Tunxis Celebrates Class of 2020 Graduates

Tunxis Community College celebrated its 49th Commencement and the Class of 2020 with the release of a celebratory commencement video and website on May 27, the original date Tunxis Commencement was scheduled prior to the cancellation of spring ceremonies throughout Connecticut due to community spread of COVID-19.

A total of 880 degrees and certificates were conferred to 729 during the recognition, which includes December 2019 and May 2020 graduates. Of the total, 430 graduates received 572 associate degrees and certificates, and 308 non-credit certificates were conferred through Continuing Education and Workforce Development. All Tunxis commencement candidate names are listed in the video, with photos for those who chose to submit them, and credit graduates are also listed by town of residence below.

“We commend you for your hard work, perseverance and dedication to your academic and professional lives during this especially difficult time of uncertainty,” said Dr. Darryl Reome, Tunxis Campus CEO, in his address to graduates. “By graduating from Tunxis, you have opened the door to countless possibilities and limitless growth, and I wish you continued success in your future endeavors.”

“Continue to have dreams, aspirations, and ambitions wherever your life path leads,” said Dr. James Lombella, North-West Regional President of the CT Community Colleges, in his regional remarks to the Class of 2020. “Graduates, embrace how your education has changed you as an individual. Go out and change the world, and make a difference.”

In addition to Reome and Lombella, the commencement video also included greetings from Amy Feest, Tunxis Dean of Academic Affairs. Additional video addresses from Mark Ojakian, President of the CT State Colleges & Universities, Governor Ned Lamont, CT Board of Regents Chair Matt Fleury, and greetings from Tunxis employees are featured on the commencement web page at tunxis.edu/classof2020.

During the recognition, the Tunxis valedictorian and salutatorian were also honored. Valedictorian for the Class of 2020 is Jacob Norton of Collinsville, who received an associate in science degree in business administration and three certificates in accounting, business administration and finance. The salutatorian, Loupgarou Whitesides of Hartford, received an associate in science degree in liberal arts and sciences. Both are featured in the video and on the commencement web page.

All May 2020 graduates will receive a commemorative cap and tassel in the mail along with their diploma.

When news that the Tunxis Commencement 2020 ceremony would need to be canceled, the college considered holding a ceremony for the Class of 2020 later this fall. With continued concerns about a resurgence of COVID-19, the college is now reviewing other possible in-person options next spring if the college is able to find a suitable venue and public health guidelines allow for larger crowds.

Tunxis Community College is commemorating its 50th anniversary of education and service in its communities in 2020. Tunxis first opened for classes in October 1970 with 494 students, and today approximately 6,000 students enroll each semester in more than 70 credit and continuing education programs as they prepare for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and employment in areas with industry need.

Since the first graduation in 1972, approximately 14,712 credit graduates have been awarded 18,215 degrees and certificates from Tunxis Community College.

Tunxis Class of 2020 Credit Graduate names are listed on the website news release at tunxis.edu.
(Graduates reside in Avon, Barkhamsted, Berlin, Bloomfield, Bristol, Burlington, Canton, Cheshire, Collinsville, Coventry, Cromwell, East Berlin, East Hartford, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Hartford, Harwinton, Kensington, Manchester, Marion, Meriden, Middletown, New Britain, New Hartford, New Haven, Newington, Northford, Norwich, Plainville, Plantsville, Prospect, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, Southbury, Southington, Stafford Springs, Stamford, Terryville, Thomaston, Torrington, Unionville, Waterbury, Watertown, Weatogue, West Hartford, West Simsbury, Wethersfield, Windsor, Windsor Locks, Winsted & Wolcott.)