The Chester and Joyce Mendyka Scholarship

The Chester and Joyce Mendyka Scholarship is awarded every year to a student with a minimum of 30 credit hours at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain CT.

The Chester and Joyce Mendyka Family Scholarship is given annually through donations from Michael Mendyka (CCSU class of 1984) in honor of his parents Joyce and Chester Mendyka.  Joyce Mendyka was dedicated to educating her children, all three of whom are college graduates.  Two who are CCSU graduates.  She attended New Britain State Normal School (now CCSU) in 1943 majoring in Education.  Chester Mendyka was a Master Carpenter graduating from Meriden High School - Commercial Division in 1942.  He went on to honorably serve his country in the Army Air Corps during WWII, judge local technical school and national carpentry skill competitions, restore carousels at the Bristol Carousel Museum and trolleys at the East Haven Trolley Museum as well as teach carpentry at Carpenter Local Union 24.  He was a strong advocate of the principles and values found in disciplines of a STEM education.

To qualify a student must be majoring in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) discipline and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Additionally, the student must have demonstrated financial need.  Preference will be given to students with extracurricular activities.

Recipients of The Chester and Joyce Mendyka Scholarship

2021 Scholarship Recipient: Zuquila Mbachiantim

Major/Minor Degree Program: Biomolecular Science

Home Town: Stratford CT

Year: Senior

Extracurricular Activities:

Leadership Roles:

About Zuquila:

Zuquila Mbachiantim is currently a senior at Central CT State University and studying the field of Biomolecular Science. She is truly honored to be the first scholarship recipient of the “Chester & Joyce Mendyka Family Scholarship”. During her time at the University, she has been on the Dean’s List and feels the importance of student participation in student organizations and clubs. She is currently the President of THe African Student Organization and the Secretary of the United Caribbean Club. Zuquila knows the importance of being kind to others, always greeting people with a bright caring smile. Her favorite talent is painting abstract art and for the past 5 years, it has been on display in the Stratford Town Hall. After graduation, her career goal is to become a Physician’s Assistant.

2022 Scholarship Recipient: Zoe Prevost

Major/Minor Degree Program: Environmental geology

Home Town: enfield CT

Year: sophomore

Extracurricular Activities:

Leadership Roles:

About zoe:

zoe prevost IS CURRENTLY A sophomore AT CENTRAL CT STATE UNIVERSITY AND STUDYING THE FIELD OF Environmental geology. SHE IS grateful TO BE one of this year’s recipient for THE “CHESTER & JOYCE MENDYKA FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP”. DURING HER TIME AT THE UNIVERSITY SHE HAS BEEN ON THE DEAN’S LIST.  SHE IS CURRENTLY THE PRESIDENT OF THE Geology and planetary sciences club.  she has been the treasurer of this club in the past.  zoe loves to hike, be outside and read.  Her being outdoors all the time as a child is what fueled her love of our planet.

2022 and 2023 Scholarship Recipient: Keziah (Zee) Ninson

MAJOR/MINOR DEGREE PROGRAM: Biomolecular Science

HOME TOWN: Windsor CT

YEAR: senior

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

LEADERSHIP ROLES:

ABOUT Keziah:

Keziah Ninson IS CURRENTLY A senior AT CENTRAL CT STATE UNIVERSITY AND STUDYING THE FIELD OF Biomolecular Sciences. DURING HER TIME AT THE UNIVERSITY SHE HAS BEEN ON THE DEAN’S LIST.  SHE IS CURRENTLY THE PRESIDENT OF THE Bio/bms Club.  ZEE has two siblings, makes beaded trinkets, crochets, reads/listens to music and enjoys hanging out with her friends during her leisure times.  zee’s favorite artists are Doja Cat, Khalid, and Adele, and her favorite book series to read is the Twilight series! zee is also on #TeamDunkin!

2024 Scholarship Recipient: Ashley Stevens

MAJOR/MINOR DEGREE PROGRAM: biology/chemistry

YEAR: Junior

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

  • Pride Club

  • COLADA (Central's Organization for Latin American Dance Awareness)

  • volunteer: Local Food Pantry Garden

  • Work: trainer and lead sales associate

ABOUT Ashley:

Ashey Stevens IS currently a Junior student at CCSU studying Biology with a concentration in Human Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She has been on the Dean's list and President's list for every semester. Ashley is passionate about learning and plans on becoming a physician's assistant in the future. In her free time, she works, spends time with friends, and she loves doing different arts and crafts. ashely stated she is “very grateful for this opportunity to help fund my education!!”