Cindi Bigelow, HCC Philanthropist, To Receive Honorary Degree

Cindi Bigelow, President and CEO of Bigelow Tea, will receive an honorary degree from Housatonic Community College (HCC) at its 54th commencement exercises later this month for her longtime support of the college.

Bigelow Tea, and the Bigelow family, have been strong supporters of HCC for nearly 20 years. In addition to supporting students through general scholarships, the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center and VentureLab, Bigelow Tea helped to fund the launch of the college’s innovative Equity Project in January 2021. Bigelow employees have served on the HCC Foundation Board, Bigelow Tea was inducted into HCC’s American Manufacturing Hall of Fame in 2017 and Cindi Bigelow was inducted into the HCC Foundation Hall of Fame in 2017.

“Cindi Bigelow is a shining example of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit and support for our community. The impact she has had on Housatonic students is far-reaching, and it will be a privilege to honor her as we celebrate our graduates, especially at a time when they have had to persevere through adversity to reach their educational goals,” said Dr. Dwayne Smith, CEO of Housatonic Community College.

Housatonic Community College will celebrate the graduation of 565 potential graduates next week at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport.

Cindi Bigelow is the 3rd generation President and CEO of family-owned Bigelow Tea, the US market leader of specialty teas that produces over 2 billion tea bags annually. She holds a BS degree from Boston College, an MBA from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, and Honorary Doctorates from Johnson & Wales University, the University of New Haven and Fairfield University. Socially-and community-minded, she frequently makes appearances speaking to students and industry leaders, sharing insights on business ethics, leadership and marketing, and has received numerous awards for her years of community service.