Nov. 13, 2024 (Middletown, Conn.) — The Middlesex Community College (MxCC) Foundation board of directors is pleased to announce the recipients of their donor recognition awards, presented during the group’s annual meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. In addition to the awards presentation, the MxCC Foundation elected new board members. The foundation funds scholarships and academic development for CT State Community College Middlesex in Middletown and Meriden.
Robert Olson, DVM, and Virginia Nunez Olson, DVM, were recognized with the Legacy Award. They were honored for establishing the partnership between the Middlesex veterinary technology program and Pieper Olson Veterinary Hospital in 2001. Now retired, both served in advisory roles for the program and recently contributed a substantial donation to support Middlesex veterinary students.
“Since 2021, our veterinary technology program began use of a beautiful classroom and state-of-the-art surgical suite built with Middlesex in mind at the Pieper Veterinary Clinic on Berlin Street, a further commitment by Robert and Virginia to our campus and our community,” said Laura Pieper, MxCC Foundation board vice chair.
Pieper also presented the Donor Award to the Peach Pit Foundation.
“The Peach Pit Foundation has been an amazing community steward and partner to our campus innovations for many years. For over a decade the Peach Pit Foundation has provided scholarship support to CT State Middlesex students in many forms,” said Pieper. “Most recently they provided us with a $15,000 award to maintain the wrap-around services of our care specialist on campus, providing support to students as they repopulated the campus post pandemic.”
Aarlan Aceto, OD, associate professor and program coordinator, ophthalmic design and dispensing, received the Distinguished Alumni Award presented by Kimberly Hogan, CEO, CT State Middlesex. A 1995 graduate of Middlesex Community College, Dr. Aceto has been an active participant in the foundation’s annual road race, continually supported the Red Moon Gala and served as a faculty representative on the foundation board.
“Recently Dr. Aceto was appointed as vice president of the newly formed United Opticians Association and just last week he was recognized by Eyecare Business, an organization that serves eyecare professionals with retail business building tools, as a 2024 Game Changer awardee,” Hogan added.
Frank Stellabotte, PhD, biotechnology program coordinator, presented the Darrell D. and Julia Stark Scholarship to Jesse Smith. This award recognizes a new or returning student military veteran with a 2.75 GPA or higher and a commitment to overcoming hardship and serve others.
“Jesse has a career goal of becoming a physician’s assistant. He is described by one of his professors as self-motivated and driven, with strong leadership skills. Jesse was highly recommended for this scholarship by his platoon commander while he served as a medic in the Army National Guard, stating ‘he exemplified high standards of professionalism,’” said Dr. Stellabotte.
Ken Innocenzi, chair of the MxCC Foundation board, presided over the meeting, and Isabella Merlini, board secretary and 2022 Middlesex alumna, oversaw the election of new members and officers.
Jennifer Hernandex, EdD, professor and coordinator of the human services program at Middlesex, was elected to serve on the foundation board as a new faculty representative. Hasham Rauf, a biology studies major, will serve as the new student representative, replacing Katherine Tocto Quituisana, who graduated in May. Rauf is also the chair of the Student Senate.
Rick Morin, CPA, board treasurer, and Steven Krevisky, mathematics professor and faculty representative, were voted in to renew their terms on the board, along with Deanne DeBrady.
Innocenzi, Pieper, Merlini and Morin were accepted to continue their current officer roles, with Chris Dibble completing a second year as past chair.
In his remarks, Innocenzi said the foundation’s goals include recruiting new board members and expanding the alumni network. Hogan highlighted CT State Middlesex achievements and activities over the past year, and Jon Comer, CPA, board finance committee member, reviewed the financial report.
More accomplishments of the foundation and a list of donors can be found in the 2023–24 annual report.
Created as a separate 501(c)(3) organization in 1979, the Middlesex Community College Foundation supports the college by encouraging and managing charitable contributions; directing funds for scholarships and academic development; and creating collaborations and partnerships with area business, civic, educational and professional leaders.
