News
Westchester Community College Announces Plan to Continue Remote Learning in Fall Semester
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.
Students present STEM Summer Research Academy work
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
College Receives Grant to Support Local Workforce Development
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.
State of the College 2020
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.
Boost for Job-Seekers
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.”
Nursing Graduates Honored at Virtual Pinning Ceremony
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.
Students Honored at Student Leader Recognition Ceremony
May 11, 2020
Westchester Community College’s Student Government Association and Department of Student Involvement held its 72nd Annual Student Leader Recognition Ceremony remotely. Over 60 attendees viewed the presentation of the numerous awards.
The award recipients are:
- Maajeek Flores – Vera Delgrosso Award presented to a student who has demonstrated tremendous personal and professional growth from experiences in the co-curriculum while maintaining a positive attitude in light of great challenges.
- Aline Engler – Student Involvement Award is presented to a student who has stayed actively involved in campus life throughout their tenure at the College and has made significant contributions to improve the student community.
- Maricy Sendras, Gianna Moglia, Emily Moriarity, Cecile, Linton, Maimuna Joof, Alejandra Diaz, Janat Choudhry, Charles Greco, Aleksandre Jeladze, Kelly O’Brien – Key Award presented to students who have made consistent and outstanding contributions to the College community, particularly in the areas of student life and the educational environment of the campus. Recipients exemplify characteristics of leadership, service and an earnest desire to learn and grow from their experiences in the co-curriculum.
- Accounting Club – Club of the Year
- The Healthy Essentials “Stuff Your Bag Event” sponsored by the Radiology Club – Club Event of the Year
The 2020 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence Recipients were also acknowledged. These prestigious awards recognize students who demonstrated the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, campus involvement, or career achievement.
The Westchester Community College students who were honored are:
- Joel Andrade
- Hugo Espinoza Rodriguez
- Bryan Goodman
- Paulina Majerkiewicz
- Alexender Meltzer-Werner
- Olivia Quiñones
- Rene Tenesaca
“We are so proud of these accomplished students,” said Tiago Machado, Director of Student Involvement at Westchester Community College. “These honorees have exemplified the determination, poise and sense of accomplishment that is the hallmark of WCC students. They are truly Viking Strong!”
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.
President Miles Named to Task Force on Reopening the NYS Economy
May 4, 2020
BELINDA MILES, PRESIDENT OF WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE, NAMED TO GOVERNOR CUOMO’S TASK FORCE ON REOPENING THE NYS ECONOMY
Governor Andrew Cuomo appointed Dr. Belinda Miles, President of Westchester Community College, to his newly-formed NY Forward Re-Opening Advisory Board.
The advisory board, chaired by Former Secretaries to the Governor Steve Cohen and Bill Mulrow, will help formulate and guide the state’s re-opening strategy. According to Governor Cuomo, the board will be “made up of business, academic, community and civic leaders from across the state to help guide this process and ensure businesses are following the necessary guidelines to preserve public health as we work towards a new normal.”
“I am honored to join this advisory board in its efforts to develop an evidence-based approach to re-opening New York State,” said Dr. Miles. “Located in the epicenter of the pandemic in our State, our institution, employees, and students were among the first to rapidly adapt to this health and economic crisis. I look forward to bringing our experiences and perspective to the work of safely re-engaging college students on our campuses and all New Yorkers to businesses and community life.”
A complete list of the members of the advisory board is available here.
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.
7 Students Honored with Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence
The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence honors State University of New York students who have best demonstrated their integration of academic excellence with other aspects of their lives, which may include leadership, campus involvement, athletics, career achievement, community service, or creative and performing arts.
Congratulations to our students being honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. We are proud of you!
Video Playlist
Hear from our award winning students in their own words.
![Joel Andrade, student](https://www.sunywcc.edu/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/200429_Chancellor-Award-JA-240x300.jpg)
Joel Andrade, Liberal Arts & Sciences: Social Science
Joel Andrade is a member of the Honors College, and has earned sincere affection and respect of his peers and instructors alike. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, serves as the Student Government treasurer, is a member of the College’s Faculty/Student Association Board of Directors, and vice president of the Philosophia Club. Even with his active involvement, he has maintained a 4.0 GPA.
![Bryan Goodman, student](https://www.sunywcc.edu/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/200429_Chancellor-Award-BG-240x300.jpg)
Bryan Goodman, Liberal Arts & Sciences: Social Science
Bryan Goodman is an active student leader on campus. He has an office in the two largest student organizations, serving as secretary of the Student Government and vice president of the programming board. Bryan is also a member the soccer team, works three jobs, and maintains a high GPA. His commitment to others is what makes him stand out, and no matter the task, you can count on him to get it done.
![Paulina Majerkiewicz, student](https://www.sunywcc.edu/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/200429_Chancellor-Award-PM-240x300.jpg)
Paulina Majerkiewicz, Business Management
Paulina Majerkiewicz was born and raised in Warsaw, Poland. After graduating high school, she spent a year in Florida and New Jersey working as an au pair. In 2018, she moved to New York and continued her education at Westchester Community College. She is an active student leader in the community, serving as a senator of the Student Government and active with the Commit to Change Leadership program. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA.
![Alexender Meltzer-Werner, student](https://www.sunywcc.edu/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/200429_Chancellor-Award-EMW-240x300.jpg)
Alexender Meltzer-Werner, Computer Science
Alexender Meltzer-Werner had many personal challenges growing up. It was not until after he took a year-long trip with his father through Europe when he discovered his passion for higher learning. Alexender has been an active and involved student who demonstrated his high-quality leadership, intellect, and compassion for others. Notably, he served as the secretary of Student Government, and led the effort to have the college designated as a Voter Friendly Campus.
![Olivia Quinones, student](https://www.sunywcc.edu/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/200429_Chancellor-Award-OQ-240x300.jpg)
Olivia Quinones, Digital Filmmaking
While attending Westchester Community College, Olivia Quinones has been an active member of the campus community. Notably, Olivia holds leadership positions in several major student organizations, including vice president of both the Westchester Events Board and the Student Government Association. Olivia has also served as an orientation leader. She is active in the Digital Film Club, and has won several awards for her film-making talents. Olivia’s passion for helping others and supporting the community sets her apart.
![Hugo Rodriguez Espinoza, student](https://www.sunywcc.edu/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/200429_Chancellor-Award-HRE-240x300.jpg)
Hugo Rodriguez Espinoza, Paralegal Studies
Hugo J. Rodriguez Espinoza is the son of an immigrant family. At age 19, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving four years in the Infantry and deploying overseas on two different occasions. During his enlistment, he was naturalized as a United States citizen, which in turn opened many doors that allowed him to pursue a higher education. His career goals are to become a lawyer and serve the people of the U.S.
![Rene Tenesaca, student](https://www.sunywcc.edu/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/200429_Chancellor-Award-RT-240x300.jpg)
Rene Tenesaca, Liberal Arts
Rene Tenesaca is the first in his family to go to college and graduate from high school. Rene is committed to a life of service and takes pride in being able to help others, as demonstrated through the many events he helped sponsor as vice president of Service for Phi Theta Kappa. Rene has also helped bring many community building programs to campus as president of the Westchester Events Board (WEB).
Visit SUNY’s page for the Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence to learn more about the award and other winners in the SUNY system.
2020 Black History Month Events Gallery
In February 2020 we honored Black History Month with over 20 events. Here are some photo highlights from a selection of the events.
Click here to see the photo gallery