Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles: Excellence and Engagement
September 20, 2019
Colleagues,
Academic excellence and civic engagement were forefront during our 2019 Constitution Day recognition. This year’s program theme of immigration featured compelling panel discussions with several of our community members. Kudos to Dean Ronald Bloom and the Constitution Day Committee for developing this powerful co- and extra-curricular learning opportunity. Also this week, Jill Casner-Lotto, director of the Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education, presented to the Board of Trustees on the organization’s mission and upcoming publication of two books that serve as resource guides for all community colleges. Westchester Community College serves as the home base for this national network of community colleges established to accelerate immigrant and refugee success and raise awareness of the essential role community colleges play in advancing immigrant integration in our communities.
Last evening’s Honors College reception welcomed 16 students pursuing either an honors-designated degree in Liberal Arts/Humanities or Liberal Arts/Social Science. These gifted and talented students cited many virtues of Westchester Community College as their reason for selecting us to begin their higher education. Thanks to Professors Mira Sakrajda, Elise Martucci, George Keteku and the Westchester Community College Foundation for supporting this rigorous learning experience for these very promising students.
New York State recently announced a Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) making $750 million available to address high demand workforce needs throughout the State. This may be an opportunity for further development and expansion of student and institutional initiatives with partners across the Hudson Valley. We will be reaching out to engage faculty and deans to take a closer look at this opportunity.
Finally, thanks to all who showed their Viking Spirit on Blue and Gold day this week. Even our trustees joined in to show their support for the college and our students. It was great to see our school colors on display in almost every corner of the college.
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President