Message from Belinda S. Miles: A.C.E. – April 28, 2023
April 28, 2023
Colleagues,
We wind down Community College Month just as we’re gearing up for end-of-semester and commencement activities. Here is just a small snapshot of the activities and achievements we’ve celebrated this month.
Student Excellence
Phi Theta Kappa – We inducted 56 students into SUNY WCC’s Alpha Iota Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa during the spring induction ceremony, joining our approximately 300 members of this prestigious international honor society for community college students. Additionally, our PTK chapter received honors at this year’s PTK Catalyst conference in Columbus, Ohio. Please join me in congratulating our PTK student-members on receiving two awards: Distinguished College Project and Distinguished Chapter. Kudos to Professor Robin Graff, Dean Adam Frank and Director Tiago Machado, chapter advisors, and to our student-members for leading Alpha Iota Omicron to recognition as a top-50 chapter in Phi Theta Kappa, which has close to 1300 chapters internationally.
EOP – We honored students in our Educational Opportunity Program during their annual Recognition Program for students with a GPA of 3.0 or greater and graduates of the program receiving certificates for their achievements. We also congratulate Juan Ortiz, who received a Norman R. McCooney, Jr. Award for EOP Student Excellence. This award is given to a student who exemplifies excellence in leadership and service and who demonstrates resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles. Finally, we recognized two EOP students for their acceptance into the Exploring Transfer Program at Vassar College: Jesus Villalba and Katherine Bueno will take courses this summer at Vassar as part of this student success program. Thanks to Dr. Roundtree-Evans, faculty, and staff who support our EOC students and help them to achieve their academic goals.
Academic Recognition – Scores of our student-scholars were recognized for their academic achievements during the annual recognition ceremony. Watch for additional information from Creative Communications about our curriculum award winners and join me in congratulating students.
Alumni Achievement – We are delighted to share that SUNY WCC alumnus, Joseph Goldstein (Class of December 2020), received the prestigious Vanguard Award, which is “conferred annually on students who excel in pursuing gender nontraditional fields of study and demonstrate outstanding performance, leadership, and engagement with their campus communities.” Mr. Goldstein completed his studies in Early Childhood Education and is now a teacher’s aide working with preschoolers with special needs. We thank Professor Mary Lou Sgro for nominating this stellar graduate for the award, and faculty and staff who support our students as they progress through their chosen curriculum.
Staff Excellence
I was pleased to learn that Prince Guerra (Physical Plant) recently received recognition from County Executive George Latimer for his collaborative work with the county’s Department of Emergency Services (DES) Management Division. In his letter, Mr. Latimer offered thanks to County employees who play “a critical role in keeping Westchester County safe.” Kudos, Prince!
Community Collaboration
Mount Vernon extension director Ramona Burton and her team hosted legislative officials and members of the Mount Vernon community during the partnership launch of the Mount Vernon South 4th Avenue Corridor Initiative, a collaborative partnership to strengthen and revitalize small businesses and community-based organizations and to call attention to ways we serve our communities.
Farewell to a real A.C.E.!
Thanks to all who joined me this morning to send off our colleague, Dr. Shawn Brown. It was a heartwarming experience to spend time with colleagues who worked or collaborated with Dr. Brown through years of leadership, mentorship, and friendship. We wish Dr. Brown the very best as he heads to Ohio to begin a new professional journey. Dr. Brown thoughtfully noted that SUNY WCC is always making progress and he fittingly described our work with the acronym, A.C.E. – Agility, Caring, Excellence.
Lastly, thank you for supporting our students during these last few weeks of the spring semester, especially those who are preparing for final exams and commencement on May 11.
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President