September 16, 2020

Professor Lucrezia Lindia is being recognized by the American Association of Teachers of Italian for her commitment to promoting, advancing, and preserving the study of Italian language, literature, and culture. Lindia is one of two AATI 2020 Distinguished Service Award winners. She is being recognized along with Ryan Calabretta-Sajder.

Lindia is an adjunct professor of Italian at Westchester Community College and also works as a foreign language liaison of early college education high school partnerships. She was a language teacher and department chair at Eastchester Union Free School District for 31 years and also a teacher and supervisor of foreign languages at New Rochelle Academy and Montessori Grade School.

Lindia is nationally known for her extraordinary efforts in promoting the goals and objectives of the American Association of Teachers of Italian K-14. For four decades, she cultivated a passion for learning that extended far beyond the classroom. She engaged and encouraged her students to participate in numerous educational and cultural programs in Westchester, New York City, and in Italy. She served as President of the ITA-AATI for close to 20 years where she initiated an Annual ITA essay contest, the ITA Carnevale Celebration in February; she edited the ITA monthly newsletter, and she fostered collaborations with the Italian Cultural Institute and the Italian Consulate in New York to support Italian Language Programs in the New York Metropolitan Area and Westchester. She was a New York Public Library Mentor for the Encounter. For 18 years, she has been a Consultant to the New York State Education Department for the Italian Regents and the Proficiency Exams. She has contributed to the AATI National Italian Examination, the New York State Learning Standards for Languages Other Than English and the ACTFL’s Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century.

Lindia served on a committee for the Italian Consulate in NYC initiating the AP Exam and she engaged in personal outreach to high schools in New York State inviting them to initiate the AP Italian Course in their schools. In addition, she was a member of the Committee that composed the AP Vertical Team Guide in World Languages, published by the College Board; She was also hired by the College Board to write the AP Italian CPPG #2, and served on the College Board’s Italian AP Committee as a reader and on the SAT II Test Development Committee, chairing it the last two years. Lindia is the author of Edmondo DeAmici’s Cuore “Tre racconti,” Ed. Soleil; Cultura Italiana di regione in regione, Edizioni Farinelli; Co-author of Italian for Communication Textbook and Workbook, Curriculum Press; Cinque film italiani, Ed. Soleil; La donna arbëreshe ieri, oggi, domani…tra sacro e profano, Edizioni Il Coscile.

Among other initiatives, Lindia served as President of the Westchester Association of Foreign Language Educators, an affiliate of the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers (NYSAFLT). She was also elected to serve as regional representative of NYSAFLT and regional representative for AATI for a few terms. She is the President of the National Italian Honor Society/Società Onoraria Italica, Board Member of the Italian American Committee of Education (IACE) and Board Member of the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee (IHCC, Inc.); Westchester Coalition of Italian American Organizations, and Trustee of the SOI, Garibaldi Lodge. Over the years, she gave more than 200 workshops at the local, state, national and international levels, and continues to offer her professional expertise to colleagues representing secondary schools and colleges.

To conclude, this description by one of her colleagues who recommended her for this award encapsulates her contributions perfectly: “Professor Lucrezia Lindia is the ultimate professional and always a lady proud of her Italian heritage. Her amazing ability to share that love with everyone who comes in contact with her is clearly evident in the lasting impression she has on generations of students, many of whom have been inspired by her example and have even followed in her footsteps to become teachers of the Italian language and culture.”

Discover more about the AATI on their website.

About Westchester Community College
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.

August 7, 2020

U.S. Department of Education funds provide greater resources to assist low-income and disabled students

WHITE PLAINS, NY – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, announced $895,585 in federal funds for three local colleges. These competitive, five-year grant funds come from the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Support Services (SSS) Program, which is one of six TRIO programs that are designed to encourage and prepare students from disadvantaged backgrounds for success from secondary school to undergraduate and graduate education. Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry will receive $338,972; Rockland Community College (RCC) in Suffern will receive $261,888; and Westchester Community College (WCC) in Valhalla will receive $294,725 in SSS funds to support undergraduate retention and graduation rates.

“Our higher education system should promote equal opportunity and success for all our students. That necessarily includes removing barriers faced by our historically marginalized students and instead bolstering their success with critical and ongoing supports, such as academic and career counseling, help with completing financial aid applications, improving financial literacy, tutoring, and providing temporary housing for students experiencing housing insecurity,” said Congresswoman Lowey. “TRIO programs, like Student Support Services, are proven to increase the number of students accessing and completing college. These grants are a step toward making higher education more equitable for all students across the Hudson Valley.”

Mercy College, which has received a TRIO grant for 40 years, will serve an estimated 250 students with their SSS funds, RCC will serve an estimated 150 participants, and WCC will serve an estimated 170 students with comprehensive academic, financial and personal counseling; career and transfer planning; academic support and tutoring; financial literacy and financial aid assistance; and leadership and student success programs.

“Mercy is excited to have the TRIO SSS Program Grant renewed for another five years,” said Tim Hall, Mercy College President. “The SSS Program provides the most deserving students with academic, personal and financial support to ensure academic success, persistence and the dream of a college degree.”

“I am very thankful to the US Department of Education for selecting Rockland Community College as a recipient of the TRIO Student Support Services grant,” said Dr. Michael Baston, Rockland Community College President. “With this funding, RCC will continue to ensure that it is serving the needs of the students who depend on its support the most; those suffering from economic hardships and those with disabilities. Those students will receive extra support beyond what is already available to them through the College’s offerings to ensure that they will be successful in their studies and “real world ready” upon their graduation. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Congresswoman Nita Lowey for her leadership in helping RCC secure this important grant.”

“Students who attend Westchester Community College benefit from an extensive and life-long network of opportunity and support,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, Westchester Community College President. “The TRIO Student Support Services grant provides services that help low-income and first-generation students and students with disabilities on pathways into four-year universities and high-wage middle skills careers. This grant continues a strong track record of exceptional results for students in the program for the next five years. We thank Congresswoman Lowey for her long-standing support and advocacy for Westchester Community College students.”

This competitive grant program awards funds to institutions of higher education that prioritize providing academic and other support services and opportunities for low-income, first-generation or disabled college students. Required program services include academic tutoring, assistance in post secondary course selection, assistance with financial aid programs and benefits, education to improve financial and economic literacy, help gaining admission and graduate and professional programs, and activities designed to assist students enrolled in two-years institutions of higher education apply to four-year programs. Additional services grantees may provide include temporary housing for homeless and foster care youth, student aid stipends, and related programs and activities designed specifically for special populations, such as students with limited English proficiency.

Fox 5 reported on the growing number of students who are deciding to attend their local community college rather than go away to a university. Reasons cited include affordability, safety, and quality education. This segment features Westchester Community College.

July 7, 2020

Westchester Community College has been selected as a partner by Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation to support students who are looking to enter a traditional trade or other applied learning program.

The Metallica Scholars is a major national workforce education initiative that provides direct support to community colleges to enhance their career and technical education programs. Partnering with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), a Washington, D.C.-based organization that represents the nation’s 1,103 community colleges, the Metallica Scholars program is designed to provide support of relevant job skill training for community college students, reinvest in communities that supported Metallica during its recent United States tours, and leverage the influence of Metallica to elevate the importance of career and technical education.

WCC is one of only five community colleges in the nation to be chosen this year to receive a grant of $100,000 to support this initiative. These five colleges join an additional 10 who received support from the band last year.

Westchester Community College will use this assistance to increase the number of students earning workforce credentials in high demand and emerging industries in healthcare, Information Technology, and manufacturing. Specifically, the funding will cover the costs of certification exams, exam prep, and related expenses for nearly 200 workforce program students, giving them the competitive edge when entering the workforce.

“Situated in the epicenter of New York’s coronavirus crisis, Westchester students, workers and families have been hit hard by job loss and displacement. Every sector is impacted,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, President at Westchester Community College. “This initiative will help facilitate access to career and technical education providing much needed support services. As the only college in New York State selected for this program, we look to leverage the Metallica Scholars Initiative to expand on our current and future apprenticeship program in order to accelerate the region’s return to economic health and vitality. Together, Metallica and WCC will rock the workforce!”

“Our 2019 Metallica Scholars have exceeded expectations and inspired us in more ways than we could have possibly imagined,” said Metallica’s Lars Ulrich. “We’re really excited to be able to expand the initiative in its second year, assisting more students in achieving their dreams and transforming their lives in 2020.”

Students interested in learning more about this program should visit www.sunywcc.edu/metallicascholars.

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.

About All Within My Hands Foundation

AWMH is a non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. 100% of donations go directly to local organizations that the Foundation supports. Please visit: AllWithinMyHands.org  for more information.

About American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)

As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), delivers educational and economic opportunity for nearly 12 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s more than 1,000 member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all. boilerplate from AACC here.

Mark Stollar
Director, Strategic Marketing and Communications
75 Grasslands Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
914-606-6608

July 2, 2020

Westchester Community College announced today that it will offer most of its Fall 2020 classes remotely. WCC’s re-emergence plans were developed by the college’s Pandemic Response Team with recommendations from federal, state and county health professionals and government to keep the community safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A majority of classes will be conducted entirely through remote/online environments synchronously with instructor and students present at established times. Some classes will be asynchronous, which means there are no scheduled meeting times; rather, learning takes place online and course materials will be accessed by students at times convenient to them. A limited number of classes will be offered on-site because they require access to specialized labs and equipment.

In addition to most courses, student services will continue to be provided remotely. These services include: academic counselors to help students find the right classes; academic support and tutoring for students in need of additional instruction and assistance; mental health counselors for any student suffering through these stressful times; and, our library that offers remote research assistance as well as access to books, videos and more. Furthermore, the Westchester Community College Foundation supports student access with financial support through scholarships as well as supporting our student laptop loaner program. Additionally, the college will offer a vibrant array of online Student Involvement programming ranging from discipline specific clubs and forums on contemporary issues to mindfulness meditation and Zumba© classes. Students can find more information and register for courses at www.sunywcc.edu/fall-session.

This announcement comes immediately following the College receiving approval for its plans from the New York State Governor’s Office and the State University of New York System Administration.

“Our commitment is to provide a healthy, safe, and engaged environment where students can stay on track with their academic plans and career goals,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, President of Westchester Community College. “We look forward to welcoming students back in a virtual setting, which has already helped thousands of students complete spring and summer courses. The small number of students attending in-person labs will notice many new safeguards in place to protect their health. We thank our dedicated faculty and staff for making the necessary preparations for a successful fall semester.”

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.

Given the transition to remote learning, the STEM Summer Research Academy was conducted completely online. Students from Westchester Community College and Mercy College were joined together for 4-weeks to conduct research in the following disciplines: Biology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Mathematics and Psychology.

There were 22 WCC students and 4 WCC faculty who participated this year. This is the fourth year this program has been conducted through a partnership between the two colleges.

Our WCC faculty who took part in the Summer Research Academy were:

• Dr. Margaret Eiden (Biology)
• Judith Bukofser (Biology)
• John Watkins (Cybersecurity)
• Juan Rodriquez (Cybersecurity)

View the research presentations which took place online on Friday, June 19, 2020:

• Presentations in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, and Mathematics
• Presentations in Biology and Psychology

View the Program for the STEM Summer Research Academy Presentations.

For more information on this program, contact:
Diane Krusko
WCCMercySTEM@sunywcc@edu

Westchester Community College Receives Grant to Support Local Workforce Development from Westchester Workforce Funders Collaborative at Westchester Community Foundation

Westchester Community College has been selected by the Westchester Workforce Funders Collaborative to receive a $100,000 grant to be used to train future healthcare workers.

The grant will enable the college to create the Westchester Healthcare Career Pathway Network. Working with government and industry partners, the program will be housed at the College’s Mount Vernon Extension Center, and recruit and train 40 participants for healthcare occupations using a career readiness curriculum with training in soft and hard skills. Successful participants will earn college credits and a health career credential, and will be matched for a four-week externship work experience, leading to interview opportunities for healthcare jobs. Industry partners include the 1199 Homecare Education Fund, Montefiore Medical Center, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, and the Wartburg. Partners will contribute to the curriculum, offer valuable externship and/or employment opportunities.

This grant was made possible by the Westchester Workforce Funders Collaborative, a unique partnership of local and regional funders convened by the Westchester Community Foundation, (a division of The New York Community Trust), to enhance the effectiveness of our local workforce. The grant was awarded to the Westchester Community College Foundation, which raises funds to support the College’s efforts in meeting the needs of all students, regardless of financial limitations. The college’s division of Workforce Development and Community Education will lead the initiative.

“Westchester County was the original epicenter for COVID-19 in New York,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, President at Westchester Community College. “While our region has been severely impacted by this pandemic, it has been inspiring to see how so many in our community stepped up to answer the call to help and to serve. Westchester Community College plays a key role in training our next generation of critically needed frontline healthcare workers. Through the support of the Westchester Workforce Funders Collaborative we will be able to meet these needs faster and more broadly.”

“The Westchester Healthcare Career Pathway Network, located here in Mount Vernon, is an exciting partnership opportunity for Wartburg and we are looking forward to the next steps,” said Dr. David Gentner, President & CEO of Wartburg. “My thanks to everyone at WCC and the Westchester Workforce Funders Collaborative for making it happen.”

“We’re looking forward to partnering with Westchester Community College to develop a career pathway for Nursing Attendants. Nursing Attendants at Burke fulfill a critical need in caring for patients and are instrumental in ensuring our patients have a great experience and a quality outcome. Those who possess the clinical knowledge and soft skills needed to provide compassionate care will find nursing to be a rewarding career with growth potential,” stated Annette Bucci, Vice President, Human Resources at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital.

“At Westchester Community Foundation, we don’t shy away from challenges,” said Laura Rossi, Executive Director of the Westchester Community Foundation. “While these grants were awarded after several years of preparation, they mark the start of a recovery effort that will grow in importance in the years ahead.”

For more information about the Westchester Healthcare Career Pathway Network contact pathwaystohealthcare@sunywcc.edu.

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College is the largest higher education institution in the county, serving over 24,000 credit and noncredit students. Students pursue over 60 degree and certificate programs and short term industry recognized credentials 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 Foundation

Westchester Community Foundation’s mission is to connect generous people to the causes they care about and invest in transformative ideas and organizations to improve lives and strengthen our community. The Foundation is a division of The New York Community Trust, one of the largest community foundations in the country, with assets of approximately $2.6 billion.

The Westchester Workforce Funders Collaborative

The Westchester Workforce Funders Collaborative is a group of local and regional funders with a shared interest in workforce issues. The Collaborative’s goal is to enhance the effectiveness of local workforce development efforts in closing skills gaps, meeting the needs of the regional labor market, and supporting economic mobility for Westchester and Putnam residents. Partners include CIT Group, JPMorgan Chase & Co., MVP Health Care, TD Charitable Foundation, The Patrina Foundation, and Westchester Community Foundation.

Building Minds, Building Futures. Check out our 2020 State of the College & Foundation Annual Report. This publication contains highlights from the President’s annual State of the College Address—financial information, community influence & demographics.

DOWNLOAD or VIEW HERE

In an article “Boost for Job-Seekers in the Wake of the COVID Pandemic”, from the Hudson Independent, Robert Kim­mel writes “Job train­ing plus work ap­pli­ca­tion sup­port, in parts of the County, will be get­ting help­ful spon­sor­ship as the re­sult of two $100,000 grants awarded by the Westch­ester Work­force Fun­ders Col­lab­o­ra­tive, a phil­an­thropic, pooled fund man­aged by the Westch­ester Com­mu­nity Foun­da­tion.”

See the full article here

May 25, 2020

Westchester Community College held its 41st Annual Nurse Pinning Ceremony, honoring 28 graduates of its Nursing A.A.S. Program. Over 90 attendees gathered online to view the long-standing tradition of initiating new nurses with the symbolic pinning ceremony.

“Our Nursing graduates are ready to take their place among the ranks of heroes,” said Dr. Belinda Miles, President of Westchester Community College. “This graduating class in particular has demonstrated a vigilance and strength in their commitment to nursing. There has never been a more critical time for such accomplished graduates to enter the healthcare field.”

The Award for Clinical Excellence was presented to Ishal Warriach and Lydia Loudig was named the Curriculum Award winner.

The May 2020 Nursing A.A.S. program graduates are:

• Talita Acciari
• Leah Briody
• Thesa Canete
• Rosa Cardoso
• Danielle Carpenter
• Rosalind Chan
• Liam Doran
• Brice Gooden
• Abigail Egginton
• Deanna Elardo
• Ashley Franzese
• Jennifer Fung
• Philip Guastella
• Brianne Intravaia
• Lydia Loudig
• Kristine Lynch
• Caroline Mancuso
• Stephen Schiff
• Frank Surace
• Henry Poma Vasquez
• Ishal Warriach
• Darrow Wilson
• and six graduates who requested to be credited anonymously

This newest class of nursing graduates can go on to work directly in the field to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic with a limited permit that is allowing new nursing graduates to begin working for 180 days after completing their academic and clinical requirements but before taking the NCLEX nursing licensure examination. Earlier this year, 21 December 2019 graduates from the Westchester Community College Nursing A.A.S. Program sat for the NCLEX and passed the nursing licensure examination on their first attempt.

View the recorded version of the 41st annual Nurse Pinning Ceremony on our YouTube channel.

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.