Westchester Community College has partnered with the Westchester County Department of Health to convert its Physical Education building into a temporary vaccination facility. 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 support the efforts of our local and state officials in the fight against this public health threat,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, President of Westchester Community College. “Throughout this crisis, WCC has been serving the community at large, implementing food drives for families in need, providing PPE and ventilators to medical staff and facilities, and offering support services like financial aid, technical support and mental health counseling to help our students stay on track toward their academic and professional goals.”

To see if you are eligible for a vaccine appointment through New York State please use these resources:

• Westchester County residents including WCC faculty and students may go to the NYS website to determine eligibility and find a vaccination location at https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
• The State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline will open for scheduling vaccination appointments for eligible New Yorkers at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
• Prior to receiving the vaccination, you must complete the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form at https://forms.ny.gov/s3/vaccine.

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 has been designated a Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA). To support the efforts of the Center and create pathways for many students who might not otherwise have such an opportunity, Robert Wiener announced that The Wiener Philanthropy will donate $1 million.

WCC is one of only nine community colleges nationwide to earn this new designation, and the only one located in the tri-state region. Institutions that receive a CAE in Cybersecurity designation have met the rigorous requirements set forth by the federal government. The NSA and DHS award this designation to schools that commit to reducing vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by improving higher education and research in cyber defense and producing professionals with cyber defense expertise who can fill the 3+ million unfilled positions in this critical field.

The $1 million Wiener Philanthropy grant donation will create the Robert R. Wiener Center for Excellence in Cybersecurity, including a state-of-the-art Cybersecurity lab and technologically advanced classrooms. The grant also covers the cost of faculty development, curriculum development, and adding new degree programs and industry credentials.

In addition, funds have been provided to establish the Robert R. Wiener Cyber Scholars, a scholarship award recognizing the top-performing Cyber students at WCC. The first cohort of 20 promising students will each receive a $2,500 scholarship this year, allowing them to enter an in-demand high skills career pathway with support to develop their talent to full potential.

“WCC is proud to be designated by DHS and NSA as a Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education,” said John Watkins, Cybersecurity Curriculum Chair. “This program enables us to continue serving our county, our state, and our country with the trained professionals needed in high-demand fields. Our students benefit from the cutting-edge curriculum and wrap-around services our program offers, and they leave our program with a skill-set that will lead to high-paying careers in an exciting field.”

“The support Bob Wiener has provided WCC over the years has been truly remarkable. His generosity and dedication have opened the doors to opportunity for hundreds of students,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, President of Westchester Community College. “This grant supporting our new Cybersecurity Center shows that Bob is also a visionary. The center that will bear his name will be a state-of-the-art testament to that vision, and a focal point for the critical training that is required to ensure the smooth operations of our region’s economic recovery and growth.”

“This initiative would not have been possible without the efforts of many people within the College community,” continued Dr. Miles. “The support of the Westchester Community College Foundation in securing Bob’s financial commitment has been critical. Our faculty have exhibited tremendous teamwork in preparing our cyber scholars to be lifelong learners who, as cybersecurity experts will be discovering, exploring and solving complex technical problems with passion and purpose. And, of course, the effort, self-motivation, dedication, engagement and accomplishments of our Wiener cyber scholars has been inspirational to us all.”

“I feel that this is the best investment that I’ve ever made because I watch young students move on with their lives with an education and add to the community – This is what’s wonderful to me,” said Bob Wiener, Chair of MAXX Properties. “My own grandfather came to this country in 1906 and, with his mind and his determination, created a business and a rewarding life for himself and his family. Westchester Community College provides today’s students with the same foundation that I hope will lead to hundreds, even thousands, of similar stories.”

Students interested in learning more about this program should visit Cybersecurity – Westchester Community College (sunywcc.edu)

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College is the largest higher education institution in the county, serving over 24,000 full-time, part-time Workforce Development and continuing education students. Students pursue over 60 degree and certificate programs on a beautiful 218-acre campus, at 7 conveniently located extension centers, and online. Westchester Community College reflects the rich diversity of its region, and was the first SUNY campus to be designated an Hispanic Serving Institution.

Westchester Community College will hold a virtual commencement ceremony on Tuesday, December 22 at 6:00PM via Zoom. The commencement speech will be given by Mecca Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion & Community Engagement for Westchester Medical Center Health Network.

Ms. Mitchell has a distinguished career in serving the public in legal and diversity capacities. At WMC she oversees the health network’s development and implementation of its strategic diversity, inclusion, equity and community engagement initiatives. She was recently appointed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to the New York State Minority Health Council. She previously served in other chief diversity roles, and as an Assistant District Attorney in New York County.

Westchester Community College President Belinda S. Miles, WCC Board of Trustees John Nonna, and Westchester County Executive George Latimer will also address those who log into the event. Among the graduates at the ceremony will be the winners of the SUNY Chancellors Award for Excellence and other honorees. Among the 1,679 graduates, over 100 will be entering the community to keep us safe and healthy from COVID-19 with degrees in nursing and other healthcare fields.

“This year’s commencement is not just a celebration of academic achievement, but an honoring of the grit and determination exhibited by all of these graduates during these unprecedented times,” said Dr. Miles. “Our graduates will continue their academic and career journeys with the tools and character traits necessary to provide the fuel for our region’s economic re-emergence.”

As a result of the postponement of the May ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event will honor all graduates from August 2019, December 2019, May 2020, August 2020 and December 2020.

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College is the largest higher education institution in the county, serving over 24,000 full-time, part-time Workforce Development and continuing education students. Students pursue over 60 degree and certificate programs on a beautiful 218-acre campus, at 7 conveniently located extension centers, and online. Westchester Community College reflects the rich diversity of its region, and was the first SUNY campus to be designated an Hispanic Serving Institution.

Agreement signed today provides additional opportunities for affordable four-year degrees already utilized by more than 120 WCC-Mercy transfer students per year

Westchester County, New York (December 15, 2020) – Westchester Community College (WCC) and Mercy College have signed a new Dual Admissions Pathway Agreement that enables prospective students to apply to Mercy College and WCC at the same time. Upon completion of their A.A. or A.S. degree at WCC, students are accepted to Mercy College with junior standing. The agreement will commence in the Spring 2021 semester.

WCC and Mercy College share a commitment to the affordability of higher education. WCC’s tuition is the lowest in the county and is fully covered by PELL grants and NYS TAP for students who qualify. In additional to PELL and TAP grants, Mercy also offers multiple scholarships to eligible transfer students, including Transfer Merit Scholarships ranging in value from $1500 to $5000. Details are available here.

“Westchester Community College provides accessible, high quality and affordable education to meet the diverse needs of our community,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President of Westchester Community College. “Our commitment to student success extends beyond their graduation. WCC provides students with a foundation of critical thinking and career-oriented skills that students build upon to achieve their goals. This agreement with Mercy College provides our students with a pathway to continue their studies at a high-quality four-year institution while staying in Westchester County.”

“This is an exciting partnership between two institutions to serve students and prepare them to be future leaders in the communities they serve,” said Mercy College President Tim Hall. “This partnership will provide WCC students a seamless pathway to the next level of their educational journey and receive a four-year degree at Mercy College.”

WCC has nearly twenty transfer agreements, guaranteeing its graduates can transfer to a four-year institution with junior status, thus enabling students to complete their bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. If you are a current WCC student interested in this pathway contact the WCC Office of Transfer Services at transfer@sunywcc.edu. For prospective WCC students contact Mercy or WCC Admissions office at admissions@sunywcc.edu.

Mercy College offers WCC graduates more than 90 degrees and programs to choose from at; opportunities to get involved in more than 40 clubs and organizations across three campuses in Dobbs Ferry, the Bronx, and Manhattan. In addition, all transfer students will receive a PACT mentor that will help them navigate degree requirements, register for classes, track academic

About WCC

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.

About Mercy College

Mercy College is the dynamic, diverse New York City area college whose students are on a personal mission: to get the most out of life by getting the most out of their education. Founded in 1950, Mercy is a coeducational and nonsectarian college that offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs within five schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts and Social and Behavioral Sciences. With campuses in Dobbs Ferry, Bronx, Manhattan and Yorktown Heights, the vibrancy of the College culture is sustained by a diverse student body from around the region.

Westchester Community College (WCC) held its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Giveaway. Over 250 students were provided with free turkeys, side dishes and a $30 gift card to Shoprite.

This was the 8th year of the Turkey Giveaway. The number of students served by the Turkey Giveaway has more than doubled over the past two years. One significant difference this year is that over 100 of the student recipients – due to financial hardships or concerns about taking mass transit due to the pandemic – had their food delivered by volunteer WCC employees and supporters.

The event was hosted by the Department of Student Support Services with support from the WCC Foundation, Department of Student Involvement, Personal Counseling Department, Security and FSA Dining. The Westchester County (NY) Chapter of The Links Incorporate donated meal trimmings from Fresh Direct to complement the turkeys from DeCicco & Sons, and Shoprite supplemented their gift card donations.

“Many of our students are struggling this year due to COVID-19, dealing with job loss, financial hardship, food insecurity, childcare, health issues and loss of loved ones,” said Sophia Piñeiro, Assistant Director of Student Support Services and organizer of this year’s giveaway. “It was wonderful to see so many in our community come together to support those of our students in need. This has been such a difficult year for so many, and you could see the gratitude and joy on the faces of those we served.”

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 (WCC) welcomed 105 students into its first cohort of SUNY Pathways Scholars. The State University of New York (SUNY) Pathways Scholars Award program provides support to high-performing students committed to completing their associate and bachelor’s degrees at SUNY institutions in two and four years, respectively.

SUNY Pathways Scholars at WCC will receive a total of $500 during their first year of study, and an additional $1000 award to use for non-tuition related expenses upon completion of their associate degree and enrollment in a SUNY bachelor’s degree program. Scholars will also receive academic counseling, career guidance, and a network of wrap-around support services to keep them on the pathway to success. WCC will help keep students on track and on time by guaranteeing that required courses – or academically approved substitutions – will be available. Once a Scholar selects their transfer college, they will be connected to a Pathways Advisor at their chosen SUNY campus.

To qualify for the SUNY Pathways Scholars Program, students must graduate from a NYS high school with an average of at least 80%, and enroll for the first time as a full-time student in an associate degree program at a SUNY community college.

“By becoming a SUNY Pathways Scholar, I am more delighted and motivated by the effort Westchester Community College and the SUNY system has shown in the development of my academic career,” said incoming WCC freshman Tone Alex. “Getting the top services and tools to having a successful academic life in college, I am more prepared and goal-oriented in completing my degree and getting into the job market as soon as possible.”

“Westchester Community College offers a wide variety of academic programs that serve the diverse needs and interests of our students,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, president of Westchester Community College. “We are excited to add SUNY Pathways to academic programs like our Honors College that promote degree attainment in two years. Financial incentives for transfer to a four-year SUNY institution upon completion provides powerful motivation for these talented students.”

Students should visit www.sunywcc.edu/suny-pathways for more information.

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.

Two Westchester Community Summer STEM Research academy students presented their research posters in partnership with two Mercy College students at the 53 Annual MACUB Conference held virtually at St. Francis College on Saturday October 31, 2020.

At the MACUB conference, Marisa Rodriquez (WCC) and Bianca Jimenez (Mercy College) were awarded a prize honoring their research presentation. The students worked as a team on project design, background research, data collection (in gardens in both of their backyards), poster creation, and presentation. Their research, titled “Do Native Gardens Mitigate Pollinator Decline?” continues at the Native Plant Center, WCC Valhalla Campus. Rodriguez is pictured at the Native Plant Center gathering data on native gardens and pollinators.

Do Native Gardens Mitigate Pollinator Decline?

Click to view the research poster at a larger size.

What is conservation biology and why is it important?

The management of nature and Earth’s biodiversity with the aim of protecting species, their habitats, ecosystems, from excessive rates of extinction and erosion of biotic interactions. Conservation biology is extremely important in maintaining biodiversity not only for plant and insect species but for human well-being.

What is a native pollinator garden?

These gardens are created with the intension of attracting pollinators with the use of native plant species. Pollinator gardens can provide nectar and pollen, nesting sites, and protection. The goal of the gardens is to reverse the effects of pollinator decline due to reasons such as climate change, land-use intensification, and pesticide use.

Why are pollinators important?

The term pollinators groups together insects such as bees, flies, beetles, ants, butterflies, and many more. They are extremely important to our environment, biodiversity, and food security. Pollinator species are responsible for pollinating over 60% of our food crops.

Expected Results

Pollinators species such as ants, flies, honey bees, bumblebees, wasps, and beetles will visit the intentionally planted garden more often than the pre-existing garden because they are more attracted to native plant species.

Results

Pollinators visited the intentional garden more than the pre-existing garden. However, the pre-existing garden saw more diversity in the class of insects that visited.

Future Direction

Moving forward, more data needs to be collected in order to push legislature to protect these species. Future studies can repeat this experiment on a larger scale.

“We are so excited about this, and huge congratulations goes out to everyone involved, including our faculty leaders, professors Eiden and Bukofser”, said Provost Morest, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

The mission of the School of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering is to prepare students for careers across a broad range of science, engineering, mathematics, and technology disciplines; and to activate students’ thirst of knowledge in science and mathematics.

To accomplish its mission, the school maintains a nurturing academic atmosphere conducive to excellent in teaching and expects high standards of performance for faculty and students.

About WCC

Westchester Community College provides over 24,000 full-time and part-time students with an award-winning education 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.

Artist and former professor at WCC, Carla Rae Johnson presented her most recent interactive work, Monument to the Future, at a Virtual Artist Talk hosted by the Peekskill Extension Center on October 22, 2020.

“What do you do when the house is burning? Make art.” The sculpture was inspired by the march on July 3rd from the youth of Peekskill, addressing the present social climate. Impressed by their engagement Johnson asked herself, “How do we anoint them? They have inherited what we have instilled in them. How do we offer them empowerment?”, fostering the imagery of the, Monument to the Future. The sculpture has steps with a railing that lead to a pair of boots on top of a pedestal. The audience is invited to stand in the boots to make a pledge as to what they can and will do (for social justice). Johnson’s presentation took the viewer on a journey, beginning with her inspirations and ending with past work both individual and collaborative. Carla Rae Johnson appeared in Gorilla Mask, inspired by The Gorilla Girls, a tongue in cheek perspective, highlighting the ‘place’ of women artists in society. Work from artists Mel Chin, Francisco Goya, Doris Salcedo, and Kehinde Wiley were some of Johnson’s inspirations. The Q & A portion begged the question, Should art be political? Johnson answered, “…intended or not, art is always political.”

Her advice to the WCC art student, “Read, look at the world, look for the passion, look at history, at the people who made a difference in the world. Emily Dickinson for example, was creating powerful and incredible work, you don’t need outside reinforcement when you’re going to do it no matter what…. work with materials that feel good to you, it is a medicine, and fall in love with those things.”

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.

October 18, 2020 (Valhalla, NY): Westchester Community College’s Gateway to Entrepreneurship (G2E) Center will host its annual GROW Your Business Conference virtually from 8am-10am on three consecutive Fridays: November 6th, 13th, and 20th. The GROW Conference empowers small business owners throughout Westchester County and will feature a variety of workshops over three days as well as a keynote address by Jason Feifer, Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine.

The GROW Conference, organized by G2E and the Westchester County Office of Economic Development, is the region’s largest gathering of business owners and professionals for the purpose of training for small businesses. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and keeping the health and safety of everyone in mind, this year’s GROW Conference will be going virtual over three days. Local professionals throughout Westchester County will join from their screens for networking, mentoring, business development, and sessions covering leadership, marketing, and strategy for the purpose of building relationships as well as furthering their company’s growth. This year’s GROW Conference will be offering new ideas, perspectives, and strategies on how to continue to grow your business and maximizing success during times of economic distress and uncertainty. Attendees will have the opportunity to tap into a network of like-minded business leaders, potential partners, and resources, and hear from marquee-name professionals and innovators from Westchester and beyond.

Jason Feifer, Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, will deliver the keynote at this year’s GROW Conference during the November 6th Leadership Session. Over the past four years as Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, Feifer has led the charge in the evolution of the magazine from entrepreneurship being just a career designation to now a mindset and identity for those who are pursuing their own path. In addition to being Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, Feifer is also the host of two podcasts Problem Solvers, a podcast about entrepreneurs solving unexpected problems in their business and Pessimists Archive, a podcast on the history of unfounded fears and innovation. During his keynote, Feifer will inspire attendees on how to make and embrace change by discovering opportunities with a fresh mindset.

“Westchester County was one of the original epicenters of the coronavirus in the U.S., creating economic upheaval in our community and forcing businesses to adapt and reinvent themselves,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, President of Westchester Community College. “Westchester Community College is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and workers develop the skills and knowledge they need to power our region’s re-emergence and economic growth. The GROW Conference is an important venue for presenting programs by experts who can support these vital innovators.”

This year’s GROW Conference’s theme is One Community, New Ideas: Recovery & Resiliency. Attendees at this year’s conference will have an opportunity to attend three dynamic sessions that present important concepts and skills that they can apply towards their business in times of economic distress. The workshop topics at this year’s GROW Conference include: Strategically Pivoting Your Business; Panel Discussion: Stories of Resiliency; Social for business? How to maximize organic social media to get new clients, stay top of mind and build meaningful relationships; Turning Around Sales, Profits, and the Business Overall; Hello Are You There? Five Strategies to Better Understand and Engage Your Customers.

The sponsors for the 2020 GROW Conference are Business Council of Westchester, Candela Systems Corporation, Community Capital New York, Pursuit Lending, The Westchester Bank, Westchester County Office of Economic Development, and Westchester-Putnam One-Stop Career Center. The GROW Conference is open to the public and tickets for this year’s three-day event can be purchased online at growyourbusiness2020.eventcombo.com for $30. The GROW Conference is free for all Westchester Community College students with a valid student ID. For more information about becoming a sponsor for the GROW Conference, please contact Romina Ganopolsky, G2E Program Coordinator at Romina.Ganopolsky@sunywcc.edu. For general questions about the event, please contact Events To Remember at (914) 218-3968 or via email at EventsCJH@EventsRemember.com.

About WCC

Westchester Community College provides over 24,000 full-time and part-time students with an award-winning education 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 signed a new transfer agreement with Middle Georgia State University (MGA), allowing students who complete their studies at WCC to matriculate into MGA with junior standing.

The new transfer agreement covers students who earned their associate’s degree in cybersecurity or computer information systems. These students will be able to finish upper-division coursework leading to the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. This program is available fully online. Westchester Community College transfer students will pay Middle Georgia State in-state tuition plus institutional and technology fees, which is $2,546/semester for a full load of 15 credit hours.

“Our college recognizes the importance to our country, and the opportunities for our students, in preparing a new generation of IT professionals,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, president of Westchester Community College. “This agreement enables our students to pursue further studies that prepare them for high-demand jobs in exciting new fields. We value such partnerships that provide these pathways, especially with institutions that share our dedication to providing our students with the best education at affordable costs.”

“We are proud to provide a pathway for Westchester students to complete their bachelor’s degrees,” said Dr. Kevin Floyd, associate dean of MGA’s School of Computing. “This continues a long tradition of MGA, through the School of Computing, establishing articulation agreements with other institutions and expanding access to our IT programs to students all over the country. Westchester is an excellent institution with high-quality IT programs at the associate’s degree level, so it’s a great partnership.”

Westchester Community College has nearly twenty transfer agreements, guaranteeing its graduates can transfer to a four-year institution with junior status, thus being able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer.

Anyone interested in pursuing an associate’s degree at WCC in Cybersecurity or Computer Information Systems AND interested in this particular bachelor’s degree completion transfer pathway should email Professor John Watkins at John.Watkins@sunywcc.edu or call Admissions at 914-606-6735.

About WCC

Westchester Community College provides over 24,000 full-time and part-time students with an award-winning education 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 MGA

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) serves students on campuses in Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, and online through MGA Direct. Students can choose from dozens of programs – including business, nursing, information technology, media and communication, and contemporary musicianship – that lead to bachelor’s degrees. MGA also offers professional master’s degrees in cybersecurity, nursing, management, teaching (secondary education), and technical and professional writing, with other graduate programs under development. MGA expects to introduce a Doctor of Science in IT in the 2020-2021 academic year. The University is home to Georgia’s only public School of Aviation – based on the Eastman campus – and a four-year degree in flight. mga.edu