MCC Foundation Donors Create New Endowed Scholarships

MANCHESTER, Conn. (August 31, 2021) – Jan Tirinzonie, of Old Saybrook, donated funds to MCC Foundation to establish the John Tirinzonie Endowed Scholarship Fund in honor of her late brother.

“I believe in the potential for every student to succeed despite any obstacles they face,” the retired principal of Timothy Edwards Middle School in South Windsor said. “I look forward to my involvement with this partnership and will help provide continued support for students in the future.”

John Tirinzonie was a long-time friend of the college and, during his distinguished 33-year career with the Connecticut Department of Labor, he was a partner in helping to plan the annual Regional Job Fair held at MCC. He had planned to teach at MCC following his retirement; however, he passed away before he had that opportunity. Jan’s endowment in John’s name adds to endowed funds from a group of distinguished donors to help support Manchester Community College programs and scholarship awards.

Endowments are an important revenue source for community colleges. They often support student scholarships and academic programs. By endowing a gift, donors make an investment that lasts in perpetuity in support of the college’s educational mission. At Manchester Community College, an endowment fund can be established with a gift of $10,000 or more. Donors are acknowledged on the college’s Donor Wall.

The Peter Grose and Margaret Ruth Nye Endowed Scholarship Fund was established for a student in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program who is  Black, Indigenous or a person of color. Peter Grose, retired CEO of the Manchester-based engineering firm Fuss & O’Neill, Inc., is president of MCC Foundation.

The Thulin Family Endowed Scholarship Fund provides for scholarships to be awarded to a student or students enrolled in the college’s health careers programs. JoAnn Thulin, of Manchester, is an MCC Foundation board director and teaches medical terminology at the college.

The Benoit Family Endowed Scholarship Fund will benefit students enrolled in engineering or computer science. It is endowed by TJ Benoit ’81, owner and founder of East Hartford-based TAB Computer Systems, Inc. Benoit serves as an MCC Foundation board director.

For more information and details on how to give, visit www.manchestercc.edu/foundation.

About MCC Foundation

Manchester Community College Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 Connecticut corporation governed by a volunteer board of directors, composed of business and community leaders. The foundation secures funding to assist the college in achieving its mission and goals through support of programs, scholarships and equipment.