President’s Newsletter — May 2021
Dear Colleagues,
As we conclude this academic year, I want to thank each of you for making it a smooth one despite the challenges we faced when we pivoted to online classes fourteen months ago. Each of you has been remarkable in your adherence to following safety protocols, and, due to your diligence, we have had very few COVID cases at TRCC.
We were able to host an in-person Commencement for our graduates. They came to campus on May 7 to walk across the stage in cap and gown, letting them experience the joy of graduation and the attainment of a degree or certificate. A virtual Commencement aired on May 29 at 2 pm on the college’s website. Thanks to the members of the Commencement Committee for all their work in planning and executing this ceremony.
During this year, we updated the strategic plan, made progress by establishing the diversity, equity and inclusion committees, and implemented the service learning agreements for the Enrollment Management and Student Services area. At the same time, our advising, admissions, financial aid, student services area, and tutoring center continued to provide services to our students. Services were delivered virtually as were system office meetings, president’s cabinet, and the various college committee meetings.
As we come to the conclusion of the spring semester, I want to express a gigantic THANK YOU for all the cooperation, consultation, and collaboration that I witnessed in various areas of the college this past year. For the faculty, thank you for all your efforts in reaching out to our students who experienced their own concerns, including managing college demands and learning issues for their children. For the staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment to support students at all times and in all ways!
Finally, Team TRCC, you have gone above and beyond to make the past fourteen months manageable. We are a stronger community for everyone’s conscientious efforts! Thank you!
May each of you take some time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate prior to the start of the fall semester!
With warmest wishes and appreciation
Mary Ellen
Commencement Was a Success!
Cinderella Mosley poses in front of the College.
The virtual Commencement video was successfully broadcast on Saturday, May 29 at 2:00 pm. You can view it at www.threerivers.edu/commencement.
Also on the webpage you can look at the Graduate Profiles, and read the speeches. The event garnered great coverage in the press. Check out these stories and pictures in The Day and in the Norwich Bulletin.
FOUNDATION NEWS
The Three Rivers College Foundation bestowed over $415,000 in scholarships to 152 students at the 28th Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 25. The awards were broadcast via a virtual video that can be found at www.threerivers.edu/scholarship.
This includes $50,000 in summer scholarships. The majority of the scholarships support students through the fall semester, but many students, who have exhausted their financial aid and cannot afford summer courses, benefit from the summer scholarships which expedites their path to graduation.
Student Programs Update
Along with the registrar’s office, Student Programs ran a successful diploma pick-up event on May 26 and 27. Graduates came to not only pick up their diplomas but were able to take pictures with their families and friends.
Congratulations Cynthia Arpin!
Congratulations to Associate Professor of Nursing Cynthia Arpin who has been named to the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing (CBEN).
The CBEN has the power and authority to determine, based on the Nurse Practice Act, the scope of practice of the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), the professional registered nurse (RN), and the licensed practical nurse (LPN). The board also oversees nursing programs of all levels.
Congratulations Cindy!
Farewell to our Colleagues
Three Rivers celebrated our colleagues at a gathering on Wednesday, May 12 for those who were retiring, transitioning to positions with the System Office, or leaving TRCC for new opportunities. A fond farewell to:
- Lori Angel
- Teri Ashton
- Barbara Billups
- Marcie Burch
- Patrick Burton
- Terri DeBarros Booth
- James Fonner
- Ana Gonzales
- Pauline Goyette
- Joan Graham
- Diane Jewett
- Jim Kelly
- Tony Mitta
- Gayle O’Neil
- Carolyn Prunier
- Roxanne Tisch
- Roy Tookes
- Sue Turner
- Meg Wichser
- Betty Williamson
Save the Date:
6/9 – In-Person, After Hours Application Night
6/14 – Mod 2 Summer Session Begins
6/19 – Virtual Super Saturday
7/5 – 4th of July Observed – College Closed
7/12 – Mod 3 Summer Session Begins
8/25 – All-College Meeting
8/26 – First Day of Fall Semester
In The Gallery
Marc Bryan, “When You Go Away,” Acrylic, Painting II Spring 2020, Instructor Sandra Jeknavorian
Student Art Show 2019-2021 Virtual Exhibition
The “Student Art Show 2019-2021” featuring the work of students of the Visual Fine Arts program is live on The Gallery webpage. It will run from April 30-August 27, 2021. The exhibit includes the following categories which are linked to the webpages showing the student work:
