Yesterday on the Brighton Campus, Xerox Foundation President Joseph M. Cahalan, Ph.D. announced an initial gift of $350,000 to the Monroe Community College Foundation to attract more students to STEM disciplines, expand educational opportunities and establish new scholarships at MCC.
The gift will strengthen MCC’s ability to educate students in the STEM disciplines and advance partnerships with the Rochester City School District, especially the STEM High School at Edison. The gift will also fund faculty grants and support new STEM teaching methodologies. Currently 8 percent of all MCC students (approximately 1,380 students) are enrolled in STEM programs.
“This is a first-phase investment in what MCC is doing for STEM education,” said Cahalan. “We consider this a first step in a multi-year commitment. President Kress’ vision for MCC is extraordinary and so in sync with the times. It’s an investment and we know we will get a return on it.”
“Monroe County sincerely appreciates Xerox’s continued investment in the future of our community through MCC,” said Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks. “Longstanding partnerships such as the one between Xerox and MCC are not only critical to the success of our local students, but enable our local employers to compete in a global economy.”
According to MCC President Anne M. Kress, Ph.D., “Many of Rochester’s future engineers, scientists, teachers and health care professionals begin their education at MCC. Xerox has been incredibly generous and supportive of our students for the past 50 years. Xerox’s continued support makes it possible for our talented, dedicated students to access and benefit from the skills sets they will bring to the new STEM and knowledge-based economy.”
“With an investment which now exceeds $7 million, Xerox is the largest corporate contributor to MCC and exemplifies all that can be accomplished with a true public-private partnership,” said Diane L. Shoger, executive director of the MCC Foundation. “We are grateful for Xerox’s leadership and philanthropy. MCC is able to provide a solid educational foundation for thousands in our community each year because of their generosity.”
Rosanna Condello
College and Community Relations
05/03/2012 |