75 INF, World War II

Al Orlomoski
US Army, 1946-1949
11 AB, JAPAN

Steven F. Orlomoski
US Air Force, 1979-2013

Ray Porier
US Air Force AMISTCL, AF12501599

SGT E. Spooner
Operation Freedom, 2012-2013

Darrell E. Stevens
US Navy, Vietnam, 1970

George J. Thivierge
US Army, Korea

SPC5 VJ Ward
US Army, 1966-1968

SP5 John W. Warner
US Army, Vietnam

SPC5 Bruce Allen Waterman
US Army, Vietnam

A Word from First-Year Students and Dean of Academic
Affairs and Student Services

It’s been just over a month since QVCC students have returned to the fall semester after a unique and unprecedented spring term due to the effects of COVID-19. Dr. Joe Cullen, Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Services, commends the efforts put forth by staff and faculty and feels enthusiastic moving forward.

“In times of crisis, people pull together. It’s a natural human tendency that when we share in crisis, there is an immediate uptick of going the extra mile. I think the QVCC community is a perfect example of this. Staff and faculty have extended themselves and have shown amazing flexibility, and the positive feedback we’re receiving from students is a direct reflection of our campus community,” said Cullen.

When the pandemic first hit, QVCC was tasked with creating a safe, flexible, and healthy environment for students. As Dr. Cullen stated, “The health and safety of our students is more important than any other concern. Our response to the pandemic has been a model response,” referring to the numerous safety measures that have been implemented and the various course types QVCC now offers, including online and hybrid courses, designed to give students more flexibility in choosing the learning environment that best suits their individual needs and schedules.

When asked about the transition to mostly online learning, first-year QVCC student Caroline Gagnon said, “Online learning is definitely hard to get used to, and of course it would be beneficial to see my teachers in person and get to know them on that level, but my teachers have been extremely understanding and helpful.” Gagnon shared that she is taking her general courses at QVCC to save money, with intentions of transferring to Plymouth State University to complete her bachelor’s degree in the future.

Emma Turner, another first-year QVCC student, shared a similar testimonial, saying, “I was supposed to attend Endicott College, but I chose QVCC because I get to attend for free, and it felt like a better option at this time.” In terms of the transition to online learning, Turner commented, “I like to have more freedom at home. I’m working full-time, so getting to choose time to work on school is beneficial. Overall, my experience at QVCC has been great as the teachers are very helpful and are doing their best to make online learning comfortable.”

As expected, there are also downsides to learning remotely. First-year QVCC student Trinity Angel admits, “I’m a very hands-on learner and doing everything online can be annoying – but it’s not the end of the world. I can definitely handle it, it’s just something to get used to.” Like Gagnon and Turner, Angel is attending QVCC to save money and plans to transfer next semester.

Looking ahead to the spring 2021 semester, students can expect to see a schedule very similar to the current schedule, along with the same course modalities that are being offered this fall. Late Start classes will also be offered to help acclimate students. Likewise, students can look forward to a proliferation of additional class formats in the form of hybrid Saturday classes, which would only require students to give up one Saturday per month. QVCC also plans to offer half-semester courses, and in fall 2021 we will offer courses in a 7-week or 8-week format, allowing students to take courses like criminal justice, phlebotomy, medical assisting, and other programs that lead to jobs in a faster timeframe.

When asked “Why should a student choose QVCC?”, Cullen confidently responded, “I’ve been involved in education for 30+ years, and in that time, both on a personal level and in terms of my research, the most important core ingredient is not the classroom, not the materials, not the curriculum, but the teachers. That’s the magic ingredient, which we have in abundance.” Cullen continued, “We have around 700 full-time students and that kind of staff-to-student ratio doesn’t exist in many places.”

In other positive news, QVCC has moved its satellite location from Windham Technical High School back to its former location at 729 Main Street in Willimantic, which is shared with EASTCONN’s LEAP (Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership) Alternative School. This convenient location will offer a variety of subjects ranging from core courses in English and math to communication, art, English as a Second Language (ESL), Early Childhood Education, history, humanities, and science.

Registration for Winter and Spring Begins October 15

The fall semester is in full swing, but it is the right time to lock down your schedule for winter and spring. The winter intersession will be held completely online and is a two week, accelerated term beginning Monday, January 4.  This is a great opportunity to get-ahead or catch-up with your educational plan.

Spring courses will begin on January 22, 2021. Classes for the spring semester will be taught in a variety of ways. Class modalities include on-campus teaching, live remote teaching and online. Learn more about our course modalities.

Current students should meet with their academic advisor now and develop a plan for the next two terms.  A relationship with your academic advisor can help you stay on-track with your certificate or degree and  QVCC. Learn more about academic advising and scheduling a virtual advising appointment

The most up-to-date course schedule is always available through MyCommNet.

Willimantic Location

QVCC moved back to 729 Main Street in Willimantic beginning in the fall semester (at the LEAP location). Current and future students can meet with staff between 4 and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.  Contact Maria Garcia-Alvarez, mgarcia@qvcc.edu, 860.230.6129 to schedule an appointment.

Become a Student

If you are interested in starting during winter or spring, apply to the College (no application fee) now and complete the accepted student checklist.  For visiting students from other Colleges who will only attend for the winter term, apply to the College today as a non-degree/non-matriculated student.

Learn more about the admissions process and the College. Attend one of our upcoming Information Sessions this fall.

October 14, 2020

Windham High School ECO students graduating with College Certificates

In 2016 Quinebaug Valley Community College teamed with Windham High School, creating the Windham Early College Opportunity (ECO) program, to provide students a chance to earn college credits in manufacturing disciplines. There were many questions along the way about curriculum, student engagement and funding sources. QVCC was creative in making this happen through College Career Pathways resources, the Windham Board of Education, and the help from the Eastern Workforce Investment Board (EWIB).

Beginning their freshman year, Windham High School students took several classes in advanced manufacturing at their school, earning 10 college credits in Manufacturing Math II, Blueprint Reading I, Benchwork and Computer Assisted Drawing. As juniors, in the summer of 2019, they attended QVCC and took Milling I and Lathe I, earning four more credits (paid for by the Windham Board of Education). Support from the Eastern Workforce Investment Board helped with a critical CNC Fundamentals course, which set students up to take one remaining class, Safety in the Workplace. This one-credit course completes their Level I certificate.

By the end of the fall 2020 semester, the students will have completed QVCC certificates in Machine Technology Level I and Advanced Manufacturing Machine Technology II. 30 credits will apply directly to an Associate Degree in Technology Studies for those who wish to continue their education. Director and Instructor Stephen LaPointe is actively seeking out opportunities to start their careers in manufacturing in the Windham area. “I’m impressed with their long-term commitment to completing this journey. The students have come together as a cohort and have relied on each other for support in so many ways. Transportation has been one of the biggest obstacles, yet they made it work. This shows me they have determination and will make great employees in the manufacturing world, which will benefit our community tremendously.”

There is a continuous pipeline of Windham High School students that have committed to this pathway to a successful career in manufacturing. In September, Windham ECO student, Karen De Los Santos Dominguez and Stephen LaPointe participated in a roundtable with Governor Lamont at Eastern Connecticut State University, hosted by ECSU President Elsa Nunez with Board of Higher Education President Mark Ojakian. The discussion was focused on coping with COVID in the current environment and how on-ground classes can continue to run for hands-on learning. Karen provided valuable insight into her positive on-ground experience at QVCC’s Danielson campus.

Learn more about QVCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center at qvcc.edu/manufacturing.

Despite the impediments presented by the Covid-19 outbreak earlier this spring, 18 students have successfully completed Quinebaug Valley Community College’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and received jobs in the respective fields.

“Back in March I remember telling the CNA students that although it was unclear when we would return to class, we would meet back at the finish line — I never thought that would be five months later! I am so proud of this outstanding group of 18 students that returned to complete the program. They did not allow Covid to ruin their plans, just postpone them a bit,” said Stephanie Majewski, course instructor. “There is such a need in our community right now for qualified CNAs, especially in our long-term care facilities. This fall, QVCC will continue to provide CNA training through a hybrid program, featuring both online learning and in person lab components. I look forward to meeting our future CNAs!”

QVCC is proud to share that each of the 18 students received jobs following completion of the course, seven of which were hired locally by Westview Health Care Center, situated in Dayville, CT.

“We are truly excited to welcome several new QVCC Certified Nursing Assistant graduates to our Westview family,” stated David T. Panteleakos, Administrator. “The CNA training and certification program at Quinebaug Valley Community College is absolutely invaluable to the health care industry and our community.”

The demand for CNAs in our area is extremely high. The hands-on experience offered at QVCC can further your education as a nurse or in other health care fields. QVCC is offering a hybrid CNA course beginning on September 14, in addition to a section that will be added in October. Anyone who is interested in registering should contact Amanda Giles at agiles@qvcc.edu to be added to the waitlist. The cost of the class is $1250 with tuition assistance available.

Course Information

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Next class begins October 12
Cost: $1,250
*Tuition assistance available; May be eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or SNAP funds*

Quinebaug Valley Community College has announced a fall 2020 late start schedule designed in an accelerated format, allowing students to take 11-week or 7-week courses as an alternative to the traditional 16-week full semester courses.

QVCC will be offering a range of late start classes, beginning the week of September 28 or October 14. These courses give students the opportunity to earn necessary credits in a condensed time frame.

Some of QVCC’s accelerated courses include American Government, Creative Writing, General Chemistry, Guitar I & II, Intro to Business, Intro to Engineering, Intro to Theater, Principles of Sociology, Safety in the Workplace, Spreadsheet Applications, Web Design & Development, Yoga, and more.

To see the complete list of QVCC’s late start offerings:

• Visit my.commnet.edu
• Select: Search for Course Offerings
• Select College: Quinebaug Valley CC
• Select (O)pen or (C)Closed: Click Open
• Select Course Level: Check Credit
• Click Get Courses and look for any course title starting with “LS:”

Students interested in enrolling in any late start classes should be aware that while the number of class meetings for late start courses is fewer than the regular fall semester, each course still contains the same number of class hours as the regular semester, therefore the level of study is more intensive.

Register online at QVCC.edu/register or book a Virtual Advising Session at QVCC.edu/advising. Not a QVCC student? There’s still time to apply as a new or transfer student! Visit QVCC.edu/apply-now.

Tackle the Trail: A Unique Race in a Unique Place
(Even More Unique This Year!)

We are RUNNING! Tackle the Trail will be held on-ground and virtually on Saturday, October 17, 2020. The race is open to individuals and up to five-person relay teams. Runners will enjoy the quiet solitude of nature with bursts of energetic and supportive volunteers at four relay stations throughout the 20-mile point-to-point race, which starts in Windham and ends in Pomfret, CT. Other highlights include great prizes, SWAG, and the most important part: knowing that proceeds help local students attend Quinebaug Valley Community College in the form of scholarships!

Virtual Race: Not comfortable running on-ground? Join us virtually! Enjoy the chance to compete on your own 20-mile course over a two-day period wearing a downloadable bib. Know that you are supporting a great cause too…helping local students attend college!

For more information about the race and to register, visit tacklethetrail.org.

Update: QVCC Bookstore & Buying Textbooks

QVCC students who are looking to purchase textbooks and materials for the fall 2020 semester can only do so through our online shop at qvcc-shop.com. Orders will be shipped directly via USPS. Students are able to use any major credit card, PayPal, or Financial Aid as the payment option. Students using Financial Aid must start their banner ID with the @ symbol during the checkout process.

Financial Aid is available now through September 11th. Due to limited transportation availability as a result of COVID-19, we strongly suggest students make purchases sooner rather than later as delivery times may be extended.

Questions?

Store Manager: Mik Saksith, m.saksith@follett.com
Phone: (860) 779-1177 | Fax: (860) 779-3105

(HARTFORD, CT) – Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) President Mark Ojakian announced that interest in the Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT), Connecticut’s tuition and fee free community college program, has been strong, with more than 2,200 students receiving $2.5 million in grant awards through the July 15 deadline for priority consideration. These qualified students will owe no out-of-pocket tuition or mandatory fees to attend one of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges.

More than half – those whose tuition and fees are already covered by existing federal, state, and institutional funding – will receive the minimum grant of $250 for educational expenses.

“While it might not sound like a lot, that $250 grant will make a real difference to our poorer students, many of whom are students of color, who all too often face nearly insurmountable obstacles – from childcare, to food insecurity, to unreliable transportation – to obtaining a degree,” President Ojakian said.

As previously announced, the community colleges will continue to accept applications for PACT for the fall semester on a first come, first served basis. Students who enroll now will receive priority in the order in which they are received, within available funding. CSCU plans to award at least an additional $1 million in PACT scholarships to eligible students.

“It is not too late for qualified students to attend college with no out-of-pocket expenses,” said Dr. David Levinson, interim president of Connecticut State Community College. “All potential college students should strongly consider a community college. With free community college and seamless transfer to our universities, students can earn even earn a four-year degree while saving tens of thousands of dollars. It’s a win-win, but potential students should not wait. Enroll today at ct.edu/pact.”

In order to qualify for PACT, potential students must meet the following requirements:

• Be a graduate of a public or private Connecticut high school (GED and homeschooled students qualify).
• Be a first-time college student (those who participated in dual enrollment programs while in high school are not excluded).
• Fill out FAFSA and accept all awards.
• Attend community college full-time (12 or more credits per semester).
• Enroll in classes today for first come, first served consideration.
• Participate in a degree or credit-bearing certificate program.
• Once enrolled, remain in good academic standing.

PACT is a last-dollar scholarship, so once students enroll in classes and complete all necessary financial aid documentation, including the FAFSA, PACT funding will be applied to their account.

LEARN MORE

Release July 27, 2020
Leigh Appleby, CSCU director of communications