DPW and Quinebaug Valley Community College in Danielson

For Immediate Release Contact: Patrick T. Nolan

March 4, 2005 Communications Specialist (Mgr.)

860-713-5790

DPW And Quinebaug Valley Community College In Danielson

Schedule Groundbreaking For New Addition On March 15, 2005

Commissioner James T. Fleming of the State Department of Public Works (DPW) and President Dianne E. Williams of Quinebaug Valley Community College (QVCC) will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the $10.8 million addition and renovations project at QVCC in Danielson on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 2 p.m.

The event will take place in front of the construction site at the west side of the college, located at 742 Upper Maple Street in Danielson. (Please see the attached directions.)

The much-needed expansion project consists of 30,000 square feet of new and renovated space. The scope includes ten new classrooms, an addition to the library, a new bookstore, an art gallery, student lounge, career center, space for community activities, and 100 new parking spaces. The project is expected to be completed in March 2006.

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“Quinebaug Community College is the fastest growing of the 12 community colleges with a 48% percent increase in enrollment over the past five years. Due to this rapid growth, the need for more space is crucial,” said DPW Commissioner Fleming. He added, “The Rell administration is committed to meeting the needs of the northeast corner’s residents. We at DPW are proud to be part of this effort, and we are confident this substantial addition will be of high quality and meet all of your expectations.”

QVCC President Williams said, “This long awaited expansion and renovation will help us serve even more learners of all ages, the business community, and bring community activities back into the building. As this community’s college, we hope the community will come celebrate with us.”

The speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony will include DPW Commissioner Fleming, who will represent Governor M. Jodi Rell; QVCC President Williams; Louise S. Berry, chair of the Board of Trustees of the Community Colleges; Marc Herzog, chancellor of the Community College System; and David I. Patenaude, chairman, Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments.

The contractor for the project is Barr, Inc., of Putnam, and the architect is Ai Architecture of Glastonbury.

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Quinebaug Valley Community College has a student body of approximately 1,800 students. The college is also available for community use. In anticipation of this major construction project at Quinebaug, the college foundation held its first capital campaign to help finance the furniture and equipment package for the new space and for additional student financial assistance. More than $1.5 million was raised. This strong support from the community and the private sector is indicative of the important role the college serves in the northeast corner.

The state Department of Public Works is responsible for the design and construction of major capital building projects (except highways and bridges) for most state agencies, leasing and acquisitions statewide, and facility management, maintenance and security of state buildings in the greater Hartford area.

Directions to Quinebaug Valley Community College

742 Upper Maple Street

Danielson, CT 06239

860 774-1160

From Hartford

Take I-84 East to Exit 69 (Route 74)

At the end of the exit ramp turn right onto Route 74 East

At intersection with Route 44, turn left onto Route 44 East

Follow Route 44 East to the intersection with Route 101

Stay straight on Route 101 East to second traffic light (approximately 3 miles apart)

At second light (intersection with Upper Maple Street), turn right onto Upper Maple Street

QVCC is located on the left approximately 1.5 miles from intersection

From Norwich

Take Route 395 North to Exit 93 (Route 101)

At end of exit ramp turn left onto Route 101 West

Proceed to second traffic light at the intersection of Upper Maple Street

Turn left onto Upper Maple Street

QVCC will be on your left (approximately 1.5 miles from traffic light)

From New Haven

Take I-91 North to I-84