Community leaders and partners from Naugatuck Valley Community College’s 22-town service region gathered for the College’s ninth annual Community Meeting on June 15, to discuss NVCC’s progress “Toward a Splendid College,” as outlined in its 2016-2026 strategic plan and to brainstorm enhancements to community engagement initiatives and building partnerships for the coming year.
“This is a moment in history when states are choosing to support community colleges,” said NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., “as the agents who drive economic change and pave the road toward prosperity, we need to do at least the same as the rest of the country if not better because Connecticut has always been a leader.”
“This is end of my tenth year as the president of your community college and I’m proud to report that it has been a very productive and rewarding year,” President De Filippis continued. “We believe in our communities and in our partners; we believe in you; we believe in the awesome potential that our working together has to produce meaningful outcomes.”
Incoming Student Government Association President Tabitha Cruz discussed her uncertain path just before graduating from Waterbury Career Academy and how faculty and staff at the school were able to link her up with NVCC where she is now not only an engaged student but an active leader and ambassador for the College.
An honorary degree was conferred upon Nicholas M. Donofrio, a friend and advocate for the college and former chairman of Connecticut’s Board of Regents for Higher Education (2012-2016). This past Janaury, Donofrio established a fund to support NVCC students who work on campus during their pursuit of a degree. The project is based on the existing Jobs on Campus initiative established by President De Filippis in 2014. Donofrio’s gift supports the placement of students into campus positions that support their academic goals. President De Filippis was joined by Yvette Melendez, Vice Chair of the Board of Regents, to present Donofrio with an honorary degree.
Accepting the degree with great humility and honor, Donofrio gave brief remarks on leadership, the importance of access to affordable higher education, and commended the College on the transformative power it has had for many students and communities, “I consider myself honored to be a member of your community,” he said.
The Honorable Neil M. O'Leary, Mayor of Waterbury, discussed the importance of supporting education, “Education is the clear path to success,” he said also noting his gratitude for being part of the NVCC’s community.
The meeting continued with the Honorable Pete Bass, Mayor for the City of New Milford discussing the challenges that his community is experiencing and with overviews by Dave Celotto, Program Director for NVCC’s Bridge to College Office; Rob Sheftel, Director of NVCC’s Academic Center for Excellence; and Jose Feliciano, Program Director for the Hispanic Federation of Connecticut which oversees project CREAR Futuros that works to improve Latino college success through peer mentoring.
Community members then participated in round-table discussions about their challenges and strengths. Their feedback and ideas will be incorporated into NVCC’s strategic plan implementation.
*Photo shows (L-R) NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., Nicholas M. Donofrio, a friend and advocate for the college and former chairman of Connecticut’s Board of Regents for Higher Education (2012-2016), Yvette Melendez, Vice Chair of the Board of Regents.