State of the College / Foundation Annual Report

WESTCHESTER COMMUNITYCOLLEGE FOUNDATION This past year, the Westchester Community College Foundation celebrated fifty years of fulfilling potential in our community. Since its founding, the Foundation has raised more than $100 million to meet college and student needs that were not covered by public support. While scholarship support remains at the heart of its mission, the Foundation has also funded capital projects, faculty development, emergency student aid, and new and innovative program initiatives to promote student success. These programs enable the college to provide attainable, affordable, and excellent education to all who seek it. The efforts of the Foundation are made possible through the continuing support of individuals, local businesses, corporations, and foundations that are committed to advancing the mission of the college. Fifty years ago, the Westchester Community College Foundation set out to make a difference in the lives of our students and the commu- nity. Little did our founders know then that their efforts would help tens of thousands of students achieve their educational dreams. Here’s to the next fifty years! Sincerely, Matthew McCrosson, President, Westchester Community College Foundation Eve Larner, Vice President, External Affairs and Executive Director, Westchester Community College Foundation Highlights of the year include: k Beginning in the fall of 2013, the Foundation embarked upon a comprehensive campaign to significantly improve student outcomes through programs and services designed to increase student readiness, success, and overall support. Pathways: The Campaign for Student Success has focused on securing major gifts and bequests to initiate new programs and increase scholarship support. Positive response has enabled us to surpass the original $30 million goal. As of August 31, 2019, we raised $43 million. In honor of the Foundation’s 50th anniversary, a new campaign goal has been set at $50 million with a target of reaching this mark by the college’s 75th anniversary in 2021. k Scholarship giving continued to increase as the Foundation was able to distribute more than $2 million in scholarship funding to deserving students. Significant new scholarships included a $650,000 donation from the Weingarten Family Foundation to endow their scholarship giving; and a grant of more than $72,000 from the 1199SEIU Home Care Industry Education Fund, which established our first tuition support program for non-credit workforce development students. k The Fund for WCC , the Foundation’s largest source of unrestricted funding, had another successful year, raising over $580,000, again exceeding its goal by 15%. k In honor of the Foundation’s 50th anniversary, actor/singer/producer Vanessa Williams hosted a video featuring scholarship recipients, faculty, and donors. k Legacy giving for the Foundation increased. Several generous individuals have made their bequest intentions known to us, with the most recent bequest valued at $2 million. www.sunywcc.edu 18 2020 State of the College & Foundation Annual Report 19