Joyce Keating to Receive Honorary Degree

CT State Asnuntuck is proud to announce that local businesswoman Joyce M. Keating has been selected to receive an honorary degree during its May 22nd commencement ceremony.

The college said the honor is being bestowed on the humanitarian, philanthropist, and businesswoman in recognition of her commendable dedication to community service and unwavering commitment to higher education.

A Somers resident, Keating has made significant contributions to the community. She has inspired individuals and businesses to invest in local initiatives and higher education. As a young businesswoman, she became the first woman inducted into the Enfield Rotary Club in 1987 and has been a dedicated member ever since. Ms. Keating has actively supported the Rotary Foundation and its global humanitarian projects. Throughout her tenure as a Rotarian, she has held various leadership positions, including club officer, Community Service Director, and Social Chairperson. In 2013, she was honored with the club’s prestigious and highest honor- The Paul Harris Fellow Award.

Her commitment to community service extends well beyond her work with Rotary. She has served on the Board of Directors for the North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, the Asnuntuck Community College Foundation, and the Little Sisters of the Poor. She was recently appointed a Board Director for Trinity Health's Johnson Memorial Hospital.

She successfully established and owns Keating Real Estate in Enfield and has served as Chair of the North Central Connecticut Board of Realtors. While raising two young children as a single mother, she became an entrepreneur, supported female business owners, and was crowned Ms. Connecticut Senior America in 2007.

Additionally, Keating advocates for providing students with leadership opportunities and scholarship support. Over the years, she has established scholarship funds through the Rotary and the Asnuntuck Foundation, helping numerous students in their educational pursuits.

CEO Dr. Michelle Coach said, “Joyce Keating is the embodiment of a trailblazing woman leader—compassionate, driven, and deeply committed to making a difference. Her dedication to community service and higher education has shaped our region and left a lasting impact on our campus.” She added, “Honoring her with this degree is a tribute to her tireless advocacy, leadership, and the countless students she continues to inspire. We are honored to honor her.”

Carolyn McCaffrey, Chair of the Asnuntuck Foundation, stated, “Joyce is truly an inspiration to all individuals in our community, especially female entrepreneurs. I have known Joyce for decades. When I opened my law firm in Enfield, Connecticut, in 2011, Joyce took the time to introduce me to various business owners and community leaders in the area. She encouraged me to become an active member in the community by joining the Asnuntuck Foundation, North Central Chamber of Commerce, and Enfield Rotary Club. Joyce is an exceptional role model. Her generosity and commitment to the community, especially higher education, are immeasurable.”

As a Rotarian, Keating has been involved with Rotary’s local and worldwide humanitarian projects. Rotary projects that have been completed during her tenure as a member have included the creation of the popular handicapped accessible playground situated behind the Enfield Public Library, fundraising for the Polio Plus program to help stamp out polio worldwide, and construction of a gazebo at Rotary Park at the Enfield Senior Center.

She will receive her honorary degree during CT State Asnuntuck’s Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 22, at 6 p.m. at Dunkin’ Stadium in Hartford.

Located in Enfield, Connecticut, CT State Asnuntuck (pronounced: As-NUN-tuck), formerly Asnuntuck Community College, was established in 1972. The campus offers associate degrees, certificates, and short-term workforce training programs to prepare students for careers, transfer opportunities, and lifelong learning.

The 12 community colleges in Connecticut merged on July 1, 2023, to become CT State Community College, one of the largest community colleges in the country and the largest in New England, dedicated to quality, access, and affordability. CT State students can apply once and take classes and access services at any campus. Locations include Asnuntuck (Enfield), Capital (Hartford), Gateway (New Haven and North Haven), Housatonic (Bridgeport), Manchester, Middlesex (Middletown and Meriden), Naugatuck Valley (Waterbury and Danbury), Northwestern (Winsted), Norwalk, Quinebaug Valley (Danielson and Willimantic), Three Rivers (Norwich), and Tunxis (Farmington). Find out more at ctstate.edu.