By graduating from Tunxis you have opened the door to countless possibilities and limitless growth, and I wish you continued success in your future endeavors. Continue to have dreams, aspirations, and ambitions wherever your life path leads. You have shown that it is today’s students and graduates that are the change agents for the future and the next generation of leaders. As we leave Tunxis and face our futures in these uncertain times, I want to leave you with words from Aron Ra that I strive to live by: “If you want your life to mean something, try making someone else’s life meaningful.” – Jacob Norton, Valedictorian, Tunxis Class of 2020. “Valedictorian carries with it the false impression that this accomplishment is solely due to my own actions. This perspective omits those who have supported and motivated me. Of course, my parents have been there for me at every step, pushing me and encouraging me at every step. My professors have enlightened and challenged me; my managers accommodating my school schedule; and countless thinkers and entertainers have shaped and inspired me. However, it would be remiss of me not to mention my therapists not only for the transformative help they have provided me, but in case anyone else with mental illness needs to know that a diagnosis does not preclude you from success. No one changes the world except through the ways they influence those around them. Asking others for help is not weakness; it is strength. As they say, we’re all in this together.” Plans after Tunxis: I will be continuing my studies at a 4-year university pursuing a bachelor’s degree. “There are many people at Tunxis to whom I, and doubtless many other graduates, would like to express gratitude and without whom our success as students would not have been possible; from the people in Financial Aid who worked tirelessly to help find ways to make college financially achievable, to the Tunxis Foundation for their generous scholarship programs. The gifted and dedicated peer tutors who shared with us their time and experience, and the staff of the Algebra Lab and Academic Success Center who were always there for our struggles and sometimes our worst disasters. And the folks in the counseling office who have taken on the herculean feat of being jacks of all trades, and versed, at least slightly, in every department. And of course, the professors who worked hard to craft challenging and enriching courses, who encouraged us and supported us, mentored us, at times forgave us, and on rare occasions became dear and trusted friends. There are so many that to name them individually would be impractical. It is my hope that my fellow graduates will take the opportunity – just as I plan to do – to maintain the connections we’ve made here and return the support that has been shown to us by contributing to the Tunxis community as alumni.”Tunxis Commencement 2020
On May 27, we celebrate all of our 2020 graduates. While we are not able to commemorate this milestone in person during these unprecedented circumstances, we want to commend the hard work, perseverance and dedication of our graduates, and recognize all that they have achieved. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a truly remarkable journey. We are sharing a celebratory video where all of our graduates are recognized.
Dr. Darryl Reome, Tunxis Campus CEO
Dr. James Lombella, North-West Regional President, CT Community Colleges
CSCU President Mark E. Ojakian
Congratulations from Tunxis Employees
Greetings from
CT Board of Regents Chair Matt Fleury
Governor Ned Lamont
Tunxis Class of 2020 Valedictorian
Jake Norton, A.S., Business Administration
Tunxis Class of 2020 Salutatorian
Loupgarou Whitesides, A.S., Liberal Arts and Sciences
