Woodcrest Village Assisted Living received Colby-Sawyer's 2025 Community Award on Aug. 27 at the end-of-summer Community Celebration at the Sawyer Center.  

Each year, the college presents the award to a New London-area resident, organization or business that has demonstrated extraordinary involvement in, and made noteworthy contributions to, the college. 

Woodcrest Village, which Gary and Linda Brenner started nearly 40 years ago to care for aging family members, is now home to people from the area, state and country for short-term respite, hospice and memory care.  

For years, Woodcrest has welcomed students for internships and about six years ago began partnering with the Colby-Sawyer Community Service Club. 

Colby-Sawyer President Dean McCurdy said it’s evident that the Brenner family and Woodcrest Village are guided by their stated mission that life for residents should be rich, meaningful and lived on their own terms. “Woodcrest has been wonderful neighbors to so many in New London and a key partner for Colby-Sawyer and our students,” he said. 

MJ Richardson, adjunct professor in the School of Nursing & Health Sciences and advisor of the college’s Community Service Club, said Colby-Sawyer students enjoy being engaged neighbors with Woodcrest. “The students interact with the residents with ease and joy,” she said. “We get dressed up for the annual Woodcrest Halloween Party, go there for happy hour and snacks and look forward to celebrating this scary holiday together.” 

Students also make Valentine’s Day cards with youngsters at Windy Hill School and with residents at Woodcrest, then bring everyone together to exchange the cards. 

This past year, Woodcrest was an outstanding collaborator with Colby-Sawyer seniors in the Nursing Leadership Capstone course, in which students developed, implemented and evaluated a quality improvement project. 

Arianna Anton ’11, ’25 DNP, assistant professor and undergraduate traditional nursing program coordinator, said Woodcrest professionals were open to innovation and consistently provided thoughtful feedback and encouragement to students. 

“This partnership has not only enriched our students’ learning experience, but also fostered a deeper understanding of leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration and system-based practice,” said Anton. “The impact of this project extends beyond the classroom and will have lasting value for both the students and the residents of Woodcrest Village.” 

Bethany Brenner, who grew up in her family’s business and is now executive director of Woodcrest, said it was an honor to receive the award. 

“We accept this award with gratitude, but also with the recognition that Colby-Sawyer has given us far more than we could ever give back,” she said. “From the joy students bring to our residents through intergenerational programs, to their vital role in sustaining our workforce, the college has been at the heart of our success.” 

Brenner said Colby-Sawyer students have been an integral part of the Woodcrest community since its inception in 1989. “Without them, I might not be standing before you today,” she said. “What began as college students looking to make a little extra money during the semester turned into a lifeline of labor support over the last 36 years.”