In return, Dietetic Technology Laboratory at new downtown campus will bear Anthem’s name
NEW HAVEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Gateway Community College Foundation (GCCF) announced today that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut has donated $150,000 to its “Your College. Your Future” building campaign.
In recognition of the gift and Anthem’s long history of supporting GCC, the Dietetic Technology Laboratory at the college’s new downtown campus will bear the company’s name.
“Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has long been a supporter of Gateway students,” said GCC President Dr. Dorsey L. Kendrick. “Their commitment to our students through sponsorships and scholarship awards continues to enrich our region’s health care industry.”
“This generous naming of the Dietetic Technology Lab further underscores Anthem’s commitment to the well-being of our students and their future patients,” Kendrick added. “The college is grateful for our mutual commitment and strong partnership.”
The state of Connecticut is funding the construction of GCC’s $198 million downtown campus, but not all of its equipment. The GCCF’s “Your College. Your Future” building campaign, which launched its public phase in October, aims to bridge that gap by raising $6 million for state-of-the-art equipment and program-related materials, as well as long-term student support services like scholarships. It has already raised more than $2 million toward that goal.
“I’m proud we’re collaborating once again with Gateway,” said Anthem President David R. Fusco. “The college plays a key role in educating tomorrow’s workforce, including those who seek careers in health care. This clearly supports Anthem’s own mission of improving the lives of the people we serve and the health of our communities.”
This latest Anthem gift will fund a computerized audiovisual technology instructional system for the new ADA-accessible Dietetic Technology Laboratory, as well as requisite kitchen equipment. These tools will provide potential graduates with the necessary skills and competencies to address diseases and special needs in health care and public settings.
“The teaching technology in our new laboratory will provide many more dietetic technology students the opportunity to bridge what they’re learning in class with instructional demonstrations and hands-on practice,” said Elaine Lickteig, M.S., R.D., program coordinator of GCC’s Dietetic Technology Program.
Since its establishment, the college’s Dietetic Technology Program has produced 344 graduates, and 60 students are currently enrolled in the program. Its classroom work, combined with 450 hours of field experience, enables students to earn an associate of science degree and practice dietetic technology in a variety of settings, including hospitals and health care facilities, community health programs, school lunch programs and food service management companies. Many graduates also go on to pursue bachelor’s degrees.
“Poor diet can have an enormous impact on health,” according to Marcia Doran, chair of Gateway’s Department of Allied Health. “Obesity is a huge issue in this country, especially among youngsters. Lifestyle intervention, including education about better nutrition and controlling calorie intake, plays a huge role in addressing many serious health issues, including diabetes and cardiac disease.”
About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.
About the Gateway Community College Foundation
The Gateway Community College Foundation assists the college in expanding its services to students, enhancing academic instruction and investing in Connecticut’s future. It advocates for the college and creates nurturing partnerships with businesses, organizations and institutions throughout the community. It also provides necessary resources that enable the college to carry out its mission of providing high-quality instruction and comprehensive services in an environment conducive to learning. The foundation funds scholarships for students, professional development grants for faculty and staff and programmatic equipment for the college.
About Gateway Community College
One of the state’s fastest growing community colleges, GCC offers 95 associate degree and certificate programs and serves more than 11,000 credit and non-credit students each year. It is currently located on two campuses — at 60 Sargent Drive on Long Wharf in New Haven and at 88 Bassett Road in North Haven. Its new state-of-the art campus in downtown New Haven is slated to welcome students in September 2012 and is designed to be the state’s first public building gold-certified in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
GCC serves students in 24 towns and cities in the greater New Haven area, including: Ansonia, Bethany, Branford, Bridgeport, Cheshire, Clinton, Derby, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, Middletown, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Seymour, Shelton, Stratford, Wallingford, West Haven and Woodbridge. For more information, visit www.gcc.commnet.edu.
CONTACT:
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut Media Contact:
Sarah Yeager, 203-234-5402
[email protected]
or
Gateway Community College Media Contact:
Alison Skratt, 203-285-2065
Cell: 860-881-0519
[email protected]
KEYWORDS: United States North America Connecticut
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Education University Health Alternative Medicine Cardiology Fitness & Nutrition Professional Services Insurance Retail Food/Beverage Diabetes General Health Managed Care
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