MxCC Foundation Receives Historic Bequest from Alumna, Local Resident

The Middlesex Community College Foundation has recently received the largest bequest in the non-profit’s history. Mrs. Hazel E. Robinson, a life-long Portland, Conn. resident and alumna of the College, has donated a portion of her estate to be used to establish a scholarship fund in remembrance of her brother, Raymond S. Robinson.

According to the executor of Mrs. Robinson’s estate, the donation was a way for Robinson to honor her brother and the College that she remembered fondly.

“This is the largest donation to the Foundation in its history, and it is greatly appreciated,” said Mary Anne Cox, chair of the MxCC Foundation board of directors. “Mrs. Robinson has left a wonderful legacy that will help many deserving students to achieve their dreams for higher education.”

The funds from the Robinson estate will be used to help meet tuition costs and other necessary educational expenses for students in need of financial aid or further academic support.

The MxCC Foundation’s role is to raise external funding for students and programs at MxCC, and one way of providing this support is through scholarship opportunities for incoming, returning and graduating students.

Financial assistance is critical for students as they work towards their academic and career-based goals. Based on the College’s most recent federal report for the 2013-14 academic year, about 80 percent or approximately 2,400 enrolled students at MxCC receive some form of financial aid. Pell Grants, which are geared toward lower income students and are funded by the federal government, were awarded to about 65 percent of students. This funding, while essential, often does not cover all student expenses which these days can include not just tuition and books, but also daycare and transportation costs for a commuting student. That is why need-based scholarships, like the one that will be established in remembrance of Raymond S. Robinson, are essential to the College.

The scholarships, which are made possible by generous donors like Mrs. Robinson, are awarded by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. This committee meets once a year to review student applications and to award funds. Over the last five years the Foundation has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to deserving students. Application packets for 2015 scholarships are currently being accepted. The application form and requirements can be found at http://mxcc.edu/foundation/scholarships/apply/

Application packets are to be submitted by the final deadline of March 1, 2015:

Corey Martell, Executive Assistant to the President

Middlesex Community College

Room 105, Founders Hall

100 Training Hill Road

Middletown, CT 06457