THREE GUILFORD RESIDENTS INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Guilford residents Jessica Accardi, Paul Blanchet and Peter Blanchet were among the 48 students inducted into the Beta Gamma Xi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Middlesex Community College. MxCC President Dr. Anna Wasescha and Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Steven Minkler participated in the formal induction of these students during a ceremony at Middlesex Community College held on May 9. Students who have illustrated academic excellence, leadership, fellowship, and service were chosen for their academic achievement and success as leaders in service and fellowship on the MxCC campus. As members of the chapter, students organize and participate in campus-wide events such as distributing food baskets and gifts to area families, registering voters, assisting at blood drives, and serving as ushers and greeters at formal functions on campus. This year, chapter members collected food and books that were distributed to Amazing Grace Food Pantry and local children’s organizations. Members also develop fundraising events each year for the Phi Theta Kappa scholarship program. “These extraordinary students came here to Middlesex Community College for a short while in what will be their long lives,” said Dr. Anna Wasescha, MxCC president. “And while they were here, they shined. I salute their curiosity, their persistence, and their courage. The best part of the Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony, for me, is knowing that these students are going to go out into the world and change it for the better. We congratulate all new Phi Theta Kappa inductees and wish them every success.” The ceremony was organized and conducted by chapter advisors, Dr. Lin Lin MxCC instructor of information systems and computer programming; Patty Raymond, professor of business administration and marketing, and chair of MxCC’s Business Division; and Jennifer Jacek, MxCC mathematics instructor. Lisa Gangone, president of MxCC’s Beta Gamma Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, and George Eames IV, chairman of the Board of Directors of the MxCC Foundation, made remarks during the induction event. “Since MxCC chartered its chapter of this international honor society in 1996, we have been inspired by the dedication and motivation of our student members,” Raymond said. “We appreciate the tremendous support the chapter receives from the College, the MxCC Foundation, and the overall MxCC community. This is an important organization that will affect these students positively during their college years and far beyond.” Founded in 1966, Middlesex Community College (www.mxcc.edu) is part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. In all it does, Middlesex Community College strives to be the college of its community. By providing high quality, affordable, and accessible education to a diverse population, the college enhances the strengths of individuals through degree, certificate, and lifelong learning programs that lead to university transfer, employment, and an enriched awareness of our shared responsibilities as global citizens. MxCC, recently named a "Great College to Work For" by The Chronicle of Higher Education, offers more than 50 degree or certificate programs at the main 38-acre campus in Middletown, the downtown Meriden Center, and online.