The Gateway Community College (GCC) Foundation recognized three outstanding women at its annual Hall of Fame Induction and Reception, held Oct. 1. Each year, the GCC Foundation honors exceptional corporate individuals, community leaders and Gateway alumni for their unique commitment to, and support of, the College's educational mission.

The GCC Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s honorees:
Corporate Honoree: Allison Schieffelin Walker, President & CEO, The Lighting Quotient
Community Honoree: Carol F. Ross, Community Leader
Alumni Honoree: Susan C. Hitchcock, Manager, Community Affairs, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Allison Schieffelin Walker brings a unique blend of business, finance and lighting experience to her role as CEO and president of The Lighting Quotient. Under her leadership, The Lighting Quotient became the first Connecticut company certified by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, a non-profit organization that educates and empowers manufacturers of consumer products to become a positive force for society and the environment. Schieffelin Walker received a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Boston College and a master’s degree in Marketing and Finance from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Carol Ross taught Latin in secondary schools in the Boston and New Haven areas for more than 30 years. A member of the American Classical League and the American Numismatic Society, she was named in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.” She is a fellow of Calhoun College at Yale University and has served on many civic non-profit boards. Currently, she is immediate past chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Guild for Community Arts Education. She also chairs the Advisory Council of Women's Health Research at Yale and is past president and a current board member of the Neighborhood Music School, the Center for Independent Study, and the Garden Club of New Haven.

Susan Hitchcock has more than 25 years of professional experience in communications, community affairs and administration. She currently serves as manager of Community Affairs for Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation based in Stratford, Conn. Her commitment to social responsibility extends beyond the company walls, as well. She is a member of the Bridgeport Public Education Fund Board and is actively involved with the American Heart Association, the United Way of Eastern Fairfield County, and Community Health Charities of Connecticut. She was awarded an associate’s degree from South Central Community College, the forerunner of GCC, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business from Fairfield University and an MBA from the University of New Haven.

The Gateway Community College Hall of Fame Induction and Reception was held in the Curran Community Room (N100) on the GCC campus. Since 1997, the proceeds from the Foundation’s annual Hall of Fame Induction and Reception have served as Gateway’s main source of scholarship funds. These are distributed to help students prepare for and secure promising careers in the modern workforce. Thanks to the financial support of generous sponsors, the patronage of attendees, and the help of many enthusiastic and caring volunteers, the Hall of Fame Induction and Reception has flourished over the years.

For more information about the GCC Foundation’s Hall of Fame, contact Barbara Segaloff at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (203) 285-2558. All other inquiries may be directed to Susan Swirsky at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (203) 285-2617. To learn more about the Foundation and the honorees, visit www.gatewayfdn.org.