The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Helena B. Witkowski Scholarship. This fund comes from Ms. Witkowski’s trust and reflects the largest bequest the QVCC Foundation has ever received. It will allow the Foundation to provide approximately $18,000 in annual scholarships to local students.

Helena B. Witkowski was born in 1927 and grew up on a dairy farm in North Grosvenordale, CT. An Honors graduate of Tourtellotte High School, she went on to the Connecticut Institute of Hairdressing and Cosmetology in Hartford, CT. Ms. Witkowski continued her education while caring for her parents and working full-time in the beauty salon she owned in Putnam, CT. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Connecticut State University and a certificate in education from the University of Krakow in Poland. Ms. Witkowski then joined the faculty at Harvard H. Ellis Regional Vocational and Technical High School in Danielson, CT. She spent many happy, memorable years teaching, mentoring and caring deeply for her students. She retired in 1986 as Department Head of Beauty and Culture.

“Helping students was a hugely important part of my aunt’s life and it gives me so much pleasure to give this to QVCC students on her behalf,” said Edward C. Dalterio, nephew and trustee of the Helena B. Witkowski Trust. Monique Wolanin, Director of Institutional Advancement shared, “We are forever indebted to this trailblazing woman. Helena’s inspirational story illustrates the importance of remembering where once started by giving back to that community. This fund will serve residents of Northeast Connecticut for generations to come.”

A full scholarship awarded to Putnam High School student Jeffrey Reed

The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation has awarded $140,000 in scholarships 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 worthy recipients.

Monique Wolanin, QVCC director of institutional advancement, was excited about awarding a newly established full-scholarship endowed by Steve and Marge ’87 ‘88 Townsend. Wolanin stated, “This year, for the first time in the Foundation’s 48 year history, thanks to the generosity of Steve and Marge Townsend, the Foundation awarded 1 full $5,000 scholarship to Putnam High School student Jeffrey Reed in recognition of his stellar high school achievements. This scholarship is renewable for year 2, effectively providing Jeffrey the opportunity to earn his Associate’s degree at QVCC free! Thank you to the Townsends and to the hundreds of donors who support the QVCC Foundation on an annual basis.”

Townsend Scholarships

The Townsends awarded 29 scholarships this year. Steve 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 is an active community volunteer whose hard work and dedication has helped many. Steve and Marge are proud Putnam High School graduates and the first members of their respective families to attend college.  They hope that in providing these scholarships, students will pursue their dreams and one day be in a position to help others do the same.

Released: May 2, 2019

QVCC’S COMMITMENT TO A DEBT-FREE EDUCATION FOR EASTERN CONNECTICUT

$140,000 in Foundation Scholarships, Full Scholarship Award and Recent Open House Scholarship Winners

DANIELSON, CT —The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation is offering $140,000 in scholarships for the 2019-2020 academic year. With the rising cost of higher education, QVCC is proud that the last eight graduating classes left QVCC with NO Federal Student Loans. State grants and scholarships from The Foundation and excellent financial aid advising provide a debt-free college education for QVCC students.

The majority of scholarships are available to new (incoming) QVCC students, as well as returning students and most require a minimum GPA of 3.0., but several scholarships are for QVCC students graduating in May. This spring will be the first time The Foundation awards the Steven & Marjolaine ’87, ’88 Townsend Putnam High School Scholar’s Scholarships. This includes a full-scholarship to a resident of Putnam who is graduating from Putnam High School in 2019, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The College continues to help our residents become students. Kaitlin, senior at Killingly High School, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship for the 2019-2020 academic year for applying to the College and attending the fall open house. The spring open house is on Wednesday, March 6, at 6 p.m. at the Danielson campus. One student who applies on or before March 6 and attends Open House will be awarded a $1,000 for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Aaron, who was able to start this spring in the Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Program, won a $500 scholarship for attending the January Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center (AMTC) Information Session. The AMTC endowment has continued to grow due to the generosity of our business partners in Northeast Connecticut and currently stands at more than $500,000. Current students have earned monetary awards for achieving scholastic success, the Dean’s List and for remaining in the program for a second semester.  The fund has helped more than 50 students to successful completion. The next AMTC Information session will be held on March 28, 2019 at 5 p.m.

Learn more:

• Listing of Available Scholarships
• Online application
• Additional documents

Scholarship applications and additional documents are due to the College by Friday, March 8, 2019

Released February 27, 2019

More than 125 people turned out last evening to Celebrate a Legend, Roast and Reminisce, Dr. Robert E. Miller, QVCC Founding President and QVCC Foundation Member Emeritus.  In a heartfelt program, individuals who represented Bob’s ideals had the opportunity to share their stories about his dedication in helping to establish a college in Northeast Connecticut and his passion for the community where he still resides.

Karen Osbrey, the longest serving QVCC Foundation Member, served as emcee and welcomed stories and anecdotes about Dr. Miller.  Profound accolades were shared by Dr. Carlee Drummer, QVCC President, Dianne E. Williams, QVCC President Emeritus; Dr. Cathryn Addy, Former Tunxis Community College President; family members Anne Miller and Paul Miller; Aili Galasyn, QVCC Foundation member emeritus and Regional Advisory Council member; and Joseph Adiletta, QVCC Foundation Vice President.  Special thanks to QVCC Alumni Linda Colangelo ’03, who sang a beautiful tribute song for Dr. Miller and Elijah Dufour ‘18, who played piano throughout the night.  A tribute video was created in Dr. Miller’s honor and included QVCC’s first employee and former Dean of Administration John Boland, Lynn Pasquerella ’78, President, American Association of Colleges and Universities and many past and current members of the QVCC faculty and staff.  Joseph Adiletta had the honor of announcing the newly established Dr. Robert E. Miller Educational Advancement Fund.  The fund was established to recognize the incredible role Dr. Miller has played in the lives of thousands of Quinebaug Valley Community College students because of his vision, leadership and commitment to providing access to higher education in Northeast Connecticut.  The Foundation will be launching a $1.5 million capital campaign to fund the endowment.

Anne Miller stated, “Last night’s event was a heartwarming tribute to our father from the community he loves.  It was a clear example of why Northeast Connecticut is indeed a special place that values the mark that the college and our father’s work has left on the region and its residents.  We are very grateful to have the opportunity to honor our father alongside the people who have helped to accomplish the goals he has dedicated his life to.”

For additional information regarding the Dr. Robert E. Miller Educational Endowment Fund, please contact QVCC Director of Institutional Advancement, Monique Wolanin, or 860.932.4174.

Released January 10, 2019

More than $10,000 Raised by Students, Staff, Faculty and Community

Northeast Connecticut, once again, showed their outpouring of support for students at Quinebaug Valley Community College on #GIVINGTUESDAY.  As of this morning, the Foundation received $10,053 in donations, which exceeds the 2017 effort by $3,000.

#GivingTuesday is celebrated annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving.  QVCC President Dr. Carlee Drummer and husband Michael matched donations up to $2,500.  Dr. Drummer stated, “My husband Michael and I strongly believe in the power of community college education. So many QVCC students would not be able to attend college without financial support received. Giving Tuesday brings into clear focus the true meaning of this beautiful season. In the words of

Kathy Calvin, President of the United Nations Foundation, ‘Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.’”

Students in QVCC Acapella took charge in collecting on-campus donations. Monique Wolanin, Director of Institutional Advancement said, “#GIVINGTUESDAY really takes place year round as hundreds of community members always “step up” and show their belief in education as a “hand-up.” Special thanks to Kevin Cole and his team at Zip’s Diner, Gary and Karen Osbrey at WINY, and Carlee and Michael Drummer for their roles in making this year’s our best yet!”

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: November 28, 2018

DANIELSON, CT —  The Quinebaug Valley Community College Foundation, once again, has raised the bar in their fundraising efforts to ensure that the residents of Northeast Connecticut have access to an affordable higher education.  Events this fall will raise $120,000 to support a debt-free education.

The 26th Annual Golf Tournament was held on Wednesday, September 19, at Connecticut National Country Club, Putnam, CT.  Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and players, the Foundation raised $70,000 at this year’s outing.  First Place Team, with a score of 56, included Brendan, Jared and Michael Meehan, and Ryan Salvas.

The fifth Annual Tackle the Trail,^TM 20 mile chipped time race will take place on Saturday, October 20 from Pomfret, CT to Willimantic, CT. The race is open to individuals and teams with a registration cut-off date of October 10th.  Runners have registered from across all New England states.  The 2017 race winners included first place male John Xeller, 2:11:16 and first place female Amanda Rossolimo, 2:21:39, which was a course record. More than 300 runners are expected and the event will raise $50,000.

Proceeds from both events enable a debt-free education at QVCC. A special thanks to all the gracious sponsors for both events. Registration and race details can be found at www.qvcc.edu/tacklethetrail . Questions regarding the race should be directed to Race Director, Monique Wolanin,  860.932.4174.

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 October 4, 2018