June 8, 2011 Kenneth Colangelo

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During the ’70s-themed celebration, Tunxis president Cathryn L. Addy, Ph.D., (center) holds up a cake decorated with a photomontage depicting Tunxis’ past and present. Also shown, left to right, are: Marc Herzog, chancellor of the Connecticut Community Colleges; Paul Wittmer, Ph.D., Tunxis professor of history emeritus and one of the first faculty; Benjamin Davis, Jr., Ph.D., son of the late Benjamin Davis; Philip Cocciola, a former assistant to the first Tunxis president now employed by the Connecticut Community Colleges; and David Graham, an original member of the Tunxis Regional Advisory Board.

Tunxis Community College, joined by distinguished guests, Connecticut Community College presidents, and others from the Connecticut Community College system, held a dedication ceremony of Founders Hall on May 23.

The 9,030 square-foot hall, which is now used for lectures, meetings, events and performances, was officially named in honor of the founders of Tunxis during the dedication.

“I think Founders Hall is a perfect name—this space is as crucial to us as were our founders; it is versatile and has been used very creatively, and all has been done on a shoestring budget,” said Tunxis president Cathryn L. Addy, Ph.D., of the space, which was previously occupied by Tunxis Library. “Now, if those characteristics are not the hallmarks of most community college founders, I don’t know what might be.”

A painting of Tunxis founding president Benjamin Davis, Ph.D., was displayed during the tribute, along with two plaques naming the first members of Tunxis Community College Foundation and Tunxis Regional Advisory Board.

The dedication is among a series of celebrations at Tunxis throughout 2010-2011 commemorating 40 years of education in the Farmington Valley and beyond. The College first opened for classes in October 1970 and currently offers over 60 associate’s degrees and certificates, providing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare students for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and employment in areas with industry need. Visit the Tunxis website at tunxis.commnet.edu.