On April 24, 2025, La Bella Vista in Waterbury was full of buzzing students, medical professionals, and state political leaders. Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) held its Sixth Annual Leadership Breakfast in support of student growth and education.
Saint Mary's colleagues attend the sixth annual NVCC Foundation Leadership Breakfast.
Healthcare professionals and leaders gather together in support of the education in the medical field.
The breakfast’s mission was to put community leadership in support of education at the forefront. “Leadership is not about power, it is about impact,” said Peter Jacoby, M.D., Medical Director of the Wound Healing Center and former chairman of emergency medicine at Saint Mary’s Hospital. Dr. Jacoby, served as the keynote speaker and stands as one of the Board of Directors for NVCC. “Leadership is a privilege, and it is not a one-time act, leadership is a process,” he declared on stage.
Waterbury Mayor, Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. emphasized the impact community has on student education and success. “When we come together as educators and as leaders we come together for the future of our community.” He shared that there is clear evidence in a student’s attitude when they are supported. Dr. Jacoby insisted that honesty remains at the heart of leadership, good leaders don’t fake their mission. “Integrity is the foundation of trust and trust makes good leadership,” he said.
Saint Mary’s Hospital and Trinity Health Of New England were among the sponsors of the event and members of Saint Mary’s radiology, nursing, and lab departments were in attendance.