Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles: A New Year of Learning and Serving
September 9, 2022
Colleagues,
In a few days, we will commemorate the 21st anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Our thoughts are with our community members who were and are impacted by the events of that day. We acknowledge the service of our first responders and members of our armed forces, and especially our student veterans. These commemorations also provide the opportunity for us to inform and enlighten our students as events intersect with our disciplines.
Remembrances are also reverberating around the world upon the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and we may encounter some within the SUNY Westchester community who are members of the Commonwealth or otherwise impacted by her world leadership. We value all voices and provide a safe environment to express thoughts and opinions that expand our learning.
At the conclusion of the first week of classes and the opening of the extension locations, there are not enough words to express thanks for the tremendous work you have done to help students start their classes strong! Thursday marked the very first day of our new Yonkers branch, which is an extraordinary and high-tech expansion of our prime location at the Cross County Center. More information is forthcoming on a ribbon cutting ceremony.
This expansion is just one of the ways SUNY Westchester Community College is growing as a leader among our nation’s community colleges. Another significant opportunity that will impact our ability to serve and lead is the availability of new funding from a $60M grant NYS Governor Kathy Hochul has authorized to support SUNY enrollment initiatives, innovative curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and more. We will update you on the status of our portion of this one-time funding.
Thanks to everyone who has taken care of helping students find their way in Valhalla and the extension locations. Our full return to campus has invited continuing students, some of whom are starting their second or third year, to attend classes in person for the very first time. Your efforts to welcome students have instilled a sense of belonging, which is so important to keeping students engaged and on track to achieve their goals. We are #VikingStrong.
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President