Three Rivers Community College
Professor and Norwich resident Robert Niedbala was dismayed to discover
that historical items and valuable college memorabilia were being thrown
away during the college’s renovation and reconstruction. A 35-year
employee of State Technical College system, Niedbala knew first-hand the
significance and richness of the college’s history, which spans four
decades.
“It’s important for us to know
our roots and where we came from,” Niedbala said.
Armed with his findings, Niedbala
approached Grace S. Jones, Three Rivers’ president, about creating a
position whose mission is to collect, preserve and present information,
artifacts, evidence and other relevant material that represent the
college. Jones agreed and named Niedbala—a self-proclaimed history buff
and Chair of the Three Rivers Physics department—to the position of
College Historian.
“Professor Niedbala’s longtime
commitment to education and his dedication to Three Rivers make him an
ideal candidate for the position,” Jones said. “This is the first time
in the college’s history that such a position has existed. Niedbala is
highly respected on campus; he’s up to the task.”
In addition to his role as
documentarian, Niedbala will also be asked to gather other interested
persons to explore the history and historic significance of the college,
though one would be hard pressed to find anyone as knowledgeable as he.
He recently authored a book, “The History of the Technical Colleges in
Connecticut.” And he is at work on a second book for which he will
interview the living presidents of Thames Valley State Technical
College, Mohegan College and Three Rivers Community College, as well as
other retirees.
In Niedbala’s estimation, now
that the college is located on one campus, it’s more important than ever
to remember the college’s past as staff, faculty and students look
forward.
“The college
has a rich and varied history, and I love history,” Niedbala said.
