PORTSMOUTH – For the fifth year in a row, Great Bay Community College will be hosting their annual Distinguished Leaders Award event, a fundraiser in support of student scholarships. The event, held on October 13 beginning at 5PM, also serves to highlight the relationship between the College and its external community partners. This year, the focus will be on the healthcare industry. Among those honored will be Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Wentworth- Douglass Hospital, Exeter Hospital and Frisbie Memorial Hospital.
“For 70 years, Great Bay Community College has worked in partnership with the healthcare industry.” said Will Arvelo, President of Great Bay Community College. “Our joint commitment to program excellence has enabled us to keep our curriculum relevant and ultimately provide our graduates with the skills they need to serve the community. We are excited to honor them at this year’s event.”
In addition to celebrating healthcare partners, the event will also highlight the college’s many programs, including Nursing, Surgical Technology, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, and Medical Office Administrative Assisting. Each not only fill a direct hiring need but also provide a pipeline of highly skilled employees to the regional healthcare industry.
This year’s fundraiser will be held at the College’s new 20,000 square foot Student Success Center located at the Portsmouth Campus at Pease Tradeport. The Center houses a gym, a fitness center, lounges and rooms for conferences , private meetings and cultural and social programming.
“We are thrilled to have this signature event take place right here on campus” said Arvelo. “Not only is it an opportunity for so many to come see this incredible facility but also to learn firsthand the full intention of this space. It is an area that not only offers curricular and co-curricular activities but also promotes personal growth, transferable skills and professional development.” The Student Success Center will be transformed for the evening to a venue seating over 400 guests with a catered dinner provided by Fosters’ Clambake.
Through corporate and individual generosity, the Distinguished Leaders Award event has raised over $1.2 Million in support of student scholarships. This year, Great Bay hopes to raise $400,000. “Over 85% of Great Bay Community College students request financial assistance in order to make their education and long-term goals a reality” said Arvelo. “We want our students to be able to come to Great Bay without the worry of accruing a high amount of debt. By raising these funds each year, we are able to offer them substantial scholarships that help to alleviate that stress.”
For more information on the event, or to inquire about sponsorship, please contact Joan Belladue, Assistant to the President at Great Bay Community College, at 603-427-7602. Secure donations can also be made at www.greatbay.edu/dla
