President’s Newsletter — November 2019

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President’s Newsletter -November 2019

Three Rivers President

Dear Colleagues,

The fall semester has seen a flurry of activity with many opportunities for local high school seniors to visit the campus to learn more about the college’s academic and certificate programs, statewide consolidation committee meetings, and a myriad of student activities. I am pleased with the outpouring of support for the Thanksgiving baskets that were given to the Veterans and TRCC students. As we finalize the semester with the submission of papers and projects, as well as taking finals, I hope each of you can enjoy the merriment of the holiday season and look forward to the opportunities that a new year may bring.

With warmest wishes,

Mary Ellen

Three Rivers Manufacturing Apprenticeship Center

On November 19, Three Rivers held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new 8,500 square foot, state-of-the-art Manufacturing Apprenticeship Center (MAC). The TRCC MAC is a bold and innovative approach to educating all aspects of manufacturing and apprenticeship training needs. The “flexible factory” has the capability to be re-configured based on the equipment needs of a course and can offer up to three different educational programs simultaneously. Additionally, in an effort to be more responsive to industry, the scheduling of courses can be offered “on-demand” (instead of conforming to the traditional academic calendar). This educational model and space is the first of its kind in Connecticut (and the region).

Through a strong partnership with Grasso Tech and located within its newly opened state-of-the-art Technical High School, Three Rivers has the capability to have beginner and intermediate training in nearly all trades including Machining, Welding, Electrical, Mechanical, Shipfitting, Pipefitting, Maintenance, Design Engineering, and any customizable program to fit an employer’s needs.

Hosted by Three Rivers Community College President Mary Ellen Jukoski, guests included CSCU President Mark Ojakian, Grasso Tech Principal Patricia Feeney, Collins & Jewell co-owner Chris Jewell and EWIB President John Beauregard. After the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests toured the MAC as well as observed students demonstrate their skills in the Welding Shop. The Eastern Connecticut Manufacturing Program offers free manufacturing training for the unemployed and underemployed along with support from the American Job Center.

Watch the ribbon cutting ceremony here.

TRCC MAC

At Breakfast with the Brass, Students and Administration mingle

Students enjoyed free breakfast and chatted with administration, faculty and staff on November 12.

President Jukoski being introduced at Breakfast with the Brass

FOUNDATION NEWS

Foundation Welcomes Harguses as Donors

The TRC Foundation welcomes Dr. Edward Hargus and Mrs. Maria Hargus as the latest donors to establish a scholarship endowment, joining their friends, the LaMattinas and Pelliccios, as donors. Dr. Hargus recently retired from medical practice after many years of devoted service at both Backus and L+M Hospitals. As an undergraduate at Harvard, Dr. Hargus received scholarship support and truly understands the impact a scholarship can have on a student’s ability to persist and succeed. Edward and Maria are wonderful examples of investing in one’s community, and we are grateful for their trust and confidence in the TRC Foundation.

The latest donors Dr. Edward and Mrs. Maria Hargus

TRC Foundation holds Board Meeting at TRCC MAC

The TRC Foundation participated in the ribbon cutting for the new Three Rivers Manufacturing Apprenticeship Center located within Ella T. Grasso Technical High School. Foundation Board Vice-President Chris Jewell delivered remarks on the importance of the manufacturing pipeline to local business owners. The foundation also held their November board meeting on site and were treated to a meal catered by the very talented students in the culinary program at Grasso Tech .

Foundation Board with Chef and Students

Title IX Fair Gathers a Crowd

The “Know Your IX” fair was held on November 21 to raise awareness about sexual misconduct and sex discrimination. There were 11 tables including the Student Government Association, Sexual Assault Crisis Center, and Safe Futures that presented activities all related to Title IX. Students and employees could also complete their Not Anymore Training there if they had not done so already.

Know Your IX Fair .

Enrollment Management Best Practices Conference features Three Rivers Speakers

Community College administrators from Connecticut gathered at Manchester Community College for the Enrollment Management Best Practices Conference on November 8. Administrators contributed to facilitating 14 different sessions on ways schools can assist with student success. From Three Rivers, Dean Robert Farinelli, Registrar Kevin Kelly, and Director of Student Services Jodi Calvert held a session on active advising strategies. Their session, “Knock, knock….Who’s there? It’s Active & Intrusive Advising,” focused on improving communication between academic advisers and students by advisers having access to midterm grades enabling them to connect with students on their academic progress for the semester.

Professional Development Day Addresses Equity

On November 22, Three Rivers staff and faculty attended a professional development day centered on student equity, a cornerstone of Achieving the Dream. Tony Santa Ana of Allied Path Consulting, LLC facilitated an engaging and interactive workshop focused on equity. Participants examined key terms for building collective knowledge, the environmental requirements for organizational equity to thrive, what hinders equity change efforts, and selected strategic actions to advance equity for all. Thank you to all staff and faculty who took the time to attend this workshop. Equity workshop

Honor the Fallen Makes an Impression

The Veterans Organization of Three Rivers sold flags in the week leading up to Veteran’s Day to honor those who lost their lives while serving our country. On Veteran’s Day, the flags were displayed on the cafeteria green in remembrance.

Flags places on the cafeteria green in remembrance of fallen soldiers

Veteran’s Day Breakfast Serves our Community

Veterans from our school and from the community were treated to free breakfast and beverages hosted by our Veterans Club and Student Programs on November 11. Thank you to those who served our country.