Even though the campus is quieter, summer is never slow at the NCC Foundation. This season gives us time to refocus, reconnect, and prepare for the year ahead.

Right now, we are reviewing applications from our fall scholarship cycle. We are also hard at work planning our 60th Anniversary celebration. The celebration will take place Thursday, October 23, at Shore & Country Club in Norwalk. An invitation will be coming your way in early August; be sure to mark your calendar.

Behind the scenes, we are preparing our annual report, and setting plans in motion for the fall semester.

We are also taking time to evaluate the impact of this past year’s efforts and to set goals for what comes next. What we learn now will help shape stronger campaigns and even more meaningful support for our students.

If summer is quiet for you, we invite you to reach out and schedule a visit. We love catching up with our supporters. Please reach out to Nancy von Euler at nancy.voneuler@ctstate.edu if you would like to schedule a call, visit and/or tour.

YOUR STORY IS PART OF OUR LEGACY

Did you receive a scholarship, attend a Foundation-supported event, benefit from emergency aid, or connect with us in another way during your time at NCC? If the Foundation played a role in your college journey, we want to hear from you.

As we reflect on the many ways alumni have shaped this community, we’re collecting stories across the decades—and we’ve noticed that our 1990s and 2000s graduates have been a bit quiet. We know those years were full of impact and connection, and we’d love to reconnect.

Your experience can inspire others, honor the role the Foundation played in your life, and help us showcase the incredible reach of this alumni community.

It’s easy to participate: share online, by email, phone or Zoom.

Let’s continue the story—together.

As the semester ended, many CT State Norwalk students were not just graduating, but they were preparing for the next leg of their academic journeys.

Thanks to support from donors and the NCC Foundation’s Transfer Scholarship programs, several students are heading to four-year institutions this fall with more confidence and less financial strain. These scholarships help students stay focused on their education and remind them that their hard work is seen and supported.

For many, CT State Norwalk has been where they found their direction, not just where they began. We are proud to help support their dreams and excited to see where they land next.

How the Foundation Is Helping Students Thrive

Check out Episode 4 of Norwalk TALKS featuring Nancy von Euler, President & CEO of the NCC Foundation and outgoing Board Chair of Norwalk ACTS.

Nancy talks about how the Foundation supports students and families through scholarships, emergency aid, and community partnerships—and how philanthropy helps open doors to higher education.

It’s an inspiring conversation about the real impact of this work and how the community can get involved.

Listen anytime on Spotify.

Norwalk TALKS is produced by Norwalk ACTS, a partnership focused on helping every child in Norwalk thrive.

In recognition of our 60th Anniversary, we are excited to introduce a new logo for the Norwalk Community College Foundation! Inspired by our students and supporters, the new logo embodies the spirit of community coming together to support the college and career dreams of our students. Our new logo celebrates the 60 years of impact that has been made possible by generous donors and provides energy and vibrancy as we embark on the next 60 years!

For GM O’Connell, giving back to the NCC Foundation began with a deeply personal connection—his son’s time as a student at Norwalk Community College.

“Through my son’s stretch as a student at NCC (now CT State Norwalk), I was exposed to both the successes and needs that students and faculty experience, as well as the need for support services,” GM shared, “especially the students who were bright, committed, and personally struggling to balance their ambition with work, family commitments, and financial hardships.”

It was a conversation with then NCC Foundation board member, Joe Zimmel, that encouraged GM to get more involved. What began as an introduction soon became a calling. GM became a mentor, a financial supporter, and eventually, a Foundation board member himself.

What inspires him most is how even modest contributions can change lives.

“The fact that a little tuition money goes a long way, specifically for those who use CT State Norwalk as a two-year stepping stone to a full BA or BS, is particularly powerful.”

His passion is rooted in a strong belief in education equity and the power of community colleges to open doors, especially for students facing steep challenges.

Whether through scholarships, mentoring, or simply showing up, GM’s generosity is a testament to the ripple effect of giving.

“The stories of so many of the scholarship recipients, especially those who go on to earn transfer scholarships, stay with me,” he said. “You may not always remember names, but you never forget the impact.”

As the spring semester ended, CT State Norwalk nursing students gathered for something that means more than just finishing school—the pinning ceremony.

While the nursing pinning ceremony is a long-standing tradition, it wasn’t just nurses who were honored. Medical Assistants, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Respiratory Therapists also marked their transition from student to professional in these deeply meaningful celebrations that honor compassion, perseverance, and the heart it takes to care for others.

Taking place in the days leading up to commencement, students proudly wore their uniforms to the ceremonies and stood alongside the people who had supported them. This was a moment that made juggling work schedules, family responsibilities, and demanding coursework all worth it. It wasn’t just a milestone; it was proof they made it.

Each student received a pin, a small item with deep meaning. Their instructors, who had supported them through every clinical, exam, and difficult moment, were the ones to hand them out. These pins marked more than just the end of their time at CT State Norwalk; they stood as symbols of readiness and promises to serve.

At each ceremony, faculty and student speakers acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s critical role in supporting student success. The ceremonies were a powerful reminder of why we continue to support education at CT State Norwalk. Behind every pin is a journey. And behind every journey is a future healthcare professional prepared to serve, lead, and give back.

Gratitude, inspiration, and community on full display

The NCC Foundation’s annual Scholarship Celebration brought together scholarship recipients, donors, and members of the CT State Norwalk community for an evening of connection and gratitude.

Students had the chance to meet and thank the donors who made their education possible. Charles (Skip) and William Shaeffer shared thoughtful remarks about the impact of giving, and student speakers, Kevin Inga Sosa and Veronica Alvarenga, spoke about how scholarship support has shaped their lives.

The event was a reminder of what’s possible when a community invests in its students. Whether pursuing nursing, business, or other career paths, these students are turning opportunity into momentum. Hundreds of scholarships were awarded this year—each one a step toward a brighter future.

See more from the evening on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

We’re grateful to our donors for making this event—and these opportunities—possible. Every gift opens a door.

Class of 1971 | Veteran | Donor | Longtime Supporter

Lance Winer graduated from Norwalk Technical College in 1971 and has been a loyal supporter of the NCC Foundation for over 25 years. As a veteran, engineer, and proud alum, he believes deeply in the power of education and the impact of giving back.

In this spotlight, Lance shares memories from his time on campus and reflects on why he continues to support today’s students.

Q: What does it mean to you personally to reflect on the history of Norwalk Technical College and see how it has evolved into CT State Norwalk?

A: I’m very proud of the progress of the school, the students, and its graduates. The number of majors is amazing, and I’ve always admired how the college stays aware of the local needs of the surrounding communities. They continue to offer new curriculums to meet those needs.

Q: What was student life like during your time at Norwalk Technical College?

A: We had a tri-semester system, so you really couldn’t afford to fall behind. Tuition was $100 a year—paid in three parts: $35, $35, and $30—but the books were expensive. What stood out most was the faculty. We had a retired Navy Captain, a retired Army Colonel, and an oil executive. They weren’t there for the paycheck—they taught because they wanted to pass on their knowledge. It made a lasting impression on me.

Q: How did your education influence your career?

A: The curriculum was very useful in my career as an Industrial Engineer in the aircraft industry. It gave me a strong technical foundation and a disciplined approach to learning that served me well.

Q: How did your military service impact your educational journey?

A: While I was in the service, I knew I wanted to go back to school and get my bachelor’s. I was fortunate—when I transferred to CCSU, most of my credits from Norwalk Tech were accepted. In my opinion, veterans need a little help readjusting to academics, and I’m glad to know the college now has staff in place to support them.

Q: What advice would you give today’s CT State Norwalk students?

A: My advice is simple: “If you learn, you will earn.” Education should be available to everyone. It gives people the opportunity to better themselves and their futures.

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Lance was also featured in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune sharing stories from his time aboard the USS Intrepid during his military service. Read the full article here.