Leadership Greater Valley Holds Graduation

"The Class of 2004"

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In keeping with its theme of the Valley's Rivers, Leadership Greater Valley held its 2004 graduation at Yale University's spectacular Gilder Boat House on the banks of the Housatonic River in Derby. The sixteen graduates of the program completed an eight session training program that included sessions on the History of the Valley, qualities of leadership, ethics, and diversity. The group also also had the opportunity to learn from Valley leaders in sessions that included government, education and public services; economic development; health and human services and arts and culture in the Valley.

David Garamella, who chaired this year's committee, served as the master of ceremonies for the evening while Mary Pepe, of the Regional Water Authority and a very active volunteer leader in the Valley and New Haven, was the keynote speaker. Jack Walsh, President and C. O. O. of Valley United Way, and Bill Purcell, President of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce also made brief remarks while congratulating the participants for completing the course.

Each participant was presented with a diploma and a ship in a bottle to mark their achievement.

The program is a joint venture sponsored by the Valley Council for Health & Human Services, Valley United Way and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. Following graduation, participants work with United Way's Volunteer Action Center to find placements in volunteer leadership positions throughout the Valley.

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