The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
MxCC Foundation honors donors at virtual meeting
MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex Community College Foundation announces recipients of its donor recognition awards, presented during a virtual annual meeting Nov. 19. The foundation also elected two new members of the Board of Directors and selected the winners of the Red Moon fundraising raffle.
Retiring state Rep. Joseph Serra, D-Middletown, received the Distinguished Alumni Award, according to a press release. This year is also the 50th anniversary of his graduation from Middlesex Community College in 1970. A long-time advocate for community college education, Serra was also instrumental in finding the property for the college’s Middletown campus on Training Hill Road, the release said.
Gerard Kerins was presented with the Donor Recognition Award for his significant support of the David Champion Memorial Scholarship. Established in 2017, this scholarship is awarded to a hardworking veterinary technology student each year.
“It’s nice to think in a small way these donations help students,” Kerins said in a prepared statement.
Middletown community leader Patti Anne Vassia received the Corporator Award, which recognizes her long history with the foundation as a dedicated corporator. These individuals serve as ambassadors and advocates by helping to increase public awareness and support for the college, according to the college.
“Patti has an amazing ability to network with people, and has extended her relationships to include faculty, staff, and leadership at MxCC to ensure we are part of the conversations that address community concerns,” MxCC CEO Steven Minkler said in the statement.
Former MxCC Foundation board officer James Probolus was acknowledged with the Legacy Award. The late Portland resident passed away earlier this year, and is recognized for his many years of service to the foundation. In 2018, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County presented James and Catherine Probolus with the Unsung Hero award to acknowledge their work with the foundation and other community groups.
“Advocating for the community college model is important for the community and the state,” Catherine Probolus said after accepting the award for her husband.
Foundation board chair Laura Krueger presided over the meeting, and Dean of Administration Kimberly Hogan and Minkler gave informative presentations about the state of the college and the foundation’s activities of the past year.
Riley McConnell, a communications student from Middletown, summarized her experience as a student representative on the MxCC Foundation board by stating, “Good leaders create a good community,” she said in the statement.
Laura Pieper, secretary of the foundation, introduced the two new board members, Chris Dibble and Richard Lenoce. Dibble is a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in Madison, and Lenoce is the program coordinator
and professor for digital media production at the college.
Right after the meeting, Hogan and MxCC professor Rick Eriksen selected the winners of the Red Moon raffle, which was also live streamed on Facebook and YouTube from the college’s broadcast studio in the Center for New Media. The Red Moon virtual kickoff event took place Oct. 3 and so far has raised nearly $40,000 to help fund scholarships and more for students, the release said.
Vassia took home the top prize, an outdoor pizza oven. Staff member Paul Carmichael won the Town Fair Tire package: a 40-inch monitor with Apple TV device went to Lauren Katusha; and other prizes were won by Elizabeth Wagner, Christine McCormack and Leonel Carmona.
To donate to the Middlesex Community College Foundation, visit mxcc.edu/foundation/giving.
A part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, MxCC offers more than 70 degree or certificate programs at the main 38acre campus in Middletown, MxCC@Platt in Meriden and online.