2023 Gratitude Report

2 0 2 3 G R AT I T U D E R E P O R T

Opening Doors Together A year of collaborative success

Our Mission The Community College of Vermont supports and challenges all students in meeting their educational goals through an abiding commitment to access, affordability, and student success.

While this has been a challenging year for many Vermonters, we have been able to help so many students with support from our donors and philanthropic partners. Ten students who are single parents were supported by the Buffum Single Parent Scholarship, established with CCV’s first $1 million gift received from the Courtney and Victoria Buffum Family Foundation. Two early childhood educators, both alumni and beneficiaries of CCV’s portfolio courses, achieved recognition through the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children. We also saw a 70% increase in the number of students with more than 235 high school seniors enrolled in Early College this fall, knowing they are eligible for the Free Degree Promise through the McClure Foundation. And hundreds of students are benefiting from the Life Gap Plus program, now staffed by a dedicated, full-time resource access manager.

None of this would have been possible without your support. This year’s report recognizes our collaborative success: together, we are opening doors to opportunity for thousands of Vermonters, many of whom never imagined that college was an option. On behalf of our students and the entire CCV community, thank you for your partnership.

With gratitude,

Joyce Judy, President

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CCV 2023 Gratitude Report

2023 GRATITUDE REPORT

Dear CCV Donors and Friends,

Making a Difference, One Single Parent at a Time The Victoria Buffum Single Parent Scholarship was made possible by a $1M gift from the Courtney and Victoria Buffum Family Foundation, which established an endowed fund at the Vermont Community Foundation. The annual distribution generated from this fund was used by CCV to make scholarship awards to 10 single parents this past fall semester with the goal of adding new recipients each year.

The late Vicki Buffum created the Buffum Family Foundation in her and her daughter’s names in 1997. Vicki was an entrepreneur and philanthropist with a deep desire to help others — particularly women and children at risk. She was a single mother herself, and her daughter Courtney was disabled after a car accident at the age of 21. Tom Gauntlett is Vicki’s brother and president of the Foundation board. Unlike so many single parents, he said, Vicki was fortunate to have resources. And “she saw a lot of women with no resources and no help.”

The CCV scholarship is a proud embodiment of Vicki’s legacy, and it represents the Foundation’s Courtesy photo of Victoria “Vicki” Buffum

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CCV 2023 Gratitude Report

desire to have a meaningful impact. “I think Vicki would be very pleased, because she would be the first to do something big if she could,” said Tom. “She would love the idea of single mothers getting an education, and maybe getting a job, and maybe becoming an entrepreneur even, and having the nerve to start a business because they got a little confidence.”

Read the full story at ccv.edu/Buffum

N E W S TA F F P R O F I L E

Liz Jarvis

With the support of a generous private donor, CCV developed the new Resource Access Manager position which focuses on mitigating barriers that may prevent students from meeting their basic needs and achieving their academic goals.

In February 2023, Liz Jarvis was hired to fill this position. Liz plays a key role in developing interventions to help address student basic needs by cultivating programs and partnerships that connect historically underrepresented students to resources at the College and in the community.

Prior to coming to CCV, Liz was the Senior Resource Coordinator with the United Way Working Bridges program. With her deep knowledge of community resources and strong commitment to strengthening institutional access for students, Liz oversees a variety of philanthropically funded programs, including support for student parents, our statewide Student Resource Centers, and the Life Gap Plus initiative.

“I’m happy to be working for an organization that addresses student needs from a holistic lens. CCV sees students as whole people with a variety of needs beyond academic ones. I’m very fortunate to be a part of that.”

Liz Jarvis, CCV’s Resource Access Manager, who oversees support for student parents and the Life Gap Plus initiative.

Without the generosity of our donors, none of this would be possible!

Learn more about scholarships at CCV at ccv.edu/Scholarships ccv.edu

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The value of CCV’s partnership with the McClure Foundation is evident in the many individual student lives that are impacted by their remarkable vision and generous support.

Free Degree Promise With a commitment to universal access, the J. Warren & Lois McClure Foundation, a supporting organization of the Vermont Community Foundation, provides all students in the high school classes of 2023-2026 the ability to earn an associate degree the year after high school graduation. Building on the state’s Early College program, this philanthropic initiative leverages public funding while covering the balance of tuition and fees after federal and state financial aid. The Free Degree Promise also offers a living stipend and enhanced advising, making post-secondary education the easy choice for these students.

A free, fast-tracked associate degree is a game-changer for Vermont youth: • • •

Two years into the five-year initiative, enrollment in the pathway has increased by 70% to over 235 high school seniors.

Students come from approximately 90% of Vermont’s high schools and tech centers.

The biggest increases in enrollment were among first-generation students and students from low-income backgrounds.

Read the full story at ccv.edu/FirstGen

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CCV 2023 Gratitude Report

Learn more about the Free Degree Promise at ccv.edu/FreeDegree

Savannah LaFountain “Without that added stress of having to pay for my college I can move on with other things in my life.”

Free Degree Promise Student Essex Town • A.A. Early Childhood Education (anticipated May 2024) Career Aspiration: Early childhood educator

Caitlin McGinley “It definitely boosts your confidence and your self-esteem to know that someone’s behind you.”

Free Degree Promise Student Worcester • A.A. Liberal Studies (anticipated May 2024) Career Aspiration: Wants to work as a communications professional

Life Gap Grants: Just-in-time funding from donors that keep students going.

Life Gap Grants help students overcome challenging financial situations that threaten their ability to stay in school and continue toward a degree. Grants average $500-$600. Students use the funds for winter tires, laptop repairs, for housing costs and to address food insecurity, among many other needs.

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$192,000 in Life Gap Grants were awarded in 2022-2023, increasing retention by 18-21% for grant recipients last year.

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Life Gap Grants are funded entirely through philanthropic gifts.

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Since inception in 2017, 186 individual private donors have collectively given over $1 million to support Life Gap Grants.

We couldn’t have done it without donors like you! On behalf of our students, thank you for your ongoing support for this important source of student aid.

To learn more about Life Gap Plus, go to ccv.edu/LGPlus

Student Resource Centers extend help beyond Life Gap Grants All academic centers holding in-person classes now have an SRC where students can pick up a snack on their way to class, connect with a Resource Coordinator, and learn about local organizations and programs that can help meet their immediate basic needs.

Students like Joanie Wanser staff the SRCs, making these welcoming spaces for all students.

Joanie Wanser CCV-Montpelier student A.S. Behavioral Science (anticipated 2025)

“Attending and working at CCV-Montpelier has been a game-changer for me. Working at the SRC gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s a win-win situation. I get to help fellow students find the resources they need while also being a mentor, which is kind of like being a case worker and one of the things I can do once I complete my degree.”

— Joanie Wanser

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PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT

Alumnus Matt Moore was honored by VTAEYC as 2023 Student of the Year

A Path to Career Advancement for Early Childhood Educators

“I have walked my own path to reach this point in my life and this award affirms that I am on the right journey. Life is learning and learning is life.”

Sharron Harrington, the executive director of the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC), is a person who has devoted her life to nurturing young people: her own children; the children she taught as an early childhood educator; and the children she advocated for as a VTAEYC board member.

Sharron knew that a college education would help her after high school, but like many, she joined the workforce instead and eventually found her way to the field of early childhood education.

When Sharron enrolled in CCV’s Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) class, she had a wealth of experience but lacked formal credentials that could help her climb the career ladder.

APL is an intensive, single-semester opportunity for students to translate their skills and knowledge into college credit, saving time and money on a certificate or degree.

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CCV 2023 Gratitude Report

On average, students walk away from the class with 30 credits; Sharron earned an impressive 101.

Sharron says she never could have imagined being in the role she’s in today. But her personal journey has given her a firsthand appreciation for the many opportunities students have to gain valuable credentials and move forward in their careers. As the child care tide slowly begins to change in Vermont, Sharron says, Prior Learning Assessment could be a key piece of the workforce development puzzle.

Sharron Harrington used CCV’s Prior Learning Assessment program to fast-track her education and advance her career.

Read Sharron’s full story at ccv.edu/Sharron

Matt Moore earned a CCV degree in early childhood education in May 2023.

While at CCV, he was the beneficiary of the philanthropically funded ECE Portfolio Scholarship which covered the full cost of tuition and fees for the Assessment of Prior Learning course as well as continued funding to complete his degree. Through APL, Matt earned 44 academic credits and saved $12,320 in tuition.

Read about Matt at ccv.edu/Matthew

For donors, ECE Portfolio Scholarships create a huge return on investment!

Three cohorts of early childhood educators at varying career levels have benefited from this scholarship since 2021 with another cohort beginning in 2024. Together these students have earned a total of 421 college credits which translates into $117,880 in tuition dollars saved on a scholarship investment of $21,940 in donor funds.

Matt is an assistant teacher at Sharon Elementary School Preschool. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Vermont State University.

The ECE Portfolio Scholarships are generously funded by Susan and Bob Titterton. On behalf of the many students they have impacted with this scholarship, CCV would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation.

Learn more about ECE Portfolio scholarships at ccv.edu/Portfolio

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Ways to Give We believe all students have the ability to learn and are entitled to a college education. Donors play a significant role in our ability to meet student needs and transform lives. When you give to CCV, you are creating a better Vermont for all. Your gift of any amount will help, and no gift is too small.

Life Gap Grants

Provides just-in-time support to help students bridge challenging financial situations that threaten their ability to stay in school.

General Scholarship Fund

Gifts to this non-endowed fund go directly toward tuition assistance for students enrolled at one of our 12 academic centers or the center for online learning.

The Endowment for Student Success

Invest in future generations of CCV students through this endowed fund that generates annual earnings used exclusively toward scholarships.

The Annual Fund

Support the mission of CCV by providing unrestricted resources for new initiatives as well as a variety of operational needs and projects.

Where the Money Comes From Foundations

$856,814

Friends

$155,053

Alumni, Faculty & Staff

$47,695

Corporate & Business

$26,922

Other Organizations

$5,000

TOTAL FY2023*

Where the Money Goes Student Assistance & Scholarships

$513,234

Student Programs

$463,387

Annual Fund – Unrestricted

$63,205

Endowment Scholarship Investments

$30,225

Other Endowment Investments

$11,433

Staff Development

$10,000

TOTAL FY2023*

$1,091,484

* Reflects unaudited FY2023 financials.

Make a gift online today at ccv.edu/Donate

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CCV 2023 Gratitude Report

$1,091,484

Giving Back: Many CCV alumni return as faculty members, bringing a unique perspective to the classroom.

These are three examples of over 80 graduates who have come back to CCV to teach the next generation of students. All faculty who are also CCV alumni have one thing in common. They have been in their students’ shoes — and that makes all the difference. These faculty who started as CCV students and have come back to pay it forward, have a special place in our heart.

We are grateful for all you do!

Dana Lesperance ‘08

Ginger Gellman ‘20

“I knew I wanted to get back to CCV,” says Dana Lesperance, remembering the years between taking CCV classes and teaching them. “Since starting at CCV, education has become a central piece of my life — and seeing the opportunity it brought for me, I really wanted to give other students that perspective.”

“I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in other fields, but earning the associate in visual arts at CCV was the hardest degree I ever earned,” Gellman shared. “It’s a bit different to stay committed to coursework for so many years amongst competing priorities of work and family.”

Lesperance is a first-generation college graduate and military veteran. Today, he is head of Community High School of Vermont and manages Corrections education programs, including the newly launched CCV initiative to offer classes to Corrections staff and the incarcerated population.

Ginger Gellman was a CCV staff member for a dozen years, serving as a coordinator of student advising, a job she held while taking CCV classes. Two years after finishing her degree, Gellman started teaching Two-Dimensional Design for CCV. She lives in Rutland with her husband and two highly-indulged cats creating and selling her art.

First year teaching at CCV: 2022 Teaches: Two-Dimensional Design Location: Online

John Ryan ‘07 “I think we give a lot of opportunity to people that might not otherwise have it,” says Ryan. “Because of the model that we use, because of the economics of it, because it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, we serve a much broader part of the population.”

First year teaching at CCV: 2015 Read the full story at ccv.edu/Alumni_Faculty

Teaches: Dimensions of Self & Society, Seminar in Educational Inquiry, English Composition Location: Online and CCV-Newport

When John Ryan started taking online classes at CCV as an adult, he was mentored by the late John Christensen, a foreparent of CCV’s online learning program. Upon completing his master’s degree, Christensen hired Ryan to teach for CCV.

First year teaching at CCV: 2011 Teaches: Introduction to Film Study, Bioethics, World History Location: Online and Montpelier

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Donors to CCV CCV gratefully acknowledges our generous donors. The gifts listed have been given in the most recent fiscal year, from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

Benefactors

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CCV 2023 Gratitude Report

President’s Circle

Gifts greater than $5,000

Gifts of $1,000 to $4,999

Anonymous (3) Barre Congregational Church Courtney and Victoria Buffum Family Foundation T. Wayne Clark Bari & Peter Dreissigacker Tom & Mary Evslin Patricia Fontaine / Fountain Fund Bob & Lois Frey Jane Guyette / Bergeron Family Foundation J. Warren & Lois McClure Foundation, a supporting organization of the Vermont Community Foundation NEFCU (New England Federal Credit Union) Linda Tatarczuch Susan & Bob Titterton

Anonymous (4) Arrow Fund A Book Company, LLC Carol & David Buchdahl Concept2, Inc. Janice Couture John Daly Nance Driscoll Dylan Giambatista ‘10 Seth Gibson The Jerry Greenfield & Elizabeth K. Skarie Foundation, Inc. Hannaford Brothers Company, LLC Susan Henry & Sture Nelson J.M. Huber Corporation Ben & Joyce Judy Anne Lezak & Dr. Harry Chen Neale Lunderville & Dennise Casey Leigh Marthe ‘21 Andrew Pallito Kate & Bill Schubart Skinny Pancake – Vermont Everyone Eats

Peter Smith* Aimee Stephenson Debra Ann & Mitchell Stern Lee & Byron Stookey Amy E. Stuart & Mark A. Rowell Twincraft Skincare Pixley Tyler Hill John & Jennifer Vogel Oran Young & Gail Osherenko

Dean’s List Gifts of $500 to $999 Tapp Barnhill Gretchen DeHart Christine Graham Sara & Rob Kobylenski William LaDue ‘92 Dr. Sydney Lea & Robin Barone Laurie Loveland Maryellen Lowe ‘82 Tom MacLeay Katie & Seth Mobley National Life Group The Richards Group Sharron Scott Meg & Bruce Seely Peter Smith Fund Ernest & Deborah ‘89 Stewart Steven C. Thompson ‘96 Margo Waite ‘75 & Robert C. Menson Peggy & David Williams

Advocates

Patrons

Gifts of $250 to $499

Gifts of $100 to $249

Anonymous Bean Group – Vermont Philip Crossman Erika Dade DiMascio Headrick Family Bo J. Finnegan Jerry & Judy Flanagan Scott Giles & Kate Lalley Amy Holibaugh ‘05 Deb & Jim Hunt Jenney Izzo Sarah Lavallee Candace & Tony ‘93 Lewis Susan M. and Thomas A. Little Bette Matkowski KD Maynard Paul Millman Barbara Murphy*

Shelley Adriance Gail & Kenneth Albert Jack Anderson Anonymous (8) Mike & Jean Audet Carole S. Bacon ‘91 Elizabeth Bassett & John Pane Linda & Rich Bell Adam & Dianne Benezra Linda & Jerry Benezra Cynthia A. & Steven P. Bjerklie Janet & John Bossi Christina Boucher ‘06 Helene Bounsana ‘19 Pam Bullock & Timothy Hayes Deborah Clark Lorei J. Dawson Mica DeAngelis & Barry Mansfield Gabrielle Dietzel Nicholas DiGiovanni & Lisa Altomari James Douglas Ryan & Meg Dulude Jeremiah K. Durick Timothy Dusablon ‘09 Betty Dye Tammy J. Ellis ‘05 Melissa Elwell-Holmes Cathy & Joseph Frank Sue Giambatista Kate Goetz ‘21 Barbara Greenewalt

Andrea Rogers John N. Rosenblum ‘83 Jeremy Schrauf Natalie Searle Jean E. Snow ‘77 Herb & Eleanor Spies Nicole & Felipe Stetson Jason Van Driesche Sophie Zdatny Yasmine Ziesler

Michael Griffith Chris Hardaway Susan Dane Hathaway Jody Hayden ‘02 Mary Hulette Tim Jerman Elizabeth King ‘91 Alison Kirk David & Kathy Larsen Jennifer Lawson Julie Lee Robert & Elisabeth Lehr Kathy Leonard ‘94 David & Meredith Liben Susan B. Lovering Ben Lucarelli Johanna McDill Allan Rodgers & Mary Alice McKenzie Jason Mearls ‘14 Linda R. Milne Christopher R. Nelson James & Penelope Nolte Ed Patterson Jill Pfenning Mercedes Pour-Previti JP & Poppy Rees Susan Regier ‘94 Shirley Ridgway Robert ‘94 & Denise Rodd, Jr. Aaron Roy Jan Roy & Steven Young Dawn Santos ‘15 Robin P. Scheu

Jerry Spivey Gary & Kathleen Starr Roberta Stradling Cynthia Swanson J & J Sweeney Linda & Keith Tarr-Whelan Diego Uribe De Urbina ‘98 Heather Weinstein Carolyn Weir Jake & Cathie Wheeler Mary J. Wilson

Friends Gifts up to $99 Kyle & Courtney Aines Nerissa Ambers Anonymous (9) Peter D. Anthony David Barch ‘90 Carolyn Fawcett Barnes Joanne Blakeman Mindy Boenning Candace Brown ‘92 Bill Bruett Marilyn & Brian Cargill Amy Chess Jennifer Clarke ‘04 Allan Curtiss ‘13 Karrie Demers Richard Donnelly Mel Donovan Cynthia Feiker Ruth L. Fish

Martin & Sheila ‘78 Fors Ronald R. Gabriel Wilson Garland Elisabeth Gish ‘02 Holly K. Goldstein ‘22 Alyson Grzyb Recille Hamrell Ruth Hardy Robert J. Larrabee ‘99 Christopher LeForce Katherine A. Levasseur Carol Ann Lobo Johnson Josh Martin ‘03 Laura Massell Sally McCarthy Sarah Mercure Joseph Metzler ‘22 Irene Mitchell Scott H. Mullins ‘99 William Noyes ‘82 Darcy Oakes Susan C. Rand Maura & Curt Randall James & Eileen Rice Michael Richman Savannah Simonds ‘14 Katherine Stamper Kelly Craig Stoner Adriana Taylo-Behrman ‘10 Lynn Vera Kasey Warner ‘13 Tim Wile Joan M. Wollrath ‘84 Amanda Zay

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The Legacy Society

Golden Maple Leaf Sustainers

Honors the generosity of donors who make bequests and planned gifts or who have established named endowments.

In Honor of Gifts in recognition of those who have made a significant difference in our donors’ lives.

Linda & Jerry Benezra In the name of Lois Frey Carol & David Buchdahl In the name of President Joyce Judy John Daly In the name of Leigh Marthe ‘21 Jerry & Judy Flanagan In the name of Katie Mobley Elisabeth Gish ‘02 In the name of Elisabeth Dodds Dodds David & Meredith Liben In the name of President Joyce Judy Laurie Loveland In the name of Jason Flower In the name of Gordana Pobric In the name of Amy Stuart Barbara Murphy* In the name of President Joyce Judy Lynn Vera In the name of President Joyce Judy

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CCV Gratitude Report CCV 2022 2023 Gratitude Report

In Memory of Gifts in memory of loved ones who have passed away.

Anonymous In memory of Maria Calamia Anonymous In memory of Helen M. Clark Anonymous In memory of Karen R. Clark Janice Couture In memory of the deceased members of Marguerite & Alfred Couture’s family - Raymond, Gregory, Annette, Jean, Dick, and John In memory of Christopher Flanagan, brother of staff member Katie Mobley Nance Driscoll In memory of former President Kenneth Kalb* Laurie Loveland In memory of Andrew Colby Godaire

Maryellen Lowe In memory of Robert & Myrle Linnell Johanna McDill In memory of former staff member Tina VanHelden Peter Smith* In memory of Fred Smith Roberta Stradling In memory of Mark O. Stradling In memory of alumna and former staff member Karen M. Geiger ‘00 Jennifer Lawson Ed Patterson Yasmine Ziesler

Anonymous (2) Joseph & Dale Boutin Joseph & Dale Boutin Scholarship Fund Courtney and Victoria Buffum Family Foundation Victoria Buffum Single Parent Program Fund Robert L. Chadwick Yolande Corbin Chadwick Scholarship Fund Helen M. & T. Wayne Clark Karen Raylene Clark Memorial Scholarship Fund G. Jason Conway G. Jason Conway Memorial Scholarship Fund Janice Couture Mica DeAngelis & Barry Mansfield Gabrielle Dietzel Timothy J. Donovan* Bob & Lois Frey Jennifer Frey Memorial Scholarship Fund William Geiger Karen M. Geiger Scholarship

Janet F. Gillette The Endowment for Teaching & Learning The Endowment for Student Success Jane Guyette / Bergeron Family Foundation Urban & Pauline Bergeron Memorial Scholarship Fund Kenneth Kalb* & Nance Driscoll Laurie Lawrence-Pepin ‘92 Ken Libertoff Barbara Martin Susan E. Mehrtens May Munger Ann Newsmith Peter Smith* Jean E. Snow ’77 & Charles (Kip) Snow James Barton & Cynthia Swanson John & Jennifer Vogel Kenneth G. and Leah M. Kalb Scholarship Fund Yasmine Ziesler

Gifts In Kind

A recurring donation program established in honor of CCV’s 50th anniversary in 2020.

Anonymous (2) Linda & Rich Bell Cynthia A. & Steven P. Bjerklie Jennifer Clarke ‘04 Dawn Santos ‘15 Gretchen DeHart Karrie Demers DiMascio Headrick Family Ryan & Meg Dulude Bo J. Finnegan Ruth L. Fish Michael Griffith

Amy Holibaugh ‘05 Jenney Izzo Ben & Joyce Judy Laura Massell Jennifer Lawson Julie Lee Candace & Tony ‘93 Lewis David & Meredith Liben Ben Lucarelli Melissa Elwell-Holmes Katie & Seth Mobley James & Penelope Nolte Aaron Roy

Sarah Lavallee Sharron Scott Natalie Searle Peter Smith* Jean E. Snow ‘77 Jerry Spivey Aimee Stephenson Nicole & Felipe Stetson Tapp Barnhill Jason Van Driesche Lynn Vera Heather Weinstein Yasmine Ziesler

City Market Shelburne Farms Price Chopper Supermarkets Trader Joe’s

Matching Gifts J.M. Huber Corporation National Life Group Vermont Community Foundation

CURRENT ADMINISTRATION President: Joyce Judy Dean of Strategic Initiatives & Student Affairs: Heather Weinstein Dean of Administration: Nicole Mace Dean of Academic Affairs: Deborah Stewart Dean of Enrollment & Community Relations: Katie Mobley Dean of People & Culture: Mary Brodsky Senior Director of Workforce Education: Tiffany Walker Regional Director of Engagement and Academic Centers (North/Central): Gretchen DeHart Regional Director of Engagement and Academic Centers (Northwest): Marianne DiMascio Regional Director of Engagement and Academic Centers (West/South): Jenney Izzo CCV is committed to nondiscrimination in its learning and working environments for all persons. All educational and employment opportunities at CCV are offered without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. CCV is an equal opportunity employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Writing: Katie Keszey, Aimee Stephenson

* Former CCV President

Photography: Jade Premont; courtesy photos provided by featured individuals on pages 4, 5, 8, 9 and 11.

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Community College of Vermont P.O. Box 489 Montpelier, VT 05601

Bennington

Rutland

Brattleboro

Springfield

Center for Online Learning

St. Albans

Middlebury Montpelier Morrisville Newport

St. Johnsbury Upper Valley Winooski

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