OPENING DOORS. TRANSFORMING LIVES. 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
WCC Foundation News..................................................... 4, 14-15 SUNY Westchester News........................................ 6-13, 16-18, 32 Partners with Vision: Institutional Support........ 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 Partners with Vision: Individual Donors.................... 30-31, 34-35 Financials.................................................................................. 33 “Our door is open wide for all our students—English language learners; students headed for a four-year college and beyond; those seeking credentials to launch careers in new and growing fields or to take their skills to the next level; college students picking up extra credits over the summer; students who have taken a class or two and are now intent on completing a certificate or degree program; and retirees pursuing lifelong learning alongside their peers. SUNY WCC has a place for all learners. Dr. Belinda S. Miles, SUNY WCC President OUR DOOR IS OPEN WIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS NEW GRADS Indira Nichols........................ Lotus Taylor........................... Carolina Mendoza................. Alicia Greco............................ FORMER STUDENTS LAUNCHED Johanna Morocho Lozano..... Stacy Yonnone....................... Pamela Morales..................... Matthew Carmona................. Claudio Pauta........................ CURRENT STUDENT Janice Rayo........................... 14 17 17 19 FEATURED STUDENTS 21 23 25 29 29 27
Dear Friends, I am inspired every day by the students who arrive at SUNY WCC determined to pursue and achieve goals that once seemed unattainable. These goals—their dreams—are within reach thanks to the remarkable fortitude, resilience, courage, openness, and lived experiences of the students themselves. Their success is due in large part to the dedication and expertise of the extraordinary members of our faculty, staff and administration who provide students with all the supports they need to reach their full potential. Students leave the college with a sense of belonging, an expanded network, and a skill-set that leads to greater upward socioeconomic mobility. SUNY WCC students are hard workers with complex lives that often place daunting demands on them. They are serious students with a great deal riding on their decision to pursue higher education. They are aspirational and inspirational. We respect them deeply and take our commitment to them seriously. Their excellence makes us feel confident as we invite the Westchester community to partner with us on behalf of our students. Our most recent strategic plan was laser-focused on increasing student enrollment and graduation rates. I am happy to report that over the last decade our graduation rate doubled, and post-pandemic, enrollment has grown each semester against a backdrop of decreased enrollment nationally. We have entered a new strategic planning cycle building on this positive trajectory with anticipation for even more targeted programming. This focus includes career readiness for all of our students. Many local industries have looked to us to meet their workforce needs. Our planning will include expanding handson training and real-world applications that have become critical complements to the classroom experiences of a traditional college education. At SUNY WCC we continue to be recognized for our ground-breaking programs. One of only a handful of schools to be designated a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber-Defense Education by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency, our graduates have already launched spectacular careers in cybersecurity. A $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation will help us prioritize STEM-learning to address inequities in the representation of students of color in these high-growth and in-demand fields where career opportunities are varied and abundant. As we celebrate the culmination of WCC Foundation’s Pathways Campaign, we reflect on the remarkable number of truly transformational innovations and expansions it funded, and dramatic results it produced for our students as they prepare to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution. The Campaign’s influence can be seen throughout this report. Lastly, as an All In Campus Democracy Challenge school, we work to establish within each student the importance of civic engagement and recognition that their voice is important, necessary, and valued in our society. We encourage our students to engage in respectful civil discourse; to view it as their civic duty to exercise their right to vote; and to contribute to the greater good by volunteering. At a time when the world seems irreparably divided it is imperative that we endeavor to develop our students as engaged, contributing members of society with all the privileges and responsibilities that confers. We acknowledge with gratitude the many supporters of the WCC Foundation who provide scholarships and emergency aid to our students without which college attendance would remain for many, only a dream. We are excited about the numerous opportunities awaiting our students just outside our doors in the Westchester community and beyond and thank our loyal partners who share and help bring our vision for SUNY WCC to life. Regards, Dr. Belinda S. Miles SUNY Westchester President MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
. of WCC students are the first in their families to aspire to a college degree 60% 65 degree & certificate programs 9 academic programs accredited by their respective professional boards & associations 19:1 Student/faculty ratio 22,778 credit & non-credit students* Lowest college tuition in Westchester Full tuition covered by federal & state aid for students from households with income less than $125K. SUNY WCC AT-A-GLANCE Mission: Westchester Community College provides accessible, high quality and affordable education to meet the needs of our diverse community. We are committed to student success, academic excellence, workforce development, economic development and lifelong learning. *Please note students who were enrolled in both credit and non-credit courses are only counted once. 1,285 credentials (degrees & certificates) awarded $2.8million awarded in scholarships 1,500+ receive scholarships & other critical resources $585 million added annually to Westchester County’s economy through college operations & alumni 79% are employed in companies in New York state one year after graduation. 5,837 jobs are supported by SUNY WCC are students of color; SUNY WCC was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Minority and Hispanic Serving Institution. 69% 5 convenient locations 98%+ of faculty & staff hold masters or doctorate degrees in their field Most SUNY Chancellors Awards for Excellence for faculty & professional staff among SUNY community colleges Many of our students are parents. Of 526 survey respondents: 11% reported having children who live with and depend on them for care Most of our students are working. Of 564 survey respondents: Only 29.3% reported working no hours for pay in a typical week while 20.9% reported working over 30 hours per week From the Spring 2024 Community College Survey of Student Engage (CCSSE) 21% from the bottom fifth of income as students, move to the top fifth as adults, ranking 21st on this measure nationwide of two-year colleges.
Dear Friends, Thanks to you, we are in a strong position to continue to provide essential, holistic support of our students and the college in 2024 and well into the future. This year we provided more than $2.8 million in life-changing scholarships and nearly $1.1 million in forward-thinking programmatic support to the college. With the leadership of our Strategic Planning Committee chairs, Meryl Allison and Wendy Nadel, the Committee developed a strategic framework for the Foundation focused on providing resources for the college to prepare all SUNY WCC students for their future careers, whether they are on campus to earn a short-term credential, to complete a two-year degree that will lead them directly into the workforce, or to pursue a SUNY WCC degree that will allow them to transfer to a four-year college. The Committee’s work led to the adoption of the Foundation’s new mission statement, demonstrating our broader vision of the Foundation’s work: “The Westchester Community College Foundation, in partnership with SUNY Westchester Community College, provides scholarship, financial and programmatic support to promote student success in college and beyond.” We are very grateful for the support of our many friends in the community. We would like to highlight some special gifts to the Foundation. Gerstner Philanthropies has again increased its support of the Emergency Aid Fund, which provides immediate assistance to students facing one-time emergencies, to $150,000 this year. JPMorganChase has approved another significant grant of $315,000 to promote workforce development and partnerships in healthcare and construction focused on our Mount Vernon Extension Center. Our relationship with the rock band Metallica continues through a special $50,000 grant from its foundation, All Within My Hands, in partnership with Carhartt clothing brand, to promote women in construction and advanced manufacturing. New significant Scholarship Endowments have been established by the Kaufman family in memory of former Board member Ann Kaufman and her husband, and by the family of Walter Hauck, in memory of this beloved former SUNY WCC coach. We have seen significant growth in our Hartford Hall Society, which recognizes loyal friends of the College who have established a legacy gift or a permanent endowment to ensure that we will be here to help future generations of students. In a world full of endless possibilities and significant challenges for students, we are committed to being a partner of the College in welcoming students, providing resources such as emergency grants so that they can continue their studies, and helping to prepare students for their future careers. We look forward to your continued involvement and are sincerely thankful for your support of SUNY WCC students. Sincerely, Thomas Lee, M.D. Cornelia Spring Dolores Swirin-Yao Chair President Executive Director As he completes his term, we would like to recognize Thomas Lee, MD, for his leadership as Chair of the Westchester Community College Foundation for the past three years. His commitment to WCCF is especially remarkable given his active professional practice as a neurosurgeon and, more recently, his new role as Executive Vice President of the New York State Medical Association. President Cornelia Spring says, “Tom has provided wise counsel, represented the Foundation at internal and external events, presided over numerous meetings and gatherings, and left the already strong Foundation even stronger and better prepared for the years ahead. Many thanks, Tom, for being a critical moving force for the Foundation!” MESSAGE FROM WCC FOUNDATION
From left: Debbie Raizes and Ruth Suzman, Pathways Campaign Co-chairs; Dr. Miles, SUNY WCC President; LeRoy Mitchell, Chair of the Board of Trustees for SUNY WCC; Dorry Swope; Joanne Landau, former Chair of the WCC Foundation Board; and George Latimer, County Executive WCC Foundation’s years-long and highly successful Pathways: The Campaign for Student Success came to an official close this year, marked by the renaming of the Student Center to honor a great friend to the college, former WCC Foundation Chair and WCC Board of Trustees Chair, David Swope. The Pathways Campaign Over the course of the campaign, co-chairs, Debbie Raizes and Ruth Suzman, along with founding member David Swope, and WCC Foundation’s staff and board, raised close to $60 million dollars. As a result, the Foundation more than doubled its annual scholarship awards, paved the way for the college to introduce extraordinarily effective programs including the Honors College and Viking ROADS; established the award-winning Center for Excellence in Cybersecurity; and created a Health and Wellness Suite, Emergency Aid Program, and the Veterans’ Resource Center. In addition, a cutting-edge Medical Simulation Lab will begin construction next year. These are just some of the innovations and enhancements enriching our students’ experience at SUNY WCC that the many supporters of the Pathways Campaign made possible. The Swope Family David’s service was built on a legacy of devotion to the school established by his mother, Sarah “Sally” Swope, an early and passionate champion of the college and the WCC Foundation. The David Swope Student Center will forever be a reminder of David and his family’s unwavering conviction in the fundamental power of education, and firm belief that a college education must be available and affordable for all. In bringing these ideals to life, the Swope family has removed barriers to higher education for countless students. The Campaign for Student Success & Its Visionary Champion WCC FOUNDATION NEWS PATHWAYS CAMPAIGN 4
“Viking ROADS may be the most impactful student success program of the college, as evidenced by Chancellor John B. King, Jr. calling for the model to be replicated across the entire SUNY system.” Dr. Michele Campagna, AVP/Dean of Student Success A Student-Ready College VS College-Ready Students Students come to us from a range of backgrounds and experiences and with varying capabilities, but all are eager to embark on their academic journey as soon as they walk through our doors. For those identified as needing extra help, Viking ROADS provides an academic counselor who curates a system of personalized advising and financial, and academic support, allowing the student to begin taking credit-earning courses right away instead of first enrolling in remedial classes and delaying the start of their coursework. An Exemplar of the Campaign’s Impact: Viking ROADS SUNY WCC was one of only two institutions nationwide chosen to receive a $1 million grant from Arnold Ventures in 2018, to replicate CUNY’s ASAP program. This proven model promotes on-time graduation rates by eliminating all impediments to its achievement. Prior to introducing Viking ROADS, the on-time graduation rate for full-time, degree-seeking SUNY WCC students was 15%; our intention was to get that number to 30%. Today’s on-time graduation rate for Viking ROADS students is 43%. Initial results of Viking ROADS involvement also suggest that students are able to take a greater number of credits and make faster progress toward graduation. WCC FOUNDATION NEWS PATHWAYS CAMPAIGN Dr. Michele Campagna 5
A Legacy of Inclusion Having opened its doors in 1946 for the purpose of training and educating veterans, SUNY WCC is built on a legacy of inclusion. To this day the college is a “Veteran Friendly Campus” due to the extensive services the Veterans Resource Office provides for veterans, reservists, active-duty personnel, and their families. The Most Diverse SUNY Campus, we are proud to be a federally designated Minority and Hispanic Serving Institution (MHSI). This designation recognizes the college as a school that systematically and holistically works to address historic inequities faced by students and educators of color. It also comes with the benefit of attracting federal and private funds to support such endeavors. The Department of Student Involvement develops and offers programs grounded in mutual respect for all people and their individual characteristics and perspectives, including ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, religious affiliation, political conviction, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, and varying abilities. Accessibility Services exists to ensure a supportive and accessible environment with equal access and opportunity for all students who have a documented disability. SUNY WESTCHESTER NEWS Ensuring Safe and Diverse Spaces Individual differences make for a more interesting, informed and inclusive whole. SUNY WCC warmly embraces the rich amalgam of individuals that forms the SUNY WCC community and holds the entire college community responsible for upholding its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and practices. A LGBTQIA+ Friendly Campus, SUNY WCC received an overall score of four out of five stars in the most recent ratings of the Campus Pride Index, the second highest score of any community college in the U.S. The LGBTQIA+ Literacy Training workshop invites the entire SUNY WCC community–students, faculty and staff–to learn and apply allyship skills. The Lavender Graduation is a ceremony that honors LGBTQIA+ students and their contributions to the college. Programs like Viking S.A.F.E. Spaces (Share a Familiar Experience) and TRIO Student Support Services provide scaffolding that gives all students the best shot at academic success, while at least ten student-run affinity clubs and a full calendar of multicultural observations and celebrations organized by the Department of Student Life, add to SUNY WCC’s culture of acceptance and respect. SUNY WCC is also recognized as a Voter Friendly Campus, one of 231 campuses nationwide to receive this designation as an institution helping students overcome barriers to participating in the political process. DEI IN ACTION 6
SUNY WESTCHESTER NEWS Two New Academic Deans Bring Impressive Experience in Higher Education and the Corporate Sector DR. ROBERT MANGIONE, new Dean for the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (SAHS) served as the Executive Director of Educational Programs and Curriculum at the School of Professional Development at Stony Brook University (SBU). He also served as the Faculty Director of the Higher Education Administration Program at SBU and Co-Editor of the New York Journal of Student Affairs. Before that, Dr. Mangione served as the Director of Undergraduate Education at the Katz School and Clinical Assistant Professor of Organizational Leadership at Yeshiva University (YU). Prior to YU, he spent fifteen years at St. John’s University in a variety of administrator and faculty roles. Before building his career in higher education, Dr. Mangione worked at multiple organizations in various capacities related to governmental relations, business networking and insurance management. “Dean Jain’s experience in developing new innovative programs, strategic academic planning, grants and institutional, and program-specific accreditation will be an invaluable resource for our students.” Dr. Vanessa Morest, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at SUNY WCC “Dean Mangione is committed to mentoring students and building inclusive communities. He strives to create academic, experiential, and professional experiences that encourage lifelong attainment.” Dr. Vanessa Morest DR. KALPANA JAIN, named Dean for the School of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering (SMSE) has over 25 years of experience in academia and the corporate sector. She has worked in higher education as a faculty member, Department Chair, and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, as Dean of STEM at Atlantic Cape Community College, and as Associate Professor of Electronics at Delhi University. On the corporate side, she was Vice President of Education and Training at Engineering and Information Technologies, Inc (EIT). Dr. Jain has led and collaborated on initiatives to promote underserved students in STEM disciplines, for which she received National Science Foundation and Department of Defense grants. She serves as a Board member for the non-profit, Calculus Roundtable, whose mission is to accelerate math and science skills for students, particularly students of color. NEW DEANS WELCOMED 7
SUNY WESTCHESTER NEWS LEADING THE WAY Proudly Innovating and Sharing Best Practices Dr Miles, as a first-gen college student herself who began her academic studies at a community college, is a role model for her students. Within the higher education, business, nonprofit, and workforce development arenas, she is respected as an innovative leader and college president. She is invited to share her expertise and vision through speaking engagements, board service, in advisory roles, and on task forces and has received numerous awards and other honors. Here are some of her notable external activities for the academic 2023/24 year. SHARING BEST PRACTICES Eastchester Community Action Partnership MLK Day Celebration, Bronxville Embracing Lessons from the Past to Build a Better Today and Tomorrow, Guest Speaker Guest Speaker Business Council of Westchester KeyBank Speakers Series: FutureEd: Harnessing the Power of AI in Academic Innovation, Guest Speaker Westchester County Association Healthcare Talent Roundtable Discussion New Rochelle-White Plains Alumni Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Elevate, Educate, Advocate: Shaping a Just Tomorrow, Keynote PUBLICATIONS Miles, B.; Keteku, G.; Machado, T.; Phillips, G.; Reddick, R. (2024). “How America’s Community Colleges Support Democracy.” In A. Goldberg & C. Ong Whaley (Eds.), Leaning into Politics: Higher Education and the Democracy We Need IAP || Book || Leaning into Politics. LEADERSHIP Business Council of Westchester Board of Directors, Executive Committee ACCT-ATD (Association of Community College TrusteesAssociation for Talent Development) Data Advisory Group Block Center for Technology and Society at Carnegie Mellon University External Advisory Committee SUNY Future of Healthcare Workforce Task Force Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration Steering Committee SUNY Black Leaders Institute Steering Committee HONORS & AWARDS 2023 ACCT Northeast Regional CEO Award Mount Hope AME Zion “Ain’t I A Woman… Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” Paul Robeson Award Dare to be Different Westchester The Barbara Watson Perry Legacy Award Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc Dream Big.Transformative Impact Award, accepted on behalf of SUNY WCC. City & State New York Trailblazers in Higher Education 8
SUNY WESTCHESTER NEWS Faculty Excellence Award Winner, Dr. Heather Ostman Dr. Ostman began her career in the English Department at SUNY WCC in 2008, bringing vast amounts of enthusiasm, creativity, and a deep commitment to the community college field. “If you want to learn to be a good teacher, teach at a community college. You will grow in ways you never imagined as a teacher, scholar and a human being. There is no calling more satisfying. These students deserve the very best, and we must bring our very best selves to the task.” Dr. Heather Ostman Dr. Ostman quickly became known as an engaging and dedicated professor and colleague, delivering thought-provoking lectures and workshops, and securing writer-in-residence opportunities for students and faculty. The history of her service to the college tells a story of leadership with compassion, innovation, deep respect for her students, and joy in what she does. When asked about her SUNY Westchester experience, Dr. Ostman opens with, “Community college is the most emblematic institution of a functioning democracy. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.” In addition to her responsibilities in the classroom, Dr. Ostman has filled an impressive number of roles at SUNY WCC including, but not limited to, Acting Chair and Assistant Chair of the English Department, Curriculum Chair of the Liberal Arts and Sciences Humanities Program, Presiding Officer of the Faculty Senate and Faculty Senate Vice President, and two times as Interim Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. Heather serves as the Director of the SUNY WCC Humanities Institute, which was funded in 2012 by a $300,000 National Endowment for the Humanities grant. The WCC Foundation double-matched the grant, and that $900,000 endowment benefits students, faculty, and community members to this day. Dr. Ostman also won the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities. She holds a B.A. in Literature from SUNY Purchase College, and a M.A. in English from CUNY Lehman College. Dr. Ostman’s record of service goes beyond the college. She is founder and president of the Kate Chopin International Society and an active Modern Language Association member currently serving on the advocacy committee. She has published numerous scholarly articles and book chapters and is the author/editor of ten books, mostly on nineteenth-century American literature as well as writing pedagogy. Her 11th book, Kate Chopin Around the World, will be published by Bloomsbury later this year. Dr. Ostman is devoted to helping students succeed in the classroom and in life, empowering them to find and share their voice. The Westchester Community College Foundation was thrilled to recognize Dr. Heather Ostman with the 2023 Faculty Excellence Award for Service. FACULTY SPOTLIGHT 9
Professor Emerita Iris Cook Honored A bench was dedicated in honor of Professor Emerita Iris Cook, appropriately located at the entrance to the Science Building where she taught for many years. An alumna of SUNY WCC herself, Dr. Cook returned to her alma mater to teach biology and served many years as Department Chair. A beloved professor, always bringing her signature wit and humor to her activities, her impact on campus went well beyond her department. Dr. Cook was a WCC Foundation Board member and, as an official liaison with SUNY, was involved with the SUNY Chancellor’s Awards. She was an active member of the Alumni Association, taught for Collegium, sat on many other campuswide committees, and remains a fierce advocate for the community college mission. Peekskill Extension Center The Center celebrated its 30th anniversary as a hub for education and community-building at SUNY WCC’s Center for Digital Arts Gallery with a special juried exhibit of SUNY WCC students’ artmaking in February. The gallery is home to a wide range of arts practices with a special focus on those that integrate technology and/or reflect the impact of technology in the 21st Century. Vikings Baseball Team The team had an outstanding 2024 season, advancing to the NJCAA Division II World Series held in Enid, Oklahoma. This marks the third time that the team has made it to the World Series. The Office of Alumni Engagement recognized Billy McClure ’00 on reaching 400 wins as the team’s Head Coach. Professor Cook’s family with Iris, second from right SUNY WESTCHESTER NEWS GOINGS-ON AROUND CAMPUS 10
Metallica & Wolverine Boot Drop Metallica’s Foundation, All Within My Hands, in partnership with clothing retailer Wolverine, visited SUNY Westchester Valhalla to meet several of SUNY WCC’s Metallica Scholars and to supply them with work gear. Learning, Gardening, & Helping the Environment The Native Plant Center hosted its Spring Landscape Conference in March with more than 100 plant lovers attending, and in April held its annual native plant sale. Over 13,000 plants found their way into the community through 650 gardeners, netting nearly $50,000 for the Center’s education and ecological work. Two Decades of Lifelong Learning The Collegium for Lifelong Learning celebrated 20 years of providing a vast range of creative, intellectually challenging, and fun courses to retirees and seniors. Collegium is dedicated to combining serious study and social exchange among its members. Celebrating Workforce Development Students SUNY WCC Workforce’s Development and Community Education division held its Completion Ceremony, celebrating over 900 students who had completed short-term workforce programs this year. GOINGS-ON AROUND CAMPUS SUNY WESTCHESTER NEWS 11
SUNY WESTCHESTER NEWS Shortly after the program was designated a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security – one of the first community colleges to win this recognition – Wiener Philanthropies announced a transformative gift of $1 million to expand the program, ensure its classrooms remain technologically cutting-edge, and establish the Robert R. Wiener Cyber Scholars, a scholarship for top-performing cybersecurity students at the college. This year, the Robert R. Wiener Center for Excellence in Cybersecurity opened, dedicated to Westchester native and forward-thinking philanthropist, Bob Wiener. A national model for cybersecurity curriculum and academic rigor, many of the program’s graduates— 554 since the program’s inception— have entered high-paying jobs and won awards, while others have transferred to four-year colleges to secure their bachelor’s, and in some cases, graduate degrees. From left: Dr. Vanessa Morest, VP and Dean of Academic Affairs; Dr. Carmen Martinez-Lopez, Dean of School of Business & Professional Careers; Dr. Belinda S. Miles, SUNY WCC President; Robert Wiener, Sherry Wiener, and John Watkins ’01, Associate Professor, Computer Information Technologies and Curriculum Chair for the Cybersecurity program “I feel that this is the best investment that I’ve ever made. My grandfather came to this country in 1906, created a business and a rewarding life for himself and his family. Westchester Community College provides today’s students with the same foundation that I hope will lead to hundreds, even thousands, of similar stories.” Bob Wiener Looking to the Future: Opening Another Door Responding to the meteoric rise in cybercrime and urgent need for trained professionals in the field of cybersecurity, SUNY WCC added cybersecurity to its associate degree and certificate programs. CYBERSECURITY CENTER 12
New Alumni Council President Amy Kelley, SUNY Westchester’s new Alumni Council president, brings an enthusiasm to the role that was sparked in her first college English class. In Amy’s words, “I read T.S. Eliot for the first time at WCC and for that alone I owe a lifelong debt of gratitude to the school. I still cherish my tattered copy of Norton’s Anthology of Modern American Poetry.” Besides Amy herself, her husband Peter and six of her seven children have spent time at SUNY WCC before continuing on to various other schools. Three took one or two classes while in high school, two earned their associate degrees, and one son currently attends full-time. According to Amy, without exception, all would say the best and most caring professors they ever had were at SUNY Westchester. Annual Spring Fling The Alumni Association hosted its annual meeting on April 18th at the Spring Fling and welcomed new Alumni Council members: S. PATRICK LAVALLEY ’08 PAMELA MORALES ’21 JANIE ROSMAN ’78 GABRIELA SANCHEZ ’19 JEFFREY SUTTLES ’13 Tony Licata ’63 was recognized for six years of service to the Alumni Council. He and his wife, Linda ’63, were very involved in the Association. Bill Winters, Jr. ’96 Honors His Dad, Professor Bill Winters ’67 Alumnus “Billy” Winters, Jr. and his mother, Dolly Winters, established The Professor Bill Winters Memorial Scholarship in memory of Bill Winters, Sr., esteemed professor of Communications, TV, Radio, Film and Media, and class of ’67 alumnus. Professor Winters served the College and his students for 44 years. His influence on several generations of media students can be seen in the industry today, and closer to home in the chosen career of his son, two-time Emmy-winning director of photography. This scholarship will be awarded to continuing students pursuing degrees in media and communications. Bill Jr.’s wife Aleksandra Winters, ’01 a published holistic health coach, is also a SUNY WCC alum. The Association held its first networking event with graduates of the nursing program; heard a fascinating presentation by Garrett McAllister ’15 on AI ’s impact on everyday life; and new Foundation Board member, Lorna Hawthorne ’05, spoke at the Academic Recognition Ceremony on “changing your trajectory in life.” We extend our gratitude to all alumni who contributed to the $82,000 raised in support of the Alumni Annual Fund. Alumni Highlights On Commencement Day, members of the class of ’74, this year’s Golden Alumni, led the commencement procession, ushering in the newest SUNY WCC grads. This tradition was started by the Class of ’48 upon reaching their 50th anniversary. John P. Caruso, Student Government Association President of the Class of ’74, traveled from Minnesota for the occasion and expressed deep gratitude for the memorable afternoon. SUNY WESTCHESTER NEWS ALUMNI 13
The WCC Foundation’s gala, held in November at Tappan Hill in Tarrytown, was emceed by longtime SUNY WCC supporter, Vanessa Williams, and chaired by Susan Yubas. Con Edison was the event’s Presenting Sponsor. Attended by 325 guests, the event raised important funds for the Foundation’s student scholarship, financial aid, and emergency aid programs. Videos featuring students were poignant and inspiring, conveying the varied challenges and successes each experienced during their academic journey at SUNY Westchester. The event honored five community leaders, all with close ties to the college and each introduced by a SUNY WCC student. As varied as the graduates’ stories were, so too were the evening’s honorees’ as they described their special connections to the school. “There are so many bright kids and we want to give them the same opportunity that we had.” Rose Tan Indira Nichols, ’24 Tan Kaung Endowed Scholarship Recipient First Generation College Graduate with Big Dreams Indira is the first person in her family to earn a college degree. She considers it a huge step that she happily admits, “I will never stop bragging about.” Now, at Lehman College pursuing a four-year degree in biology, Indira hopes to attend medical school, specializing in pathology. Community college originally held a negative connotation for Indira, but one month into SUNY WCC, the stigma lifted. She credits biology Professor Kim Walsh as the sole reason she is “obsessed with the human body.” She also recognizes that without the scholarships she received, her studies would never have been possible. She recalls receiving a check to cover the cost of her books, racing to the bank to cash it, and purchasing three textbooks which she used that night to complete her homework. At WCC Foundation’s Transforming Futures Together gala, Indira had the honor of thanking math Professor Sinforosa “Rose” Tan and her husband William “Bill” Kaung publicly, for providing the scholarship that changed her life. Both Rose and Bill received financial support for their own graduate school studies, he from the GI Bill and she from a National Science Foundation fellowship. WCC FOUNDATION NEWS From left: Vanessa Williams, Dr. Belinda Miles, and Event Chair, Susan Yubas From left: Indira Nichols, Rose Tan and William Kaung The Sold-out Transforming Futures Together Gala Raised Nearly $500,000 County Executive George Latimer Public Service Award Sinforosa “Rose” Tan & William H.P. Kaung Community Leadership Award Dorry Swope Philanthropy Award David Berry “Viking Voyager” Alumni Award Corporate Sponsor 14
TRANSFORMING FUTURES TOGETHER GALA 15
And They’re Off! The Class of ’24 On May 9, SUNY Westchester held commencement exercises for its more than 1,300 graduates on its Valhalla campus. SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. spoke, recounting his own story of a bumpy start to his education. Now the chancellor of the largest system of public higher education in the country and formerly serving as U.S. Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama, Chancellor King’s story was undeniably inspiring for the new graduates. Winners of the SUNY Chancellors Award for Excellence and the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, and Valedictorian Elouise Correa Do Carmo, were some of the students featured. SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. and Dr. Miles SUNY Westchester Community College is dedicated to empowering every student to create a personal success story, one that supports a lifetime of learning, growth, and opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways to our communities and our ever-changing world. SUNY WESTCHESTER NEWS Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence Luis Granados Alicia Greco Jessica Sabau Lotus Taylor Four students were named winners of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence (CASE). This is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the University. Awardees are those students who have best demonstrated the integration of SUNY excellence within many aspects of their lives, including academics; leadership; diversity, equity, inclusion & justice; campus involvement; community service; research & development; and the arts.. Inspiring the Next Generation At each ceremony families of the graduates celebrated, but unlike at more traditional college graduations, many of the families of SUNY WCC students included the students’ own spouses and children. As they heard their parent’s name called and watched them walk up to receive their diploma, the excitement and pride on the faces of the children was a powerful reminder that their parent had not only forged a new path for themselves, but also for this upcoming generation. COMMENCEMENT 2024 SUNY WCC V I S I O N STATEMENT 16
Honors College Graduate & Dual Transfer Scholarship Winner, Carolina Mendoza When Carolina was accepted into the WCC Honors College, with her education paid for, she felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She could now focus purely on her studies. As an Honors College student, Carolina had access to exciting opportunities like a two-week study abroad program at Cambridge. During her time at SUNY WCC Carolina excelled and this year, not only was she awarded a PepsiCo S.M.I.L.E. Scholarship of up to $50,000 over two years but she was also one of only 60 community college graduates across the nation to win the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship (JKCF). The highly selective JKCF scholarship is for the country’s top community college graduates and contributes as much as $55,000 per year for two to three years toward a bachelor’s degree at any accredited four-year undergraduate institution. The intention of both scholarship programs is for students to complete their undergraduate studies with as little debt as possible and both offer mentoring and other growth-promoting experiences, including access to large networks of past, welcoming scholarship winners. Carolina is currently studying architecture at Savannah College of Art & Design and hopes to attend graduate school to study sustainable architecture and eco-friendly practices for low-income neighborhoods. “We’ve all had exceptionally different journeys, yet we have all arrived here together. Be present in this moment and remember how you feel today.” Lotus Taylor Dr. Miles and Honors College Director Dr. Miroslawa Sakrejda gave Carolina the good news about her Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Award. “SUNY Westchester Community College provided opportunities and support that have transformed me into the person I am today. I will never forget this generosity.” Carolina Mendoza Lotus was accepted to several four-year colleges and attended one briefly. But she wasn’t quite ready, and overwhelmed by the experience, she left, returned home, and took a break to figure out what she wanted to do. Her mother was from Westchester and knew about SUNY WCC and she encouraged Lotus to consider SUNY WCC’s Honors College. Lotus applied, was accepted, and with her college expenses covered, she felt free to dedicate herself to the full college experience, and that she did! Lotus made the most of her time at SUNY WCC, including serving as Student Government Association President, leadership experience that will serve her well both personally and professionally. Lotus is off to study psychology at SUNY Binghamton. Honors College Graduate & Chancellor’s Student Excellence Winner Award, Lotus Taylor SUNY WESTCHESTER NEWS COMMENCEMENT 2024 17
SUNY WESTCHESTER NEWS A Mutually Enriching Experience This year 700+ volunteers contributed over 1,500 hours of service in a variety of settings and roles at SUNY WCC. While the impact on our students and programs was clear, our volunteers consistently reported that their lives were enriched too. Volunteers provided a wide range of services from academic tutoring, career coaching, and job interview prep, to helping students with disabilities access all the services the college has to offer, and volunteering at The Native Plant Center. One role our volunteers reported as being particularly rewarding was as a conversation partner for students who are not native English-speakers. The ability to communicate in English is key to securing a good job, integrating into the community, and simply navigating daily life. Helping students build confidence so they feel emboldened to practice using their fledgling English is literally a life-altering gift. Some of our corporate partners who organized teams of volunteers include PepsiCo spending a day outdoors pitching in at The Native Plant Center, Webster Bank participating in an on-campus job fair, and JPMChase continuing to provide invaluable financial-literacy coaching through our Money Smart Financial Coaching Program. Volunteers Celebrated! . AL ROCCHI, with Ben Naylor, was recognized for ve years serving as a volunteer math tutor at the Academic Support Center since retiring from his career as a lawyer in 2019. LUCILLE WERLINICH, with SUNY WCC Chief of Staff Ben Naylor, celebrated 23 years of service on the WCC Foundation’s Board of Directors, and 22 years as a Native Plant Center volunteer. LANA HILLER, with SUNY WCC President Dr. Belinda Miles, joined the Conversation Partners Program in 2004 and for 20 years has built one-on-one relationships with 38 international students, creating a welcoming environment that nurtures both language development and personal growth. The SUNY WCC Volunteer Program hosted two President’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheons to recognize significant milestones reached by some of our most devoted volunteers. VOLUNTEERS 18
Networks Matter. Alicia Found One at SUNY WCC Alicia enrolled in SUNY Westchester as an Honors College student with a dream of transferring to Georgetown University and pursuing a career in foreign service, but the sudden death of her father threatened to derail her plans. Alicia was not in a financial position to fund the next two years at a private university like Georgetown, even if she could get in. She did not give up. Instead she sought advice from staff and faculty on campus. Alicia’s efforts not only resulted in her being connected with a Georgetown alumnus who told her about a community college student transfer program at Georgetown, but also landed her a summer internship. Fast forward to this spring, Alicia got into Georgetown—one of 75 transfer students to be accepted out of more than 2,350 applicants. Initially, Alicia was not offered any funding because she was considered an international student due to her immigration status, which would have made it impossible for her to attend. But encouraged to reach out to Georgetown’s financial aid office, she did and was invited to submit a personal statement. That extra step, which Alicia would not have known to take, resulted in Alicia being awarded a $91,600 scholarship toward the $93,000 annual cost. The importance of connecting students with professionals who can open doors, and advise them in their studies and careers, cannot be overstated. Many community college students like Alicia do not have a natural network of connected friends, family, and business contacts, and it is this kind of mentoring that we hope to expand so that talented students like Alicia can achieve their higher education goals. STUDENTS ALICIA GRECO GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY TRANSFER The Honors College Established by an anonymous donor and supported by the WCC Foundation, the Honors College nurtures and provides exceptional opportunities to cohorts of 18-20 gifted and motivated students from diverse backgrounds each year. The program’s curriculum is rigorous and challenging, leading to a SUNY-designated Honors degree in liberal arts tracks in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Math & Science. It offers opportunities to participate in national conferences, submit papers for publication, and study abroad at Cambridge. Graduates of the Honors College have gone on to prestigious private colleges like Harvard, Georgetown, Yale, Dartmouth, Columbia, and Williams in addition to many top-notch four-year SUNY institutions. Interested in volunteering as a mentor? Contact the Volunteer Services office VolunteerWCC@sunywcc.edu 19
Other Scholarships Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation honors Greek-born American businessman and entrepreneur, Tom Carvel’s legacy, by awarding scholarships to hard-working students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, and financial need, with preference given to those enrolled in business, entrepreneurial studies, or health & human services. This year the Carvel Foundation increased its award from $60,000 to $75,000. A $314,000 SUNY Internship Grant expands the number of degrees that offer quality internships from 12 to 27, prioritizing credit-bearing internships in high-demand fields. The grant provides stipends and other wrap-around support for at least 67 students. The NYS Opioid Settlement Fund Internship and Scholarship Program awarded a grant of $334,841 to fund scholarships and a paid internship program for students pursuing careers in addiction counseling. Viking ROADS (Resources to Obtaining Associate Degree & Success) & Other Student Opportunity Grants A SUNY Transformation Grant of $1,180,000 will support an increase in the number of students participating in Viking ROADS by providing support for part-time adjunct counselors, student financial awards, and essential student supports for students with disabilities. The US Department of Education awarded a five-year Title V, Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions Grant to Westchester Community College, “Caminos al Futuro” for $2,931,988, which will support the expansion of Viking ROADS and other student success initiatives. Yonkers Industrial Development Agency (IDA) continues its support of Quest for Success with a $24,600 grant. Quest for Success is an initiative launched six years ago in partnership with IDA to address the rising rate of men of color in Yonkers dropping out of college before attaining their degree. The initial cohort of 20 men has grown to 30. Now, Quest for Success has expanded to include 10 men from Mount Vernon, with a new grant of $25,500 from UnidosUS, “Avanzando Through College.” This year’s success rate: 100%. Jandon Foundation, longtime donor to SUNY WCC, made a gift of $80,000 in support of a cohort of STEM Ready Summer Research Institute students benefiting from this year’s expansion of Viking ROADS. These students are specifically focused on STEM degrees and benefit from a partnership with Mercy University that includes seamless transfer opportunities and paid summer internships. Robin Hood Foundation through SUNY Impact Foundation made a first-time grant of $90,000 which is paving the way for 35 students from NYC to participate in Viking ROADS by providing gap scholarships, and funds for transportation and books. A SUNY Reach II award for $12,000 from the Lumina Foundation’s Racial Equity for Adult Credentials in Higher Ed (REACH) will increase non-degree credentials and associate degrees completion of underserved students, ages 25-64. PARTNERS WITH VISIONINSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT 20
STUDENTS JOHANNA MOROCHO LOZANO SUNY BINGHAMTON SENIOR & FORMER VIKING ROADS SCHOLAR To help out, Johanna worked, first alongside her mother as a housekeeper, and later when she realized there was a need for bi-lingual professionals, part-time for a building contractor. Meanwhile, even as she worked part-time, Johanna was excelling in high school. She was motivated by the knowledge that if she wanted to attend a four-year college, she would need a generous amount of financial aid, and for that, she would need an outstanding application. Like so many children of immigrants, she had to navigate the college application process largely by herself, and while she graduated with a 4.0 and glowing recommendations, her SAT score was not where she needed it to be. Johanna’s only option was to enroll in a community college. At first she was disappointed about starting at SUNY WCC. She’d internalized the stigma that community college wasn’t for “good” students. But by the end of her first semester, she had, in her own words, “matured,” and realized that “everyone has their own, unique path.” At SUNY WCC, Johanna felt supported and seen by the staff and teachers, from her Viking ROADS academic counselor, Michelle Valesquez, to Professor Han who encouraged her to enroll in the finance and accounting program. Johanna thrived. She became Treasurer of the Student Government Association and chair of the fundraising committee. She participated in meetings with Foundation leadership which she found intimidating, but ultimately, empowering. As an officer in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and student representative for the Faculty Student Association, she learned how to make arguments in a professional and convincing manner, just one of many valuable life skills she learned during this time. In 2023, Johanna graduated with her A.A.S. in Accounting and Finance, and moved on to SUNY Binghamton, where she is now a senior working toward a B.S. degree in Accounting. The transition was simplified thanks to a transfer agreement between the two schools. She hopes to pursue her master’s degree, take the CPA exam, and become a certified public accountant with her own small business serving the Hispanic immigrant community. Johanna credits her parents for this entrepreneurial spirit: today her mother’s housekeeping business has seven employees, and her dad, now a contractor, is his own boss. They have bought their first home. Johanna knows the path is not going to be easy moving forward. She is concerned about how she will finance a master’s degree as her immigration status renders her ineligible for most national scholarships. But she is also very thankful for the excellent education and generous support she received from SUNY WCC, and is equipped with the skills and determination to accomplish her goals. Tenacity, Hard Work and a Solid Foundation Johanna has always had an immense amount of focus and drive. As a child, she immigrated to the United States with her two siblings and parents whom she describes as “the most hardworking people you’ve ever known,” though as a housekeeper and handyman, they struggled to pay rent and put food on the table. Dr. Miles with Johanna 21
Workforce Development JPMorganChase is a leader in the development of non-credit workforce programs at SUNY WCC. In support of SUNY WCC’s Workforce Development & Community Education (WDCE) division, a grant of $315,000 over two years will fund the creation of new short-term workforce programs at our Mount Vernon Extension Center where students will earn credentials in construction and healthcare. A SUNY Future of Work Center grant totaling $662,085 spans three years from October 2023 to September 2026. This grant provides education, job readiness training, and job search preparation. It provides funding for tuition, books, certification exams, and other select expenses, along with case-managed career and employment support. The program will assist up to 141 individuals from underserved communities pursuing short-term workforce training in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and construction trades. Training opportunities will take place at our Mount Vernon Center. A SUNY Workforce Development Training-Pathways Track “Advancing Equity and Economic Mobility through Educational Access” grant for $200,000 will create and enhance existing pathways to help students move from non-credit to certificate to associate degree programs in high-demand areas including information technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. All Within My Hands, the band Metallica’s foundation, awarded SUNY WCC a new $50,000 grant to support women seeking education in the skilled trades. We are one of only five community colleges in the country to receive this grant which will support our advanced manufacturing program. The grant is funded by workwear giant, Carhartt whose Love of Labor program supports nonprofit organizations nationwide that provide the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the high-demand and well-paying construction industries. Turner Construction brings a unique partnership to SUNY WCC through its Turner School of Construction Management. Hosted at SUNY WCC’s Yonkers location, a six-week course taught by Turner staff and select industry partners, prepares Under-represented Business Enterprises (UBE) including women, persons of color, and individuals with disabilities for future business opportunities with Turner and other construction firms. Participants are issued a certificate of completion at the end of the program. Turner Construction will be honored at the 2025 Transforming Futures Together gala. Wells Fargo Foundation awarded SUNY WCC a $40,000 grant to launch a pioneering financial awareness and literacy education training program to equip small business owners with the essential skills needed to create solid financial plans, significantly boosting their chances for long-term success. “Every woman opting for a rewarding career in the skilled workforce is not only contributing to the industries they serve but also actively challenging outdated stereotypes that often hold back talented individuals from pursuing their passions” Todd Corley, SVP of Inclusion, Sustainability, and Community at Carhartt PARTNERS WITH VISIONINSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT 22
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