Year Six Report:
Toward a Splendid College Strategic Plan 2016-2026 1. At NVCC, students achieve their goals. 2. NVCC faculty and staff make a difference–at the college, in the community, in their fields of study, and in the lives of students. 3. NVCC programs meet and beat academic and industry standards. 4. NVCC is an engine of change within Waterbury, Danbury, and the broader community. 5. NVCC is an effective, performance-based institution.
COMMUNITY REPORT As I write this introduction of our community report of a community college, I pause to consider what we actually mean by community here at NVCC. Some communities are bound by practice, some by geography, and some by identities. Perhaps not surprisingly, in spite of our common monikers, not all community colleges truly inhabit community. At NVCC, our community comes from our shared values and our shared passions for expressing those values through action as well as through words, and always with our students at the center. Our community builds a shared story through industry partnerships, public school collaborations, resource connections, and faculty/staff relationships, and our shared story gets told in a variety of ways. For example, part of our shared COVID story was told in September 2021 when Drew Marine hosted a First Responders Appreciation Event in, naturally, the Waterbury First Responders Hall in our Center for Health Sciences. Many “unsung heroes” were honored for their service and actions throughout the pandemic. Our fifth annual International Center for the Arts (ICA) highlighted the diversity of our community when more than 700 participants celebrated over the four day event. The theme, “Revolt! Revive! Renew!” inspired a wide range of activities, including a Progressive Poetry Event, a “They Are Not Disposable” art exhibit in which portraits of Black Americans were crafted from household items, a “Clowns Without Borders” documentary and discussion, and a drumming circle and dance lesson by Aguibou Bougabali Sanou, our 2018-19 Fulbright Scholarin-Residence who returned and joined forces with this year’s Fulbright, Stacey Sacks. The celebration highlighted that laughter crosses all language barriers and drumming captures our common heartbeats. Our NVCC community provides an opportunity for us to continually write the story of the college into our own lives. Of course, NVCC doesn’t have a single, simple story; rather, its story, like its community, continually evolves: every year we see the arrival of new students, new faculty and staff, new partners who participate to make and remake the stories. As you read this year’s Community Report, keep in mind that it includes only the highlights of a year that emphasize how our community is strengthened by the backgrounds, cultures, races, genders, and ages of hundreds of people who contribute diverse perspectives, ask different questions, and tell unique stories to ensure we continue to grow as a community. For me, and I think for you as well, by participating in the community and, thus, by continuing to write the story of Naugatuck Valley, we learn together how to do better, be better.
Lisa Dresdner, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer Naugatuck Valley Community College Waterbury and Danbury Campuses
COLLEGE ACCOLADES
STUDENT SUCCESS Four nursing students attended the annual NSNA Conference this spring. Kerry Rowan, a senior nursing student, presented her poster, “The Climate Crisis: How Nurses Can Make A Difference” at the conference with her advisor, Associate Professor of Nursing Lisa Anderson.
NVCC hosted its fifth Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence, Dr. Stacey Sacks. Raised in Zimbabwe, she earned her Ph.D. at Stockholm University of the Arts. A comedian, writer, producer, and director of short films, Dr. Sacks shared her innovative and experimental forms of theater exploration with NVCC students, Waterbury and Danbury communities, and beyond. NVCC hosted Broadway singer, actress, dancer, and songwriter Maria Wirries in December 2021. Wirries shared her experience in growing up with community theater in Saratoga, NY where she met Leif Bjaland, Maestro of the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, who played a key role in her coming to NVCC. NVCC joined the Nurses Climate Challenge (NCC) in partnership with Healthcare without Harm and The Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments. The partnership is in recognition of NVCC’s Nursing Program’s commitment to prepare graduates to better care for patients and communities in a world impacted by climate change.
Radiologic Technology students hosted, participated in, and won the annual College Bowl, run by the Connecticut Society of Radiologic Technologists. This competition between senior radiography students helps them network and prepare for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist exam. Nine students were inducted into Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX), the American Association for Paralegal Education’s national honor society. LEX recognizes students with outstanding academic achievements including an overall GPA of at least 3.25, and a GPA of at least 3.5 in paralegal courses. Students’ membership fees were graciously supported by the NVCC Foundation. NVCC student Keven Rodriguez was honored by the Smaller Manufacturers Association of CT as the NVCC Student of the Year at their 2022 annual meeting. He received the highest grade in Manufacturing Math among all AMTC cohorts and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Dr. Kathy Murphy, NVCC Professor of Nursing, received the Charlotte Brody award at the CleanMed conference in May 2022. Presented by Health Care Without Harm and the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, the award honors Dr. Murphy for her exemplary environmental nursing leadership. Dr. Nikki McGary, Professor of Sociology/Anthropology, was the recipient of the 2022 System’s Teaching Award for Connecticut Community Colleges. She was nominated for her exceptional teaching skills, effective pedagogy, and impact on student learning at NVCC. Her passion for learning, creative and collaborative approaches to a wide range of topics, and enthusiasm and inclusiveness in the classroom are now recognized statewide as an exemplary model of teaching. Alan Teitleman, co-advisor of NVCC’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society, received two awards: the prestigious Paragon Award and the Horizon Award. New advisors with fewer than four years of service are eligible for the Paragon Award and awardees may receive this honor only once. The Horizon Award, determined by PTK Regional Coordinators, is given annually to an outstanding PTK advisor. The Max R. Traurig Library at NVCC was nominated for the National Medal for Museum and Library Science by Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05). The Connecticut Open Educational Resources Coordinating Council awarded Professors Amy Royal and Alan Teitleman a grant to implement OER materials for all the Public Speaking classes in Fall 2021.
NVCC’s Alpha Theta Epsilon (ATE) chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society was recognized for leadership and achievement at the New England Regional PTK Spring 2022 conference. ATE came in second place for their project, “The Heirs of Our Ways.” They also earned second place for Most Distinguished Chapter in the New England Region. This distinction is a result of achieving the monumental threshold of five-star status and continued efforts to pursue even higher status. Epsilon Pi Tau (EPT) Honor Society inducted eight new NVCC students in 2022. EPT is an International Honor Society for Technology which recognizes academic and leadership accomplishments in science, technology, and engineering. The Visual Arts Program had a robust year with a wide variety of offerings including virtual and in-person exhibitions in AY2122, an exhibition at the Silas Bronson Library in April, and a Lithography workshop at Five Points Art Center. The Art Club installed the mural in the ACE and hosted a reusable bag sale with proceeds supporting the NVCC Student Food Pantry and World Central Kitchen.
HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED NVCC’s Financial Aid Office awarded approximately $11.5M in financial aid to students this year. Recruiters are once again hosting in-person events on campus as well as at local high schools and community spaces. The admissions application is fully online to better support student application processing. CRM Recruit software has been implemented and provides consistent and effective communications to new students.
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY NVCC’s Center for Teaching (CFT) theme this year was “Meeting Students Where They Are” as a way to highlight and address the many layers of student diversity. CFT programming focused on teaching techniques and strategies to improve student learning, engagement, interest, and a sense of belonging. Events featured topics such as an inclusive classroom, universal design, personalized learning, scaffolding, student engagement, strategies for teaching a mixed-level classroom, cultural responsiveness, and educational equity. NVCC hosted a virtual Diversity in STEM event in Fall 2021. Coordinated by Dr. Sharon Lynch, NVCC’s 2022 Women in Science Seminar was held on April 20. These annual events introduce students to the diversity of STEM career options and provide positive, diverse STEM role models.
Hospitality students returned to their campus kitchen classroom in AY21-22 and developed a lunch delivery service in support of their course and program learning outcomes. In partnership with the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board, NVCC offers grant-funded, short-term IT course clusters aligned with industry certifications and supportive services. Clusters include Networking, Programming, Systems, Software and Project Management. Each cluster has been mapped to Microsoft and/or CompTIA certifications. Certifications are offered free of charge to eligible CTWHISP participants. Additional services include enrollment assistance, academic advising, and employment services. Participants will gain skills, and earn stackable credentials. The Waterbury Women’s Club awarded $5,000 to the NVCC Foundation in support of female students who demonstrate financial need to complete their education. The fourth annual NVCC Student Food Pantry 5K fundraiser was held on March 27, 2022. More than 75 individuals participated, and the event grossed over $1,700. NVCC’s Student Food Pantry continues to receive generous support from local agencies and individuals to help students who experience food insecurity. Groceries and snacks are available on campus or students can have groceries delivered once a month. In March 2022, the pantry received $16,120 from New Haven County’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). The college also received $5,000 in gift cards from Stop & Shop to be distributed to students experiencing food insecurity. Generous donations to the Student Food Pantry were also received from the Elisha Leavenworth Foundation Board of Directors in the amount of $3,000 and NVCC Professor Emeritus Larry Altman in the amount of $2,500. The Danbury Campus Food Pantry has been open since the Fall 2021 semester. Two work study students have been instrumental with supporting the pantry with “Grab-n-Go” events to promote the pantry.
ADVANCING OUR COLLEGE Ed Tech continued to train and support faculty and students both in-person and virtually with Blackboard and the various embedded ed-tech tools. They also assisted in testing and research with newly implemented systems integrated within Blackboard in multiple areas including Ally, the Impact Support Center, and the “Ultra Base Navigation” layout. Numerous campus improvement projects were completed during AY21-22. The 30-year-old underground fuel storage tanks were removed, and a new above ground tank was installed to improve environmental safety. Vinyl tile in one-third of the 5th floor walkway was replaced, making for a brighter, more attractive space. Furniture in L501 has been updated and provides a more comfortable, flexible environment. Each year, the Director of Finance sets annual purchasing goals in two categories: small and minority-owned businesses. NVCC is pleased to report that for the third quarter of the current fiscal year, NVCC has achieved 158% and 380% of the goals for small and minority business goals, respectively. The college’s use of the CT Public Surplus system generated $11,000 in revenue. Informational Technology (IT) had another busy year supporting NVCC students, faculty, and staff. IT transitioned 83% of employees from desktops to laptops to enhance mobility and work flexibility. The project to add or replace copiers throughout campus is underway and by the end of June there will be a new, secure printing platform. Additionally, the IT department resolved 2,376 help desk tickets!
STUDENTS ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS At Honors Night 2022, NVCC awarded 121 scholarships and awards supported by the NVCC Foundation. Commencement returned to the historic Palace Theater on May 26, with 812 students earning degrees and certificates in AY 21-22. During AY21-22, CAPSS advisors supported new and continuing students through 5,474 appointments-- 4,362 virtual and 1,112 in-person. Advisors continue to meet virtually and in-person with students for Fall 2022. Three of Professor Kim O’Donnell’s 2021 students presented their research at the Eastern Psychological Association conference in March 2022. Robyn Cogle, a current NVCC student, presented on “Hospice Experience Effects on Death Anxiety and Opinions of Physician-Assisted Death.” NVCC alumna Ana Coreas, currently at Eastern CT State University, presented on “The Effects of Daycare on Attachment Style.” NVCC alumna Margaridha Ribeiro, currently at Western CT State University, presented on “Belief in Astrology in Relation to the Self.”
STAYING CONNECTED AND SUPPORTED NVCC’s Administration unit continued to guide the college through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic as more students, faculty, and staff returned to campus this academic year. The Dean’s office led the response efforts in planning, coordinating, and tracking of cases and possible exposures. Finance tracked all COVID-related purchases and the Bursar’s Office was actively involved in the institutional portion of the HEERF Cares Grants, monitoring and reporting for quarterly and annual reports.
SOCIAL JUSTICE The Center for Racial Dialogue and Communal Transformation continued to offer relevant programming to facilitate courageous conversations and promote positive change and healing through a variety of opportunities. The Center reflected on headlines and events of the past year, including disparities exacerbated by COVID-19, Critical Race Theory, Asian Hate, Systemic Racism, Performative Anti-Racism, and “Majority Minority,” and held thought-provoking programming committed to facilitating dialogue, sharing views, and examining narratives about injustice, power, hierarchy, and the many ways that race shapes experiences, interactions, and informs our perspectives. The Social Justice Series (SJS) theme this year was “Social Justice, Art, and Connection.” SJS explored how artists use their work to speak about social justice issues, share vulnerabilities, fuel connection, and ignite social change. Fall 21 programming included “Fleshy Cartoons in Conversation with the Already and Not Yet Dead,” a performance essay with Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Stacey Sacks, “Theatre for Social Change: Death-Defying Acts of Courage and Conscience Around the Globe” with Associate Dean B.L. Baker, and “Motown: The Soundtrack of Young America” with Dr. Gil Harel, Professor of Music. Spring semester began with another focus on music with Dr. Harel’s presentation of “Music: A Catalyst for Social Change” and Art Professor Amanda Lebel wrapped up the year’s theme by hosting a “Social Justice Poster Making Workshop.” Professor Amanda Lebel designed and installed the Be Kind mural in Cafe West, where everyone can “Be the ‘I’ in K*nd”!
The CAPSS office began steps to implement the Guided Pathways, Holistic Case Management Advising (HCMA) Policy at NVCC. GPA Advisors will participate in extensive training to fully implement the HCMA Policy in the fall. They have also begun training on CRM Advise, new advising technology they will use in Fall 22. Mental Health continues to be a priority at NVCC. Fresh Check Day was held for the 5th consecutive year to support education and awareness around mental health/suicide prevention and two Mental Health/First Aid training workshops were held to educate staff on suicide prevention to better support students. TimelyCare was successfully implemented on campus to provide students free 24/7 access to medical and mental health services. NVCC worked with Education Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) to provide resources and communications for students to assist them with loan debt and financial literacy. The Center for Job Placement and College Opportunities hosted two in-person job fairs for students seeking employment. The well-attended events included 36 employers.
OUR ALUMNI In May 2022, NVCC’s Alumni Association hosted a 50th Anniversary Celebration of the college’s nursing program at the Mattatuck Museum. It was an elegant evening of reconnecting, reminiscing and creating new memories. Alumni of various years were in attendance, including a graduate of the first nursing class in 1974.
ENGAGING OUR COMMUNITY
STEM SUCCESS
NVCC Student Nurses’ Association qualified for official constituency status for the 2022 National Student Nurses Association. Club activities this year included a blood drive, volunteering for and participating in the walk/run to support the NVCC Student Food Pantry, and a drive to collect items to support people experiencing homelessness in Waterbury.
NViSION Scholar Jonathan Escobar completed the competitive NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) Program in Summer 2021 and was chosen for the 5-day challenge Mars mission competition. The experience included an authentic NASA work team simulation developing a lunar mission, STEM industry mentors to facilitate each team’s missions, guidance from NASA interns, virtual behind the scenes tours and so much more! His funding proposal was accepted by the NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium allowing him to perform research in the Space Robotic Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing through Robotic Teleoperation and Just-In-Time Data Analytics and Visualization Based on Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality, Cloud Computing, Internet of Things, and Deep Learning Program.
NVCC Accounting students participated in VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) for the second year as sponsored through the Connecticut Association of Health Services. Volunteers completed an accreditation process with the IRS, served as volunteers for VITA, and were available to assist on FAFSA weekends. The NVCC Foundation hosted its Third Annual Leadership Breakfast. More than 260 guests raised over $50,000 in support of NVCC students, including scholarships, emergency services, and the NVCC Student Food Pantry. The event featured keynote guest, Bob Ley, Emmy Award Winning ESPN host of “Outside the Lines” and “E:60.”
The Student Government Association (SGA) is back in person with over 30 SGA officers and club representatives attending the weekly meetings. Bus trips to locations such as Broadway, Salem, and Mystic resumed and the annual Leadership Banquet was held in May for the first time since 2019. Students and clubs have returned to in-person participation in community service projects. Students have volunteered with the Special Olympics and participated in St. Vincent DePaul’s annual event, A Walk in Their Footsteps. Danbury students were active as well and the Danbury Campus Multicultural Club held several events including ones for Hispanic Heritage Month, Halloween, and Friendsgiving. For the past two years, NVCC’s Workforce Achievers Value Education (WAVE) students have been engaging in a community service project, Notes of Cheer. Each month, WAVE students write and send cards to the residents of Middlebury Convalescent Home and Apple Rehab. In the past year, students have sent more than 2,000 cards!
NVCC’s STEM Club Team won the best overall award at the NASA CT Space Grant Consortium’s 2022 Community Quadcopter Challenge on April 29. NVCC also won individual awards for best poster presentation and best photograph. The four team members, Jonathan Escobar, Albert Lagerman, Anthony Lane, and James Petkin worked together under the guidance of Rob Sheftel, Director of the ACE, to design their quadcopter to fly, and complete assigned tasks for competition. On April 30, the NVCC STEM Club, the NViSION Scholars Program, and the Ponds Memorial Foundation welcomed well-over 600 members of our community to participate in the 2nd Annual STEM Festival. The festival was organized by Professors Marian Zerbi and Rebecca Binney and supported by numerous college faculty, staff, and administrators along with community partners ASML, STARBASE, The Connecticut Science Center, and Harris in Wonderland Reptile Experience. NVCC continues to be an active participant in the NASA CT Space Grant Consortium. Three NVCC students and one NVCC alumna were awarded scholarships in Fall 2021: Anthony Lane, John Massaro, and James Petkin each earned a $1,500 Community College Scholarship. Lindsey Japa (’21 A.S. Mechanical Engineering Technology), earned a $3,000 Community College Transfer Scholarship through the University of Connecticut. This spring, Gabriel Demelo and Omkar Newland each earned a $1,500 Community College Scholarship. Jonathan Escobar received funding to perform a summer research project, in the lab of Dr. Haoyu Wang at Central Connecticut State University, on In-Space Robotic Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing through Robotic Teleoperation and Just-In-Time Data.
GRANTS AND AWARDS
COLLEGE PREPARATION
The NViSION (Naugatuck Valley in STEM Inclusive Opportunity Network - A STEM National Science Foundation Funded Program) Program has supported 39 unique students with a combined total of $99,148 in scholarship funds.
GEAR UP created safe in-person learning environments for their students. Staff presented lessons on self-awareness, relationship skills, and growth mindset while encouraging discussion and an opportunity to practice these evolving skills. Staff also delivered in-class workshops and coaching sessions to inform and guide students about essential topics such as good academic habits and resources at the school. Academic support, including homework assistance, college and career readiness advising, skills-building workshops, and leadership opportunities were provided. Students also participated in college exploration programs and informational and hands-on sessions with NVCC’s AMTC, Allied Health, and Fine Arts departments.
The Tamarack Arboretum at NVCC has been selected two years in a row for the Best of Waterbury Awards for Community College and now qualifies for the 2021 Waterbury Business Hall of Fame. The NVCC Foundation received $43,000 from the Connecticut Community Foundation to support the NVCC Student Jobs on Campus program, academic scholarships, and the Advanced Manufacturing Technology program.
The Women’s Giving Circle of the Connecticut Community Foundation awarded the NVCC Foundation a $5,000 grant to implement the NVCC Women of Color Empowerment Collective. Designed to empower the participants and develop and create pathways for their educational success at NVCC, the program contributed to students’ personal growth, retention, and graduation. The program included mentorships, workshops, and a capstone project. For their capstone project, students invited U.S. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and CT Commissioner of Housing, Seila Mosquera-Bruno to be the keynote speakers at their leadership conference attended by NVCC and Waterbury Public School Upward Bound students. NVCC was awarded a $100,000 grant by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education to continue the Promoting Academically Successful Students (PASS) program for AY21-22. PASS, an initiative of the Minority Advancement Program, aims to address students of color who are placed on academic probation and need additional support to redress their academic standing. A successful PASS student will develop sustainable skills to remain on track to graduation and be removed from academic probation. The NVCC Advanced Manufacturing Technology program is celebrating its 10th year. Hundreds of students have come through the program and have graduated and been placed in good manufacturing jobs throughout the greater Waterbury and Danbury regions of the state. The Haas Foundation awarded the Waterbury Advanced Manufacturing Technology program a grant in the amount of $10,000 to support our students. NVCC received a Connecticut Campus Mental Health Program (CCAMHP) grant for $135,100 to implement the Exercise is Medicine initiative on campus to help educate our campus community on mental health challenges and introduce ways to better support students facing these challenges.
In Spring 22, 45 Upward Bound-Kennedy students participated in a Women’s Histor y event with Professor Kathy Taylor called Intersectionality Why it Matters. The event aimed to improve student’s awareness/knowledge on how diverse identities intersect to create unique experiences and how social identities work on multiple overlapping levels, resulting in unique experiences, opportunities, and barriers.
DANBURY CAMPUS The Danbury Campus hosted several student and community engagement events focusing on financial literacy and health and wellness. Partners in these events included Apex Community Health Center, the CT Department of Banking, the Danbury Public Library, and Danbury Savings Bank. The Danbury Campus also partnered with CT Latinos for Education Advocacy and Diversity to offer two financial aid workshops for prospective students and their families. A bilingual financial aid presentation was offered and assistance with the FAFSA was provided. NVCC’s Danbury Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center (AMTC) space on the Western Connecticut State University campus was completed on time and under budget. The new space opened to students in early 2022. Linde donated an additional $175,000 to the NVCC Foundation in support of the Linde Skills Pipeline Workforce Development program. The program began in 2019 to provide full scholarships covering tuition, books, and classroom materials for a select group of students in the Danbury NVCC Manufacturing program. In Spring 2022, the Hurco Machine Company donated over $200,000 in machine software to the new Danbury AMTC. This past December, Thomaston Bank awarded an AMTC student a scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to be used for tuition, books, etc.