MCC Women’s Caucus Names Theresa B. Grout Outstanding Woman of the Year
Manchester, Conn. (June 6, 2016) –Theresa B. Grout, of Manchester, recently earned the Manchester Community College Women’s Caucus Outstanding Woman of the Year Award.
The award is given annually to a female faculty or staff member who has made an important contribution to the achievements of women at the college, exemplifies leadership qualities and acts as a role model and mentor through her activities on campus. Each year the Women’s Caucus alternates the Woman of the Year Award between staff and faculty, honoring a staff member in the even years and a faculty member in the odd years.
Grout, who serves as the administrative assistant for the dean of student affairs, said that she wants to make a positive impact at MCC and credited the support and mentoring she received from her co-workers for helping her do so.
“I truly believe that teamwork is an important component to success,” Grout said. “If we strive to achieve a cohesive environment, working together as a whole regardless of the department or division, we can help our students to attain their goals, secure in the knowledge that we are making MCC one of the best community colleges for them to attend.”
Grout joined MCC in 2002 in the facilities management and planning department of the college, overseeing its day-to-day functions. Her award is for her role at the college overall; however, her supervisor in this previous role was instrumental in the nomination process.
“Theresa is the epitome of dependable,” said Darlene Mancini-Brown, director of facilities management and planning. “She is respectful of her fellow employees – both in her own department and in the college in general, takes the extra step to be helpful and responsible and is a very capable problem solver.”
Grout also regularly volunteers for MCC’s annual Evening of Fine Wines, the college’s largest fundraiser for student scholarships and academic programs, and is part of St. James Prayer Shawl, a prayer group that makes shawls for people going through difficult times to show that they’re not alone in their pain. Some of these shawls go to shelters, hospitals and treatment centers.
About the MCC Women’s Caucus
Since the 1970s, the MCC Women’s Caucus has recognized the value of a social experience and helping female faculty and staff develop a network in which they could work toward common goals. A mark of the effectiveness of the caucus can be seen in the permanent committees that have become part of the mainstream of the college.
Each year the caucus brings members together to lunch and learn from a colleague. The highlight of the Woman’s Caucus season is the annual spring luncheon at which the Outstanding Woman of the Year Award is conferred on a woman who has supported and promoted the professional development of women on campus. The annual luncheon also recognizes the collegiality of women on campus and the contributions made by many.
