Tunxis Community College students from the Veterans’ OASIS received a private tour of the Governor’s Residence decorated for the holiday season on December 19.

First Lady Cathy Malloy (center) greeted the group of Tunxis faculty, veterans and alumni, which included (L to R): Stew Holt, Jordan Massa, Jazzmine Carrillo, Stephanie Wright, Ken Timmons, Karen DeBari, Nelson Algarin, Kelli Parady, Dave Welsh, and Dustin Harrison.

The First Lady explained the meaning of the Christmas trees on display with other holiday decorations in the 1909 Colonial Revivial home, located on Prospect Avenue in Hartford.

The Tunxis Veterans’ OASIS, which stands for Operation Academic Support for Incoming Service members, is a space for veterans and service members studying at Tunxis to meet, study, socialize or take a break between classes in a comfortable setting. It is part of a larger initiative started in 2008 by the Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs to form OASIS centers at all of Connecticut’s public colleges and universities where returning veteran students can connect, study, encourage each other and share their experiences as they transition back into civilian life and pursue their degrees.

For those who would like more on veterans benefits for education at Tunxis, call 860.773.1516 or email [email protected]. Visit the Tunxis website at tunxis.edu for more on associate degree and certificate programs. Tunxis is located at the junction of Routes 6 and 177 in Farmington.