MCC Foundation Honors Eleven at Spring Reception

On May 8, the Manchester Community College (MCC) Foundation hosted a celebration of gratitude by honoring eleven extraordinary individuals, organizations, alumni, and faculty whose generosity and volunteer service continue to uplift our students and transform the CT State Manchester campus community.

In addition to members of the MCC Foundation board who presented some of the night’s awards, students, including Kelsey Bechtold (OT Assistant), Erica Burton (Communications), Shamya Douglas (Respiratory Therapy), and Maura Ramsay (OT Assistant), shared presentation duties and some added their own comments on the impact these donors and faculty had on their time as students.

“This scholarship has fueled my confidence and motivation, knowing that someone believed in me enough to support my education,” shared Burton, a recipient of the Bill ’77 and Wendy Hornbuckle Scholarship. “It has inspired me to work harder, to seize new challenges, and to one day be able to give back, ensuring that future students can benefit from the same generosity that was bestowed upon me.”

The 2025 Donor and Volunteer Honorees included:

MCC Foundation Director of the Year: Peter Grose

Benefactors of the Year: Joseph and Julia Hanna and JoAnn and Robert Thulin

Alumni Benefactor of the Year: William Hornbuckle ’77

Young Alumni Benefactor of the Year: Nashay Smith ’15

Volunteer of the Year: Professor Donna Sweeney

Alumni Volunteer of the Year: Glenn Lemaire ’74

Foundation Benefactor of the Year: Altrusa International Northeastern Connecticut

Corporate Benefactor of the Year: Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut Foundation