Eastern Connecticut Health Network and Peter J. Karl Recognized by MCC
At its 47th commencement ceremony, to be held Thursday, May 26, 2011, Manchester Community College, along with the governing board of Connecticut’s community colleges, will recognize Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN) and its President and CEO, Peter J. Karl with the Board of Trustees’ Merit Award.
Manchester Community College and ECHN have had a mutually-beneficial relationship in a variety of education and training programs. Their many common interests include workforce development, preparing skilled workers, promoting the study of allied health programs, encouraging diversity, understanding the world marketplace, and striving for excellence.
Under the leadership of Peter J. Karl, ECHN has collaborated with MCC on several occasions. ECHN’s Woodlake at Tolland Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is a clinical training site for MCC’s certified nurse-aide program. They have also partnered with the college on training grants offered through Capital Workforce Partners and they continue to forge more collaborative partnership efforts with MCC by sharing new ideas on expanding and increasing allied health offerings.
Mr. Karl served as the honorary chair for the seventeenth annual An Evening of Fine Wines in 2009 and helped raise $100,000 to support scholarship programs and services at MCC. As a strong supporter of the community college mission, Mr. Karl was one of several panelists for the 2011 Economic and Community College Summit, the goal of which was to explore the critical role of community colleges in regional business development and economic growth.
The Board of Trustees’ Merit Award was created in 1990 to recognize outstanding service and support from community members or groups on behalf of an individual community college, the system of Connecticut Community Colleges, or the cause of community college education in general.
Each year, colleges in the Connecticut system recommend nominees to the Board of Trustees who officially adopt a resolution recognizing these individuals and authorizing the presentation of the Merit Award at commencements to these notable community college advocates.
By recognizing these individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and exemplary service to community colleges across the state, the Board of Trustees’ seeks to express its gratitude and to bring attention to their remarkable contributions. Their efforts and advocacy have strengthened Connecticut’s Community Colleges, helped us to fulfill our educational mission, and expanded educational opportunities for the students and citizens of Connecticut.
