State of the College / Foundation Annual Report

CONGRATULATIONSTO THEGRADUATING CLASSOF 2019 The college continued its record run of large Commence- ment ceremonies in May 2019 as students in one of the largest graduating classes in the history of the institution were granted degrees at the County Center in White Plains. The college’s graduation rate continues to climb and that positively impacts the number of students at the annual graduation ceremony. Nearly 2,000 students were granted degrees at this ceremony. The commencement speech was given by Larry D. Woodard, Chairman, Graham Stanley Advertising. The White Plains resident is a highly regarded advertising industry executive with more than thirty years of advertising industry experience. Woodard and the companies he has led have been the recipients of numerous awards including the O’Toole Advertising Agency of The Year Award (twice), the Gold Effie, multiple London International Awards, and a Cannes Gold Lion. He has created advertising and promotions for many blue-chip companies including Heineken, Western Union, The Snapple Beverage Company, Motorola and Mars Incorporated. His collaboration with Oprah Winfrey and General Motors to give away 276 cars, one to each member of her show audience, has been called the biggest single day promotion in the history of advertising. During the Commencement ceremony, it was announced that the first honorary degree ever bestowed by the college would be a posthumous recognition of the contributions of former college president Joseph N. Hankin. He led the institution from 1971-2013, becoming the nation’s longest serving community college president. “Dr. Hankin shepherded Westchester Community College from its infancy through its growth to the stature it enjoys today as one of the nation’s premier community colleges. His vision continues to guide us, and his contributions will never be forgotten,” said Board of Trustees Chair John Nonna. In addition to the honorary degree, Dr. Hankin’s legacy was celebrated several months after passing in an April 2019 memorial attended by hundreds of individuals. In addition, a tree was planted in his honor. Student Government Association President Ava Tapia addressed the crowd of several thousand in the County Center, focusing on a theme of joy and generosity. “I hope this celebration of achievement brings you all closer to- gether, allowing you to bring home and share a wonderful memory along with your associate’s degree or certificate. But most importantly, use this as an opportunity to grow and learn from one another, sharing what you have learned from this experience,” she said. www.sunywcc.edu 06 Left page: Students celebrate commencement at the Westchester County Center. Top Right: President Miles congratulates students as they cross the stage. Middle: Senator Schumer greets graduates and guests from the podium. Bottom: Keynote speaker Larry Woodward, CEO of Graham Stanley Advertising, discusses the connected world and our future within it. 2020 State of the College & Foundation Annual Report 07