e n 6 g o 1 0 e i t 2 l a l - o d 5 C n 1 0 y u 2 t o i n F t r u o e m g p e e m l R l o o l a C C u y k n t al i n n A w u r m o N m o C k l a w r o N President’s Message students for success, but also enrich And, we look forward to a major the community and boost the economy. campus renovation to expand and upgrade NCC shares its knowledge and the PepsiCo Theater and build a Student resources with local, state and federal Commons that will be the vibrant center agencies, including the U.S. Department of student life. of Education which recently chose NCC to I thank you, and all of the College’s be a site for its financial aid pilot program. constituents and partners, for making NCC Other NCC collaborations help fam- an outstanding and engaged institution. ilies achieve economic security, provide employers with workforce solutions, in- Norwalk Community College is the educational troduce students to the arts, and develop career pathways in fields ranging from center of the community, providing opportunities digital journalism to genomic medicine. David L. Levinson, Ph.D. For example, NCC is priming the President, Norwalk Community College, Dear Friends and Colleagues, talent pipeline for Science, Technology, and Vice President, Connecticut State for intellectual inquiry, open dialogue, multicul- America’s college graduates owe Engineering and Math (STEM) jobs through Colleges and Universities more than $1.2 trillion in student loan the Norwalk Early College Academy (NECA), tural awareness and lifelong learning. Recognizing debt. That’s a massive load for today’s a dual enrollment partnership with IBM young people to carry. and the Norwalk Public Schools. NECA But Norwalk Community College prepares high school students for entry the diverse needs of its students, the College graduates start their working lives virtu- level jobs at IBM and provides the oppor- ally debt-free. That is because the state tunity to earn a high school diploma and strives to provide an environment in which they keeps tuition affordable, and the College’s an associate degree within six years. public/private relationship with the NCC is proud to be the only commu- are empowered to achieve their highest potential. Norwalk Community College Foundation nity college in Connecticut to earn provides more than $1 million in scholar- elective Community Engagement Classi- ships annually. NCC also has relationships fication from the Carnegie Foundation t with four-year colleges that ensure seam- for the Advancement of Teaching, and n e m less transfer without loss of time or credits. to be included in the President’s Higher e t Our students graduate faster, with more Education Community Service Honor a t S money in their pockets. Roll four times. n o Partnerships like these benefit the In the coming year, NCC will expand si Vi College and the country. its educational partnership with J.M. e g A few years ago, a McKinsey and Wright Technical High School in Stamford, e oll Company report on Breaking the U.S. and continue to grow its STEM programs C y Growth Impasse noted that “business preparing students for high-growth occupa- t ni leaders can give the U.S. economy a shot tions in science, technology, engineering u m in the arm by pursuing innovative public/ and math. m o private partnerships and developing NCC will be playing a key role in the C k human capital through education and revitalization of South Norwalk’s Washing- al w workforce training.” ton Village, the oldest public housing r o Norwalk Community College is doing development in Connecticut, by creating N just that. NCC leads more than 100 collab- educational and career programs for orative relationships that not only position hundreds of residents there. 1 NCC in the News The College Named a Dual access and increase college completion smooth and affordable pathway from Enrollment Site for our nation’s students,” said U.S. Under NCC to a B.A. degree. Secretary of Education Ted Mitchell. NCC students can select from more The U.S. Department “We’re thrilled these institutions have than 20 TAP course concentrations that of Education has joined us in answering the President’s call articulate with Central Connecticut State launched a Dual to reimagine the high school experience University, Western Connecticut State Enrollment Experi- and create stronger linkages to college University, Southern Connecticut State ment program that coursework.” University, Eastern Connecticut State will allow high school University and Charter Oak State College, students to use financial aid to enroll in New CSCU Transfer the state’s online college. college courses, and has chosen NCC as a Framework Students interested in transferring partner in the initiative. Getting from NCC to a bachelor’s degree to the University of Connecticut benefit “Norwalk Community College is got easier this year. The Connecticut from the Guaranteed Admission Pro- honored to have been selected as an State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) gram (GAP) articulation pathway. NCC Experiment Site. NCC has a long history launched its new Transfer and Articula- students who plan to major at UConn of partnering with area secondary tion Program (TAP) in fall 2015. TAP ensures in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Agriculture, schools to offer college courses to high that Connecticut community college Health and Natural Resources, or Busi- school students,” said NCC President graduates can seamlessly transfer to the ness are guaranteed admission after David L. Levinson, Ph.D. “The success of Connecticut state universities and Charter completing their associate degree at NCC the Norwalk Early College Academy, Oak College without either losing or and meeting grade and prerequisite and other NCC high school partnerships, gaining excess credit. This makes for a requirements. demonstrates that students excel with dual enrollment options.” In 2014, Norwalk Community College co-founded the Norwalk Early College Academy (NECA), a dual enrollment initi- ative with IBM and the Norwalk Public Schools. More than 150 high school students attend NECA and work with IBM mentors while taking college courses taught onsite by NCC professors. This repli- cation of the first Pathways to Technology (P-Tech) school in partnership with IBM is the first of its kind in Connecticut. By 2020, approximately 65% of job openings will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school. However, many high school stu- dents—especially those from low income backgrounds—lack access to the vigorous coursework and support services that prepare students for success in college. “Innovation is an important under- pinning in our efforts to expand college 3 Latest Techno-Marvel This year, NCC became one of the first colleges in the state to have a Sim-Woman computerized patient mannequin that delivers a baby. The Division of Nursing and Allied Health uses the mannequin to teach students about childbirth and the care and evaluation of newborns. The mannequin “Victoria” exhibits contrac- tions and can be programmed to have a fast or slow delivery and birth twins. (She even complains about labor pain.) Simulation is one of the nation’s leading trends for teaching medical pro- cedures without risk to human patients. NCC is an incredible place to get an education. A major contributor to its success has been a willing- A statement of hope and inclusion, “May Peace Prevail on Earth” adorns the East Campus in eight languages. Professor Susan Montez, a nationally the strengths that reside in our diversity, ness to innovate and reflect the changing needs renowned poet who passed away in April. and underscores NCC’s stature as a National Public Radio showcased community-based institution,” said NCC NCC’s Food Pantry in a program on hunger President David L. Levinson. of its students ... the Dual Enrollment Experiment among college students in America. In the future, the Council will engage The New York Times “Sunday Book the community in interfaith events, dia- is another step in this tradition ...we need these Review” ran an editorial by History and logue and activities; and facilitate collab- Political Science Professor Steven Berizzi oration on community service projects. comparing the economic fallout of the kinds of forward-thinking strategies at institu- Great Recession with the “huge economic Make Way for Campus Synced to the Sim-Woman “patient,” a command console is operated by a nursing professor in a private disparities” following the Civil War. Improvements tions of higher learning all across Connecticut room within the Simulation Lab. The instructor controls the mannequin’s heart rate, respiration and Interfaith Council Formed The State of Connecticut is providing specific symptoms, and speaks into a hidden micro- bond funding for Phase III of the College’s phone, becoming the live “voice” of the mannequin. In December, NCC formed an Interfaith renovation plan. Architectural plans have and the country. 04) Council —an initiative created in response been drawn up for a major renovation of T- National Spotlight on NCC C to President Obama’s Interfaith and Com- the 298-seat PepsiCo Theater on the East s ( e The College’s initiatives and faculty made munity Service Campus Challenge issued Campus, and the creation of a Student m Hi national news again this year. in 2011. At that time, he urged presidents Commons on the West Campus. m The Wall Street Journal featured NCC of all higher education institutions to The expanded theater will include an Ji n in a news story on institutions selected engage people from all religious and sec- enlarged stage, improved lighting, a bal- a m for the U.S. Department of Education’s ular backgrounds to come together to cony, and a green room where performers s s e Dual Enrollment Pilot Program. tackle community challenges. and guest speakers can prepare back- r g n NCC’s tradition of selecting students NCC’s Interfaith Council is made up of stage. The Student Commons will provide o C to speak at graduation instead of celeb- administrators, faculty, staff and students a large space for students to congregate, rities or dignitaries was applauded in who encourage acceptance of people of enjoy meals and host club activities. The the Community College Daily (CCD) annual all faiths and belief systems. The Council architectural firm is Mitchell Giurgola roundup of commencement speakers. dedicated a special room on the West Architects LLP. CCD is a publication of the American Campus for those seeking a private place Association of Community Colleges. for meditation, prayer or quiet reflection. The Chronicle of Higher Education “The Council is a group that cele- printed a tribute to the late NCC English brates the diversity of us all, reinforces 4 Community Partnerships Norwalk Community College collaborates Educational Partnerships Washington Village Implementation with the larger communities it serves— for Student Success Coordinating Council (ICC). NCC will local, regional/state and national—for the create eduational and career programs, NCC makes education accessible to learn- mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and English as a Second Language ers of all ages, from preschoolers to high and resources in a context of partnership instruction for up to 700 Washington school students to seasoned workers and and reciprocity. Village residents. learners in retirement. These formal and informal relation- NCC is co-founder of the Norwalk The College’s student success part- ships enhance NCC’s visibility and enrich Early College Academy (NECA) with IBM nerships include initiatives offered both the experiences of its students. They also and the Norwalk Public Schools. This on campus and in the community. These make living and working in Fairfield County public/private partnership is based on collaborations ensure that as students a richer experience, create a more skilled the Pathways in Technology Early College move through the education pipeline, they workforce, and give families economic High School (P-TECH) model. Within a obtain the academic, social/emotional stability. That’s the power of partnerships. six-year time frame, students earn a and health and wellness tools necessary NCC was the first community college high school diploma and an Associate in to transition to the next level. in Connecticut (2010 and Applied Science degree from NCC. NCC’s Summer Bridge Math Intensive 2015) to achieve Com- program provides a four-week summer munity Engagement enrichment class in Introductory Algebra Classification from the for incoming freshmen who have scored Carnegie Foundation poorly on the math placement test. As for the Advancement of a result, more than 67% of participants Teaching. This prestigious recognition improve enough to become eligible to is awarded every five years. NCC has take college level courses. also been named to the NCC is a founding member of Norwalk President’s Higher ACTS for Children, a diverse partnership Education Commu- of more than 100 civic leaders, educators nity Service Honor and organizations working collectively Roll (in 2009, 2012, to enrich and improve the lives and futures 2013 and 2014). of all Norwalk’s children, from cradle NCC has been the venue for many to career. The organization has convened public forums on topics of critical interest Phil Guido, General Manager for IBM Global Techno- community teams to help narrow the logy Services and IBM Senior State Executive for to the community, including homeland achievement gap in Connecticut. Connecticut (left), is shown with NECA student Angel security, social justice, federal funding for Reyes (right) at its Year-End Celebration. The College is collaborating with child care, and frauds targeting senior citizens. Norwalk ACTS and the Norwalk Housing NCC hosts the Horizons Student Authority to develop support services Enrichment Program each summer in The College’s public/private partner- for residents at the soon-to-be renovated the Child Development Laboratory School. ship with the Norwalk Community College Washington Village in South Norwalk. This program helps low-income children Foundation taps expertise from the Foun- The housing complex is being revitalized build self-esteem and develop a lifelong dation’s board and provides funding in a thanks to a $30 million U.S. Department of interest in learning. Sixty children in Pre-K variety of areas, from scholarships to Housing and Urban Development Choice through fourth grade enjoy a full day of college advancement grants. This funding Neighborhood grant. “NCC will play a pivotal classes and activities for six weeks. is made possible through the generous role in the project and is a key partner,” The College is home to the Family and support of individual, Foundation and said NCC President David L. Levinson, Ph.D. Children’s Agency ASPIRE Afterschool corporate donors. Dr. Levinson serves as chair of the Program. This collaboration provides 7 a safe and structured environment for in automotive technology, facilities man- introduces freshmen to careers in nursing, Health and Wellness more than 50 students in grades 6 to 8 in agement, healthcare, and culinary arts. allied health and exercise science. Partnerships an effort to improve academic perfor- NCC provides dedicated space for the In partnership with Norwalk NCC’s collaboration with the Norwalk mance, develop character, and promote Future 5-NCC Stay Connected Collabo- Hospital, NCC offers an Emergency Med- healthy lifestyles. ration, a nonprofit that helps motivated, ical Technician (EMT) program, which Community Health Center brings the center’s Health on Wheels bus to campus NCC, Fairfield County’s Community low-income high school students from prepares students to take the National on Tuesdays to provide free medical care Foundation’s Fund for Women and Stamford graduate NCC and move on to a Registry examination. Girls and the NCC Foundation together four-year institution or career. Future 5 Students in the Physical Therapist to students and their families. The 35-foot developed the Family Economic Security students are able to meet on campus with Assistant program get the chance to study van provides a range of medical, dental Program (FE$P) to support low-income volunteer coaches to get assistance with the unique anatomy of human cadavers and behavioral services. students with children as they attend col- financial, time-management and other through a partnership with Orthopaedic The College’s Food Pantry for stu- lege. FE$P provides students with career, challenges. Neurosurgery Specialists (ONS) of dents keeps its shelves stocked thanks to financial, academic and achievement NCC is a member college of the Laurel Greenwich. ONS surgeons instruct students donations from the community and from coaching to help them stay in college. House Supported Education Program, on musculoskeletal, nervous and vascular Costco and Stop & Shop, both of Nor- Aqua-Farm to Table NCC provides a home to the Lifetime which helps people with psychiatric ill- systems using lecture and dissection. walk. Throughout the year, the Norwalk Kelp is on the menu at NCC, where the Learners Institute (LLI), an independent nesses to enroll and succeed in college or to prepare students for the STEM jobs Thanks to collaborations with The Symphony collects canned goods and nonprofit organization for lifelong learning. career training. Laurel House staff work needed to keep our country competitive. Workplace Inc. and the Southwestern nonperishable foods for The Food Pantry Hospitality Management and Culinary LLI offers non-credit, educational programs in close collaboration with NCC faculty, NCC students are introduced to Connecticut CareeRx Academy, NCC at its concerts. Arts program has partnered with Univer- for 900 area residents aged 50 or older. counselors and staff to facilitate students’ careers in bioscience and genomic medi- provides free tuition, fees and books NCC collaborates with the Jordan sity of Connecticut marine biologist An NCC partnership with J.M. Wright enjoyment and success in post-secondary cine through a partnership with Jackson to eligible unemployed and low-income Porco Foundation to present Fresh Check Charles Yarish, Ph.D. to harvest this edible Technical High School in Stamford is in education. NCC provides tutoring, mentor- Laboratory for Genomic Medicine in students enrolled in their choice of 11 Day each year, a Suicide Prevention and the early stages of development. This ing, peer support and information about Farmington. In March, students were nursing and allied health programs Mental Health Awareness Fair for students seaweed for research and promote its regional center for career technical educa- disability accommodations. invited to a BioSciences Career Forum, (credit and non-credit). featuring activities and educational games nutritional benefits. tion has recently re-opened after a five- which covered genome editing technolo- to reduce the stigma of mental illness. Dr. Yarish has been studying kelp for year, $90 million renovation. NCC and the STEM and Healthcare gies and recruiting women for science NCC is a regular stop on the American Business Council of Fairfield County Partnerships careers. In April, NCC hosted a panel Red Cross bloodmobile circuit, holding 40 years. NCC students help him harvest are serving as advisors to help recruit discussion on Genomic Research and multiple blood drives throughout the year. it throughout the year from waters near students and plan new curricula. NCC has Approximately 200,000 people in Con- Personalized Medicine (customizing med- Westchester Medical Center partners Sheffield Island in Norwalk. They also developed a Culinary Arts/Hospitality necticut work in health and life science icine to a patient’s precise DNA), featuring with NCC to offer training in Cardiopul- Management articulation agreement with industries, with another 11,000 additional guest speakers from Jackson Labs and monary Resuscitation (CPR). serve kelp in a variety of dishes at campus the high school. Plans are underway to jobs expected in the next eight years. Mount Sinai Hospital. More than 25 organizations partici- events. Kelp is a powerhouse of vitamins develop new associate degree programs NCC is a national model of partnerships One of NCC’s largest partnerships pate in NCC’s annual Health and Wellness and minerals and contains the highest is the Connecticut Health and Life Fair. They dispense information on nutri- Sciences Career Initiative (HLSCI). NCC tion, exercise and disease prevention natural concentration of calcium in is the lead institution in a consortium of and hold disease screenings. This year, any food source. seven colleges developing targeted certi- partners included the American Heart “In May, we harvested several hundred fications, industry-recognized credentials NCC Vet Tech students work with goats at the Stamford Association, Norwalk Grows/Food Museum and Nature Center. and associate degree programs in fast- Corp, Silver Hill Hospital, the Renfrew pounds for the summer kelp processing growing health and life sciences careers. Partnerships with area veterinary Center for Eating Disorders, the River- class to work on,” said NCC Professor Jeff At NCC, 13 new academic courses have practices, farms and animal hospitals are brook Regional YMCA, and Greenwich Trombetta. “We are processing this kelp been created. NCC’s Nursing, Physical essential to the success of the Veterinary and Norwalk Hospitals. Therapist Assistant and Exercise Science Technology program as NCC does not Throughout the academic year, the for sale in the New York and Connecticut programs have been revised and a new house live animals on campus. At Fairfield College’s Wellness Committee and Exer- markets. This is cutting-edge and the non-credit Healthcare Coach Certificate Equine Associates in Newtown, students cise Science program hosted lectures for epitome of ‘aqua’ farm to table.” has been developed. In addition, a new work with horses and learn about equine the public on topics about enhancing Trombetta said that by distributing advising sequence in Environmental surgery and pharmacology. They care for health at NCC and in the workplace. Science is being finalized and the College goats, cows and sheep at the University Topics included the restorative power of kelp to potential users and employers is awaiting national accreditation of the of Connecticut Animal Barns in Storrs sleep, medical marijuana and the bene- of NCC students, “we show how innova- Veterinary Technology program. and at Heckscher Farm at the Stamford fits of standing more and sitting less. tive, dynamic and forward-thinking High School students considering Museum and Nature Center. At the South NCC’s Simulation Center recently healthcare careers participate in NCC’s Wilton Veterinary Group and George- partnered with Waveny Care Center in NCC can be.” 10-week Medical Academy. This collabo- town Veterinary Hospital, NCC students New Canaan to provide customized train- ration with Brien McMahon High School work with dogs, cats and other pets. ing on patient mannequins for Waveny 8 9 nurses who care for patients in short- NCC and College Steps, a nonprofit term rehabilitation. organization, have begun a partnership to NCC created the Waveny Assessment support students with autism and social, Training Collaboration Healthcare program communication or learning challenges. for Waveny. This program is designed NCC teams up with social service to refresh nursing and patient assessment agencies to provide mental health aware- skills, and promote communication and ness and education programs to both teamwork skills in order to identify and students and the community. In collabo- treat early changes in patient worsen- ration with Family Centers/Centers for ing conditions. Hope, NCC’s Campus Resource and Crisis Teams offered a suicide awareness and Business and Career prevention workshop in April. Partnerships NCC partnered with the Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and For the second year, NCC offered a Summer Education in March to launch a statewide Entrepreneurs Institute in partnership Welcome to the initiative called Where Do You Stand? This with the NCC Foundation and the Ewing Media Biz forum for male community leaders pre- Marion Kauffman Foundation’s FastTrac® sented strategies for preventing sexism Professional journalists, editors and NewVenture™ program for new and emerg- and sexual violence. Norwalk Community College appreciates the ing businesses. The 10-week institute film/TV experts serve as advisors to the Service Learning students earn college for NCC students and graduates provides credit in the community by volunteering Communication Arts program, providing a solid foundation in business planning value of collective impact. To create large-scale, at nonprofit organizations such as elemen- insight into employment trends and and implementation. In 2015, 12 entrepre- tary schools, health facilities, senior neurs completed the institute and several suggesting curriculum updates. centers and more. lasting change, we leverage our knowledge and have already launched businesses. As a result of this partnership, NCC NCC’s Division of Extended Studies This year, NCC members of the Student World Assembly collected and delivered launched a new Digital Journalism and Workforce Education provides tuition resources with more than 100 organizations. bottled water and water filters to residents to low-income and unemployed students degree program and has developed more of Flint, Michigan and raised money for chil- through partnerships with workforce course content geared to online and dren with asthma to attend an American Our goal is multi-pronged—to enhance learning education organizations. Lung Association summer camp in upstate social media platforms. The NCC Center for Career Develop- New York. They also collected water filters, ment provides comprehensive services experiences, to instill a sense of civic responsibility Media professionals also volunteer sleeping bags and portable lamps for that help students, alumni and commu- each year as workshop leaders for the earthquake victims in Ecuador. nity members find internships and jobs. and to help students succeed. NCC Journalism Symposium. Wall Street Local employers partner with the Center D. each year to lead resume writing and h. Journal reporter Michael Hsu (shown P interviewing skills workshops and teach n, above) was the keynote speaker for the o students about job-search strategies. s n 2016 symposium held in October, which vi e Community and Social L drew 175 students from area high L. Service Partnerships d schools. Attendees participated in three vi a In 2016, students in NCC’s free Volunteer D rounds of workshops covering layout, t Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program Robert Emigh, NCC Professor (lower left), is shown en editing and multi-media storytelling. The helped over 663 Connecticut residents file with members of the Student World Assembly deliver- sid ing water in Flint, Michigan. e event was funded by the NCC Foundation, their state and Federal tax returns—twice Pr and The New York Times and News12 as many as the previous year. VITA is a In November, NCC’s fifth Annual Day CC N community partnership with the Internal of Thanks collected more than 2,000 provided giveaways to participants. Revenue Service and Connecticut Asso- items for donation to local social service ciation for Human Services. The program organizations. Students, faculty and offers free tax help to people who make staff collected food, winter clothing, and $54,000 or less, senior citizens, the elderly, books for distribution to the Open Door the disabled and taxpayers with little Shelter, Person to Person and Family English language proficiency. and Children’s Agency. 10 Campus Events Jelani Cobb Speaks at NCC The Power of Forgiveness Jelani Cobb, Professor of History and Daniel Trust, a Rwandan motivational Head of the Africana Studies Institute at speaker and philanthropist, came to the University of Connecticut, and staff campus in October to discuss how he sur- writer for The New Yorker magazine, visited vived the Rwandan genocide and was left NCC in October to share his thoughts on an orphan in a country leveled by blood- the Black Lives Matters movement. shed. Trust’s family were among the 80,000 A graduate of Howard University and Rwandans killed by Hutu marauders Spare Parts author Joshua Davis (left) signs books Rutgers, Professor Cobb is an award-win- for students after the event. during the 1994 genocide. “I help people ning historian, essayist and author of The understand that love is greater than hate, Using $800 worth of scrap car parts, Substance of Hope: Barack Obama and the and forgiveness sets us free,” he said. they went on to triumph over college stu- Paradox of Progress and To the Break of dents from some of the best engineering Dawn: A Free-style on the Hip Hop Aesthetic. schools in the nation, including MIT. At Cobb spoke on racism and inequality, NCC, Davis signed copies of Spare Parts, and how important history is in explain- which was made into a motion picture. ing recent race-related events in the U.S. Fred Lavjardi, the robotics instructor fea- He offered ideas for shaping the future: tured in the book, joined the NCC event “Do incremental things to make progress, via Skype conference. contribute where you can and don’t be easily discouraged.” Happy Birthday Arthur Miller Daniel Trust speaks to the NCC community. Professor NCC observed the 100th anniversary of Jelani Cobb How Do Writers Write? speaks at NCC the birth of Pulitzer Prize-winning play- on racism and inequality. wright Arthur Miller with an October sym- Bangladeshi-American writer Sharbari Z. posium celebrating his life and career. Ahmed, author of the short story collection Faculty members and NCC President David The Ocean of Mrs. Nagai and a writer for the Levinson presented topics related to ABC television series Quantico, visited NCC Miller’s prolific career. The event included in November to read from her work and a screening of Miller’s play, The Crucible, talk about the writing process. The event and students received free tickets to a included a book signing for attendees. production of Miller’s Broken Glass at the Ahmed is also the author of the novel The Little Robot That Could Westport Country Playhouse. Bombay Duck, and wrote, produced and starred in the play, Raisins Not Virgins, Joshua Davis, the author of this year’s which she later adapted into a screenplay NCC Common Read selection, Spare Parts: that was made into a film shown at the Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Tribeca Film Festival. Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream, came to campus in October to talk An Oasis for Veterans about the students who inspired his book. Spare Parts tells the true story of NCC welcomed Sean M. Connolly, four Latino students from Carl Hayden Connecticut Commissioner of Veterans Community High School in Arizona and Affairs, to campus to tour the Oasis Symposium panel members included (from left their quest to build an aquatic robot for Lounge for student veterans in November. to right) William O’Connell, William Grodman, a national robotics competition. Jan Bowes-Marek and President David Levinson. The lounge is a haven where student 13 veterans can study, relax or meet with The filmmakers led a Q&A session 2016 Academic Festival: friends. Commissioner Connolly and with the audience following the screening. Justice for All state representatives met with students In May, the married couple received hon- Four renowned advocates for social to discuss their concerns about re-enter- orary degrees at NCC Commencement for justice were the keynote speakers at the ing civilian life after military duty. their contributions to film arts. annual Academic Festival in April. This Greening the Planet three-day event invited the community to campus for a celebration of NCC’s NCC celebrated Earth Week in April with academic programs and resources. activities to raise awareness of climate This year’s theme was “Justice for All.” change and provide information on creat- Eighteen free events were held on campus ing a sustainable environment. The week including lectures, panel discussions, film kicked off as students and the public screenings and live performances. signed poster boards pledging to walk, Social activist Carmen Perez spoke carpool or use public transit more often. U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (foreground) holds forum about “Youth Activists Fighting Racism, on aquaculture at NCC in May. Connecticut Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Sean The Student World Assembly presented a Police Violence and Incarceration of Juven- M. Connolly is shown at NCC with Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, an NCC alumnus. free screening of A Dangerous Game, a Public Forum on iles.” Perez and actor Harry Belafonte are documentary about real estate develop- Aquaculture co-founders of The Gathering for Justice, NCC theater students perform an excerpt from the spring musical production of Little Shop of Horrors for Academic Black History Month ers who are turning the planet’s most a nonprofit organization devoted to Festival attendees. The production was held in its entirety later in April. In May, a few weeks after announcing Celebrated precious locations into luxury golf resorts. ending child incarceration. his Long Island Sound Investment Plan, Odette Casamayor-Cisneros, a special- The community Senator Chris Murphy chose Norwalk ist in Latin American and Caribbean was invited to Community College as the venue for a literatures and culture, discussed “The several Black Public Forum on Aquaculture. He met Power of the Unsaid: Black Gaze, Black History Month with local environmentalists, fishermen Flesh and Counterhegemonic Knowledge events and activ- and farmers of oysters and clams to in the Arts.” ities throughout February including film discuss ways to preserve the waterways Attorney Soffiyah Elijah spoke about screenings, lectures, poetry readings and that provide food, recreation and jobs “Mass Incarceration or Mass Criminaliza- musical performances. for many people. tion Crisis?” Elijah has taught at Harvard Filmmakers Karen Thorsen and Doug Senator Murphy has proposed $860 A student attending the “Psych of University and is director of the Correc- Women” forum voiced his opinion K. Dempsey screened their PBS documen- million in funding to support programs about racism and sexism. tional Association in New York City. tary classic, The Price of a Ticket: James promoting job growth and ecological “Turning Your Oppressions into Baldwin, featuring interviews with the diversity within the Sound. NCC was Expression: The Repurposing of Sexuality legendary author who was “born black, selected because of the College’s numer- Discrimination for Our Own Good” was impoverished, gay and gifted” and strug- ous environmental initiatives and role Above: Social activist the topic of Doug Lyons’ talk at NCC. Carmen Perez discussed gled to find acceptance and happiness. in promoting kelp as a sustainable food A Broadway singer and composer, Lyons the plight of children The film, originally released in 1989, source. Forum participants discussed the sent to jail. discussed issues facing black males and intercuts rarely-seen archival footage from Art Makes History at NCC problems of garbage dumping, silt and held an open conversation with NCC more than 100 sources and nine different chemical run-off, and excessive nitrogen students. Left: Attorney Soffiyah countries, to provide private glimpses of In May, NCC’s Movie-of-the-Month series levels in the Sound which threaten Elijah lectured about mass The Academic Festival also included James Baldwin. premiered the documentary Enough to aquatic habitats. incarceration’s impact Live On: The Arts of the WPA, about the art- In June, the NCC Culinary Arts a screening of 1964: The Fight for a Right, on society. a PBS documentary about voting rights in ists who worked for the Works Program department hosted a luncheon at NCC 1960s Mississippi. The film was introduced Administration (later known as the Works to discuss the scientific benefits of kelp by NCC alumnus and NCC Foundation Progress Administration) during the Great as the latest manifestation of the Col- Above: Performer Doug scholarship recipient Aaron Fields, a Depression. These artists produced paint- lege’s partnership with marine biologist Lyons held a conversa- ings and murals that are still displayed in Dr. Charles Yarish of the University of recent graduate of Harvard Law School. tion with students about This year’s festival was dedicated to self-expression. many schools, libraries and public build- Connecticut. Local aqua farmers, NCC the memory of English Professor Susan ings throughout the country—including culinary students and invited guests Montez and her contributions to NCC over NCC which has several WPA murals in its were treated to a meal featuring locally 23 years as a faculty member. Everett I.L. Baker Library. NCC’s WPA harvested kelp ingredients. Right: Members of the Doug Dempsey (left) and Karen Thorsen (right) are murals formerly hung at the Norwalk High Humanitarian Peace presented with honorary degrees at NCC’s Commence- Club discussed global School building on East Avenue, which ment ceremony by Nicholas Donofrio, former Board health threats including of Regents Chair. is now home to Norwalk City Hall. the Zika virus. 14 15 Awards and Achievements Going Places with Poetry a healthy workplace and assist their employees to live healthier lives. Recog- English Professor Laurel Peterson was nition is awarded on the basis of program named Norwalk’s first Poet Laureate in components and outcomes. April. During her yearlong tenure, she will NCC Professor work to disseminate poetry in spaces and Steven Glazer locations, including buses, throughout the city. Peterson is the author of several poetry collections. Her mystery novel, Shadow Notes, was published by Barking NCC Named Top College Rain Press in March. NCC Professor The Military Advanced Education and Laurel Peterson Professor to Develop Transition Guide named NCC a 2016 Top Economic Policies College for military members returning to civilian life after completing tours of duty. Steven Glazer, an Economics Professor NCC was chosen for its military-friendly and Chairman of the Social and Behavioral culture, financial aid, flexible scheduling Sciences Department, was appointed in and extensive campus support services September to the Connecticut Commission for veterans. on Economic Competitiveness. Professor Here’s to Good Health Glazer teaches courses in Principles of For the second year in a row, NCC was Macroeconomics and Principles of Micro- honored with Platinum distinction by economics, and advises NCC’s Phi Theta the Business Council of Fairfield County’s Kappa Honor Society. As a commission Healthy Workplace Employer Recogni- member, he is analyzing the implications tion Program. The program applauds area of state tax policy on Connecticut’s busi- employers who have implemented a ness and industry and will develop policies diverse range of approaches to promote that promote economic growth. NCC Alumnus Guy A. Fortt Alumnus Invited to the White House In February, NCC alumnus Guy A. Fortt (Class of 1995) was invited to The White House in Washington, D.C. for the second anniversary celebration of President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative (MBK). Fortt was named Connecticut Ambassador for the MBK initiative, for his work encouraging young people to reach their full potential, regardless of their so- NCC President David L. Levinson, Ph.D. (fourth from right) accepts the Platinum award on behalf cioeconomic status or life circumstances. of the Wellness Committee pictured. 17