Presidents De Filippis and Jukoski participated in a panel that addressed “Understanding the Value and Impact of Community Colleges on Higher Education.” The purpose of their presentation was to provide understanding of the good work happening at community colleges, their role in higher education and how they support their communities by making a cultural and economic difference.

The Presidents provided the ACE fellows with information intended to enrich their understanding of community colleges and their role in higher education. President DeFilippis distributed examples of the arts and manufacturing programs at Naugatuck Valley Community College, as well as a document highlighting the mission, vision and values of NVCC. President De Filippis commented, “I was delighted for the opportunity to speak about my favorite topic:  the value of community colleges in sustaining the most sacred democratic principles of equity and equal opportunity for all.”

President Jukoski distributed examples the Three Rivers Community College enrollment guide, fact sheet, and information on TRCC’s manufacturing program. President Jukoski noted that, “Community colleges play a vital role in the communities they serve by providing the education and training needed to have a skilled workforce in the communities they serve. They allow learners of all ages to earn an education that is affordable and accessible and are economic engines for their communities.”

Dr. Anita Banks, Associate Director of the ACE Leadership Program, thanked Presidents De Filippis and Jukoski for “taking time out of their schedules to share their wisdom and passion with the ACE Fellows.  The session discussing the importance and value of community colleges was a capstone activity of our campus visit day.”