If you'd like to share a message, story, or photo with Matt's family please email matthewjconnellsite@gmail.com.
From Cathy:
'...It was with your support and faith in me that I completed the classes and started a new career that would forever change my life for the better. For the first time in my life I became financially independent. I have joined an industry that exposes me to people from all around the world, from different economic and social backgrounds, from so many different stages and paths of life. It continues to be a life enriching experience. I can truly say that I love my job. I look forward to going to work every night. I feel blessed. You have blessed me.
You have helped countless others. You have been a devoted, humble, and respected leader to our community. I was there during the time that the new NCC Monroe Campus was a mere dream. I saw your passion and determination to make this happen. Your legacy on this monumental effort come reality will enrich many lives and generations to come.
Men like you are rare. You are a gem Matt.'
From John:
'...And I had never had another person encourage and challenge me the way you did. Your words of inspiration and confidence compelled me to see a side of myself that was long dormant and waiting to be harnessed. UPC gave me “Programmer of the Year” Award that year, 1986. Every trip we planned made. That experience changed my life. You changed my life Matt.
None of the above, none of it, would have happened without you being who you have been Matt. I have no doubt that you have had the same incredible impact on countless other students, and your own family and children. Perhaps most folks are not that good at ‘connecting the dots.’ I have become very accomplished at it, thanks to your mentorship almost 40 years ago now, in 1986. I once asked God, “Why couldn’t I have had a dad like Matt Connell?” You know what God said? “I did you one better, I helped you to be a dad like Matt Connell.”...'
From Donald:
'...You instantly welcomed me, always had time for me and nothing was out of bounds. No other advisor or teacher had ever treated me that way (probably something my 20-year-old personality invited). But you… instead of telling me what to do or making things easier on me by giving orders or answers, you encouraged me to think things through, take others into consideration, and make my own decisions. Now as a father, I know what you were doing… that would be the hard work of patiently enabling me to grow. Matt, you were the first to do this with me, and you’re at the top of a very short list of others who took the time and accomplished the task so well. Your kids are lucky, Matt, to be raised by you and Evelyn, who I also know has these rare qualities.
I see everything you did for me and with me through grown-up eyes now, Matt. You never let go of me and always made sure you knew where I was and that I knew where you were. That is more than I can say of other friends, and I know why you did those things. It’s not what you do, it’s who you are. I know that so many others… some who I know, some who I have never met… whose lives you have taken the time to touch so kindly over the years, share these thoughts and sentiments....'
From Belinda:
'Thank You For…
Always being there, to listen, provide guidance, and your unwavering support.
Being a wonderful friend, mentor, and colleague throughout the years.
All our talks, which included enormous amounts of LAUGHTER!
Your love, commitment, and dedication to students.
Matt, you are amazing!'
From Geoffrey:
'...What always stood out to me about Dr. Connell was his absolute dedication and commitment to his students and the community at large. Dr. Connell was without question one of the foremost thought leaders of education in the Pocono region. Thank you Dr. Connell for your friendship and mentorship.'
From Brenda:
'...From the presentation we made together at the Community College conference to my long days of interviewing students for my dissertation, you championed my work, always smiling and with a kind and inspirational word. Thank you for your constant support that enabled me to cross that finish line while my folks were able to celebrate it with Nancy and I. This is just one testament to your ability to change lives of students. There are thousands of others out there who could also share with you a mountain of thanks.
Even in these dark times, you continue to inspire, uplift and support so many. Everyone needs a Matt Connell in life … I’m just so fortunate to have one....'
From Greg:
'...When you’re young and so much is happening so fast you often don’t fully appreciate the people who advise and guide and pour into you so richly. I remember being excited but also scared to death when I was elected President of the Student Association. You walked me through it, kept me focused, and had my back in one of the most formative and fun experiences of my life.
You were a great mentor and friend, and the character of your leadership has deeply influenced me throughout my career...'
From Harley:
'...When I started at NCC, you really made me feel welcome and part of the campus at Monroe. Whenever I had students in need, that needed help beyond what my program could provide, you always went above and beyond finding a way to help. You helped the nursing students start a food pantry at Monroe. You have always done your best to help others...'
From Kate:
'...You made it a point to come and connect with students whenever possible. I know the students knew that you cared about them... Your support of my Maker Space vision helped make it a reality and this space will have a bright future in impacting students and preparing them for their work outside the walls of NCC. Thank you!...'
From Art:
'...No one could have represented the College better in Monroe than you. Your commitment to getting the campus built, your overall support of students and the integrity with which you conducted yourself was outstanding...You also have the admirable balance in your life, between family, work and play - you always seemed to get it right. There is much for you to be proud my friend...'
From Lisa:
'...The culture of community that you fostered at NCC has positively affected hundreds of people! Your vision and ‘students first’ focus allowed for the building of our new campus; establishment of the food pantry; …too many fantastic things to list. For your leadership we are all grateful...'
From Teresa:
'...I wouldn't be where I am today without your kindness, support, and leadership...
I appreciate your vision and dedication, respect your integrity and compassion, and so much more that you do to ensure student success at NCC!...'
From Dee:
'...You were always my “go to” to discuss ideas, concerns or to just vent. You have always been there for me...Because of you, we have a Maker Space on campus with a plaque on the wall to show how important this space is to you. Thank you for being a mentor and most of all, a friend...'
From Sonia:
'...Learning how much you supported and championed our PTK students and their efforts impacted me deeply. They always felt comfortable and confident in coming to you for help and guidance. They knew you would support them and their causes...You truly had an open door policy for our students. You listened to their ideas. You gave a greenlight to their projects. You encouraged them to fulfill their goals...Your love for our students has such a lasting impact! Thank you!...'
From Himil:
'...we would always joke and laugh about how you see me everywhere, but I always thought to myself that you as a Dean made it a point to walk around campus and stop at different departments to check in and see how everything was going and how everyone was doing...Not many people know this but I always appreciated how you would buy extra pretzels to give to staff, students, or faculty...We both really enjoyed traveling so we would always share stories from our travels. A recent trip that you took was to Porto, Portugal. I recall how happy you were that you got to spend time with your family and how you enjoyed port wine so much...'
From Breena:
'...Thank you for being a mentor in the many lives you have touched throughout your time with NCC, including my own...Keep steadfast Dean Connell, you are a well respected and loved community pillar...'
