Seven Members of the National Honors Society Join WCC’s 2021 Cohort of Honors College Students

November 10, 2021
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by SUNY WCC
October 22, 2021

Westchester Community College welcomed a new cohort of 18 students into its Honors College for the fall 2021 semester. This is the fifth entering cohort since the Honors College founding in 2017. These ambitious scholars are pursuing SUNY and NYSDE approved honors-designated degrees in one of two curricula: Liberal Arts and Sciences: Social Science, or Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities. Honors College students are chosen following a rigorous selection process, including extensive applications, recommendations and interviews.

Accepted students receive guaranteed tuition coverage and substantial textbook stipends from the WCC Foundation thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. They will have to fulfill at least 40% of their program requirements at the honors level and maintain a 3.5 GPA to graduate with an honors-designated associate degree. These student scholars also have access to specialized co-curricular programming, including the study abroad program offered in partnership with Cambridge University, the Philosophia Honors Society, student conferences and symposia, student publications, and internships.

“As a first-generation American and a first-generation high-school student, I worked very hard not only to achieve personal excellence but also to be a role model to my younger family members,” said Denise Quituisaca, graduate of Peekskill High School. “Due to my financial status, I was worried that I would not be able to extend my education beyond high school. The WCC Honors College has opened a door for me to continue my studies, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude.”

“Westchester Community College is an institution where those with a passion to improve and achieve can find the resources and instruction needed to reach their goals,” said WCC President Dr. Belinda Miles. “Students from all walks of life, with a diverse array of needs and interests, seek their opportunity on our campus. Our most recent Honors College students are not just an elite cohort; they exemplify the spirit of all our students. From the student whose life goal is to help teens in need of mental assistance because she was told that adolescents like her shouldn’t have any mental issues to the immigrant student who plans to become a lawyer and advocate for human rights, WCC will be preparing a new generation of change-makers whose vision and devotion will help make our region – and our nation – a better place.”

“We are proud of the opportunities we offer our high-achieving students, such as those in our Honors College. WCC offers these students a tremendous foundation for pursuing their academic goals at such four-year institutions as Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Columbia, Williams, NYU, Sarah Lawrence, as well as SUNY campuses and local colleges.”

Honors College Class of 2023 Cohort:

Liberal Arts and Sciences: Social Science A.A., Honors Concentration

  • Arianna Roberts, graduate of Nutley High School, Nutley, NJ
  • Thomas Browne, graduate of Pleasantville High School, Pleasantville, NY
  • Razan Mustafa, graduate of Harrison High School, Harrison, NY
  • Deborah Correia, graduate of Port Chester High School, Port Chester, NY
  • Nicholas Derubeis, graduate of Valhalla High School, Valhalla, NY
  • Daniela Bloom, graduate of Peekskill High School, Peekskill, NY
  • Olivia Toth, graduate of Putnam Valley High School, Putnam Valley, NY
  • Maria Lozada Irenes, graduate of Yonkers Middle High School, Yonkers, NY
  • Jessica Yuqui, graduate of Sleepy Hollow High School, Sleepy Hollow, NY
  • Steve Lojano, graduate of Ossining High School, Ossining, NY
  • Wendy Salcedo, graduate of Port Chester High School, Port Chester, NY
  • Nancy Rodriguez, graduate of Port Chester High School, Port Chester, NY
  • Marcos Fernandez Suero, graduate of Carmel High School, Carmel, NY
  • Emily Duche, graduate of Port Chester High School, Port Chester, NY
  • Jason Tamay, graduate of Ossining High School, Ossining, NY
  • Denise, Quituisaca, graduate of Peekskill High School, Peekskill, NY
  • Genesis Samaniego, graduate of New Rochelle High School, New Rochelle, NY

Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities A.A., Honors Concentration

  • David Wilsea, graduate of Karafin School, Mount Kisco, NY

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.