President’s Newsletter – Summer 2021
[mk_page_section bg_image=”https://threerivers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1615-1272.jpg” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” full_width=”true” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1469639571895{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=”true” tag_name=”h1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”80″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Oswald” font_type=”google” el_class=”page-title”]President’s Newsletter — Summer 2021
[/mk_fancy_title][vc_empty_space height=”100px” el_class=”page-titlebg” css=”.vc_custom_1520625342881{background-color: rgba(203,29,92,0.8) !important;*background-color: rgb(203,29,92) !important;}”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1469635777230{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row fullwidth=”true”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1629988783649{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.
—William Shakespeare
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome back for the start of the 2021-2022 academic year! As the summer days of August wane, the leaves on the trees gradually turn colors, and the sun sets earlier, we can see that summer is coming to an end and now it’s time to turn our attention to the start of the fall semester.
I am really looking forward to having faculty and staff back on campus. It will be wonderful to welcome the new first year students who are beginning their college career as well as letting our returning students know that we missed having them on campus last year. I am also looking forward to catching up with faculty and staff, hearing how each of you are surviving COVID. It was eerie being in the building last year with so few people around. Hopefully, this return to a more “normal” year will see more activities to engage students as well as provide the opportunity for them to meet other students.
We will have a busy year ahead of us preparing for our reaccreditation visit scheduled for Fall 2022. Self-Study committees will be busily working to address and write the section for each of the nine standards. A draft report will hopefully be completed by the end of May so that we can submit it to NECHE for review before we submit the final draft in early August. In addition, we will be reengaging the community in the Achieving the Dream committee work on diversity, equity and inclusion. At the same time this is occurring, the Connecticut State Community College will be developing and writing the Substantive Change Report to be submitted to NECHE in January 2022 for Commission review at the March 2022 meeting. We as a community will need to continue to focus on increasing student enrollment and increasing retention and graduation rates. As a community, everyone’s efforts will be needed as the familiar adage says, “It takes a village to educate a child.”
I am excited to see all of you. I want each of you to know that I am committed to creating a community where we will keep each other safe by practicing the protocols mandated by the system office and where we will make teaching and providing an engaging learning environment a priority.
May each of you have a productive semester!
With best wishes,
Mary Ellen
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1567101279856{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1622655100580{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1629991349729{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Covid-19 Vaccine Mandated for Students, Faculty and Staff
This summer, the Board of Regents voted to require all students who participate in on-campus activities this fall to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That means if a student will attend class or extracurricular activities in-person, they must first get vaccinated. Vaccines will also be required for faculty and staff. There will be an allowance of medical and non-medical exemptions for students, faculty and staff. Those that are not vaccinated will be required to be tested weekly. The vaccines that are currently authorized in the United States are safe, highly effective, and critical to resuming normal operations at our campuses this fall.
Now is the time to get vaccinated. With more infectious, more severe variants becoming more and more prevalent, getting your shot is the best way to protect yourself and your family. People with medical and non-medical waivers will be tested weekly.
There will be a vaccine clinic this Saturday, August 28, in the Multi-Purpose room. Learn more here.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1622655100580{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1629982680502{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Student Programs Update
Student Programs hosted the first in-person new student orientation on August 19. It included 87 students and their families. It was the first in-person event they have had at Three Rivers in 18 months, and it was a huge success!
FOUNDATION NEWS
The Three Rivers College Foundation announced the establishment of the Mark Vesligaj Memorial Scholarship. This endowed fund will award annual scholarships to deserving Three Rivers students enrolled in STEM, preferably engineering, who have shown growth and genuine commitment in pursuing their educational goals.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1572893345427{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1629990169640{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Three Rivers Celebrates Two Radgowski Graduates!
Russell Perillo and Chad Whitehead, two students at the Radgowski Correctional Institute in Montville, finished their certificate in Environmental Health & Safety Management this spring.
Kevin Kelly spearheaded a brief ceremony to celebrate their hardwork and perseverance, and Professor Diba Khan-Bureau presented them with their certificates. The certificate consisted of eight total classes which were completed by these students over the last three years while incarcerated.
Three Rivers Hosts S.T.E.P.S Program
S.T.E.P.S., Inc., a Groton-based nonprofit organization which stands for Striving Toward Empowered Personal Success and whose mission is to empower young women, held a four-week summer college and career enrichment program. It ran from July through August 6 and was held at local college campuses. The group spent the longest period at the Three Rivers campus.
S.T.E.P.S offered STEM workshops where girls aged 16 to 19 learned from professionals working in STEM fields and engaged in STEM-based activities, such as building drones. The girls also participated in activities, such as yoga and meditation, and went on field trips and college tours. Learn more here.
Amanda Stanberry, left, 16, of Groton, and Alexis Wheeler, 15, of Mystic, work on Morse Code bracelets during S.T.E.P.S. Inc.’s summer program at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich on Monday, July 19, 2021. The four-week summer STEM enrichment program for teenage girls provides them an opportunity to learn about STEM career paths and socialize with peers from outside their high schools. (Sarah Gordon/The Day)
Other Links:
Three Rivers Campus Calendar on Google
TRCCConnect, Student Programs Calendar
Save the Date:
8/26 – First Day of Fall Semester
8/28 – Last Chance Registration Event
8/28 – Free Vaccination Clinic
9/6 – Labor Day – College Closed
9/17 – Constitution Day, classes in session
10/19 – Reading Day
11/1 – Winter and Spring Registration begins for Current Students
11/8 – Winter and Spring Registration begins for New Students
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In The Gallery
“The Future is Latinix” brings together eleven exceptionally talented and critically engaged artists who challenge the myths that belittle their Latin American roots, unpack narratives of immigration twisted by politicians and media, and allow us to see a true reflection of their lives and dreams. It will run from August 30 – October 1, 2021.
This exhibition was presented at Eastern Connecticut State University Art Gallery in the Fall of 2020 and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read [case number: 00026859]. Curated by Julia Wintner, aka Yulia Tikhonova, Coordinator, Eastern Art Gallery and Museum Services.
Tanya Aguinia, “America’s Wall,” video still, 2018.
President’s Newsletter – May 2021
[mk_page_section bg_image=”https://threerivers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1615-1272.jpg” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” full_width=”true” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1469639571895{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=”true” tag_name=”h1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”80″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Oswald” font_type=”google” el_class=”page-title”]President’s Newsletter — May 2021
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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
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1567101279856{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1622655100580{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1622662606928{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]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.
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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.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1622741349210{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]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.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1572893345427{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1622742344800{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]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!
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1572629552993{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1622742475299{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]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
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Other Links:
Three Rivers Campus Calendar on Google
Surge, Student Programs Calendar
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
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1622662555885{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #e2e2e2 !important;}”]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:
President’s Newsletter – April 2021
[mk_page_section bg_image=”https://threerivers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1615-1272.jpg” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” full_width=”true” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1469639571895{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=”true” tag_name=”h1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”80″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Oswald” font_type=”google” el_class=”page-title”]President’s Newsletter — April 2021
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Dear Colleagues,
I hope you are noticing and enjoying the beauty of spring’s colorful display and the sun’s warmth. At the same time, we are coming to the final turn of the spring semester.
Preparations are in progress for the Graduation ceremony that will be taped on May 7, the Nursing Pinning ceremony on May 14, and the Lavender graduation on May 20.
We are also making preparations as a community to celebrate the life of Mark Vesligaj, beloved faculty member, who passed this March, with a celebration of his life. Mark Comeau is chairing a committee to plan this celebration and details will be forthcoming.
Thank you to those who were able to join us at the “town hall” meeting that was held on April 30. If you were not able to attend, we have posted information about reopening on the website. All questions and safety/health concerns about returning to campus should be directed to Shaylah Carbone, HR Generalist. Details on hours, policy, and recommendations were emailed out with notice of the meeting and will also be available on threerivers.edu/coronavirus.
As a community, I want to thank each of you for the outstanding efforts that I have witnessed by faculty and staff to reach out to students to respond to their needs. I am looking forward to a return to normalcy with the College being open to the public on August 2 and classes on ground on August 25th.
Enjoy the remaining days of the spring semester.
With warm wishes,
Mary Ellen
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COVID-19 continues to change how we celebrate our graduates. This year we will once again have a broadcasted video, but this time, rather than photos of the graduates, it will include video of students receiving their diploma. Graduates who chose to participate, will come to campus on May 7 in scheduled blocks to walk across the stage in cap and gown and be personally congratulated by President Mary Ellen Jukoski. This recording will be edited in with speeches and other Commencement staples. The video will be broadcast on Saturday, May 29 at 2:00 pm. You can view it and get more details at www.threerivers.edu/commencement.
There will also be a Diploma Pickup Event on May 26 and 27 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Graduates can drive by to pick up their diplomas at the clock tower. Caps and gowns are not required, but there will be a photo station available if you’d like to take pictures in your cap and gown. Guests are allowed and encouraged, so graduates can take pictures with friends and family.
We also have a 2021 Graduate Profiles page again. You’ll be able to see profiles of our graduates who participated and sign their guest book to wish them the best by clicking here.
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Scholarship in Mark Vesligaj’s Name
Donations are still being accepted for a scholarship in Mark Vesligaj’s memory. Visit www.threerivers.edu/giving to donate.
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FOUNDATION NEWS
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- Three Rivers College Foundation Awards $250K in Spring scholarships with more than 300 students received awards for tuition and fees, technology and book support!
- The Scholarship and Award Virtual Video Celebration will showcase on May 25 – look for the link in the coming weeks.
- Mark your calendars! There’s still time to join us for our Golf tournament on Monday, May 24 at Great Neck Golf Club. Please consider joining us as a golfer, sponsor, or volunteer. To register, fill out the form found here.
Changes to the Newsletter!
Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey on the newsletter! In response to your feedback, we are not going to change much, except make it a little briefer.
If you have news you’d like to share with the College, email Alexa at ashelton@threerivers.edu. Keep in mind the news pieces should be short and to the point — more of a “shout out” than an article.
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Congratulations Dr. Vandana Basu
Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Math and Science Dr. Vandana Basu on receiving a Board of Regents Teaching Award. The awards are given to faculty who best exemplify high quality teaching.
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Things are very busy in Student Services. Summer and Fall Registration are in full swing. They held a successful Virtual Advising Days that served 203 students in the two-day event. Admissions staff has been holding a number of successful virtual recruitment sessions that focus on different topics, like transferring, international students, parents and more. They are also planning Application Days at many local high schools, including NFA, Ledyard, Griswold, East Lyme, and Stonington.
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Student Programs Update
Student Programs is hustling and bustling with activity.
Currently we are looking forward to honoring and celebrating our student leaders at our annual student leader banquet. This year’s theme is Star Wars which was selected by the student government president Lorenzo Enderle. The banquet will be held May 21 at 6:00 pm via zoom.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1572629552993{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1619789767859{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Congratulations on Receiving Tenure and Promotions!
Congratulations to our colleagues who will be receiving tenure and promotions as of July 1, 2021.
Promotions
- Olan Angulo
- Skye Cohen
- Andrew Cullan
- Arnie DeLaRosa
- Meghan LaCasse
- Andrew Marvin
- Nicola Ricker
- Soumyashree Sahoo
- Sara Sonstroem
Tenure
- Andrew Cullan
- Kelly Molkenthin
Other Links:
Three Rivers Campus Calendar on Google
Surge, Student Programs Calendar
Save the Date:
5/7 – Recording of Graduates
5/14 – Nursing Pinning
5/17 – Last Day of Classes
5/20 – Lavender Graduation
5/14 – College Congress
5/24 – Foundation Golf Tournament
5/24 – Summer Session Mod 1 Begins
5/29 – Commencement Broadcast
5/31 – Memorial Day, College Closed
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1619787704799{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #e2e2e2 !important;}”]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:
- Beginning Drawing
- Advanced Drawing
- Beginning Painting
- Advanced Painting
- Ceramics
- Sculpture
- Design/Collage/Digital Art
President’s Newsletter – November 2020
[mk_page_section bg_image=”https://threerivers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1615-1272.jpg” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” full_width=”true” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1469639571895{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=”true” tag_name=”h1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”80″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Oswald” font_type=”google” el_class=”page-title”]President’s Newsletter — November 2020[/mk_fancy_title][vc_empty_space height=”100px” el_class=”page-titlebg” css=”.vc_custom_1520625342881{background-color: rgba(203,29,92,0.8) !important;*background-color: rgb(203,29,92) !important;}”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1469635777230{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row fullwidth=”true”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607452723063{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Dear Colleagues,
As we approach the end of the fall semester, one that has challenged all of us in different ways, I want to thank you for your hard work in ensuring that our students have had the opportunity to pursue their educational goals in spite of the challenges presented by the pandemic and the state budget.
I appreciate the stellar work of the faculty and staff and our facilities and security teams to serve our students. Along with Dean Barfield, I thank the faculty who participated in the listening tours held prior to Thanksgiving. We learned a lot about your teaching experiences, student issues you encountered, and the technology concerns students faced. We are in the process of putting all of the feedback together so that it can be shared with the entire faculty.
We are finalizing the committee membership of the NECHE Self-Study Standard committees, and we will kick this process off with the start of the spring semester. Nicola Ricker has agreed to serve as the Chair of the NECHE Committee for this very important process.
As we begin a holiday season that may cause mixed feelings due to the changes we need to make to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, let us not lose sight of what we are thankful for in our lives. I am so appreciative of the way that everyone at TRCC has stepped up and shown resiliency. You make me very proud to lead this institution. You have demonstrated that TRCC has the ability to pivot when needed to serve our students wherever they are.
With warm wishes,
Mary Ellen[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1567101279856{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607456087596{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Thanksgiving Drive Feeds 80 Student Families
80 students received Thanksgiving Dinners thanks to the hard work and generosity of the Three Rivers community. Alycia Ziegler and several of her work-study students helped Janet Hagen, who runs the Full Plate Food Pantry, with shopping and distribution of the dinners.
The Full Plate Food Pantry has continued feeding the community despite the pandemic changing how they distribute the food. Students can contact the pantry and receive assistance. The week before Thanksgiving they handed out 47 bags of groceries and toiletries. The toiletries were provided by Joyce Martin’s Human Service students with help from Alycia Ziegler. Phil Mayer and Betti Gladue have been managing the distribution of food items on Wednesdays.
Want to donate, lend a hand or need to use the food pantry? Visit the Full Plate Food Pantry webpage for more information. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.
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Library Support Staff Certification Program Renewed
Three Rivers recently received renewal of its Recognition Agreement with the American Library Association to provide Library Support Staff Certification (LSSC) courses. The online Library Technology Certificate program at Three Rivers is one of less than 25 community college or university providers in the country!
The program allows library support staff to demonstrate their competencies and become a Certified Library Support Staff. The LSSC means that a TRCC student who has successfully completed the program has attained and is prepared with specific knowledge and skills to work in libraries. Current library staff can increase their skills leading to improved performance and career attainment.
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FOUNDATION NEWS
Scholarship Funding
The LaMattina family committed $15,000 to support the Spring Scholarship Program. The Hargus family contributed an additional $2,500 toward the program, and Chelsea Groton Bank also donated $5,000. This funding will complement our current Summer and Fall programs.
Nursing Simulations Support
The Foundation continues to support Standardized Patients “telehealth simulation” for the nursing program! Students and faculty place telehealth phone calls to practice nursing care using telehealth assessments, planning, and evaluation of care.
The Foundation also purchased a birthing simulator. Students are required to learn about the care of women during labor and delivery, about the newborn, and post-delivery care for mom/baby/family. Under normal conditions, providing this experience can be challenging due to unknown timing of deliveries, emergency deliveries, and patient preferences.
With COVID, the nursing department was unable to provide this experience, nor are students able to participate in observational activities involving labor/ delivery/post-delivery nursing care. The Natalie Birthing Simulator will provide this experience in a simulated nursing experience.
In addition, the Foundation provided funding for “makeovers” of the Sim Essential and Sim 3G. The maintenance will provide necessary replacement and/or refurbishment of the equipment.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1572893345427{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607455897251{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Congratulations!
Congratulation to Professor of Nursing Lillian Rafeldt on earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Grand Canyon University. Her quality improvement project was titled, “Prayer, a Nurse’s Tool to Reduce Pain and Promote Comfort in Clients.” Lilian says, “The overall education enhanced the work I do here with nursing students, and my project supported a community of people in need of pain relief and comfort.” What an accomplishment!
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Virtual Advising Days and Open House Week a Success
Student Services has been working hard to continue to drive registration for the Spring semester. The pandemic has forced a switch to virtual modalities, but that didn’t slow them down.
Jodi Osborn, Associate Dean of Student Services, and Alycia Ziegler, Director of Student Activities, coordinated the event, which featured pre-registered spots, waiting rooms, and break out rooms, and it was all done virtually. Over the two day event, 159 students were advised.
Acting Director of Admissions Jonathan Lamiotte spearheaded a week of Virtual Open Houses. Each day classrooms of students at schools and individuals tuned in for a rundown on the advantages of Three Rivers. Financial Aid, Student Programs, degree programs, affordability and more were discussed. After each session, there were smaller breakout sessions on specific programs or areas of study.
Great job everyone![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1572629552993{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607372365139{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
More Virtual Events on the Horizon
Student Services is also holding special evening and Saturday registration events on December 5 and 9. These virtual events allow students to get the hands-on help they need outside of regular registration hours. Learn more here.
Workforce will also be holding two virtual open house events on December 8 and 15 to introduce prospective students to Three Rivers’ non-credit job skills training classes and program in Allied Health, Manufacturing, and Professional Development. Get all the details here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1572629552993{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_custom_sidebar el_class=”subpage-sidebar” sidebar=”sidebar-19″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1583427415767{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #e2e2e2 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”]
Other Links:
Three Rivers Campus Administrative Calendar on Google
Surge, Student Programs Calendar
Save the Date:
12/15 – Last Day of Classes
12/8 – Non-Credit Virtual Open House, 9:00-10:00 am
12/9 – Extended Hours Registration, 5:00–8:00 p.m.
12/15 – Non-Credit Virtual Open House, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
12/21-1/3 – Campus closed, faculty and staff to work remotely
12/25 – Christmas, College Closed
12/29 – Winter Classes begin
1/1 – New Year’s Day, College Closed
1/18 – Martin Luther King Day, College Closed
1/22 – Spring Semester Classes Begin
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1607456037289{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #e2e2e2 !important;}”]In The Gallery
Michael J. Peery, “Saturday, session one”, Oil on Canvas Paper, 16″x20″
Faculty and Staff Virtual Exhibition
The Faculty and Staff Virtual Exhibition is live on The Gallery webpage. It features up to 3 pieces each from faculty and staff members and will run through December 26, 2020.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row] READ MOREPresident’s Newsletter – October 2020
[mk_page_section bg_image=”https://threerivers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1615-1272.jpg” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” full_width=”true” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1469639571895{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=”true” tag_name=”h1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”80″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Oswald” font_type=”google” el_class=”page-title”]President’s Newsletter — October 2020[/mk_fancy_title][vc_empty_space height=”100px” el_class=”page-titlebg” css=”.vc_custom_1520625342881{background-color: rgba(203,29,92,0.8) !important;*background-color: rgb(203,29,92) !important;}”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1469635777230{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row fullwidth=”true”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1604080894347{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Dear Colleagues,
The semester is moving along quickly, and it is hard to believe October is over. I want to thank all of you for making things run so smoothly. There is nothing normal about this year, and balancing a remote learning and working environment has not been easy, but we are doing it and doing it well.
With the advent of colder weather and the arrival of flu season, it is more important than ever to wear our masks, socially distance, be vigilant about washing our hands, and get a flu shot. These preventative measures are the best strategy for slowing the uptick of Covid-19 cases in our area.
With the pandemic, the holidays will be different this year. As Thanksgiving approaches, consider giving to local food banks and pantries as many of our students and neighbors could use support.
Finally, don’t forget to turn back the clock this Sunday!
Best wishes,
Mary Ellen[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1567101279856{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1604082245450{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
All-College Meeting Focuses on Enrollment and Marketing
The All-College Meeting held virtually on October 21 is now available online. In addition to covering the College updates, this meeting focused on marketing, enrollment and admissions efforts for the Fall 2020 semester.
During the presentation, Alexa Shelton reviewed the marketing plan instituted for the Fall 2020 semester, Patrick Keller explained enrollment trends by looking closely at the data, and Jonathan Lamiotte covered the numerous admissions events and applications submitted in Admissions. Kevin Kelly explained that registration started strong and trailed off despite outreach by financial aid, as well as emails, a phone call campaign, and more. Jodi Osborn shared the massive amount of virtual advising meetings that took place from March through September (7,206!) as well as the need for faculty advisors to assist with registration for the spring.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1604072695617{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Advising Days has gone Virtual!
Advising Days has become a virtual event. Students can preregister for a 20-minute virtual session that will be held on Monday, November 2 or Tuesday, November 3.
They’ll have the opportunity to speak with an advisor and register for Spring classes early. To learn more about the event or register for a session, visit this page.
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FOUNDATION NEWS
The TRC Foundation recognized the need and has committed $250,000 to expand our current scholarship offerings to support students in the winter and spring semesters, which compliments the current Summer and Fall program.
The Foundation received $109,000 from Dominion Nuclear for their on-going support of the Nuclear Engineering Technology Program at Three Rivers. The scholarship application is now available at www.threerivers/dominion for 2021-2022
Many thanks to TRCC faculty and staff who have collectively raised over $10,000 to date to support the Annual Appeal. We look forward to the day when we can share the hallways of TRCC again. Will you join us in giving a gift to support the Foundation’s work? www.threerivers.edu/giving.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1572893345427{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1604083119271{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Covid-19 Reporting Form
There is now an easy to use webpage and form for help and for reporting Covid-19 cases, the TRCC Covid-19 Notification Site and E-Form for Staff, Faculty and Students.
The form walks you through the steps if you feel sick and what to do whether you are submitting on behalf of yourself or someone else (like a student in your class). It takes and reports contact information, dates that the person was on campus as well as what parts of campus and sends it all to TRCC’s Covid-19 Coordinator, Steve Goetchius. All information is confidential.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1572629552993{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1604072956095{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Winter Session Registration Opened Early
Registration was opened early for the Winter Session on Monday, October 26. This allowed TRCC to compete with other Colleges whose enrollment opens in October. Winter Session classes run from Tuesday, December 29 to Tuesday, January 19, enabling students to earn 3-4 credits in just three weeks.
Most of the courses are offered completely online, enabling students to take classes from the comfort of home. Classes cover a broad variety of subjects and fulfill general education requirements. They range from U.S. History to Principles of Sociology to Architecture of the World and more. For a complete list of offerings, visit threerivers.edu/winter.
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Bird and Bat Boxes Installed on Campus
Thanks to the hard work and perseverance of Environmental Engineering Technology Professor Diba Khan-Bureau and her students, bird and bat houses were installed around the Three Rivers Campus earlier this month.
This positive step for biodiversity and conservation was possible thanks to the group effort of the City of Norwich’s planning and zoning officials, the city engineer, the leadership and facilities at Three Rivers and the Community Foundation of Eastern CT.
There are more bird and bat houses to come, so keep an eye out for them.
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Professor Jim Sherrard Featured as a Program Accreditor
Professor Sherrard was pictured in the latest ABET Newsletter as one of their expert Program Evaluators.
ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental agency that accredits programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology. The agency accreditation provides assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards of the profession for which that program prepares graduates.
Great job, Professor Sherrard!
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Other Links:
Three Rivers Campus Administrative Calendar on Google
Surge, Student Programs Calendar
Save the Date:
11/2-3 – Advising Days
11/26-25 – Thanksgiving Recess – no classes
12/15 – Last Day of Classes
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1604066203996{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #e2e2e2 !important;}”]In the Gallery
David Fontaine, “Statue Study”,
Prisma color on toned paper, 20″ x 30″ Fontaine’s piece is part of the previous show, the Visual Fine Arts Program Graduate Exhibition.
Faculty and Staff Virtual Exhibition Coming November 9
On November 9, the Faculty and Staff Virtual Exhibition will be live on the gallery webpage. It will feature up to 3 pieces each from faculty and staff members and will run through December 26, 2020.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row] READ MOREPresident’s Newsletter – September 2020
[mk_page_section bg_image=”https://threerivers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1615-1272.jpg” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” full_width=”true” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1469639571895{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=”true” tag_name=”h1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”80″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Oswald” font_type=”google” el_class=”page-title”]President’s Newsletter — September 2020[/mk_fancy_title][vc_empty_space height=”100px” el_class=”page-titlebg” css=”.vc_custom_1520625342881{background-color: rgba(203,29,92,0.8) !important;*background-color: rgb(203,29,92) !important;}”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1469635777230{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row fullwidth=”true”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1602014528129{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Dear Colleagues,
It’s good to see some of your faces back on campus. It’s been a trying time since we departed in March amid a whirlwind of adjustments, as we moved to a largely virtual campus. I appreciate everyone who comes to campus and their willingness to incorporate our new Coronavirus protocols into their daily routines, which keep us all safer.
The beginning of this semester has been different than others, but I am happy to say it is progressing smoothly. I applaud you all for your flexibility, creativity and determination to do the best for our students even when so much has changed.
As we adjust to our new rituals and start the 2020-21 academic year, I want to wish each of you a personally satisfying and professionally rewarding year.
Best wishes,
Mary Ellen[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1567101279856{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1602000979526{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
TRCC Becomes a Successful Virtual Campus
Three Rivers did wonderful work this spring and summer in finding ways to support students in this unprecedented time.
The virtual commencement program and webpage were thorough, inclusive and meaningful.
The TRCC Commencement Crew passed out caps and gowns, programs and more.
Over the summer and into the fall, Student Services stepped up in a multitude of ways offering virtual everything – open houses, advising, general admission and nursing sessions, financial aid seminars, Virtual Saturdays, orientations and more. The Student Programs Office found ways to continue to engage students from their homes with the Quarantine Games, Welcome Week activities, and Virtual Fresh Check Days. The tutoring center and library adapted to virtual services. The TRC Foundation came forward with funding to help meet the technological needs of students without access to computers.
Faculty has had to make their own drastic adaptations, as first they needed to adapt to online teaching mid-semester, and now as many are teaching with new online modalities like LRON.
The campus underwent many changes suddenly while the people enacting them also dealt with uncertainty and anxiety at home. Despite these uneasy times, faculty and staff successfully came together with grace and determination to put students’ needs first and to transition to a thriving virtual campus.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1601911896533{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Student Success Story Grace Carlos
Congratulations to student Grace Carlos on her recognition in The Day for her civic calling and responsibility to community. We are lucky to have you as part of our Three Rivers Community! Read the article here.
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FOUNDATION NEWS
The Three Rivers College Foundation is excited to share the 2019-2020 Annual Report that highlights this past years achievements. We are grateful to our donors in their confidence of the Three Rivers College Foundation and look forward to supporting the Three Rivers College community.
TRCC Library Partners to Acquire Books
UCONN and the CSCU Library Consortium, and by extension Three Rivers, have partnered to acquire major university press eBook collections from Walter De Gruyter Inc. The first of its kind, this purchase lays the foundations for future library partnerships among all public institutions of higher education in Connecticut.
The partnership gives students, faculty, and staff at UConn and all CSCU institutions permanent online access to almost every book published by:
- Harvard University Press, 2000-2020
- Iberoamericana Vervuert, 1979-2020
- University of Chicago Press, 2017-2020
- Yale University Press, 2016-2020
Access to these approximately 4,800 books is through the De Gruyter platform, which allows chapter-by-chapter downloads in PDF format without restrictions on simultaneous users. Faculty may adopt these books in their courses. CSCU and UConn are also permitted to lend the whole eBooks to other libraries nationwide, enabling even more inclusive access.
The books are available now, and students, faculty, and staff may browse and access the newly acquired eBooks by visiting the Three River’s library website and searching for DeGruyterCT in the library’s catalog. To learn more about these ebook collections, please explore De Gruyter’s University Press Library.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1572629552993{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1602259447223{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
LRON Class Now Being Taught at York
The first “LRON” class is now happening at York Correctional Institute! Congratulations to Kevin Kelly and everyone who helped make this happen.
After testing the technology on the day prior, Gary Tobias began his “Customer Service” class with the students on Wednesday, October 7 at 8:30 am. Gary will be teaching remotely to both York and Radgowski. If all things go well, this should enable us to recruit new students at these facilities. Great work everyone!
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Technology Training Available
As the format of classrooms changed rapidly, faculty too needed to quickly adjust and learn to teach virtually. Over the summer, CSCU offered technology training on their website, which is still available here.
At Three Rivers, Kem Barfield and Amanda Caffary offered Coffee with EdTech sessions in Teams. They showcased Team’s features but also talked about anything related to EdTech as well as the questions that participants brought with them. Amanda, as well as EdTechs at all of the community colleges, ran summer sessions and accepted registrations from faculty at all colleges, not just Three Rivers. The sessions covered all things Blackboard – Getting Started, Grade Center, Assignments, Tests, Rubrics, and Bb Collaborate.
The Center for Teaching has also been running workshops that address not only the challenges of teaching online but also difficulty of teaching while many students are experiencing a crisis. There are also regular Water Cooler Chats held on Blackboard, where faculty can share their experiences with online learning.
The next workshop will be held Friday, October 16th from 9:30 – 11:00 am, for a TRCC CFT PD event: Lessons Learned: How I Would Approach Online Teaching with More Time to Prepare.
In addition to the events at the college, there is a CFT State Wide Professional Development opportunity: Spirit of Teaching: Resilience. It will be held Virtually on Friday,
October 23, 9:00 am -12:00 pm. This event will explore the theme in the context of our personal and professional lives: sharing our stories, offering times for reflection, and suggesting ways in which to foster resilience in ourselves and our students. Although Spirit is not a formal academic conference, the issues and questions raised will be grounded in contemporary research on our theme of resilience. Register here for this event no later than October 20.
More CFT events will be forthcoming, so watch for emails from Jennifer Nally.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1572629552993{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_custom_sidebar el_class=”subpage-sidebar” sidebar=”sidebar-19″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1583427415767{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #e2e2e2 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”]Other Links:
Three Rivers Campus Administrative Calendar on Google
Surge, Student Programs Calendar
Save the Date:
10/21 – All-College Meeting
10/22 – Club Fair
10/26-10/30 – Spirit Week
10/29 – Fall Fest
11/2-3 – Advising Days
11/26-25 – Thanksgiving Recess – no classes
12/15 – Last Day of Classes
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1602002552266{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #e2e2e2 !important;}”]In the Gallery
David Fontaine, “Statue Study”,
Prisma color on toned paper, 20″ x 30″
Virtual Visual Fine Arts Program Graduate Exhibition Spring 2020
Due to Covid-19, the Visual Fine Arts Program Graduate Exhibition has become a virtual show. It features work by the following students who graduated with an associate degree in Visual Fine Arts in Spring 2020 See the show here.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row] READ MOREPresident’s Newsletter – February 2020
[mk_page_section bg_image=”https://threerivers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1615-1272.jpg” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” full_width=”true” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1469639571895{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=”true” tag_name=”h1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”80″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Oswald” font_type=”google” el_class=”page-title”]President’s Newsletter — February 2020[/mk_fancy_title][vc_empty_space height=”100px” el_class=”page-titlebg” css=”.vc_custom_1520625342881{background-color: rgba(203,29,92,0.8) !important;*background-color: rgb(203,29,92) !important;}”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1469635777230{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row fullwidth=”true”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1583848637611{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Dear Colleagues,
During this month, the world’s leading thinker on innovation, Dr. Clayton Christensen, passed. In 2010, he delivered a powerful speech to the Harvard Business School’s graduating class. He offered a series of guidelines for finding meaning and happiness in life drawing upon his business research. He asks a series of questions: How can I be sure that I’ll find satisfaction In my career? How can I be sure that my personal relationships become enduring sources of happiness? How can I avoid compromising my integrity? The speech was published in a book entitled “How will You Measure Your Life?” What caught my attention in reading this small tome was a quote from Steve Jobs. “The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”
For me, this quote has particular meaning because earlier this month I attended the Achieving the Dream conference in Washington, DC, along with other members of the TRCC campus team. At this national conference we heard eight Achieving the Dream students share their poignant and inspiring stories of who they are, the obstacles they have overcome and how education is making a difference in their lives. Many in the audience were in tears, including myself, because we know the impact that a teacher or staff member can make in the lives of students.
I hope the spring semester has gotten off to a smooth start and that you are finding joy in doing the “great work” of teaching and supporting students!
Best wishes,
Mary Ellen[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1567101279856{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1583432704573{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Students Love Self-Care Valentines
On February 12, students attended the Self-Care Valentine event that promoted loving yourself. They had the opportunity to create self-care kits, decorating kindness rocks to leave around campus, cuddle a therapy dog and more. 
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Vets Club Raises $500 at Black Wolves Lacrosse Game
Congratulations to the Vets Club on raising $500 at Mohegan Sun on February 22 as part of the “First Responders” night at the Black Wolves lacrosse game. The members of the Vets Club sold numbered orange balls that were later tossed by the audience into a hoop from the stands. The ball closest to the circle won half the amount raised and the Vets club kept the other half. The Vets became the second organization to sell out and they did it before half time ended!
Thanks to all the members who attended and did such a great job!
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Associate Professor Frederick-Douglass Knowles II Receives Artistic Excellence Award in Poetry
Three Rivers Community College is excited to share that Associate Professor Frederick-Douglass Knowles II has received the Connecticut Office of The Arts: Artist Fellowship for Artistic Excellence Award in Poetry. Read more here.
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Three Rivers Student Speaks at Women’s Conference
Congratulations to Three Rivers Community College student Grace Carlos on being chosen to speak at the “Women’s Encounter,” a women’s conference put on by the Kingdom Mantles Ministry.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1583848714462{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #fdb515 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”].
FOUNDATION NEWS
- The Scholarship Application for high school seniors and new, continuing, or graduating students can be found online at threerivers.edu/scholarships. The application deadline is April 1, 2020.
- The Foundation continues to support Standardized Patients, which provides TRCC Nursing students with a realistic environment for certain simulated activities. The use of patient actors/actresses to create a real nurse-patient interaction is a valuable learning experience. Nursing educators are able to assess nursing care based on learning objectives with a sense of realism and nuances one might not experience with a mannequin simulator. The Standardized Patients are then able to offer nursing students feedback from the patient’s point of view during the debriefing.
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Quick News
• Thank-you to everyone who took the time to compete the ICAT Survey for Achieving the Dream. The results will be shared at an All-College Meeting/World Café on May 5 or May 6. The World Café is an Achieve the Dream meeting that is facilitated by the ATD coaches. They will lead a three-hour workshop to help analyze and learn from the survey results and includes a summary report.
• Michael Stefanowicz, Interim CSCU Associate Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, came to campus on Wednesday, February 26, to share the progress on the General Education Proposal. Michael went through the proposed core answering questions and soliciting feedback.
• Admissions hosted two High School Days on February 14 and February 28. 97 students attended over the two days from EastConn High School, Stonington High School, Montville High School, Old Saybrook High School, and Bacon Academy. Thank you to all who helped make the day a success.
• Sandra Jeknavorian will be a judge in the Congressional High School Arts Competition in conjunction with Congressman Joe Courtney’s office. Sandra has been involved as a judge for the event for several years and this year it is being hosted by NFA. The winner of the Congressional Arts Competition is flown to Washington, D.C. for a reception in the summer, and the winning artwork is displayed with the other winning works of art from across the country in the U.S. Capitol building until the next spring.
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Congratulations to Edie Ouellet on Defending her Dissertation
Director of Nursing and Allied Health Edith Ouellet pictured at the Spring 2019 Pinning Ceremony.
Earlier this month, Director of Nursing and Allied Health, Edith Ouellet, successfully defended her dissertation on “Missed Nursing Care among New Graduate Nurses: Is there a relationship between challenges they experience and prevalence of Missed Nursing Care?” Congratulations, Dr. Ouellet, on earning your Nursing, Ed.D. from Southern Connecticut State University![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1583246598501{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
TRCC Students part of Transfer Student Exhibition at the Hartford Art School
Congratulations to Ariana Bradley and Amanda Swan! These Three Rivers students have been accept to University of Hartford Art School and will be featured in the 2020 Community: Transfer Student Exhibition at the Hartford Art School. Amanda will be graduating in the Winter of 2020 and is going on to study Painting and Drawing. Arianna graduates this spring and will go on to study Illustration. The Transfer Student Exhibition will run from February 20 through March 12, 2020 at the Donald and Linda Silpe Gallery at 200 Bloomfield Avenue in the Hartford Art School.
Painting by Amanda Swan, who will be graduating Winter 2020.
Club Carnival
Students participated in games and learned about the over 30 clubs and special interest organizations that they could join at Club Carnival. There was free food, axe-throwing (!) and many opportunities to learn about the fun clubs on campus.
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Other Links:
Three Rivers Campus Administrative Calendar on Google
Surge, Student Programs Calendar
Save the Date:
3/9 – In Kind, Write a letter to a faculty or staff member to show appreciation for what they do
3/11 – The Management of Recreational Fishing and what it means for Connecticut’s Economy and Environment
3/15 – Read Across America
3/16-22 – Spring Break – classes not in session
3/25 – International and National Concerns of Stormwater Pollution: Stormwater and Low Impact Design
4/1 – Registration begins for Fall’20 and Summer ’20 Session
4/1-2 – Advising Days
4/8 – Day of Reflection, College Closed
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1643216249084{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #e2e2e2 !important;}”]In the Gallery
Glitter, featuring the works of Three Rivers own Roy Tookes, will be featured in The Gallery at Three Rivers from Monday, February 24 – Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Read the newspaper article about his show here or visit the gallery listing here.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1649771517265{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #e2e2e2 !important;}”]Three Rivers in the News
- His art is ‘a gift from God’
- Murphy talks to inmates about education
- Murphy visits York prison to discuss law that helps inmates afford college
- Murphy Bill Would Extend Pell Grants To Inmates
- Female inmates tell Murphy education is a line to outside world
- Sen. Murphy, aiming to expand Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students, hears from inmates at York Correctional Institution
- Rauh named Citizen of the Year
- Three Rivers CC Named ‘Military Friendly’ School
- Dean’s List
- Community News For The Putnam-Killingly Edition – Environmental Lecture Series
- Murphy sounds out health care providers on rising medical debt
- In the Schools: Aging of Millstone plants leaves plenty of questions
- Local students recognized for achievements
Students in the News
Faculty in the News
President’s Newsletter – January 2020
[mk_page_section bg_image=”https://threerivers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1615-1272.jpg” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” full_width=”true” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1469639571895{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=”true” tag_name=”h1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”80″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Oswald” font_type=”google” el_class=”page-title”]President’s Newsletter — January 2020[/mk_fancy_title][vc_empty_space height=”100px” el_class=”page-titlebg” css=”.vc_custom_1520625342881{background-color: rgba(203,29,92,0.8) !important;*background-color: rgb(203,29,92) !important;}”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1469635777230{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row fullwidth=”true”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1581101051529{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome back for the start of a new semester, a new year, a new decade! I hope the semester has started smoothly and that students are attending classes, actively participating in classroom discussions and completing assignments in a timely fashion. As I mentioned to you earlier, the enrollment numbers for spring are lower than anticipated. We will be doing an analysis to determine what activities we can promote to help increase the fall enrollment numbers. At the same time, we need to focus on retaining the students who are enrolled at the College.
This semester we will be focused on conducting surveys with faculty, staff and external stakeholders to collect data for our Achieving the Dream project. This feedback will help us assess the work that we are doing at the College and hopefully inform us of areas where we can improve. It is reassuring to know that many faculty and staff are very interested in how we can improve student success for minority groups at the College. We have the opportunity to make a difference for our students so let’s take advantage of this opportunity.
Have an amazing spring semester getting to know your students and seeing them achieve!
With best wishes,
Mary Ellen[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1567101279856{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1581095042428{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Achieving the Dream Update
- ATD introduced a new self-assessment tool known as the Institutional Capacity Assessment Tool (ICAT). It is based upon the seven capacities that ATD has determined that a college needs to be successful to meet its goals of improving student success and building a student focused culture. The seven capacities are: 1) Leadership and Vision, 2) Data and Technology, 3) Equity, 4) Engagement and Communication, 5) Teaching and Learning, 6) Strategy and Planning, and 7) Policies and Practices. The self-assessment ICAT survey was sent out to faculty, staff, administrators, and external stakeholders on February 4 by April Hodson. Please complete the survey by February 25. The survey will provide a basis for developing action plans as we move forward with student success work.
- On January 31, the Equity Champions attended their first meeting. The group is formed of faculty and staff volunteers who want to find ways to dismantle the barriers facing underserved students and for each student to receive what they need to be successful. The meeting began with a hard look at the Achievement Gap and was followed by table discussions on equity and brainstorming on the first small changes we can make to lessen the gap.
Professional Development Focuses on Student Success
On January 31 at Professional Development Day, sponsored by CFT, Three Rivers faculty and staff benefited from two collaborative sessions on student engagement and crisis. Guest speaker Dr. Michael Reder is the Director of the Joy Shechtman Mankoff Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning at Connecticut College, where he teaches contemporary literature & culture. He led an interactive workshop, “Student Success: Student Engagement, High impact Experiences and their Relationships to Student Learning,” that encouraged participants to reflect upon what it means to effectively engage students at Three Rivers. The workshop included self-reflection and discussion with peers.
The second guest speaker, Jeffrey V. Nixon, has been involved with Emergency Management and Public Safety since 1985 and is currently an Instructor of Criminal Justice at Three Rivers. His seminar was adapted from his full-day interactive workshop (Effective Response to Emotional Crisis). Faculty and staff learned about interpersonal dynamics in communication and the idea that crisis is in the eyes of the individual. Nixon discussed how our own observations and understanding directly impact our ability to find calm and respond mindfully and with empathy to those in crisis.
Meghan La Casse shares her experience with Dr. Reder and the audience during the Student Engagement portion of the program.
FOUNDATION NEWS
The TRC Foundation is off to a busy start in 2020 and has passed over $6 Million in assets as of December 31, 2019!
The Dominion Nuclear Scholarship Application DEADLINE is February 15.The ONLINE application can be found at www.threerivers.edu/dominion.
The ONLINE Scholarship Application for high school seniors, new, continuing, or graduating students can be found at www.threerivers.edu/scholarships. The deadline is April 1, 2020.
KUDOS to Professor Diba Khan-Bureau! She coordinated grant funding from the Community Foundation to support Environmental Engineering Technology students.
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- Two students are receiving paid internships at the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in Hartford working with analysts at landfill sites to monitor leaking contaminates. They are working on the list of leaking underground storage tanks which help them learn about environmental law and regulations to protect our natural environment. They are also learning how to monitor and report environmental noncompliance issues and any potential factors that could impact the environment.
- Another student works as a paid tutor for the environmental students as well as students in the Principals of Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering Technology program courses, which includes STEM courses. Students meet three times per week in the lab to go over homework assignments and to prepare for tests.
- A fourth student is a paid teaching assistant who works along side Professor Diba Khan-Bureau. She helps organize environmental activities including working in the vegetable and rain gardens and is currently working on installing bat houses at TRCC.
- The funding also paid for a bee expert to give a lecture to the College and community.
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Student Leader Training
On January 21, the Student Programs office partnered with Nancy Hunter-Denney, the Director of Lead365, and Dr. Jermaine Davis, Professor of Communication at Century College, to bring a small taste of a leadership conference to our students. Students completed leadership priority assessments, worked in groups to navigate proper customer service behavior, and listened to Hunter-Denney and Davis lecture on the importance of time management, self-reflection, and reputation. At the end of the day, the students received a certificate of completion from the Three Rivers Community College Leads initiative that Student Programs is developing.
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Legislators Learn about the Expansion of Manufacturing Programs at the Annual Legislative Update
On Monday, January 27, Three Rivers Community College hosted a Legislative Update that included a thorough briefing on the expansion of both credit and non-credit Three Rivers manufacturing programs. In attendance were State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), State Representative Doug Dubitsky (R-47), State Senator Paul Formica (R-East Lyme), and State Representative Gregg Haddad (D-54), as well as local business and school leaders, Three Rivers College Foundation Board Members, members of manufacturing associations, and faculty, staff, and students from the College. Learn more here.
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Super Saturday Draws Crowd
All hands were on deck for Super Saturday, held on January 11. 92 students checked-in at the welcome desk in the clock tower entrance and were directed on to the resources that they needed. The cashier’s office assisted 70 people, 67 students were registered, and 76 students were advised! Great job A-Wing and many thanks to all who came in on a Saturday to help.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1581097925633{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
New Student Orientation Shows Incoming Students the Ropes
On January 16, the Student Programs office held a new student orientation to welcome the newest members of the Three Rivers community. Among other things, they were introduced to Blackboard and MyCommnet by Amanda Caffary, were taught College 101 by Jodi Calvert, and spent time with the Student Programs Office to learn about all that they offer.
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Legislators Visit TRCC to Discuss PACT
State Senator Will Haskell, State Representative Gregg Haddad, and State Senator Cathy Osten visited campus on Monday, January 27 to discuss PACT, the state’s debt-free community college program. The three explained the new program, how it will be funded as well as its limitations.
The program begins this fall and allows qualified Connecticut residents to pursue a degree or certificate tuition- and fee-free. To participate, students must enroll full-time, be Connecticut high school graduates, be first-time college students, complete their FAFSA, and apply and register prior to July, 15 2020. To learn more visit threerivers.edu/pact.
Senator Haskel discusses PACT while Senator Osten looks on.
Other Links:
Three Rivers Campus Administrative Calendar on Google
Surge, Student Programs Calendar
Save the Date:
2/5 – Environmental Issues Seminar: Bird Conservation across Connecticut and Specifically in the Lyme Forest Block
2/12 – Using GPS to Reveal the Secret Lives of Mountain Lions
2/14 – Classes not in session, college open
2/17 – Classes not in session, college closed
2/19 – Approaches to Eating in the United States: Consequences of our Health and Environment
2/26 – The History of the Green Lawn Dilemma: Coastal Water Quality Challenges in Connecticut
2/28 – Last day to apply for spring (May ’20) graduation
2/28 – Last day to apply for summer (August ’20) graduation
3/4 – Algal Diversity and Environmental Health
3/11 – The Management of Recreational Fishing and what it means for Connecticut’s Economy and Environment
3/16-22 – Spring Break – classes not in session
3/25 – International and National Concerns of Stormwater Pollution: Stormwater and Low Impact Design
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1578411424841{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #e2e2e2 !important;}”]In the Gallery
Barbara Hocker, “Waterfall Library,” 16 hardcover accordion books, pigment prints, konzo paper, moire satin, ribbon, variable dimensions, 2018.
Paper as Metaphor, a curated show by Matthew Best featuring works by Barbara Hocker and Karl Goulet, will be featured in The Gallery at Three Rivers from Thursday, January 16, 2020 through Wednesday, February 19, 2020. The opening reception will be held Friday, February 7 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Learn more here.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1643215910648{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #e2e2e2 !important;}”]Three Rivers in the News
- Register now for spring courses at Three Rivers Community College
- Three Rivers Registration Open
- Eastern Bank CEO Lisa Griffin named St. Patrick’s Day parade grand marshal
- Full scholarships available for Three Rivers Community College Nuclear Engineering Technology Program
- Nuclear Engineering Technology Scholarships
- Griffin named St. Patrick’s Day parade grand marshal
- Art Smart: Exhibits at Connecticut’s galleries and museums
- Free Seminars At Three Rivers CC On Environmental Issues
- Three Rivers Offering Series of Seminars on Environment
- Registration Still Open For Spring Courses At Three Rivers CC
- Three Rivers offers 16 full scholarships for nuclear engineering program
- Grant program helps CT inmates look toward the future
Students in the News
Alumni in the News
President’s Newsletter – December 2019
[mk_page_section bg_image=”https://threerivers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1615-1272.jpg” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” full_width=”true” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1469639571895{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=”true” tag_name=”h1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”80″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Oswald” font_type=”google” el_class=”page-title”]President’s Newsletter — December 2019[/mk_fancy_title][vc_empty_space height=”100px” el_class=”page-titlebg” css=”.vc_custom_1520625342881{background-color: rgba(203,29,92,0.8) !important;*background-color: rgb(203,29,92) !important;}”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1469635777230{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row fullwidth=”true”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1578422598080{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Dear Colleagues,
The month of December came upon us and as usual we experienced the adrenaline rush of finalizing the fall semester with final exams and projects, submitting grades, and preparing for the holidays and gifting those we love. In spite of this tumult of activity, Mother Nature blanketed the region with a winter snowfall and ice-covered trees glistened in the sunshine. All of this a reminder that the autumn season was over and that winter solstice would soon be approaching with its own unique beauty. The month of December saw a flurry of snowflakes that replicated the activities in and outside of the classroom. This month also celebrated 36 nurses who completed the nursing program.
As we reflect on the fall semester and engage in and enjoy winter activities, let’s celebrate the semester that we completed and enjoy the lull of semester break before we begin the pace of the spring semester.
I hope your holidays were merry and that the new year and a new decade brings health, happiness and prosperity to each of us!
Celebrate and enjoy!
Cordially,
Mary Ellen[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1567101279856{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1578342463409{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
36 Nurses Pinned!
On Friday, December 13, Three Rivers held its fifty-fourth Nursing Pinning Ceremony, and hundreds of friends and family gathered to watch their loved ones take the final step in becoming nurses. During the ceremony, 36 nursing students of the Class of Fall 2019 received their nursing pin, marking the completion of their nursing degree and serving as a symbol of their readiness to be compassionate professional caregivers.
Graduates and guests were able to hear from President Jukoski, Dean Rob Farinelli, former faculty and keynote speaker Krista Prendergast, along with class speaker Katelyn Chenail. The new nurses received the Three Rivers nursing pin designed by the first class to graduate from what was then Mohegan Community College in 1975.
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FOUNDATION NEWS
William F. Muenzner Memorial Scholarship exceeds $25,000
The William F. Muenzner Memorial Scholarship has exceeded the initial pledge of $25,000! Thanks to the generosity of the Muenzner family, friends and community, the TRC Foundation will be awarding the inaugural scholarship this spring.
ANNUAL APPEAL
Thank you for joining us in giving a gift to the Annual Appeal. To date, we have received $22,899!
As a thank you – the following get to enjoy a “parking perk” for 2020.
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- January – Terry Browder
- February – Sandra Dean
- March – Bill Dopirak
- April – Pamela Carroll
- May – Phil Mayer
- June – Barbara Billups
- July – Matt Burbine
- August – Meg Wichser
- September – June Decker
- October – Mike Carta
- November – Janet Hagen
- December – Terri DeBarros-Booth
The TRC Foundation is committed to helping foster our students’ love of learning. We are dedicated to providing pathways of success for our students through funding scholarship programs, professional development, and a myriad of other vital College initiatives.
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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1578671634889{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Adventures in Lifelong Learning Celebrate a Successful Year
On December 4, Adventures in Lifelong Learning held a wrap-up reception. President Mary Pineault reflected on the productive year that included presentations from faculty as well as from outside presenters such as journalists, doctors, authors, and more. Over the year, the group held discussions on health, art, nature, music, and travel. During the wrap-up, Three Rivers President Mary Ellen Jukoski thanked the many volunteers that make the Adventures in Lifelong Learning run smoothly throughout the year.
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Leaders in Holistic Case Management Advising Visit Three Rivers
On December 5, Gayle Barrett, Director of Enrollment Management at Manchester Community College, and Mike Buccilli, Director of Counseling and Student Success at Gateway Community College, joined faculty and staff at Three Rivers to present and discuss the Holistic Case Management Advising policy as part of Guided Pathways. The Holistic Student Support Redesign Team has been working over the past two years to draft this policy and was excited to share it and hear feedback.
Academic advising redesign is happening at community colleges across the country and is recognized as one of the most promising strategies for increasing student completion. The proposed HCMA policy is grounded in research and national best practices and represents a collaborative effort with contributions from members at each of the twelve community colleges. The proposed policy is also grounded in equity and designed to meet the needs of our diverse students with the goal of closing equity and attainment gaps.
Read the HCMA policy in full here.
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FAFSA Workshops Helped Prospective Students
Three Rivers Financial Aid experts, Director Kenneth M. Briggs and Financial Aid Assistant Donna Ramos, led two FAFSA completion workshops on Monday, December 9. Attendees were given an overview of FASFA and then guided through filling out the forms on individual computers. This workshop was a part of the designated “FAFSA Month” in Connecticut.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1578423527725{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Winterfest Celebration
Faculty, staff, and student workers enjoyed a delicious feast together to welcome the holiday season. They were all given an update by President Mary Ellen Jukoski as well as a lively duet from Kenny Briggs and Pauline Goyette. Many thanks to Student Services for funding the meal.
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First EB Apprenticeship Graduation in 12 Years
On Thursday December 5, Electric Boat celebrated the graduation of 13 apprentices through their newly revived apprenticeship program. This was the first graduation in 12 years. The graduates were in the program for 3 years and the majority of the classroom work was completed via Three Rivers.
Apprenticeships have returned as an essential career training pathway. At the state-of-the-art Three Rivers Manufacturing Apprenticeship Center (MAC), many new apprenticeship programs are coming soon.
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Other Links:
Google Three Rivers Campus Administrative Calendar
Surge, Student Programs Calendar
Save the Date:
1/9 – Last Day to withdraw from winter classes
1/11 – Super Saturday – One-Stop Registration
1/16 – Winter Classes end
1/16 – New Student Orientation
1/20 – Martin Luther King Day – college closed
1/21 – Registration deadline
1/22 – Spring Classes begin
1/22 – Legislative Update
1/22 – Environmental Issues Seminar: Water Resources in the Developing World
1/27 – PACT Info Sessions
1/29 – Environmental Issues Seminar: What We Can Learn from the Water Systems of Ancient Rome
1/31 – Professional Development Day
2/5 – Environmental Issues Seminar: Bird Conservation across Connecticut and Specifically in the Lyme Forest Block
2/12 – Using GPS to Reveal the Secret Lives of Mountain Lions
2/14 – Classes not in session, college open
2/17 – Classes not in session, college closed
2/19 – Approaches to Eating in the United States: Consequences of our Health and Environment
2/26 – The History of the Green Lawn Dilemma: Coastal Water Quality Challenges in Connecticut
2/28 – Last day to apply for spring (May ’20) graduation
2/28 – Last day to apply for summer (August ’20) graduation
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In the Gallery
Barbara Hocker, “Waterfall Library,” 16 hardcover accordion books, pigment prints, konzo paper, moire satin, ribbon, variable dimensions, 2018.
Paper as Metaphor, a curated show by Matthew Best featuring works by Barbara Hocker and Karl Goulet, will be featured in The Gallery at Three Rivers from Thursday, January 16, 2020 through Wednesday, February 19, 2020. The opening reception will be held Friday, February 7 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Learn more here.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1642797922727{margin-bottom: 0px !important;background-color: #e2e2e2 !important;}”]Three Rivers in the News
- First local plastics manufacturing training program to launch in January
- Free FAFSA Workshops
- Grant Program Designed To Ease College Transfer
- New funding to help students transfer from community colleges
- New nurses on the floor
- Three Rivers Community College celebrates 36 nursing student graduates
- Pinning Ceremony Celebrates Nursing Graduates
- CT community colleges to offer free tuition
- Best of 2019: A crisis in confidence in the Board of Regents
Faculty in the News
- Norwich Free Academy students ask, ‘What’s Next for Me?’
- The Day’s Best News Photos of 2019, picture #32
Students in the News
President’s Newsletter -November 2019
[mk_page_section bg_image=”https://threerivers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/1615-1272.jpg” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” bg_stretch=”true” full_width=”true” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1469639571895{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=”true” tag_name=”h1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”80″ font_weight=”bold” txt_transform=”uppercase” margin_bottom=”0″ font_family=”Oswald” font_type=”google” el_class=”page-title”]President’s Newsletter — November 2019[/mk_fancy_title][vc_empty_space height=”100px” el_class=”page-titlebg” css=”.vc_custom_1520625342881{background-color: rgba(203,29,92,0.8) !important;*background-color: rgb(203,29,92) !important;}”][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1469635777230{padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row fullwidth=”true”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1575645006594{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Dear Colleagues,
The fall semester has seen a flurry of activity with many opportunities for local high school seniors to visit the campus to learn more about the college’s academic and certificate programs, statewide consolidation committee meetings, and a myriad of student activities. I am pleased with the outpouring of support for the Thanksgiving baskets that were given to the Veterans and TRCC students. As we finalize the semester with the submission of papers and projects, as well as taking finals, I hope each of you can enjoy the merriment of the holiday season and look forward to the opportunities that a new year may bring.
With warmest wishes,
Mary Ellen[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1567101279856{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1575645067991{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Three Rivers Manufacturing Apprenticeship Center
On November 19, Three Rivers held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new 8,500 square foot, state-of-the-art Manufacturing Apprenticeship Center (MAC). The TRCC MAC is a bold and innovative approach to educating all aspects of manufacturing and apprenticeship training needs. The “flexible factory” has the capability to be re-configured based on the equipment needs of a course and can offer up to three different educational programs simultaneously. Additionally, in an effort to be more responsive to industry, the scheduling of courses can be offered “on-demand” (instead of conforming to the traditional academic calendar). This educational model and space is the first of its kind in Connecticut (and the region).
Through a strong partnership with Grasso Tech and located within its newly opened state-of-the-art Technical High School, Three Rivers has the capability to have beginner and intermediate training in nearly all trades including Machining, Welding, Electrical, Mechanical, Shipfitting, Pipefitting, Maintenance, Design Engineering, and any customizable program to fit an employer’s needs.
Hosted by Three Rivers Community College President Mary Ellen Jukoski, guests included CSCU President Mark Ojakian, Grasso Tech Principal Patricia Feeney, Collins & Jewell co-owner Chris Jewell and EWIB President John Beauregard. After the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests toured the MAC as well as observed students demonstrate their skills in the Welding Shop. The Eastern Connecticut Manufacturing Program offers free manufacturing training for the unemployed and underemployed along with support from the American Job Center.
Watch the ribbon cutting ceremony here.
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At Breakfast with the Brass, Students and Administration mingle
Students enjoyed free breakfast and chatted with administration, faculty and staff on November 12.
President Jukoski being introduced at Breakfast with the Brass
FOUNDATION NEWS
Foundation Welcomes Harguses as Donors
The TRC Foundation welcomes Dr. Edward Hargus and Mrs. Maria Hargus as the latest donors to establish a scholarship endowment, joining their friends, the LaMattinas and Pelliccios, as donors. Dr. Hargus recently retired from medical practice after many years of devoted service at both Backus and L+M Hospitals. As an undergraduate at Harvard, Dr. Hargus received scholarship support and truly understands the impact a scholarship can have on a student’s ability to persist and succeed. Edward and Maria are wonderful examples of investing in one’s community, and we are grateful for their trust and confidence in the TRC Foundation.
The latest donors Dr. Edward and Mrs. Maria Hargus
TRC Foundation holds Board Meeting at TRCC MAC
The TRC Foundation participated in the ribbon cutting for the new Three Rivers Manufacturing Apprenticeship Center located within Ella T. Grasso Technical High School. Foundation Board Vice-President Chris Jewell delivered remarks on the importance of the manufacturing pipeline to local business owners. The foundation also held their November board meeting on site and were treated to a meal catered by the very talented students in the culinary program at Grasso Tech .
Foundation Board with Chef and Students
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Title IX Fair Gathers a Crowd
The “Know Your IX” fair was held on November 21 to raise awareness about sexual misconduct and sex discrimination. There were 11 tables including the Student Government Association, Sexual Assault Crisis Center, and Safe Futures that presented activities all related to Title IX. Students and employees could also complete their Not Anymore Training there if they had not done so already.
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Enrollment Management Best Practices Conference features Three Rivers Speakers
Community College administrators from Connecticut gathered at Manchester Community College for the Enrollment Management Best Practices Conference on November 8. Administrators contributed to facilitating 14 different sessions on ways schools can assist with student success. From Three Rivers, Dean Robert Farinelli, Registrar Kevin Kelly, and Director of Student Services Jodi Calvert held a session on active advising strategies. Their session, “Knock, knock….Who’s there? It’s Active & Intrusive Advising,” focused on improving communication between academic advisers and students by advisers having access to midterm grades enabling them to connect with students on their academic progress for the semester.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” css=”.vc_custom_1566919210386{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1575573524206{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
Professional Development Day Addresses Equity
On November 22, Three Rivers staff and faculty attended a professional development day centered on student equity, a cornerstone of Achieving the Dream. Tony Santa Ana of Allied Path Consulting, LLC facilitated an engaging and interactive workshop focused on equity. Participants examined key terms for building collective knowledge, the environmental requirements for organizational equity to thrive, what hinders equity change efforts, and selected strategic actions to advance equity for all. Thank you to all staff and faculty who took the time to attend this workshop.
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Honor the Fallen Makes an Impression
The Veterans Organization of Three Rivers sold flags in the week leading up to Veteran’s Day to honor those who lost their lives while serving our country. On Veteran’s Day, the flags were displayed on the cafeteria green in remembrance.
Flags places on the cafeteria green in remembrance of fallen soldiers
Veteran’s Day Breakfast Serves our Community
Veterans from our school and from the community were treated to free breakfast and beverages hosted by our Veterans Club and Student Programs on November 11. Thank you to those who served our country.
Veterans enjoying breakfast at the TRCC Veterans Breakfast
Other Links:
Google Three Rivers Campus Administrative Calendar
Surge, Student Programs Calendar
Save the Date:
12/6 – Winterfest Celebration
12/9 – Get help with your FAFSA (2 sessions)
12/13 – Nursing Pinning Ceremony
12/15 – Last day of 15-Week Session
12/17 – Senior Night/Info Night
12/25 – Christmas – College closed
12/26 – Winter Classes begin
1/9 – Last Day to withdraw from winter classes
1/11 – Super Saturday – One-Stop Registration
1/16 – New Student Orientation
1/22 – Spring Classes begin
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There will be a small works art sale in The Gallery at Three Rivers from Thursday, December 5, 2019 – Thursday, January 2, 2020.
All works are priced for holiday gift-giving at $200 or less. Featured are original art, prints, pottery, notecards and other gifts.
Items can be purchased from December 4-11 between the hours of 12:30-1:30 pm and 5:00-6:00 pm. Learn more here.
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