Nicole Hayes is a graduate of Naugatuck Valley Community College, Class of 2017.  After graduating with an associate degree on May 25, she will attend Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. At NVCC, Nicole was a General Studies/Pre-Allied Health & Nursing major. With the help of faculty, and the supportive culture at NVCC, Nicole has blossomed as a student and will graduate with a 3.85 GPA. This past semester she completed one of the highest level English courses offered at NVCC, and she is a prolific writer for the College newspaper, The Tamarack.  Over the past two years she has written many articles about social justice issues. Tamarack faculty advisor, Associate Professor Steve Parlato, stated, “I couldn’t be more proud of Nicole. Along with academic excellence, she’s poured heart and soul into her role as Senior Staff Writer. Her meticulously researched articles, on issues of racial and gender-based inequality, make her a powerful voice. I’m thrilled her exceptional work has led to Wesleyan; I know she’ll do great things there.”

Nicole was selected by Wesleyan as one of approximately 60 transfer students from a pool of more than 500 applicants.  She also received a generous aid package from Wesleyan comprised of grants, scholarships and work study dollars, ensuring that she will not have to take out financial aid in the form of student loans to pay for her education. Nicole is planning on majoring in psychology at Wesleyan and plans to continue her journalism pursuits with their newspaper, the Wesleyan Argus.

Nicole’s success is a testimony to her incredible determination and the power of a community college. She worked a demanding job while attending NVCC; she was dedicated to her studies, and participated enthusiastically in campus activities, including acting as President of the Black Student Union and as student representative to the One Book Committee. A Phi Theta Kappa member, Nicole worked closely with the Center for Job Placement and College Opportunities (CJPCO) on her transfer application, and with the Center for Academic Planning and Student Success (CAPSS) to explore her career options. NVCC faculty and staff mentored Nicole. Associate professor of English and Black Student Union co-advisor, Julia Petitfrere said, “It has been such a gift these past three years to witness Nicole’s work ethic and growth as a writer and thinker in English courses, as a student-leader (in the BSU), and as a young woman. We who have been privileged to have her seek out our counsel know that the future is so full of possibilities for Nicole because she is wise enough to not just ask but to really listen.”  

She is a fine example of how academic commitment combined with the support from NVCC can help students achieve their dreams. NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis cited Nicole’s success as “an example of the difference community colleges can make and in particular NVCC, where administration, staff and our dedicated faculty ‘create the conditions under which students can learn,’ to quote Einstein. I am so very proud.”