May 4, 2012

(Columbia, MD) – The Senator James Clark, Jr. Medal was awarded to Mr. Victor Broccolino, president and chief executive officer of Howard County General Hospital, during a recent celebration that gathered both current and former members of the college’s boards. Those present recognized Mr. Broccolino’s longtime service to Howard Community College (HCC) and the community.

Chair of Howard Community College’s Board of Trustees Kathy Rensin presented the award to Mr. Broccolino saying, “Vic has been a great neighbor to Howard Community College and has collaborated with the college on various initiatives that benefit our shared community.” Ms. Rensin thanked Mr. Broccolino for his contributions to the health care field, service to the community and support to the college.

The students at Howard Community College have a lot to be grateful for thanks to Mr. Broccolino and Howard County General Hospital. The hospital has offered critical internship and clinical experiences that provide HCC students with much-needed practical experiences. Under the leadership of Mr. Broccolino, the hospital donated x-ray equipment, including a full suite to the college’s radiologic technology program. The Professional Staff of Howard County General Hospital also established a scholarship fund to benefit Howard Community College’s Career Links students who are health care program majors. Howard County General Hospital has also contributed to the establishment of the Mt. Airy Center for Health Care Education, as well as to support the start of the college’s accelerated nursing program and the mid-year nursing admission program.

The hospital has been a long-time supporter of the college, having given approximately $400,000. Mr. Broccolino and Howard County General Hospital are members of The President’s Circle at Howard Community College, a select group of distinguished individuals and organizations whose generosity, qualities of leadership and commitment to the college’s mission provide critical support to Howard Community College students.

“We are delighted to award the college’s most esteemed medal to a man who is committed and dedicated to HCC students,” said Dr. Kate Hetherington, president of Howard Community College. “The college could not have a better friend or neighbor. Vic always has our students’ futures in mind for the workforce of today and tomorrow.”

The Senator James Clark, Jr. Medal was established by the Howard Community College Trustees in 2006 in recognition of the longstanding contributions made by Senator Clark to Howard County. Senator Clark’s most significant contributions to Maryland were Program Open Space and farmland preservation. He was also instrumental in the founding of Howard Community College. The medal is given by the college to those whose characters and accomplishments reflect the life values of Senator Clark. Previous recipients include Padraic M. Kennedy, Leola Dorsey, and Mr. and Mrs. James Moxley, Jr.

About HCC
Howard Community College (HCC) is a publicly funded two-year community college serving the educational needs of the citizens and employers in Howard County, Maryland since 1970. With its slogan, “You Can Get There from Here,” the college has forged a variety of partnerships to offer career and transfer programs to nearly 30,000 students annually at its main campus in Columbia, the Ecker Business Training Center, and Laurel College Center. Located midway between two major metropolitan areas, Washington DC and Baltimore, MD, Howard Community College is an affordable, community-based institution that has long been recognized for its ability to inspire learning, and the lifelong pursuit of personal and professional goals. Among its many awards is the prestigious U.S. Senate Productivity Award for organizational performance excellence.