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Former Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary received donations and accolades from sponsors at his retirement reception this October to donate 50% to the newly created Mayor Neil M. O’Leary Fund for Waterbury Student Success. Nearly $1,000 was raised.
The funds will be donated to programs at the University of Connecticut, Waterbury Branch, to help students who attended Waterbury Public Schools “become better prepared for success, explore life-changing experiences, and achieve their higher education goals.” It is intended to be useful. Yukon Foundation website.
“We have a duty to ensure the success of our students after high school…we have to be there to help them along the way,” O’Leary said.
Mr. O’Leary, who served as Waterbury’s chief official for 12 years, is familiar with the needs of the city’s teachers and students. “We know there are achievement gaps. We know that urban students don’t perform as well as suburban students,” O’Leary said.
A key tool for ensuring student success is the highly regarded Center for Access and Postconedary Success (CAPS). The CAPS program assists students who cannot obtain support resources elsewhere, providing professional counseling and guidance during the summer session before the first semester.
Although only the highest-need students (approximately 25 percent of the 750-student freshman class) are able to participate in CAPS, the O’Leary Fund provides broad benefits to all Waterbury College attendees. Common campus resources such as tutoring, experiential learning, and employment opportunities will all be advanced as a result of the former mayor’s fundraising efforts.
Mr. O’Leary’s support has been greatly appreciated by the UW chapter, and Director Fumiko Hooft will rename the Odd Fellows fraternity hall in Mr. O’Leary’s honor, where he served as mayor for many years. I’m making plans.
Other participants at the fundraising event also thanked Mr. O’Leary for his dedication, and Governor Ned Lamont said, “Neil is the first person I call when I need a little advice or when things get complicated. Don’t underestimate what Neil meant to this town and this state.” Lamont also expressed confidence in O’Leary, naming the former mayor to the U.C. President’s Advisory Council. I was invited as the chairperson.
The O’Leary Trust is the latest in a series of programs aimed at giving Waterbury’s underprivileged students opportunities in post-high school settings. Starting in 2022, the Waterbury Promise Scholarship will provide up to $20,000 in support to pursue higher education to students in the city based on financial need.
After 43 years of service to the City of Waterbury in various positions, O’Leary reflected on his accomplishments and tenure.
“It’s all about collaboration, it’s all about love and dedication to the city. It’s about what’s important to all of us,” O’Leary said.
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