Carl Tetzner Honored at CCRI 50th Anniversary Dinner

PRESS RELEASE

Cranston, RI (April 2, 2015) – As part of their 50th anniversary celebration, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) honored Carl Tetzner and 25 other alumni during their “Celebrating Alumni for 50 Years” ceremony.  The event was held on Thursday, March 26th at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston.

Tetzner was recognized for his accomplishments after earning his associate degree in Liberal Arts as part of the first graduating class of Rhode Island Junior College in 1966.  Soon after graduating, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a signal officer in Vietnam.  Upon his return home, Tetzner earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bryant University and went on to have a successful corporate career.  Today, Tetzner and his family own two businesses in Rhode Island.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Community College of Rhode Island,” said Tetzner.  “My professional success is attributed to the wonderful opportunities and educational values they taught me, and I am humbled to be among the 25 other honorees who have also excelled following graduating from this great institution.”

Tetzner and his son, Stephen, founded Homestar Mortgage, an independent mortgage lender ranked as the No. 2 housing lender by Rhode Island Housing.  Soon after, Tetzner purchased Phil’s Main Street Grille in Wakefield with his other son, Kenneth.  Both businesses are running successfully and employ over 50 state residents.

“I was the first person in my family to go to college, and CCRI changed my life,” stated Tetzner.  “Having an education is essential to the success of my businesses, because both the mortgage and restaurant industries are competitive environments.  You need education to be at the level needed to compete.”

CCRI President Ray Di Pasquale presented Tetzner with his alumni award.  The event also celebrated the colleges’ 64,000 alumni, where WPRI news anchor Mike Montecalvo served as the master of ceremonies.

About Homestar Mortgage

Homestar Mortgage is one of Rhode Island’s largest independent mortgage lenders and brokers, offering home and commercial loans, constructions loans, reverse mortgages, and refinancing programs. With offices in Providence and Wakefield, Homestar is a licensed mortgage lender and broker in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Florida.  Homestar was founded by Carl and Stephen Tetzner, who combined have over 60 years of mortgage expertise, and are backed by a team of over 20 loan officers.