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Published: Thursday, May 16, 2013; Last Updated: Thursday, May 16, 2013 10:51 PM EDT

MIDDLETOWN >> Karen Johnson grew up in a single-parent household with ambitions of wanting to achieve a college education. The problem was, her mother didn’t have enough money to send her and her sister to a quality institution.

So after graduating high school, Johnson hit the pavement in looking for a stable job to help fulfill her dreams.

Things seemed promising at first. She landed a job in manufacturing quality assurance at Pratt & Whitney in Southington, before financial struggles forced the company to shut down in 1995.

Johnson continued to persevere and found a similar job, but was laid off again amid the economic recession in 2009, and as she was approaching her 50th birthday.

As Johnson struggled to find her way and beginning to feel some regret of not going to college early on, she turned to her husband, Ronald, for support. That’s where she found her inspiration.

After taking the SAT’s for the first time, Johnson gained admission into Central Connecticut State University that fall.

Four years later, the 54-year-old resident’s tireless efforts will come to fruition. Johnson will be among 3,000 students to graduate from CCSU with a bachelor’s degree this weekend.

“I have mixed feelings, but it didn’t sink in until just last night when I was trying on my cap and gown,” said Johnson. “I think I’m more excited than nervous, but it’s just all part of the jitters.”

Through her first semester at CCSU, Johnson said one of her biggest concerns was whether her fellow classmates would be put off by the notion a much older woman was studying amongst a group of 20- or 30-somethings. But it was a smooth transition from the beginning.

“At first it was a concern, but I got along with them well and they were very supportive,” said Johnson.

Johnson also wasn’t certain about her concentration until she took a course in human geography that drew her into the field. She dove further into her studies by working at the Geographic Information Systems lab on campus.

Johnson now has her future planned.

She was recently accepted into the University of Connecticut’s Ph.D. program in geography and will begin courses this fall. For now, a festive Saturday afternoon at Hartford’s XL Center awaits Johnson. Several of her relatives are planning to come see her graduate magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in geography, she said.

Johnson also said the path it took for her to finally earn her degree is actually a lesson in itself, and something others could learn from, should they need any encouragement.

“It’s never too late to go for education,” said Johnson. “I thought I was too old at first, but I stuck with it and am glad that everything worked out.”

http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2013/05/16/news/doc51956c18239c4637663360.txt?viewmode=fullstory

BOARD OF REGENTS VOTES TO APPOINT DR. GREGORY W. GRAY AS NEW PRESIDENT

(HARTFORD, CT) – The Board of Regents for Higher Education voted today to appoint Dr. Gregory W. Gray to be the next President of the Board of Regents, which governs the 17 Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (ConnSCU), which includes 12 community colleges, four state universities and Charter Oak State College, the state’s only public, online institution. Dr. Gray is currently the chancellor of the Riverside Community College District, which includes three community colleges, more than 2,000 employees, and an annual credit enrollment that surpasses 100,000. Dr. Gray will officially begin his tenure as president on July 1, and will visit Connecticut over the spring and summer.

“I’m pleased that the Board of Regents has agreed that Dr. Gray would make a fine leader for our system, and I’m eager to continue getting to know him and begin working closely with him on the challenges and opportunities that lie before us,” said Lewis J. Robinson, Chairman of the Board of Regents and Chairman of the Regents’ Search Committee. “I have no doubt that Dr. Gray will be the forward looking, strategic thinking, creative leader that we need as the head of our system, and I know he will focus squarely on preparing our students to become informed and productive members of Connecticut’s citizenry and its workforce.”

"I want to thank the Board of Regents for the trust they've placed in me to lead this outstanding higher education system,” said Gray. “I've mentioned before how impressed I was by the individuals I met here and the obvious love and pride they feel for the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities. It is an honor to have the opportunity to be a part of such an environment. I look forward to many years of working with the Board, my new colleagues and our communities. Together, we can expand what I see as a very rich tradition of academic excellence and success, and cement our institutions' reputations as being world-class."

While searching for a new president, the Regents’ Search Committee was particularly mindful of selecting a candidate with stellar academic credentials and experience, while increasing transparency and accountability on behalf of state taxpayers. Dr. Gray’s employment contract approved today by the Board of Regents includes:

• An annual salary of $380,000
• The use of a state vehicle
• The standard package of benefits available to state employees

Dr. Gray would also receive $25,000 for moving and temporary housing expenses related to his family’s move from California to Connecticut. This money will be reimbursed to Dr. Gray after providing receipts for qualifying expenses. The term of his employment will be three years and the Board of Regents will review Dr. Gray’s performance annually, without contractually stipulated financial incentives.

The Regents’ Search Committee was assisted in this search by the Systemwide Advisory Committee, which included students, faculty, staff, union representatives, and representation from the business and industry community. The Systemwide Advisory Committee provided valuable input and suggestions to the Regents’ Search Committee regarding the selection of a new president.

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Center For Africana Studies 19th Annual Conference
News from the Motherland

Job 1:

The office is hiring three summer camp counselors for The "Dream Big Summer Program" at Community Central.

Camp counselors will enhance the campers’ experience, while taking responsibility for their health and wellbeing. Camp runs from June 24th to August 2nd from 9:00am-3:00pm. A pre-camp planning period will run from June 3^rd- 17^th.

To be eligible for this job you must be at least 18 years old, be interested in working with youth, and be able to communicate effectively with campers and staff.

If you’re hired you will:

- Assist with planning and administering activities

-Help with set up and clean up each camp day

-Mentor & build positive relationships with students

-Be an active part of all camp activities( i.e. rock climbing, airbrush art, games in the park, hikes, free time activities, etc.)

-Promote a positive healthy environment for the campers

-Practice personal leadership skills

Benefits include a $400 bi-weekly stipend, daily breakfast and lunch, and a free month of gym access to the YMCA.

If you’re interested please contact Pauline Galezowski at paulineg@my.ccsu.edu. Please include a resume and cover letter.

Job 2:

The Community Engagement office of CCSU is looking to hire a student with data collection experience to help us assist with our reporting and assessments for The "Dream Big Summer Program" at Community Central.

Job Requirements:

-Help to develop data collection strategies & tools for reporting outcomes

-Help to create reporting materials

-Maintain information and keep info up-to-date

-Create outcome reports.

-Track student progress along with directors and activity leaders

-Create spreadsheets & reports for funders

-Data management and analysis

- Make reports to show progress of camp goers

-Impact assessment

Camp runs from June 24^th to August 2^nd from 9:00am-3:00pm. A pre-camp planning period runs from June 3^rd - 17^th.

Applicants should have experience with data collection, surveys, and reporting. Applicants with previous experience with grant funded programs are preferred.

Benefits include a $400 bi-weekly stipend, daily breakfast and lunch, and a free month of gym access to the YMCA.

If you’re interested please contact Pauline Galezowski at paulineg@my.ccsu.edu with a resume and cover letter.