Middlesex Community College Foundation recognizes donors and welcomes board members

Oct. 31, 2016 — The Middlesex Community College Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of their annual donor awards, presented at its annual meeting on Tuesday, October 25, 2016. Honorees include Sharon Griffin of the Peach Pit Foundation in Durham, Conn. (Donor Recognition Award); Nan Zimmer of Portland, Conn. (Corporator Award); and the Eames Family of Durham (Legacy Award). The Foundation also elected five new board members, while recognizing the substantial contributions of outgoing board member Jay Keiser and retiring board chair Mary Anne Cox.

dsc_5369-web“Middlesex Community College and our students have benefitted greatly from the leadership and charitable efforts of a growing legion of donors wishing to improve the quality of educational opportunity for students and communities throughout the region,” said Associate Dean of Development Cheryl Dumont-Smith, who presented the awards with incoming Foundation chair, alumna and attorney, Julé Crawford of Middletown.

Over the past five years, Griffin and the Peach Pit Foundation have continued to increase their support for students and programs of Middlesex Community College. Whether it’s by providing laptops for students who can’t afford them, creating immediate response funds for students who meet obstacles to education, or offering scholarships, Griffin has been a leader in the effort to insure equitable educational opportunities for all.

A staunch advocate of Middlesex Community College for many years, Zimmer has been generous with her time, talent and treasure in strengthening the MxCC Foundation. She provided resources, membership and capacity for community service and economic development back to the College from her wide network of friends and admirers.

As MxCC celebrates its 50th anniversary, college leadership gratefully acknowledged the ongoing contributions of the Eames Family for their legacy of leadership and generous involvement in developing Middlesex as an educational resource and cultural hub. George Eames IV, former Foundation chair, paid tribute to his father, George Eames III, a founding member of the MxCC advisory council. He shared an interesting historical perspective, showing the interwoven nature of the College’s history with the family’s involvement and commitment.

Joining the Foundation board are: MxCC student representative, Jessica Accetta (Clinton); managing director at Northeastern Banking Services Group, Ken Innocenzi (Northford); Quinnipiac professor and 1968 alumnus, Richard Kamins (Middletown); IT executive at Travelers, Ken Kupec (Portland); and businesswoman, volunteer and 1978 alumna, Cindy Rooth (East Hampton).

Celebrating 50 years as “the college of its community,” Middlesex Community College (www.mxcc.edu) is part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. Since 1966, MxCC 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. MxCC offers more than 60 degree or certificate programs at the main 35-acre campus in Middletown, the downtown Meriden Center and online. For more information about the Middlesex Community College Foundation, visit https://mxcc.edu/foundation/.