Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles: Our Caring Community
November 18, 2022
Colleagues,
I don’t know which is stronger – our spirit of competition or our willingness to always support students and our college community. Regardless, this year’s UNHunger Games to END Hunger and Fresh Start Challenge successfully kicked off our annual Season of Giving. Thirteen groups competed to collect food and personal hygiene products to replenish our food pantry, and Student Involvement reports that the contributions far exceeded the restocking goal this year.
We congratulate the Radiology Club for winning the 2022 UNHunger Games and thank all members of the college community – especially student clubs and groups – for supporting each other and those in need of the resources available in our food pantry. We truly are a caring community. Kudos to Student Involvement and Student Support Services for another successful event.
Just a reminder that the annual Thanksgiving Dinner distribution will take place on Monday in the Student Center Event Room. Volunteer opportunities are available from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM. For those who may be new to our college community, complete Thanksgiving meals are distributed each year – this year to approximately 275 students – through generous support and donations of community partners like DeCiccio & Sons, ShopRite, Feeding Westchester, the WCC Foundation, and community groups like the Westchester County (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and others – who give the gift of food or time so that our students are able to enjoy a nutritious meal during this Thanksgiving season. If you haven’t already registered to volunteer, please consider helping the Student Involvement team on Monday to ensure a wonderful outcome for students. Register here: WCC Turkey Giveaway Volunteer Form.
While Thanksgiving traditionally kicks off the holiday season and thoughts of spending time with family and friends, let us be mindful of colleagues and students who may have suffered significant loss since the onset of the pandemic. Additionally, students may be feeling the pressure of exams and project deadlines as we get closer to December. Please let anyone who may need support know of the myriad services we have in place for students and employees.
The Department of Mental Health and Counseling Services reminds us to encourage currently enrolled students to participate in the Healthy Minds Study, a web-based survey to help the college better understand students’ mental health needs and how we can improve our services. Please steer students to SUNY WCC Healthy Minds Study (through November 22) to access the survey.
Finally, I hope to see you at tomorrow’s Fall Open House which will feature academic presentations and interactive demonstrations at various locations around our Valhalla campus. The event begins at 1:00 PM in the Hankin Academic Arts Building theatre and is a wonderful way to highlight all that SUNY Westchester Community College has to offer.
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President