MxCC Foundation Awards Scholarships To 84 Students

Middletown, Conn. — On Thursday, May 6, 2021, the Middlesex Community College (MxCC) Foundation conducted a virtual Scholarship Awards Ceremony and awarded 84 students scholarships totaling $85,950.

“The MxCC Foundation helps the college as a catalyst for making connections with businesses, nonprofits, local foundations and over 90,000 alumni,” said Steven Minkler, MxCC CEO, while thanking donors and congratulating the student recipients in his welcome speech. “The community understands we’re not just an educational institution. We are a place where students become connected with each other and where, together, we are creating the future.”

Hosts for the online ceremony, which was produced by the college’s Center for New Media, were Kimberly Hogan, dean of administration, and Frank Stellabotte, professor and co-chair of the MxCC Foundation scholarship committee. They paid tribute to a former dean and scholarship donor, Richard M. Muñiz, and announced four new scholarships for this year—the Amy Loved Animals Memorial Scholarship, the Eriksen Family Scholarship, the Insalco Scholarship and the Follett Scholarship.

To recognize Dean Muñiz, also a former co-chair of the MxCC Foundation scholarship committee who passed away in January, the hosts highlighted his philanthropic commitment to students and introduced members of the his family.

“My father’s educational journey truly began before he ever opened a book, before he walked into a classroom,” said Andrea Muñiz Doherty, who is also an MxCC alumna. “It was the foundation of hard work, discipline and a quest for knowledge that he received from my grandparents.”

Muñiz grew up in Puerto Rico and later established an endowed and an annual scholarship during his time at MxCC. The awards are presented to a new or continuing Hispanic student, matriculated in a degree program on a full- or part-time basis and has a 3.0 GPA or higher. Frances Cruz-Bruno, a psychology studies major, and Carletta Reyes, a health information management major, earned the awards this year.

Aleksandra Willey, a veterinary technology major, received the Amy Loved Animals Memorial Scholarship. Established by donors Alfred and Debbie Loomer, the memorial award honors “Amy,” a vibrant 12-year-old who had a big heart, kind soul and a love for animals. To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must be enrolled in the veterinary technology program and have demonstrated a commitment to animal welfare by working with animals as a volunteer or as an employee.

The Eriksen Family Scholarship was established by Richard Eriksen, MxCC professor of multimedia/digital arts, and his family. He presented the award to Danielle Nicole Minicucci, an art studies major. To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must be a full- or part-time student, preferably studying art or graphic design, with the intent to continue their education by earning a four-year degree.

“We are sure that Danielle’s creativity and future experiences will resonate throughout our community, adding another fulfilling chapter to the ever-growing Middlesex Community College story,” said Eriksen during the ceremony.

The Follett Scholarship was established through achieving funds as a partner of the Red Moon Gala, an annual MxCC Foundation fundraising event. Julie Orenstein, a digital media production major, earned the award.

Reyes also received the Insalco Scholarship for demonstrating a proven drive to succeed in college while showing a commitment to bettering themselves by being involved in activities and working to support her education. To be eligible for this scholarship, the recipient should have at least a 2.0 GPA and be a continuing or graduating full- or part-time student who is continuing on to earn a four-year degree.

Faith Jackson, MxCC alumna, MxCC Foundation corporator, and the director of equal opportunity and diversity management for the city of Middletown, presented the Alumni Endowed Scholarship to Emma Belcourt, a radiologic technology major. This scholarship is awarded to an entering or returning student who demonstrates a financial need to continue education and has a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Other speakers at the event were Laura Krueger, MxCC Foundation board chair, Donna Bontatibus, interim associate dean of academic affairs, and Jacob Murphy, MxCC 2019.

Members of the scholarship committee carefully followed the criteria for each award as they chose the recipients. For a list of all the scholarship award recipients, please visit the MxCC website.

About the MxCC Foundation
The purpose of the MxCC Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) public charity incorporated in Connecticut, is twofold: to support the college and its students by receiving, managing, and distributing funds for scholarships and other educational purposes, and to generate and strengthen communication and collaboration between the college and the foundation and business, industry, professional, civic, and educational leaders in the communities served by the college—all of Middlesex County, Meriden and Wallingford in New Haven County, and Rocky Hill in Hartford County.

About Middlesex Community College
Since 1966, Middlesex Community College has provided high-quality, affordable and accessible education to a diverse population, enhancing the strengths of individuals through degree, certificate, and lifelong learning programs that lead to university transfer, employment, and an enriched awareness of our shared responsibilities as global citizens. A part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, MxCC offers more than 70 degree or certificate programs at the main 35-acre campus in Middletown, MxCC@Platt in Meriden and online.