Honoring Heritage and Perseverance: The Robert and Lena Welensky Endowed Scholarship Will Have a Lasting Impact for ESL Learners
Robert and Lena Welensky
In a legacy that reflects the values of perseverance defining the American Dream, a generous bequest by Thomas F. Goldman has established a scholarship fund to support English as Second Language (ESL) learners at CT State Community College Manchester. According to Goldman’s family, the Robert and Lena Welensky Endowed Scholarship Fund, named for Goldman’s grandparents, was created “to serve as a perpetual reminder of the American ideal—a nation of immigrants who, with determination and perseverance, can achieve greatness and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Robert and Lena Welensky's story is a testament to the enduring spirit of immigrants seeking a better life in America. As teenagers, they left Latvia for the United States, carrying hopes of a brighter future. In New York City, Robert took on plumbing jobs, while Lena worked in a sewing factory and managed the billing for Robert’s plumbing business. Despite the challenges they faced, including Robert's difficulty with reading and writing English, they built a life together. Their summers in Connecticut with their children became a cherished tradition.
One summer, with illness spreading rapidly through New York, Lena decided to protect her family's well-being by relocating permanently to Hartford, Connecticut. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, defined by hard work, determination, and a steadfast commitment to their children's future. Robert and Lena's dedication to their family's well-being and success laid the foundation for the generations that followed.
Their grandson, Thomas F. Goldman, carried forward this legacy of dedication and achievement. As a professor of Law and Management and the Director of the Center for Legal Studies and the Paralegal Studies program at Bucks County Community College, Goldman made significant contributions to legal education. He developed the advanced Litigation Support and Technology Certificate Program at Thomas Edison State College and authored numerous textbooks used in paralegal studies, including some used in Manchester’s paralegal program. His academic and professional accomplishments were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Legal Support Staff Guild award and the Legal Secretaries Association Boss of the Year award.
Thomas F. Goldman's $500,000 bequest to MCC Foundation in honor of his grandparents ensures that their legacy will continue to inspire and support future generations of students. The Robert and Lena Welensky Endowed Scholarship will provide invaluable assistance to ESL students at CT State Community College Manchester, helping them achieve their educational dreams and build successful futures.
MCC Foundation is deeply grateful for this transformative gift and the lasting impact it will have on our students and community.