MxCC Computer Club president Peter Ereshena of Middletown presents a free laptop to MxCC student Emira Martin of Meriden
Dec 21, 2017 – This is the time of year for giving and for some people that means giving to those in need. In this spirit, the Computer Club at Middlesex Community College recently gave away laptops to eight deserving fellow students, twice as many as last year. Student Peter Ereshena of Middletown, the club’s president, along with Louis Sapia, associate professor of computer information technology, presented the laptops to the recipients in a special ceremony on December 15.
Current students in good standing who entered the computer giveaway program wrote essays explaining their financial or situational needs and how they could each benefit from receiving a free laptop. They also had to include two faculty recommendations.
With nine children, including two sets of twins, a recent debilitating bout of meningitis, and the loss of her husband, Emira Martin of Meriden is ready to really challenge herself now that she has her own computer.
“I come from a household that believes in education. Plus, my daughter will be jealous now that I have a new laptop,” said Martin, who has been a part-time criminology student at MxCC for the past several years. She plans to specialize in forensic psychology and work with adolescent sex offenders.
Each year, the MxCC Computer Club sets aside a portion of their budget and collects donations from individuals to fund the purchase of laptops as giveaway prizes to qualified students. In the spring, the club also hosts an e-cycling event, where the campus community and the public are invited to bring old computers and electronic devices to be recycled. Donations from this event also help fund the purchase of the new laptops.
“I’m so happy,” declared Shanikka Hyman of Meriden, who wrote a three-page essay explaining her legitimate need. The laptop will replace her outdated computer, allowing her to take online courses and work on digital photography. Hyman is four courses away from her associate degree and is preparing for a career in radiology.
Computer engineering technology student Jonathan Remanche of Wallingford beamed with happiness when he received one of the laptops. “This is so hard to believe,” he said. “I need to do a lot of computer work for my major, and now I don’t need to borrow a computer anymore.”
The MxCC Computer Club extends thanks and appreciation to all those who donated to support special gift of technology and education.
Since 1966, Middlesex Community College has provided high-quality, affordable, and accessible education to a diverse population, enhancing the strengths of individuals through degree, certificate, and lifelong learning programs that lead to university transfer, employment, and an enriched awareness of our shared responsibilities as global citizens. A part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, MxCC offers more than 60 degree or certificate programs at the main 35-acre campus in Middletown, MxCC@Platt in Meriden, and online.
December 21, 2017
