Bianca Braun of Shrub Oak, NY became the eleventh student in Westchester Community College history to win the highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This scholarship provides selected students with up to $40,000 a year to complete their bachelor’s degrees.

Bianca came to WCC in large part due to its lowest-in-the-county tuition, but also for its Honors College, which provides guaranteed tuition coverage and substantial textbook stipends from the WCC Foundation. Honors College scholars have access to specialized co-curricular programming, including study abroad and internship opportunities.

“I am so grateful for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s generosity,” said Bianca. “This support will enable me to start my studies at Harvard University in September, where I can further pursue my goal of becoming a child psychiatrist and helping children who have been mistreated or suffered other forms of trauma. I never imagined this would be my path when I moved here from Germany when I was 18. WCC has established a solid educational foundation upon which this scholarship will help me build.”

“The entire Westchester Community College community is very proud of Bianca’s accomplishments,” said WCC President Dr. Belinda Miles. “Bianca fully embraced the WCC experience, participating in extra-curricular activities, taking advantage of all that our Honors College has to offer, and excelling in her studies. It is great to see that her enthusiasm, her dedication and her perseverance during this difficult year have been rewarded with the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship and acceptance to Harvard University. We are excited to see her join the distinguished list of WCC alums to achieve this highly competitive award. We look forward to the wonderful achievements she is sure to accomplish in the years ahead.”

In addition to financial support, new Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholars will receive comprehensive educational advising to guide them through the process of transitioning to a four-year college and preparing for their careers. Scholars will additionally receive opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school funding, as well as connection to a thriving network of Cooke Scholars and Alumni.

Today, nearly half of the students pursuing college choose to attend two-year institutions. Research commissioned by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation found that community college students who transfer to selective institutions have equal to or higher graduation rates as students who enrolled directly from high school or transferred from four-year institutions. Yet, at the nation’s top colleges, only five percent have transferred from a community college. The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship seeks to increase the number of community college students completing their education at top four-year institutions.

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over 31,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the most affordable tuition rates in New York State. WCC offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Dolores Swirin-Yao has been named as Executive Director, Westchester Community College (WCC) Foundation and Vice President, External Affairs. In this role, Ms. Swirin-Yao will help shape and lead WCC Foundation’s strategic vision, working with its Board of Directors, its team and President Belinda Miles to ensure the Foundation’s long-term ability and philanthropic role in supporting the College’s values of success, excellence, and opportunity.

Ms. Swirin-Yao brings more than three decades of nonprofit executive and development experience to WCC, having served in leadership positions with organizations including York College/CUNY, Girl Scout Council of Greater NY, American Red Cross in Greater NY, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society—NYC Chapter, and Volunteers of America—Greater NY.

Ms. Swirin-Yao earned her M.A. and B.A. from Columbia University. As a former student at Rockland Community College, she has a life-long commitment to the community college mission. “As a first-generation college graduate and having started my own higher education journey on a community college campus, WCC’s mission could not be closer to my heart. I look forward to this tremendous opportunity to serve the institution and its students.”

“We are excited and fortunate to have such a distinguished new Executive Director to head our Foundation’s efforts in supporting our diverse student population,” said Board Chair Joanne Landau. “Dolores brings to our organization a wealth of experience in leading premier nonprofit organizations. Furthermore, her years as a community college student bring a sensitivity and appreciation of our mission that will be invaluable in continuing our efforts, especially at a time when our students are still dealing with the pandemic and its corollary economic crisis.”

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over 31,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the most affordable tuition rates in New York State. WCC offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Westchester Community College Foundation

Since its founding in 1969, Westchester Community College Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) has raised funds to meet college and student needs not covered by public funds, distributing over $2 million in scholarships annually. Through its fundraising and programmatic activities, the Foundation supports the college’s efforts to provide access to quality education and skills for success.

(April 8, 2021) Westchester Community College (WCC) began celebrating its 75th anniversary with a Founders Day event today. The event featured a retrospective of the college’s history to date as well as a look forward to the school’s future direction. During the event, the college revealed a new logo that will be utilized during the year-long celebration.

Westchester Community College, which was founded in the aftermath of a crisis of historic proportions – World War II, has played a vital role during the current COVID-19 crisis. WCC has been preparing frontline healthcare workers, providing financial aid to students in need, and serving as a vaccination site to inoculate county residents against the virus.

WCC will continue to serve as an essential institution for the region as it prepares the talent needed for tomorrow’s middle-skill jobs and professional careers that will drive our region’s re-emergence from the economic disruptions of the past year.

“Preparing our students for success has been and will continue to be our North Star,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, President of Westchester Community College. “WCC is dedicated to its mission of providing accessible, high-quality and affordable education that meets the needs of our diverse community. We are committed to student success, academic excellence, workforce development, economic development and lifelong learning.”

The year-long celebration will include special events with guest speakers, a time capsule and commemorative merchandise. Details can be found on a special webpage

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over 31,000 f ull-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Westchester Community College (WCC) has been selected as a partner by PepsiCo and its philanthropic arm, The PepsiCo Foundation, in a new scholarship and professional mentoring program that will address the issue of minority underrepresentation in high-demand fields.

As part of its commitment to lift up Black and Hispanic businesses and communities in the U.S. to address issues of inequality and create opportunity, PepsiCo is launching a $40 million program to provide financial support, mentoring, and opportunities for work experience to aspiring and graduating community college students. Westchester Community College is one of only a handful of community colleges in the nation to receive grants as part of this program in support of two scholarship programs specifically for Black and Hispanic students attending WCC.

A scholarship grant of $600,000 over two years supports the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarships. Eighty Black and Hispanic current and prospective students at WCC will be awarded up to $2,500 annually to help cover the costs of tuition and other expenses related to obtaining degrees and/or professional certifications in Information Technology.

• Forty scholarships are reserved for full-time matriculating students earning Associate Degrees in Cybersecurity, Computer Information Systems or Interactive Technologies.
• Forty additional scholarships are reserved for students pursuing professional credentials in WCC’s short-term workforce development programs.

Scholarship recipients will receive additional support services from faculty coaches and navigators, as well as have access to emergency funds and other student support services to ensure success.

To learn more about these opportunities, please visit:
https://www.sunywcc.edu/admissions/scholarships/pepsico-foundation-uplift-scholarship/

The PepsiCo Foundation S.M.I.L.E. Scholarship (Success Matters in Life & Education) will award two–year grants of up to $25,000 per year ($50,000 total) to ten Black and Hispanic WCC students in each of the next five years. To qualify, students must be transferring to complete their Bachelor’s degree in full–time undergraduate study at an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S. WCC is one of only four community colleges across the country to be selected as a partner by PepsiCo for this opportunity. The first 10 WCC students to be selected as S.M.I.L.E. Scholarship recipients will be announced this spring.

To learn more about this opportunity, please visit:
https://www.sunywcc.edu/admissions/scholarships/pepsico-foundation-smile/

Both Uplift and S.M.I.L.E. Scholarship recipients will also receive mentorship and leadership training from PepsiCo employees and will have the opportunity to apply for internships and jobs at PepsiCo.

”Westchester Community College and PepsiCo are both committed to diversity and taking visible actions to remove barriers to access and advancement that adversely affect individuals from marginalized communities,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President at Westchester Community College. “These scholarship programs will enable many students who might otherwise have faced insurmountable financial hurdles to pursue their academic goals. Collectively, these programs will also benefit our community and our economic re-emergence by increasing our pool of qualified workers in high-demand fields.”

“Education is a great equalizer that enables economic growth, upward mobility and helps build generational wealth that lifts up communities over the long-term,” said PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta. “With this program, we are creating a differentiated experience for students that goes beyond scholarships by providing critical training, support and other services that will put them on the path to success. Last year, PepsiCo committed to using our resources to combat deep-rooted economic disparities that have long impacted Black and Hispanic communities. We’re proud to announce this community college program today as a key part of that effort.”

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over 31,000 f ull-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $70 billion in net revenue in 2020, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito–Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker, Tropicana, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 23 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages by Winning with Purpose. “Winning with Purpose” reflects our ambition to win sustainably in the marketplace and embed purpose into all aspects of our business strategy and brands.

For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

About The PepsiCo Foundation

Established in 1962, The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, invests in the essential elements of a sustainable food system with a mission to support thriving communities. Working with non-profits and experts around the globe, we’re focused on helping alleviate hunger, managing water and waste responsibly and supporting women as champions of nutrition from farm to family. We strive for tangible impact in the places where we live and work—collaborating with industry peers, local and international organizations, and our employees to affect large-scale change on the issues that matter to us and are of global importance.

Learn more at www.pepsico.com/sustainability/philanthropy.

This week marks the achievement of a significant milestone: 10,000 people received their COVID-19 vaccination at Westchester Community College’s campus in Valhalla. The Westchester County Department of Health has partnered with WCC to utilize its Physical Education building as a temporary vaccination facility.

Westchester County residents, including WCC students and employees, should call the State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829) or go to the NYS website to determine eligibility and find a vaccination location at https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ Appointments for vaccines are to be made through New York State, not by contacting Westchester Community College.

To protect the health and safety of the community at large, the College has established a process to separate those coming onto campus for the vaccine from students and employees who utilize the campus facilities for college purposes. No one is permitted on campus for a vaccine without an appointment.

“WCC is proud to do what it can in support of the fight against the coronavirus,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, President of Westchester Community College. “Through our ongoing partnership with Westchester County, WCC will continue to serve our community as we overcome the hardships and pain inflicted by this pandemic and re-emerge from the resultant economic struggles experienced by so many of our neighbors.”

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over 24,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

WHITE PLAINS, NY (March 2021) – Professionals looking to unlock their career potential while adding immediate value to their organization can benefit from a nationally recognized training program now being offered by the Professional Development Center at Westchester Community College.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a combination of two popular Process Improvement methods—Lean and Six Sigma—that pave the way for operational excellence. These time-tested approaches provide organizations with a clear path to achieving their business objectives as fast and efficiently as possible.

The Lean Six Sigma program provides training on how to use the Lean Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) methodology to solve problems within your organization. Lecture topics include many proven Lean Six Sigma problem-solving methods and statistical tools, which are reinforced through hands-on learning exercises.The program is a six full-day course that is held over a three-month period with two full-day sessions per month.

The program is being offered virtually April 20, 21 / May 12, 13 / June 2, 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Participants must successfully complete the training program and a real-world project of their own selection. The goal of the projects completed in conjunction with a training course is for participants to demonstrate their ability to apply Lean Six Sigma tools/methods using the DMAIC approach to solve a real-world problem that results in some benefit for the organization (financial or otherwise) in which the project is conducted.

The facilitator for the program is Steve Wall, Public Sector Performance Improvement Practice Leader for Orion Development Group. Wall has more than 25 years of experience leading major improvement efforts. As a consultant, he has worked with dozens of states, counties, and private sector organizations in the United States and Mexico to develop strategic plans, implement change, improve customer focus, eliminate waste and save money.

“In Westchester County we have access to some of the best intellectual resources in the country.We’ve been very focused on bringing in top talent to serve our business community.I think we’re at a point now where we can compete with some of the best Ivy League schools and other private educational institutions,”said James Irvine, Director of Corporate and Continuing Professional Education at WCC and the Professional Development Center. “This program aligns very well with the County’s initiative focused on Advanced Manufacturing,” he added.

“As businesses in Westchester emerge from the pandemic shutdowns, Lean Six Sigma processes can play a significant role in their recovery.Improving processes using the Lean Six Sigma methodology can lead to cost reductions, market-share growth, productivity improvements, and customer relations improvements.We encourage all businesses to participate in this innovative and important new offering from WCC,” said Bridget Gibbons, Director of the Westchester County Office of Economic Development.

To learn more about the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program and how to register, visit www.sunywcc.edu/lean-six

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over24,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State.The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking.The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Westchester Community College Signs Transfer Agreement With Sarah Lawrence College For Students Pursuing Degrees In Education

Westchester Community College (WCC) has signed a new transfer agreement with Sarah Lawrence College (SLC)for students who have earned either an Associate’s in Science (AS) degree in Childhood Education or an Associate’s in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Early Childhood.

Students who participate in this program will enter SLC with junior standing and be on track to earn a Bachelor of Arts after completing 60 additional credits. In addition, a participating student who maintains at least a 3.0 GPA during their junior year at SLC will be guaranteed admission into the SLC 2+2+1 Master’s of Science in Education (MS Ed) Art of Teaching graduate program, should they wish to enroll. Art of Teaching students simultaneously earn their New York State teaching credential as well as their master’s degree, and complete the program prepared to serve as teachers in public or private early childhood and elementary schools, as school administrators or curriculum developers, as teacher educators, and/or to enter PhD programs.

“This articulation agreement represents a continuation of a strong historical partnership between Westchester Community College and Sarah Lawrence College, especially in the field of early childhood development,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President of Westchester Community College. “This agreement opens the door for community college students to pursue a course of study that prepares them to serve the high demand early childhood education field across a spectrum of roles.”

“Sarah Lawrence College is proud to form this partnership with Westchester Community College to advance our institutions’ collective work as engines of social mobility as well as to open the doors of opportunity to even more students in our region who will benefit from Sarah Lawrence’s one-of-a-kind education,” said Sarah Lawrence College President Cristle Collins Judd. “We are looking forward to welcoming participating students in the fall of 2021 and supporting them in the next chapter of their education as they connect their passions to create their futures.”

Students who are accepted to SLC as part of this pilot, in addition to the College meeting their full demonstrated financial aid need for tuition and fees and entering with junior standing, will also be paired with a faculty advisor prior to enrolling and will receive preferred admission status to specific SLC graduate programs.

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over31,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State.The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking.The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Valhalla, NY – Today, Westchester Community College is one of over 231 campuses in 37 states and the District of Columbia designated as a “Voter Friendly Campus.” The initiative, led by national nonpartisan organizations Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project (CVP) and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, held participating institutions accountable for planning and implementing practices that encourage their students to register and vote in 2020 elections and in the coming years.

The mission of the Voter Friendly Campus designation is to bolster efforts that help students overcome barriers to participating in the political process. Our campus was evaluated based on a campus plan about how we would register, educate, and turnout student voters in 2020, how we facilitated voter engagement efforts on our campus, and a final analysis of our efforts- all in the face of the upheaval caused by a global pandemic. The designation is valid through December 2022.

As part of our effort to be designated a voter friendly campus, Westchester Community College was able to help 920 students register to vote in 2020. Due to the creative work of the campus coalition of faculty, staff and students, students were able to attend various virtual events aimed at informing voters on local, state, and federal issues.

Westchester Community College has made a strong statement about the civic mission of higher education to prepare students to be engaged participants in our democracy and is excited to continue engaging students through 2021, 2022, and beyond.

“WCC is dedicated to serving our diverse community,” said Tiago Machado, Director of Student Involvement at Westchester Community College. “Enabling and encouraging all eligible voters to participate in our democratic process is vital to achieving full equity and access across our society. We are proud of the efforts of our staff who worked hard to help us achieve this notable designation for the third year in a row.”

The institutions designated Voter Friendly Campuses represent a wide range of two-year, four-year, public, private, rural, and urban campuses. Notably, the list of designated institutions includes many Minority Serving Institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The program is ultimately serving millions of students.

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over 31,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution. NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Our work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories.

Fair Elections Center is a national, nonpartisan voting rights and legal support organization that works to eliminate barriers to voting and improve election administration across the United States. Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project works with universities, community colleges, faculty, students and election officials to reduce barriers to student voting and helps campuses institutionalize reforms that empower students with the information they need to register and vote.

Westchester Community College has received an overall Campus Pride Score of four out of five stars in the most recent ratings of the Campus Pride Index, the second highest score of any community college in the U.S.

WCC scored a perfect five stars for LGBTQIA+ Campus Safety and 4.5 stars for LGBTQIA+ Student Life. No other community college in New York State received such a high score on any inclusion factor.

“WCC is dedicated to making our campus a welcoming destination for members of the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Tiago Machado, Director of Student Involvement at Westchester Community College. “It is a validation of our efforts to see our great improvement from the last report in 2017 when our overall Campus Pride Score was only 2.5 stars. We will continue pursuing our mission of providing accessible, high quality and affordable education to meet the needs of our diverse community.”

The Campus Pride Index is the premier LGBTQIA+ national benchmarking tool for colleges and universities to create safer, more inclusive campus communities. The free online tool allows students and their families to search a database of LGBTQIA+-friendly campuses who have come out to improve the academic experience and quality of campus life.

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over 31,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

The Foundation awards over $2 million to WCC students annually

The Westchester Community College Foundation announced the addition of five new board members to the not-for-profit organization that has been supporting the institution and its students for over five decades. The new board members include Dr. Amy Ansehl, Associate Dean, School of Health Sciences and Practice, New York Medical College; author Benjamin Cheever; Lisa Denig, Special Counsel for ADR Initiatives in the NYS Office of Court Administration; Doug Greene, Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Guardian Life; Joyce Hirsch, Senior Vice President Relationship Manager (Retired), Wells Fargo Wealth Management Group; and Josh Strauss, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Imperial Dade.

“We are excited and fortunate to have such a distinguished team of new members joining our Foundation’s board,” said Board Chair Joanne Landau. “Each of these new members bring to our organization an expertise and sensitivity to our mission that will be invaluable in continuing our efforts, which is of particular importance as we continue our re-emergence from the pandemic and its corollary economic crisis.”

Dr. Amy Ansehl is a well-respected member of both the clinical and academic communities. In addition to her role as Associate Dean, School of Health Sciences and Practice at New York Medical College, she also serves as the Chair of the Visiting Nurse Services of Westchester Foundation. Dr. Ansehl has demonstrated educational leadership in her community activities as a coalition leader and chairperson for Westchester County, the New York State Department of Health, the March of Dimes, the American Lung Association, The Hudson Valley Asthma Coalition, the United Way, and the Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam and the Bronx.

Benjamin Cheever is a writer and editor. To date he has written four adult fiction novels, one children’s book and two nonfiction books. He edited The Letters of John Cheever, a collection of letters that show John Cheever’s development as a writer and a man. He also hosts a TV show called “About Writing,” of which the 50+ episodes can be seen at PCTV76.org.

Lisa Denig is the Special Counsel for ADR Initiatives to Deputy Chief Administrative Judge George Silver, the third highest ranking judge in New York State. To reach this lofty position in the legal profession, Ms. Denig began her journey by enrolling at WCC after she was married and had two small children. After graduating from WCC, she earned her bachelor’s degree at Vassar College and her J.D. at Pace University School of Law. At this point in her career – which has included serving on the staffs of a NYS Senator and the Putnam County Executive, clerking for a Federal Judge, and working for the Westchester County

DA’s office as Bureau Chief of Special Litigation – Ms. Denig still points with pride to her years at WCC as the formative years that helped set her on the course of professional success.

Doug Greene has held positions of progressively greater responsibility at Guardian Life since 2002, where he is currently the Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer. As a senior information security and IT risk/controls leader he mitigates risk, ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering business results.

Joyce Hirsch retired after a distinguished career in private banking at Wells Fargo and Citigroup. Ms. Hirsch established Wells Fargo’s business relationships with many of the largest global law firms in NYC, growing her portfolio from $0 to $10 million in revenues. Prior to Wells Fargo, Ms. Hirsch held a variety of positions at Citigroup focusing on the bank’s relationship with law firms around the United States. She has served on numerous boards and committees in Westchester, including the Scarsdale Public Library, where she was board president.

Josh Strauss is the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Imperial Dade (a Bain Capital Portfolio Company). Imperial Dade acquired his family business, Strauss Paper, where he was the Vice President of Corporate Development. In 2019 Mr. Strauss was named to Business Council of Westchester’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars.

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over 24,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. The college offers over 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Westchester Community College Foundation

Since its founding in 1969, Westchester Community College Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) has raised funds to meet college and student needs not covered by public funds, distributing over $2 million in scholarships annually. Recognizing that public education is a public responsibility, the Foundation enables the college to continue to offer access to quality education and the skills for success through its fundraising and programmatic activities.