West Hartford Student Chosen For Nationwide Scholarship Program

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A West Hartford resident enrolled at Tunxis Community College will receive leadership development and networking opportunities after he was chosen for a scholarship program.

Diego Horisberger, 20, was one of eight students nationwide to be named 2022 DREAM Scholars by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a nonprofit aimed at advancing the success of community college students.

He will participate in the virtual 2022 DREAM Student Scholars program, which Tunxis officials said "provides tailored leadership development and networking opportunities."

Horisberger, the first in his family to earn a college degree, will graduate from Tunxis in May 2022 with an associates degree in art studies.

After graduation, he plans to enroll at a four-year college or university and concentrate in photography, said Melissa Lamar, Tunxis' director of marketing and public relations. He's interested in museum curation, fine arts and teaching fine arts higher education, Lamar said.

"I am passionate about using art as a means to explore myself and the world around me, knowing that images showcase perspectives and experiences," Horisberger said. "Throughout my time at Tunxis, I have really liked talking with the professors, and all of the resources both they and the college have shared with me, which helped me grow as a person."

He and the other scholars were chosen through a competitive application process, Lamar said, and she said each student will meet with community college leaders, share their experiences, attend sessions focused on improving student success, and receive a scholarship.

"We are very excited for Diego, and look forward to hearing more about his experiences and where his journey takes him after the conclusion of this program and in the future," said Dr. James Lombella, regional president, North-West Region, Connecticut Community Colleges.