May 10, 2021 (Middletown, Conn.) — On May 7, 2021, Middlesex Community College (MxCC) presented a virtual Academic Awards Night video to recognize students for high achievement in each of the academic degree programs offered by the college. The award recipients included adult learners and students who began college early.
Sharale Mathis, dean of academic and student affairs, kicked off the online event, and program coordinators and professors announced the awards for each academic discipline.
Michelle Milslagle received the award for academic excellence in management information systems. She returned to Middlesex Community College to complete her associate degree after taking years off to get married and raise her family. She took classes while working full-time and graduates this spring.
“I’ve realized that this journey is not about age or fitting in with the younger generation. It’s a mind-changing journey that we’re all on together, whether you are young or old,” said Mislagle.
Adam Gomez earned the award for academic excellence in liberal arts and sciences. A member of the honors program, Gomez was only 16 years old when he first enrolled at Middlesex Community College.
“Adam is one of the top students that we’ve ever had in the honors program,” said Andrea Levy, the program coordinator for psychology. “His intellect, and the depth of his insights, really reminds me of the students I taught while I was a professor at Harvard School of Public Health.”
The video concluded with congratulations from Steven Minkler, MxCC CEO, who said, “You gained confidence in yourselves as citizens of this community, who’ve taken on leadership roles, and you’ve discovered that a healthy does of compassion goes a long way toward being productive, engaging global citizens focused on making the world a better place for all.”
The academic award recipients are:
Business and Hospitality
Accounting — Betsy K. Fisher
Business Administration — Kendyl D. Ortiz
Business Studies — Patrick M. Dandeneau
Management Information Systems — Michelle Milslagle
Humanities, Creative Arts, and English
Communication — Jaden Rogers
Digital Media Production — Joseph Nieves
English — Tasha Gawkowski
Fine Arts — Alyssa Pardo
General Studies — Ranon Klein
History — Garrett Indich
Liberal Arts and Sciences — Adam Gomez
Health Careers
Health Information Management — Karen Valentin
Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing — Emrah Rakiposki
Radiologic Technology — Brian Schramm
Veterinary Technology — Jean Vossler
Manufacturing, Industry, and Technical Careers
Manufacturing Machine Technology — Nathaniel Major
Manufacturing Machine Technology — Colin McKernon
Social and Behavioral Sciences, Education, and Public Service
Criminal Justice/Criminology— Jamie McEnerney
Early Childhood Education — Maria Franco
Human Services — Kimberly D. Howley
Psychology Studies — Thomas Laskowski
Social Work — Nicole Hettrick
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Biology — Miranda Murphy
Biotechnology — Leah Scoppetto
Computer Engineering Technology — Justin Men
Computer Information Technology — Matthew Ryan
Computer Science Studies — Franklin Massimi
Engineering Science — Alexander Foster
Mathematics — Oliver Filhaber
The video was produced by the Center for New Media, the college’s cutting-edge studio facility and academic department that offers an innovative associate degree program in digital media production.
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 70 degree or certificate programs at the main 35-acre campus in Middletown, MxCC@Platt in Meriden and online.
