Career-Focused Non-Profit School Recognized Third Year in a Row

Goodwin College has once again been named one of the 2016 Best Places to Work in Connecticut by the Hartford Business Journal and Best Companies Group. This marks the third consecutive year the non-profit career-focused school has received this recognition.

This awards program was designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best employers in Connecticut. The list of 40 companies comprises two categories: 24 small/medium-sized companies and 16 large. Goodwin College, with 645 employees, has been named one of this year’s Best Places to Work in Connecticut in the large company category.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Places to Work in Connecticut. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. The second consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies.

News of the recognition garnered enthusiasm from all levels of the College community. President Mark Scheinberg thought the award spoke well to the mission of the College. “We are preparing our graduates to take their places in the workforce,” he said. “This vote of confidence, based on our own employees’ feedback, tells us we’re modeling a healthy work environment of respect and encouragement. Our students can’t help but be influenced by that.”

Many employees felt that their connection to Goodwin was much more than a job. Tim Perkins of the Facilities Department shared, “I feel that this is my home away from home. I have built a rapport with the staff and students here. I enjoy hearing my niece, who is a student at Goodwin’s Riverside Magnet School (formerly the Goodwin College Early Childhood Magnet School), call me ‘Uncle Timmy’ when she passes me in the hallway. As a custodian, I take pride in my work to ensure people have a clean, healthy environment. I know what I do is important. The culture here fits with my personal core values always to be willing to help others.”

Visitor and Student Liaison Mary Henderson, who has worked at Goodwin since 1999, agreed: “I’ve often heard people say that their job is their second home. Goodwin really is my second home. Working here makes me feel like I’m surrounded by caring and concerned relatives. They provide guidance and support when needed and are always around to notice and cheer for my accomplishments.”

“As an educator from a psychological and sociological background, I believe it is vital to include curriculum that increases cultural awareness and student self-esteem,” added Dr. Sherrilyn Bernier, Associate Professor of Human Services. “It has been a pleasure to be able to follow my philosophy of teaching in supporting Goodwin College’s mission of educating a diverse student population in a dynamic environment that aligns education, commerce and community.’

The news was announced to Goodwin employees at their January 4 Community Day assembly, just prior to the start of the College’s winter session.