NVCC’s Second Fulbright Scholar-In-Residence Oonya Kempadoo was awarded an honorary Associate in Arts degree at the College’s Commencement ceremonies on May 29. Chairman Nicholas Donofrio and President Gregory Gray, Ph.D., of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education and Dr. Wilfredo Nieves, president of Capital Community College, joined President Daisy Cocco De Fillippis, Ph.D., to present the award.   

In 2013, Ms. Kempadoo became the College’s second Fulbright Scholar-In-Residence. The Fulbright program awards approximately 900 grants to visiting scholars from 130 countries worldwide each year. 

An award-winning novelist and social development researcher, Ms. Kempadoo has graced the college with her presence both in and out of the classroom. She taught creative writing and a special topics section of English 102, with a focus on Caribbean literature. As a legacy and “gift” to the college, she leaves her “Naniki” story project… a collaborative story approach to ecological sustainability. The project and Naniki web site will be maintained by students, faculty, and staff from NVCC, Capital Community College, and Yale University as a tribute to her vision and commitment to educational excellence.