The program featured welcoming remarks by President De Filippis and Dean of Academic Affairs, Lisa Dresdner, Ph.D. Leaders of resources for student success including the Library, Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), Center for Academic Advising and Student Success (CAPSS), and officers of the Student Government were present to offer support and perspective. President De Filippis told students, “We are here for you. Your success is our expectation. Coming here, you cross into another place. A place of learning opportunities and transformed lives.”

Approximately 100 students attended- a 14% increase over last year. Approximately 25 families accompanied newly enrolled students. At the students section of the orientation, Genesis Bezzolo-Rodriguez and Smeilyn Abreu spoke on behalf of the Student Government Association (SGA) and CREAR Futuros (College Readiness, Achievement and Retention) mentoring program.

Antonio Santiago, Dean of the Danbury campus commented, “Levels of energy and enthusiasm were high throughout the evening. Students and their families engaged with the Danbury Campus staff and student leaders. The Orientation provided an opportunity to experience a slice of everything the campus has to offer. Community agencies including Savings Bank of Danbury and the Danbury Public Library also participated in the orientation by providing helpful information. In all, we realized that through these festivities, we touch the students and families who come through our doors.  NVCC is serving a major role in the lives of students in the community.”

The Student speaker for the parents’ section of the event was Scott Bongiorno, a Veteran who had served in the Marines and is a Psychology studies major in his last semester. The parent/guardian orientation is all about engaging and empowering them with the information needed to help our students succeed in the college environment.