AUBURN — Central Maine Community College held its 10th annual awards dinner at Hilton Garden Inn April 9. After a wonderful dinner and social opportunity, it was time for the award presentations. Roger Philippon, dean of planning and public affairs, introduced CMCC President Dr. Scott Knapp while “Hail to the Chief” played in the background. The CMCC president began with a display of his sense of humor with “My wife plays that for me every morning when I get up.” The occasional levity continued during 13 presentations between Knapp, Philippon and Dick Gleason, board of directors member.
Before receiving the award, recipients came forward for recognition as Knapp narrated a slide presentation by listing the accomplishments and growth at CMCC since the first annual dinner 10 years ago. It was a long list including the renovation of Jalbert Hall, the addition of more than 20 fields of study, the construction of the Learning Tower, the ice hockey program and its locker rooms, the improvements in graphics communication and nursing programs, and other changes too numerous to list.
In his commentary, he also highlighted some of the state and national recognition the college has received. In addition to the increase in enrollment and graduation rates, CMCC has the lowest tuition in New England for community colleges; CM ranks eighth among 1,200 similar institutions in its digital/technology area. The Precision Machine Center with its massive BCT Dust Collection unit was noted with a little more humor — “Don’t go near it if you’re wearing loose jewelry” and “We’ve gone a long way from a Wet Vac to Huge.” Knapp, of course, gave special recognition to the girls’ basketball team for winning a National Championship, describing the feat as “a two-year program competing with four-year colleges.”
A notable statistic among several during Knapp’s narration of the slide show was the raising of $23,000 from this year’s annual dinner. A well-deserved thank you was given to the presenting sponsors and all those in attendance for this support. This year’s presenting sponsor was Harriman Architects and Engineers.
Awards were presented to: Robyn Rawle, Student of the Year; Deion Jenkins, Against All Odds award; Kassie Schmidt, Yes I Can award; Dr. Jeff Stewart, President’s Award; Diane Dostie, Staff Person of the Year; Jarvis Simpson, Student Veteran of the Year; Brooke Reynolds, Female Student of the Year; Pietro Badalassi, Male Student of the Year; Kathy McManus, Faculty Member of the Year; Charlie Knauer, Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year; Melissa Potter and Mary Edgecomb, All-Maine Academic Team; Nicole Labbay, Scholarship Recipient; Corporate Partner, TD Bank President Larry Wold.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jarvis Simpson of Turner received the Student Veteran of the Year award for 2017 from Central Maine Community College. (Photo by Bill Van Tassel)
