2021 State of the College & Foundation Annual Report

22 WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE 23 STATE OF THE COLLEGE 2021 A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION LEADERS T his past year the Westchester Community College Foundation played a critical role in the lives of hundreds of students. Many of our students were first responders. Others lost jobs, suffered from food hardship, health concerns, loss of loved ones, childcare needs and homeschooling, all while trying to maintain focus on their own studies. Many students struggled with mental health issues. The college and WCC Foundation, along with relief aid from the federal CARES Act, provided assistance for students in need so they could continue their studies, including a laptop loaner program, financial support, food distribution and remote support services, including mental health counseling. Without the generous assistance of the Foundation and its many supporters, count- less students would have had their academic careers derailed. We have never been prouder to be associated with such a necessary, generous and impactful organization. Sincerely, Joanne Landau, Chair Thomas Lee, President Westchester Community College Foundation FOUNDATION HIGHLIGHTS Fund for WCC Once again, donations from generous donors enabled us to exceed our annual appeal fundrais- ing goal, bringing in over $530,000 in unrestricted funds. There was a strong show of support from Alumni donors, and an increase in new friends and supporters. Scholarships Always at the heart of the Foundation’s mission, scholarship fundraising again exceeded all expec- tations with the establishment of new awards and a significant increase in endowed scholarships, creating a permanent source of support for our students. Legacy The late David Swope, former Foundation Board President and Chair, and former President of the College Board of Trustees, left an incredibly gen- erous legacy gift to the Foundation in the form of 60% of his company, County Homes, which owns Tappan Hill Mansion in Tarrytown. Pathways At the end of Academic Year 2020, the Pathways Campaign was on target to reach it’s goal of $50 million by the College’s 75th Anniversary in 2021. In addition to establishing new annual and endowed scholarships, the Campaign is looking to raise $2 million to support a Simulated Hospital Lab to complete the effort. Thomas Lee Joanne Landau