HCC Foundation Gala To Honor The Allison Foundation On April 21

The Housatonic Community College Foundation will honor The Allison Family Foundation at the 9th Annual HCC Foundation Gala from 6:00 to 11pm on April 21st in the stunning new Lafayette Atrium, located at the College.

The gala celebrates the 50th anniversary of Housatonic Community College and honors exceptional individuals in the areas of philanthropic and academic excellence. The Allison Family Foundation will be honored with the Friend of the College Award, recognizing the organization’s outstanding commitment to Housatonic Community College.

Since 2012, the Allison Family Foundation of Connecticut has funded scholarships and stipends for Housatonic Community College students based on financial need and academic achievement. The Foundation recently made a generous new commitment to the Housatonic Community College Foundation to fund college scholarships for an innovative program that enhances economic security for families through wrap-around student advising, as well as general scholarships for those with financial insecurity. The grant also funds a counselor for the Men’s Center, which provides mentoring and support for low-income young men.

The Foundation’s beneficiaries include education, immigration, health-care and cultural organizations. Its founders include the late Herbert M. Allison, Jr. retired Chair and CEO of TIAA, the leading financial services company.

Michelle London is an Allison Family Foundation scholarship recipient who credits the scholarship with allowing her to finish her degree. “I was planning to go back to school and was expecting my tax refund, but the IRS used it to pay off unpaid loans. I was devastated,” said the 33 year old single mom who also works full time and plans to become a nurse. When she learned about the scholarship, she said, “I couldn’t believe it, I started balling my eyes out. This is huge for me. I’m so grateful and blessed that I got this opportunity.”

Drew Eccleston is also an Allison Family Foundation scholarship recipient who graduates in May. “If it weren’t for that scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to graduate so soon, plus it motivates you to keep your academic drive to excel in your classes. I’m truly appreciative,” said Eccleston who also works two jobs as a marketing assistant and a car salesman.

“This transformational gift will change the lives of many students and their families,” said Fiona Hodgson, Executive Director of the Housatonic Community College Foundation. “Scholarships from the Allison Family Foundation will ensure funding when it is most needed, allowing students to succeed in their academic and career goals even when faced with the challenges of working full-time and looking after family members while achieving a degree.”

Tickets for the gala are currently on sale. The event will feature a spirited cocktail party with tastings, music, dancing, food, inspiring speakers and exciting student performances. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://housatonic.edu/gala or call 203-332-5156.

The evening will provide important funds for student scholarships, and will provide funds for student advising and academic programs of the College. The gala will take place on the Housatonic Community College campus, located at 900 Lafayette Blvd. in Bridgeport, CT.

The 2018 HCC Award Winners include: The Allison Family Foundation will receive the Friend of The College Award, Robert D. Scinto will receive the Community Service Award, the Distinguished Alumni Award will go to Hon. Judge Eddie Rodriguez Jr. and the Young Alumni Award will be presented to Dr. Yusuff Abdu.

The Housatonic Community College Foundation is grateful for the generous support of corporate sponsors who are making this year’s gala possible: Bigelow Tea, People’s United Bank, Premier Graphics, Brewport, and media sponsors, Hearst Media and WICC/WEBE108. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Fiona Hodgson, FHodgson@hcc.commnet.edu or call 203-332-5078.