NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D. opened the ceremonies with congratulatory remarks to the students and their families. “Congratulations to all of you, and thank you to our dedicated faculty and staff for their professional and outstanding support and guidance of your efforts.  As I look in the audience I also see fellow presidents and colleagues who have come to support your journey.  The President to President scholarships are significant opportunities for you I am so delighted envision a bright future for you.  I am grateful for the support of my fellow presidents and colleagues, as I thank them for the recognition of your talents.“

 She reminded the students to use their success toward the greater good. “Please remember, as you bask in the joy of this evening that above all, your honor comes from within, from your dedication to your studies and your kindness to others.  It then goes out to the larger community, translated into good deeds, just deeds, beautiful contributions to the betterment of humankind.“

The NVCC Foundation made a strong contribution to the scholarship awards. Sixty-five students received Foundation scholarships totaling $42,685. Five scholarships were awarded to transfers to a four-year College. Four new scholarships, the Liberty Bank Foundation, awarded to two high school students attending NVCC in the fall; the Debra A. Ash Memorial Scholarship; the NVCC Student Success Scholarship; and the Human Biology Scholarship, awarded to four recipients, were presented for the first time this year.

Six President to President Scholarships were presented to NVCC graduates going onto four-year institutions from the Presidents of Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University, University of Connecticut, and the University of Hartford.