Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles: Fantastic in all seasons!
August 16, 2019
Colleagues,
Ah, summer! That special time for respite and renewal alongside preparation and productivity.
It has been a productive summer for me. This includes time spent with colleagues at the college and with prospective students, donors, members of our local legislature, and state and national leaders committed to the future of education and the ever-evolving work of community colleges.
Together, we have managed to mix our hazy summer days with numerous efforts across the college to prepare for a vibrant new academic year. In 2019-2020, we will launch a new strategic plan, continue the 50th anniversary celebration of our College Foundation, and welcome scores of new members to our faculty and staff. We are refining our operations and blazing new trails to create better experiences for our students and ourselves. We are stewarding relationships and resources that result in new ways to sustain and grow the college. In addition, we are attracting new individuals with innovative programs and services. Our wonderful week of New Student Orientation greeting nearly 1,500 incoming freshmen, our visitors from the Westchester Jewish Community Services’ Wiener Academy for Young Women at the Mary J. Blige Center for Women in White Plains, time spent with county and state legislators including being present for the unanimous vote to support the county share of the college’s budget last week are all shining examples of our summer work.
My choices for summer respite and renewal include lakeside walks, working on my golf swing, and either serenading or frightening the local fauna as I teach myself acoustic guitar. These experiences both inspire me and keep me aspiring!
In the next few weeks as all members of our college community return to campus, I look forward to hearing about some of the projects you may have completed this summer as well as some of the activities that have been regenerating for you. Our new and returning students need so much from us. It is important that we are replenished so we can challenge and support them and connect with them in meaningful and productive ways throughout the year.
Thank you to all involved in the myriad activities that make Westchester Community College such a fantastic place, during the summer and in all seasons!
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President