Norwich - Three Rivers Community College President Mary Ellen Jukoski has been at the helm of the school for only one semester, but on Wednesday announced a personal donation of $25,000 meant to last for decades to come.

Jukoski, daughter of Polish and Hungarian immigrants, established an endowed scholarship in honor of her parents, Helen and Joseph Jukoski, to be added to the college's nearly $1 million scholarship fund, which is part of $4.8 million in Three Rivers College Foundation assets, said Betty Baillargeon, director of institutional advancement.

"I've had almost a semester at Three Rivers, and I have become acutely aware of the need by some of our students for scholarships to continue their education," Jukoski said Thursday. "? We have some students here who are working three jobs and trying to earn an education."

In making the donation announcement, Jukoski said her parents never had the opportunity to earn a college education, but were avid promoters and supporters of ensuring that each of their children earned an undergraduate degree. They also encouraged their children to pursue graduate degrees.

Her father, Joseph Jukoski, who died in 1976, was a college basketball referee for more than 20 years and Helen Jukoski was a lifelong learner, their daughter said. Helen Jukoski, who died last spring at age 96, also volunteered weekly at the local hospital and was a member of the Knights of Columbus auxiliary.

"President Jukoski's thoughtful and generous gift to support students with financial hardships who otherwise could not afford the full cost of tuition and other costs of receiving an education is a meaningful way to honor the legacy of her parents, Helen and Joseph," Baillargeon said.

Baillargeon said it was helpful that Jukoski's donation was made unrestricted, allowing the school's scholarship committee to direct the money toward any student needs. The committee meets annually to decide how to use available funds. Approved funds are placed in student accounts to be used for tuition, books, specialty class supplies, such as lab materials, or other needs.

Three Rivers has 1,000 full-time students and 4,000 part-time students.

Jukoski, retired Mitchell College president, was appointed as Three Rivers president in May to succeed Grace Jones, who retired.

"The TRC Foundation is proud to have a leader at Three Rivers like President Jukoski, who is willing to lead by example by showing such strong support for our students who will be the beneficiary of her generosity," said Chris Jewell, vice president of the Three Rivers College Foundation.

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