Barry J. Cunningham, principal of BJC Valuation Services in Simsbury, knows the value of Tunxis Community College.
The Simsbury resident attended Tunxis from 1996-1997 to complete the courses he needed towards his bachelor’s degree, which he had begun at Pennsylvania State University in the 1980s. He was driving by Tunxis in Farmington, Connecticut and decided then and there to pursue finishing his degree by enrolling in Philosophy 101 at the College.

” That started me on the path of a major change in my life,” explained Cunningham, whose real estate and consulting firm heavily emphasizes tax and litigation consulting.

“ I was traveling around the country doing litigation consulting…but going back to college by enrolling at Tunxis made the difference for me,” he said.
Cunningham went on to earn a master of science degree in education from Cappella University in 2001. He is currently at the dissertation stage and will be earning his Ph.D. degree in education from there. The focus of his dissertation is “The Founding of the Policy that Created the Community College System.”
Along with other alumni, Cunningham was conferred an “Impact Award” by the Connecticut Community College System in a ceremony celebrating the System’s 40th anniversary in April 2005 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. He was recognized for “the wonderful example your success provides to other community college students. We’re delighted that you found Tunxis at just the right moment, and that we were able to have an impact on your life and your career.”

Tunxis Community College offers over 60 degree and certificate programs responsive to workplace needs, including liberal arts and online education. A wide array of workforce development and continuing education classes are also offered to businesses and individuals.

— June 4, 2005