Naugatuck Valley Community College Advanced Manufacturing Technology student, Esteban Martinez, was honored with a merit award for which his name will be placed on a plaque in the College’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center commemorating this accomplishment.   

Deidre D’Amore, Enrollment/Retention Specialist from Naugatuck Valley Community College noted that Martinez, selected by the NVCC instructional staff, is “highly motivated and exceptionally deserving” as the recipient of this year’s Student of the Year Award. D’Amore explained that Martinez has made the most out of a difficult situation after finding himself unemployed just a few years before retirement.  While others might opt for an early retirement, Esteban researched options and was funded through the Department of Labor to attend the manufacturing program thereby retooling his future. Esteban is not a native speaker and began English as a Second Language courses at Naugatuck Valley Community College.  In January of 2020 he had succeeded in his ESL coursework and began his studies in NVCC’s manufacturing certification program.  Commenting further, D’Amore observed that last spring, when we all had to pivot the methods of instruction due to COVID19, “Esteban once again rose to the challenge and completed the semester with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. I have found him to be kind, respectful and a positive influence amongst his cohort of fellow students. His determination and intelligence are key to his success.” 

Esteban Martinez is now eligible for the internship component of our program and has been recommended enthusiastically to the smaller manufacturers who are members of the SMA. Martinez commented that the training he is receiving in the NVCC Advanced Manufacturing Technology program “has opened new opportunities” and he is excited at “the prospect of a rewarding career in manufacturing.” 

CEO of NVCC, Lisa Dresdner, Ph.D., commented, “The faculty, staff and administration at Naugatuck Valley Community College are extremely proud of the academic and technical hands-on work Esteban has accomplished and appreciate the support of the Smaller Manufacturers Association in recognizing our students. “