A new Community Service Award that recognizes the life and volunteerism of Tanya Cleveland-Wiggins has been established by the Capital Community College Foundation with the support of her family and donors.

Ms. Wiggins, who died September 11, 2019 at the age of 61, was a non-traditional student  who was completing her associate degree studies at the time of her passing and an indispensable source of support at the campus food pantry.

Tanya Cleveland-Wiggins

At last May’s virtual commencement exercises  Tanya was awarded an honorary degree posthumously. Capital CEO G. Duncan Harris announced  the honorary degree approved by the Board of Regents for Higher Education and introduced Tanya’s daughters, Ericka Weathers and Deirdra Wiggins, who thanked the college for the recognition of their mother. Ms. Cleveland-Wiggins,  devoted to her family and 13 grandchildren, was only a few credits shy of earning her associate’s degree in pursuit of college that started 40 years ago in West Virginia.

“She loved the community of Hartford, the youth in particular,” Ms. Cleveland-Wiggins’ commencement biography said. “Nearly everything she did, paid work or volunteer work, was in service to others….She had an immense appreciation for education – pushing herself, her children, and others to pursue and complete their personal and professional goals. She went above and beyond to encourage and cheer for individuals that she encountered; and was just as persistent and committed to her own academic journey, as evidenced by her re-enrollment in school.”

The Community Service Award in memory of Tanya Cleveland-Wiggins is a scholarship that will be awarded to a student or students starting in the 2020-2021 academic year. Recipients will be graduates of a Hartford high school, residents of Greater Hartford, enrolled part time, demonstrate financial need, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and is active in service to others in Hartford.

The scholarship fund has already surpassed its $6,000 goal. To contribute by check please download and mail the Tanya Cleveland-Wiggins Memorial Fund Contribution Form to the Capital Community College Foundation, 950 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103. A secure online contribution may be made at the Tanya Cleveland-Wiggins Community Service Award Fund Page .