Perspective: Thomas Beirne Takes Gateway Community College Foundation Helm
Continuing Change, New Challenges, Unwavering Commitment
(January 2023) Best wishes for a 2023 filled with hope, health, prosperity – and continued success for Gateway Community College’s students, faculty, and staff!
I’m honored to serve as chair of the Gateway Community College Foundation Board of Directors – a cadre of seasoned professionals in business, education, government, and healthcare. This “all-star” team’s selfless volunteerism, visionary leadership, and unfailing dedication provide vibrant, productive connections between the college and its community. The GCC Foundation board touches lives in many ways, but we can’t do what we do without you.
As we embark on 2023, we’re mindful that Gateway students face adversity and obstacles on their educational journeys navigating a post-pandemic world. Still, they demonstrate resiliency, responsiveness, and perseverance as they continue toward degree or certificate completion. (See this issue’s Student Success Story to read about an engineering student’s determination to achieve his dream.)
I know 2023 will bring change and challenge. This year, Gateway officially becomes part of CT State Community College. I and my fellow GCC Foundation board members pledge to work tirelessly to ensure Gateway’s roots in our community and this region remain deep, strong, and unwavering.
In 2023, the Foundation will celebrate its 30th anniversary: three remarkable decades of changing the lives of thousands of students in Greater New Haven, and beyond. We’re also looking forward to again celebrating our annual Hall of Fame and may welcome back the popular “Chefs Of Our Kitchen (C.O.O.K.) series, after a three-plus year hiatus!
In this issue and on our Foundation website, www.gatewayfdn.org, you can learn more about these events and other ways you can help us support Gateway students and the greater Gateway family. These include:
· Academic and laptop scholarships
· Fellowships
· Professional development opportunities for faculty and staff
· Emergency assistance like food and housing support
· Important wraparound services that help address or prevent the emotional, academic, and financial challenges that can derail a student’s educational journey.
I look forward to serving the GCC Foundation and making our 30th anniversary a banner year for the important – and life-changing – work we do for Gateway Community College. Thank you for your continuing support of that work.
With deepest gratitude and warmest regards,
Thomas Beirne III
Gateway Community College Foundation Board Chair
To learn how you can underwrite the GCC Foundation’s 2023 C.OO.K. series, please call Heidi Green, (203) 285-2296, or email her at hgreen@gwcc.commnet.edu.