April 13, 2020 Melissa Lamar

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Tunxis Community College has received more than $20,000 in donations and funding from its Student Government Association and Tunxis Community College Foundation to help students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As all classes moved online, Tunxis purchased 65 new computers with the funds, adding to the collection it already had available to loan to students for a total of 148 laptops, Chromebooks, all-in-one desktops and iMacs. Approximately $5,000 of the donations will also be available through Tunxis Foundation’s student emergency fund to assist students who are in financial distress as a result of the outbreak.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our campus, Tunxis continues to support our students in different ways,” said Tunxis Campus CEO Dr. Darryl Reome. “We are very grateful for the generosity of our Student Government Association and Foundation which has enabled us to help students who need technology to finish their classes online and grapple with other difficulties presented by the pandemic.”

“I would like to thank our Foundation, which has stepped up with our other regional community college foundations to support students during this crisis,” said Dr. James Lombella, North-West regional president of the Connecticut Community Colleges. “We know that the pandemic has presented many different challenges for our students, and we have been reaching out to make sure they know we are here to help them.”

Requests for loans of computers are being taken on a first-come, first-serve basis for Tunxis students in good financial standing with the college through referrals from faculty and staff. So far, two students have picked up computers through curbside delivery, with approximately 43 more to be distributed starting April 13.

Tunxis Foundation has also created a COVID-19 fund to accept gifts to support the college and Tunxis students. Those who are interested in helping Tunxis students can make donations on Tunxis Foundation’s web page at tunxis.edu/donate.

Tunxis offers more than 70 associate degrees and certificates that prepare students for transfer to four-year degrees and transition into the workforce with such programs as advanced manufacturing technology, accelerated business; computer information systems; early childhood education; engineering; criminal justice; graphic design; pathway to teaching careers; and technology. Financial aid and payment plans are available for those full- and part-time credit students who qualify.

While the campus is closed temporarily to help prevent the spread of the virus, all offices and departments can be reached through email, and are available to assist current and prospective students with registering for the upcoming summer and fall semesters. For more information on how to register, visit tunxis.edu/apply.

Tunxis Community College Foundation, established in 1970, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by an executive director and managed by a board of directors composed of faculty, business and community leaders. Its mission is to raise funds for Tunxis Community College to support scholarships, special learning projects, the arts and student veterans.