MCC Student, Faculty and Programs Recognized by CT Dept. of Higher Education
Manchester, Connecticut-(April 29, 2011)…The following received community service awards from the Department of Higher Education in a ceremony held on April 12th at the Mark Twain House and Museum. All were nominated by Manchester Community College. The ceremony recognized volunteer service completed in 2010 at all of the colleges and universities in the Connecticut higher education system.
Megan Halle, a Manchester resident, was nominated in the Individual Student Category. She came to Manchester Community College after being losing her job at the Mohegan Sun Casino and enrolled in the Business Office Technology program in Fall 2008. She is one of the founding members of the MCC Administrative Professionals Club. The club has engaged in community service works and Megan has played a leadership role in a bread drive to benefit the Manchester Area Conference of Churches shelter and a personal item and toiletries collection for two local shelters. Megan is interested in inspiring other students and student groups to initiate and maintain public service projects.
Instructor of Communications Rebecca Townsend was nominated in the Special Award Category. She organized a community service project for MCC students in partnership with the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CROG) to address issues regarding public transportation in the greater Manchester area. Over 40 students participated in the project and connected firsthand with community organizers to learn about transportation issues relevant to people’s needs. Students presented their findings in an end-of-semester event with CRCOG. Student researchers expanded their leadership skills, including leading meetings, coordinating events, collaboration, and public speaking and listening.
The MCC Criminal Justice Club was nominated in the Group category. The Criminal Justice Club is active in the greater community through their contributions to volunteer work and outreach. Every Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Criminal Justice students donate their time and effort for children and families in need. They have been running a winter holiday project, “Snow Angels Toy Drive” for the last 15 years, initially starting with the Clark Elementary School in Hartford and expanding to meet the needs of children of parents who are incarcerated. Participation in this community service has helped the Criminal Justice students to recognize that there is a connection to the entire community they serve.
Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, new facilities, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The College offers over 60 programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. MCC is situated on a park-like campus and is easily accessible from I-84.
