On June 17, the guests’ attire was as colorful as the riverfront sunset at the 2016 Goodwin College Foundation Clambake to support student scholarships. While this popular event, held on the Connecticut River Academy (CTRA) terrace, has grown steadily since 2014, attendance took a significant jump from 175 last year to 300 this year. Even more impressive was the $30,000 raised for scholarships, more than tripling last year’s $8,000.
Pre-event VIP cruises from the CTRA dock were offered aboard the R/V Navigator, Goodwin’s amazing research vessel used primarily by students obtaining their environmental studies degrees. Guests viewing the College from out on the Connecticut River came away with a special appreciation for the beautiful campus.
As revelers dressed in the recommended “clambake preppy” colors enjoyed pre-dinner cocktails, Goodwin’s own auctioneer, Dan Larson of the Facilities Department, conducted the live auction from the staircase landing. On the block were an all-inclusive trip to Mexico and two Giants Football Experience packages. Guests also bid on silent auction items including a foursome at the TPC, Cromwell; Red Sox tickets and dinner at Capital Grille; bangle bracelets from Christie’s Fine Jewelry; a foursome at the historic Yale Golf Course; scotch, bourbon, and cigars; and a foursome at Topstone Golf Course plus two AAA memberships.
Dinner was a traditional New England clambake by Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant and J Restaurant Bar, followed by dessert and dancing. And while everyone came away with memories of a great event, the much-needed support for student scholarships remains the reason for everyone coming together.
“First Niagara Bank has partnered with Goodwin College for almost 20 years,” said Peter Thomas, First Vice President of First Niagara Bank. “Over the years, we have especially liked helping the hard-working Goodwin students with the support of various scholarship programs. At the Clambake, it’s always great to catch up with so many of our friends and associates within the Goodwin community. In many ways, it has become for us an annual event that launches everyone’s summer. But what we enjoy most is knowing that because of the funds raised at the Clambake, there will be some more students who will be able to attend Goodwin and ultimately graduate. It’s a wonderful evening of celebration and an even more wonderful feeling knowing how much this helps the students.”
A few of this year’s summer scholarship recipients had submitted notes of thanks for the help they received this year. “I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for making my scholarship possible. In order for me to succeed with my studies, it took perseverance, ambition, passion, courage, heart, a lot of humor – and your generous scholarship. Thank you so much for helping me advance my future as a certified occupational therapy assistant!” “Thank your for the generous scholarship I received. Your time and dedication do not go unnoticed by my fellow students or myself. I cannot stress enough how much I truly appreciate the Foundation for selecting me to receive such a blessing. It has brought me closer to my goals.”
The Goodwin Advancement Department thanks the many guests and volunteers who made the event a success. Presenting Sponsors were First Niagara and Pratt & Whitney. Officer Level Sponsors were Adams + Knight, Evolution Aero, FIP, Congressman John B. Larson, Prime Materials Recovery Inc., and Zuvic Carr and Associates Consulting Engineers. Cadet Level Sponsors included The Aegis Group, Aetna, Aerodyne Alloys, LLC, Andrews Benefits, Frank & Ceil Collins, Don & Melody Currey, D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Krislyn Donadio, ’15, Dr. Maria Ellis & Kimberly McDonald, Environmental Services, Inc., First Choice Health Centers, Dr. Ethan & Dr. Ellen Foxman, Lee Housley, ’15 & Alan Guite, iHeart Media, Independent Outdoor III, LLC, Craig & Christine Jordan, O’Connell Pace & Company, Se-Min & Michelle Sohn, Cliff & Cathryn Thermer, and Wiggin & Dana, LLP.
Special thanks for their hard work go out to event chairs Charlie Agreda, Foundation Board member; Ceil and Frank Collins, Foundation Board member; and Se-Min Sohn, Trustee.
To see scenes from the evening’s festivities, visit the Goodwin flickr page.
Learn more about supporting opportunities for Goodwin College students at Ways to Give.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.