President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, the faculty, and staff of Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) started their day early on Saturday, August 23^rd to host an enthusiastic welcome for the incoming class of first-year students attending the College.

Five hundred twenty-five students and their families attended the orientation which featured welcome remarks from the President, the deans of Student Services and Academic Affairs, faculty, Student Government Association, current students, and alumni.

President De Filippis told the students and their families, “It is a pleasure to welcome you to Naugatuck Valley Community College on this anniversary of 50 years of educational excellence and dedicated service to our communities.”  She praised their initiative for taking a decisive step towards a better future and expressed the College’s pride in our student-centered approach, noting that “student success is our expectation, and we work to make it so.” She encouraged the students to stay the course and build a better tomorrow.

To honor the 50^th anniversary of the College, one representative each from the alumni, faculty and staff sang two commemorative songs, both derivative versions of classics. In 1964, the song of the year was a Beatles hit called, I Wanna Hold Your Hand. In the spirit of the event, NVCC rewrote the song as “We Wanna Help You Win.” The second song was a remake of the classic “Locomotion” where the “brand new dance” was replaced by a “brand new chance.” Do the Graduation With Us.”

The performance was followed by a series of information presentations about College resources designed to help new students become familiar with their new campus. Director of the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), Rob Sheftel ended his presentation with a video about the Colege and the ACE.

Dean of Student Services, Sarah Gager and Student Activities Director, Karen Blake were pleased with the turnout of students and families to orient themselves to NVCC. “I am so glad so many students and their families took advantage of the resources offered at orientation.  It is a great way for students to get acclimated to the college before beginning their journey at NVCC,” said Blake. 

Dean Gager added, "At NVCC faculty and staff are committed to our students and their success.  The College offers a rich opportunity of academic, cultural and social opportunities for students to engage their minds and immerse themselves in all the College has to offer.  On behalf of the College, I welcome you all."