Academic Support Center Fall 2026 Newsletter

For some, a job is an endurance test–-measured by a swift march to the exit door and fading evening sun. For others, a job is a personal statement, a career that transforms lives, transcends the everyday, and opens hearts. Madalena Mansinho, recently retired Math Coordinator at the Academic Support Center, clearly felt emboldened by her students to let her career take flight. “I wanted to help students realize that we’re not here to judge,” Madalena said. “Students trusted me. I would find them help.”

Mansinho came to New York by way of southern Portugal. In many ways, Portugal still seeps into Madalena’s consciousness: the salty air, mild winters where children run free, and an atmosphere that allows its inhabitants to pause, to breathe. In New York, Mansinho enrolled at WCC where she was shielded from personal adversities that occasionally pierced her confidence. “The faculty were really supportive,” Mansinho said. “Instructors knew what it was like for immigrants—those learning about [American] culture. I felt like I mattered here. I was nurtured.”

As a student, Madalena never stopped working—as a student, tutor, doctor’s office employee, and even in real estate. After receiving a Masters in School Psychology from Long Island University, Madalena pursued a career in K-12 education, however, discontent tugged at her psyche.

There was something missing. “I missed WCC when I looked at other jobs,” Mansinho said. “This felt like home. WCC improved my life. Once I was exposed to K-12, I realized that my heart belonged to adults. These students needed the most support.”

For 30 years, the doors to the Academic Support Center welcomed Madalena home. The symphony of wheels turning, Expo markers squeaking and muted laughter reminded her of her purpose. There were certainly challenges—her office quickly became a cocoon that protected students from some of the same dilemmas she faced. Silent tears fell and were comforted with compassion. “I helped break down the stigma,” Mansinho said of her frequent visitors. “I’ll miss the eagerness and the students waiting [outside my door] who say, ‘I’ve got a problem!’”

When Madalena considered her first day at the Academic Support Center, a quietness hung heavy like summer humidity. “Looking back at Day 1, [I’d tell myself] ‘Get ready, you’re gonna be here for 30 years!’ I didn’t think I was going to be in academia— I realized that I loved doing this.”

And the future? Her intensity relaxed, eyes warm and bright. “I started working when I was 16,” Mansinho began. “I’ve never had any time in my life when I didn’t work. I have hobbies: coding, traveling…”

A brief pause, a hopeful smile.

“I’m putting myself first.”

The Academic Support Center congratulates Madalena Mansinho on her retirement and welcomes her as an Adjunct Coordinator!

Congratulations to the 2026 Hirsch Scholarship winners!

Lany Hirsch, one of the founders of the Academic Support Center, and her family have generously donated thousands of dollars to be awarded in scholarships to WCC students who use the ASC. The ASC and the students it serves are grateful for her family’s generous support. This year’s winners express their thanks.

Mary Abad: I am so blessed and honored by the ASC for selecting me as a beneficiary student of the Hirsch Scholarship. It will help me focus on maintaining my GPA rather than worrying about college fees. I also plan to continue using the ASC because the tutors are patient, helpful, and encouraging.

Abigail Gould: The ASC has provided me with invaluable tools and guidance that have been vital to my academic success. I am immensely grateful for the Hirsch Family Scholarship, as it will allow me to further my pre-PA education at WCC prior to transferring to a four-year institution. Due to the ASC’s support, I have more self-confidence in my abilities as a student.

Raquel Gutierrez Guisbert: Being selected is a great honor and an important opportunity for me. The scholarship will help me continue my education, reduce financial stress, and allow me to focus on my academic goals. The ASC has helped me grow into a more confident and successful student.

Nicholas Lopez: The Hirsch Scholarship will enable me to continue my academic goals and prosper at WCC. The ASC not only gave me a place for tutoring but also strengthened my personal relationships with my peers, established connections with faculty on campus, and helped me discover new academic interests within myself.

Aesha Morrison: This scholarship will help me continue my nursing education by easing financial burdens and allowing me to focus more fully on my studies. Thanks to the ASC, I improved my study skills and earned an A in Anatomy and Physiology II, an achievement that has strengthened my confidence and reinforced my commitment to a nursing career.

Silveria Schultz: In the fall, in addition to myself at SUNY WCC, two of my five children will be attending college at SUNY-Binghamton, a third child will be dual enrolled part-time at SUNY WCC, and a fourth part-time online at SUNY HVCC while working full time. Receiving the Hirsch Scholarship will help alleviate the financial load of educating a household. The tutors at the ASC have given me confidence and helped improve my writing.