DANIELSON — Only a few days after starting her tenure as the fourth president of Quinebaug Valley Community College, Carlee Drummer, Ph.D, has taken steps to show the community her commitment to the students in northeast Connecticut.
Drummer and her husband, Michael, have established and endowed a scholarship at QVCC that will help a deserving student to lighten the burden of increasing tuition. The President’s Scholarship will be added to the growing number of endowed scholarships managed by the QVCC Foundation, a group of volunteers that raise funds which provide the opportunity for students to attend QVCC, regardless of income.
While she has not settled on the criteria for the Presidential Scholarship, Drummer is leaning towards a second year QVCC student who has maintained a 3.0 GPA and is focused on a path to transfer or enter the workforce.
“My husband and I feel it is important for leadership to set an example,” said Drummer, who is no stranger to the business of fundraising, having served as executive director of the Educational Foundation at Oakton Community College in Illinois. “We wanted to demonstrate our commitment to the community in a tangible way, and also encourage others to give,” she added.
“With an uncertain economy, students are feeling the pinch of tuition increases,” she said. “The goal of the Board of Regents is to keep tuition as low as possible, but even a 2 percent increase can have an impact on a student’s ability to pay.” Drummer is quick to point out that even with modest tuition increases, “QVCC offers an enormous value for the first two years of college education.”
Monique Wolanin, director of college development, said the Drummers’ commitment to endowing a new scholarship and setting the tone regarding the importance of philanthropy at QVCC. “Carlee’s initiative to create a scholarship fund prior to formally assuming the role of QVCC’s president reflects her genuine commitment to QVCCstudents and her belief in the QVCC Foundation’s mission,” said Wolanin. “On behalf of the generations of students who will benefit from this scholarship fund, sincere thanks to both Carlee and Michael Drummer for their generous gift.”
vote often
PUTNAM — Vote: www.facebook/VisitConnecticut
click on #CTFanFavorite link.
Finishing fourth last year in the Connecticut Fan Favorite Town contest “just isn’t good enough” said Putnam Business Association (PBA) President Jeff Rawson. The PBA has undertaken an aggressive grass roots campaign to get the town recognized as this year’s Connecticut’s Fan Favorite Town.
The Fan Favorite Town contest, an annual contest on Facebook run by the Connecticut Office of Tourism, let’s people vote on a daily basis for their favorite Connecticut destination and their favorite spot in that town. People casting votes are automatically entered for a chance to win a getaway to last year’s inaugural winner Niantic, which includes a four-night stay at the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina.
In addition to bragging rights, the town that wins this year’s contest will receive substantial support from the Connecticut Office of Tourism in terms of advertising, marketing, public relations and social media presence.
The PBA launched a new marketing campaign and visitor’s website (www.DiscoverPutnam.com) this year with the theme Discover Putnam to enhance Putnam’s reputation as a great New England travel destination. The PBA is hoping to capitalize on the success of the campaign and website to win this year’s contest. PBA member and owner of the Flying Carpet Studio Ann Monteiro said she believes “Putnam is poised to become the cultural center of not only Connecticut but all of New England.”
According to the latest results posted by the Connecticut Office of Tourism on their Facebook page on July 11, Putnam was ranked number one in the voting ahead of fellow Eastern Connecticut towns Niantic, Mystic and New London.
The PBA has taken to social media to spread the word to their followers to vote for Putnam as this year’s Connecticut Fan Favorite Town. They are asking residents and fans of the town to vote daily until the conclusion of the contest on July 25. To vote people can visit www.facebook/VisitConnecticut and click on the #CTFanFavorite link.
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'First' Friday
Ray Churchill as Javert from "Les Miserables" took a turn around the streets of Putnam during First Friday last week. More photos on page 6. Linda Lemmon photo.
caption, page 7:
Upped Donation
Putnam Bank recently upped its pledge to the Regional YMCA from $50,000 to $75,000. Left to right: Betty Hale, Putnam Bank President and CEO Thomas Borner and James O'S Morton, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford. Linda Lemmon photo.
PUTNAM — In a recent move approved by its Board of Directors, Putnam Bank President and CEO Thomas A. Borner announced that the bank will increase its original gift of $50,000 to the Regional Community YMCA by $25,000 bringing its total commitment to the project to $75,000.
Putnam Bank was the first local financial institution to announce its support for the YMCA when the capital campaign was initiated. Borner also demonstrated his support for the project by serving as a members of the Capital Campaign Committee. He currently serves as the treasurer of the Regional Community YMCA’s Board of Advisors.
“As a young man growing up in Norwalk the YMCA played a significant role in my life. The values the Y demonstrates can be very critical in the life of a young person. Putnam Bank is pleased to be able to support this worthwhile project for the people of our area,” said attorney Borner.
“We are extremely pleased by Putnam Banks generosity. The additional funds come at a time when we’re planning the final phase of our capital campaign. Attorney Borner and the bank have been most supportive throughout the entire planning and execution of this project,” said James O’S Morton, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford.
The Regional Community YMCA will be located off Kennedy Drive. Included in the construction plans of the 45,000-square foot facility are two swimming pools, a lap pool and a warm-water pool, a gymnasium, fitness center, and a teen center. The cost of the project is estimated to be $14.6 million.
The Y will be built on 15 acres of land donated by Wheelabrator-Putnam to the town. The land transfer from the town to the Y is planned in the near future with ground breaking planned for late summer 2014. The grand opening of the Regional Community YMCA is projected for late 2015.
“The northeast corner of Connecticut is an emerging part of our state. The growth that’s been witnessed in recent years is an indication of the need for a YMCA in the area. This facility will serve the needs of the region and provide significant programs for children and families as well as the senior population,” said Morton.
Dr. Garfield “Woody” Danenhower, who along with his wife Sylvia are serving as the chairpersons of the campaign, said the YMCA when operational will have a significant impact on the health of the communities of northeastern Connecticut. In addition to the physical activities that individuals will engage in, there will be programs addressing health care issues such as obesity and nutrition.
“At the Y, we strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” said Dr. Danenhower.
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