Area Communities Congratulate Middlesex Community College on 40^th Anniversary

By Alice Stelzer

As part of the process of celebrating the 40^th anniversary of Middlesex Community College (MxCC), Greg Kline, director of institutional development, and Marlene Olson, director of marketing and public relations traveled to the area communities that the college serves, meeting with mayors, town managers and first selectmen. “The meetings with town and city officials provided a great tool for two-way information gathering,” said Olson. “We found areas where we can add programs but, in whole, the meetings provided validation that Middlesex is connected to the communities beyond the campus and satellite sites.”

In honor of the 40^th Anniversary of MxCC, community leaders in the college’s coverage area have issued proclamations celebrating the college’s 40 years of partnering with area communities in a tradition of shaping the future through education – one person at a time.

Communities are also showing their support for the college by displaying MxCC banners in May in support of MxCC efforts over the past 40 years to maintain the accessibility and affordability of education for area residents.

MxCC, being an open admissions college awarding associate degrees in more than 20 major areas and certificates in a variety of programs which lead to further study, employment and active citizenship, meets the needs of area residents of all ages. Jon Brayshaw, First Selectman of Middlefield, said, “There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t hear the words ‘Middlesex Community College’ from constituents, friends and family members. The College certainly met the needs of my own family members as they pursued degrees and other learning opportunities conveniently and economically afforded by the College. A quick look at the course catalog gives an impressive picture of the seriousness and depth of this institution. As first selectman, I wholeheartedly endorse their outstanding effort and congratulate them on their 40^th anniversary.”

“We are very proud that we continue to address our vision of the college and our community being partners in a tradition of shaping the future, one person at a time,” MxCC President Wilfredo Nieves said, “We believe our success depends upon our ability to treat others with respect, educate the whole person, recognize that each individual is vital to our mission, and develop programs and services responsive to the current and changing needs of our community.”

Haddam First Selectman Tony Bondi agrees with that assessment, “Meeting the needs of the community takes a partnership between caring and dedicated people. Middlesex Community College has and continues to be one of those outstanding organizations that reinforce that philosophy.”

Over the past 40 years, the college’s faculty and staff have been dedicated to helping almost 59,000 students achieve their academic, professional and career potentials. Deep River First Selectman Dick Smith sees the value to this achievement, “Middlesex Community College plays an integral part in our local education system. It helps redefine ‘college age’ by providing opportunities for not only our young high school graduates but for adults of every age. I have known many people from Deep River and our entire lower valley region who have found Middlesex an essential part of their education.”

“In every walk of life, in Middletown and throughout Middlesex County, you will find alumni contributing to the economic viability of their respective communities. For that, every one of us owes a debt of gratitude to Middlesex Community College,” Middletown Mayor Sebastian Giuliano said.

As you travel around the area in May, look for MxCC banners proclaiming the college’s 40 years of success.