Charter Oak State College Foundation

09/15/2026

📚 Celebrate National Online Learning Appreciation Day with a Gift That Changes Lives
Today, we honor the students, graduates, faculty, and staff who demonstrate the power and promise of online education every day.
The Charter Oak State College Foundation works to ensure that higher education remains accessible through scholarships and grants that help students succeed, regardless of life's obstacles.
When we give, we do more than support a student. We invest in stronger families, a more skilled workforce, and thriving communities.
One student, Shakila, shared:
"Your support eases the financial burden of attending school, allowing me to stay focused on my studies and continue growing as a resource to my family and community."
Her determination to break generational barriers and create a brighter future embodies the impact of philanthropy and education.
💙 On September 15, show your appreciation for online learning by making a meaningful gift to support degree completion and student success.
Together, we can transform lives through education and help future generations thrive.
🔗 Donate today: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/CharterOakStateCollege/national-online-learning-appreciation-day/?a=13882265

08/26/2026

Today, on Women’s Equality Day, we honor the generations of women whose courage, persistence, and determination helped expand opportunity and strengthen our democracy.

The progress we celebrate today was hard-won, but the work continues. As we recognize how far we've come since the ratification of the 19th Amendment, let's also recommit to creating workplaces, communities, and institutions where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive, lead, and make her voice heard.

I am especially proud of the work of our partners, graduates, students and the Charter Oak State College Foundation Board! Our mission supports access to higher education for all. Education remains one of the most powerful pathways to opportunity, empowerment, and equity.

As we celebrate Equity give a meaningful gift today >> https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/CharterOakStateCollege/WIT-25YearsPlus.html

Equality benefits us all.

06/10/2026

🎓 Celebrating a Legacy. Building the Future.
After 28 years at Charter Oak State College — including 18 years as President— Ed Klonoski will retire on June 30, 2026.
President Klonoski’s leadership helped shape Charter Oak into what it is today: expanding online education, launching degree majors, securing and sustaining accreditation, and introducing master’s degree programs. Along the way, he presided over 18 commencements—each one a celebration of student success and opportunity.
Continuing their commitment to student success, Ed and Angela Klonoski have established the Ed & Angela Klonoski Presidential Legacy Fund, an endowed scholarship supporting future students.

We invite YOU—our alumni, friends, and community—to help us finish strong ... to out-give Ed & Angela and RAISE $18,000 towards their endowment scholarship!
💡 As of June 10, we are at 40% of our goal ... Let’s come together and invest in the next generation of Charter Oak students.
👉 https://bit.ly/PresidentialLegacyFund
Every gift matters. Every dollar opens a door.

05/08/2026

✨ 25 Years. Hundreds of Lives Changed. Countless Dreams Unlocked. ✨

Women in Transition (WIT) began with one bold question—and became a movement to help single moms earn their degree and transform their futures!

Today, over 330 women have graduated, they lead, serve, heal, and inspire the next generation.

Here’s to the WIT Program and the women who dared to begin again 💫

The afternoon also honored the visionaries who made WIT possible. Legacy of Brilliance Awards were presented to:
Theresa Hopkins Staten, President, Eversource Energy Foundation
Bob and Margaret Patricelli, Patricelli Family Foundation
Alexis Safo-Agyeman, Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
In addition, Dr. Merle Harris received the Distinguished Visionary Award, recognizing her foresight, leadership, and enduring impact.

Thank you to the women of WIT Janee Folston and Shonda McLennon for boldly sharing their stories and empowering the next generation.
Here's to 25 more years!

- Support Moms Here Today - https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/CharterOakStateCollege/WIT-25YearsPlus.html

05/08/2026

04/27/2026

Honor the journey. Celebrate the milestone. Pay it forward.

✨The Class of 2026 Senior Legacy – Program Book Tribute is a meaningful way to commemorate Graduation Day while supporting future students.
A tribute ad allows you, your family, or friends to share a short message of pride, gratitude, or congratulations that will appear in the official Commencement Program Book, listed by graduate last name.

🎉 Deadline Extended!
You now have until Wednesday at midnight to submit your tribute.
For a minimum contribution of $20.26, you can include a 15‑word congratulatory message such as:
“Congratulations, [Graduate] Sarah—so proud of all you’ve accomplished! Love, [Mom and Dad]”
“We did it! Thank you, [honey], for your support that gave me the encouragement — [Graduate, Class of 2026!]”
📣 Share this message with family and friends so they can Celebrate your success. Honor those who support you.
✨ The Gift that Gives: all tribute ad contributions directly support the Senior Legacy Scholarship Fund, helping provide financial scholarships to other Charter Oak State College students—making your celebration a gift that pays it forward.
Follow the link to submit your tribute >> https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/CharterOakStateCollege/SeniorLegacyFund.html

01/28/2026

Shea Lecture 2026 - Being Heard & Hearing Others:
The Art of Active Listening + Clarifying Questions
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 5pm – 7pm
185 Main Street, New Britain or join via Zoom

Join us and bring a friend or colleague for a transformative experience designed to strengthen the core of meaningful communication: presence, curiosity, and connection.

Keynote: Yvonne M Alston, Indelible Impressions Consulting, LLC
Free to Attend. Registration Required. https://bit.ly/Shea2026Feb5

Interactive and Empowering with Signature Networking & Noshing with a Purpose (or Interactive breakout room discussions for online attendees).

~ Learn how to listen for understanding, not ammunition
~ Invite deeper dialogue
~ Become more confident contributors and more compassionate listeners
~ Cultivate conversations where both truth and humanity can coexist

We can learn to communicate and to create space for belonging, respect, and genuine understanding.

Free to Attend - Registration Required - https://bit.ly/Shea2026Feb5

Charter Oak State College Foundation Events

12/16/2025

Today we lift up the heartfelt gratitude expressed by faculty, staff, and alumni who have worked alongside Ed. His leadership was rooted in compassion, innovation, and a deep belief in second chances.

Let’s celebrate the impact he made by continuing the work he started.

Make a gift today in gratitude for Ed’s 28 years of service.

https://bit.ly/PresidentialAppeal25-26

12/15/2025

“Each credit I earn builds new motivation—and this scholarship helped me keep going.”

Sentiments like this are exactly why Ed spent 28 years advocating for students who balance work, family, and school.

Your generosity ensures more adult learners can stay on track, persist through challenges, and celebrate milestones that once felt out of reach.

Give today to help another student continue their journey. https://bit.ly/PresidentialAppeal25-26

12/14/2025

A single act of generosity can change everything.
For one student, it means staying enrolled.
For a parent, it means stability for their family.
For our community, it means more skilled, compassionate graduates entering the workforce.

This is the ripple effect of giving — and it’s exactly what Ed believes in.

Your gift today creates waves of impact for years to come.
https://bit.ly/PresidentialAppeal25-26