Cindi Bigelow, President and CEO of Bigelow Tea, will receive an honorary degree from Housatonic Community College (HCC) at its 54th commencement exercises later this month for her longtime support of the college.
Bigelow Tea, and the Bigelow family, have been strong supporters of HCC for nearly 20 years. In addition to supporting students through general scholarships, the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center and VentureLab, Bigelow Tea helped to fund the launch of the college’s innovative Equity Project in January 2021. Bigelow employees have served on the HCC Foundation Board, Bigelow Tea was inducted into HCC’s American Manufacturing Hall of Fame in 2017 and Cindi Bigelow was inducted into the HCC Foundation Hall of Fame in 2017.
“Cindi Bigelow is a shining example of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit and support for our community. The impact she has had on Housatonic students is far-reaching, and it will be a privilege to honor her as we celebrate our graduates, especially at a time when they have had to persevere through adversity to reach their educational goals,” said Dr. Dwayne Smith, CEO of Housatonic Community College.
Housatonic Community College will celebrate the graduation of 565 graduates next week at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport.
Cindi Bigelow is the 3rd generation President and CEO of family-owned Bigelow Tea, the US market leader of specialty teas that produces over 2 billion tea bags annually. She holds a BS degree from Boston College, an MBA from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, and Honorary Doctorates from Johnson & Wales University, the University of New Haven and Fairfield University. Socially-and community-minded, she frequently makes appearances speaking to students and industry leaders, sharing insights on business ethics, leadership and marketing, and has received numerous awards for her years of community service.
About Bigelow Tea Company
Based in Fairfield, CT and 100% family owned, the Bigelow Tea Company pioneered the specialty tea category nearly 75 years ago. The three-generational company takes pride in its heritage and successful growth from a one-product, entrepreneurial venture into America’s leading specialty tea brand. Producing 2 billion tea bags annually, the Bigelow Tea line includes more than 150 varieties of Flavored, Traditional, Green, Herbal, Decaffeinated, steep by Bigelow Organic, Bigelow Benefits Wellness teas and Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusion – including its flagship specialty tea flavor, “Constant Comment”®, an all-time American favorite. Bigelow Tea products are available nationwide.
About Housatonic Community College
Serving southern Connecticut for over 50 years, Housatonic Community College (HCC) offers a student-centered, high quality and accessible education through over 75 associate degree programs to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions. The college also offers occupational associate degrees and certificate programs, and the non-credit division partners with local business and industry to offer workforce training and customized professional development. HCC is distinguished as an Achieving the Dream Leader Institution, is a Carnegie STEM Excellence Pathway provider, and is ranked by the Aspen Institute among the nation’s top 150 community colleges..
Caption For Photo Above: Cindi Bigelow, president and CEO of Bigelow Tea, will receive an honorary degree from Housatonic Community College (HCC) at its 54th commencement exercises.