NVCC's Foundation Hosts Third Annual Leadership Breakfast

Naugatuck CT

24 May, 2022

11:19 AM

Description

NAUGATUCK - The Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) Foundation hosted its Third Annual Leadership Breakfast on Thursday, May 5, at La Bella Vista, Waterbury. More than 260 registered guests raised over $50,000 to support the educational needs of NVCC students, including scholarships, emergency services, and the NVCC Student Food Pantry. This year's program featured Jennifer Jones, a 2020 alumna of NVCC, who shared her story of hardship, determination, and triumph with the audience. Jennifer majored in Human Services at NVCC, was the class Valedictorian, and received the college's President to President Scholarship for Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) in 2020. She is graduating from WCSU this May with her bachelor's degree in Social Work and has been accepted into the University of Connecticut's Master's in Social Work Advanced Standing program which begins in July. "It was an honor to be a part of such a wonderful event that benefits the students of NVCC," shared Ms. Jones. "To everyone in attendance and all who donated- thank you for caring enough about the programs at NVCC that make a difference in the lives of the students! I hope to see you all next year." (left to right: David Lepore, Advisor to the Mayor, City of Waterbury; Chuck Pagano, Chair, NVCC Foundation; Fernando C. Spagnolo, Chief of Police, City of Waterbury; Bob Ley, Emmy Award Winning ESPN host; Neil M. O'Leary, Mayor, City of Waterbury.) The Honorable Neil M. O'Leary, Mayor, City of Waterbury provided brief remarks about his experience at NVCC where he serves as Chairman of the Regional Advisory Board. "Far too often, the hurdles that young people encounter when pursuing a higher education are overwhelming, especially when they are the first in their family to attend college," Mayor O'Leary said. "I would not be where I am today if it were not for the doors that my education opened for me, and we have seen time and time again that when we give students the support they need to succeed, they can go on to do amazing things." The program featured keynote guest, Bob Ley, Emmy Award Winning ESPN host of "Outside the Lines" and "E:60." Ley engaged in an insightful and spirited dialogue with NVCC student Natalie Rivera-Dominguez and NVCC Professor of English Christopher Rempfer. Conducted as a fireside chat, Ley shared his experiences as an innovator and a leader at ESPN from its early days through his retirement. "The personal stories of success, and the professional dedication of the NVCC faculty, staff and administration are so very evident and inspiring," said Mr. Ley. "I had a thoroughly enjoyable visit with the school's many supporters, who enable vital work." In its third year, the Leadership Breakfast was developed by Chuck Pagano, the current chair of the NVCC Foundation and a Signature Sponsor of the event. The event has grown each year since its inception in 2018, with a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Fifty years ago, after I graduated high school, I had no idea about my future. I decided to try a couple of courses at the Mattatuck Community College (NVCC) and became hooked on learning because of my experience," said Chair Pagano. "When I needed help, NVCC was there for me, and it is why we developed this fundraising event to share the helping." George Bodenheimer, the keynote speaker at the first Leadership Breakfast in 2018, was also a Signature Sponsor of the event. Vision Engineering was a Platinum Sponsor; DaSilva Realty, RBC Bearings, Saint Mary's Hospital, and Waterbury Hospital were Gold Sponsors. The Silver Sponsors were Ametek Hayden Kerk Pittman and Drew Marine. Bronze Sponsors were Al-Tek Instruments, Blasius Auto Group, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Ion Bank, Spartan Restaurant, Thomaston Savings Bank, Universal Copy, and Webster Private Bank. "It was heartwarming to see the community support for our students," shared Associate Dean Chapman. We are sincerely grateful to our keynote speaker, sponsors and all who were in attendance. This event plays an essential role in providing critical support to our deserving students in need." For more information on upcoming Foundation events, or to get involved, call Angela Chapman at (203) 575-8208.