Business Major, Jorge Bermudez travelled with Gateway President Paul Broadie II and Susan Swirsky, advisor to the Alpha Xi Theta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at Gateway, to the Association of Community College Trustees’ (ACCT) 2018 Leadership Membership Celebration Luncheon in New York, NY on October 25 where he was honored as Connecticut's 2018 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar. Bermudez will receive a $1,250 scholarship. 

“We are extremely proud of Jorge for this prestigious distinction,” said GCC president, Paul Broadie II. 

This new scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions who plan to enter the workforce upon the completion of a degree or certificate on a national scale. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa. “He is an inspiration to all students who are focused and determined to do well. I applaud PTK and to the Coca-Cola Foundation for their generous and continued support of hard-working students across the country.” 

New Century Workforce Pathway Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. More than 2,000 students were nominated from more than 1,600 college campuses across the country. Only one New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar was selected from each state. 

“Education can change lives and help ensure that young people can realize their full potential,” said Helen Price, executive director of The Coca-Cola Foundation. “The Coca-Cola Foundation places a high priority on supporting education to help build strong communities.”

“We congratulate Jorge for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize his outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.” 

Each year, approximately 30 students make up the Alpha Xi Theta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Gateway Community College. They are actively engaged in community projects, academic competition and college-wide activities that promote the pursuit of excellence in leadership and academics. For more information about Phi Theta Kappa visit PTK.org. For more information about Gateway Community College, visit GatewayCT.edu

Pictured above: Paul Broadie II, Ph.D, President of Gateway Community College, Jorge Bermudez, Susan Swirsky, PTK Alpha Xi Theta Chapter advisor.