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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Citizens Bank Helps MCC Pursue Match for Empire State Honors Scholarships


On Dec. 5, Charles Vita, regional president of Citizens Bank, presented a check for $10,000 to Monroe Community College President R. Thomas Flynn and MCC Foundation President Brenda Babitz in support of the Empire State Honors Scholarship for African American, Hispanic/Latino and Native American Students program for the 2006-2007 academic year.

The Empire State Honors Scholarship was established by the State University of New York (SUNY) in 1990 to attract and retain underrepresented minority students pursuing a degree at a SUNY college. The program provides, on a matching fund basis, an annual stipend for students who attend full-time and have achieved a 3.0 grade average. MCC has participated in the program since its inception.

“Citizens Bank is pleased to invest in the Empire State Honors Scholarship program,” said Vita who also serves as a director of the MCC Foundation Board and chairs its audit committee. “It is great to see students thrive through this support. It’s an investment in the Rochester community,” he said.

“Because of Citizens Bank’s generosity, Monroe Community College is able to pursue an additional $10,000 in matching funds from New York state,” said Flynn. “The gift enables the college to award 20 scholarships to deserving students who, through education, will become the future leaders of our community.”

Scholarships are awarded annually in the spring. For most recipients, it is their first experience with higher education.

“Working with donors to create and replenish scholarship programs is one of the most visible and important ways the MCC Foundation can support the college and our community,” said Babitz. “Each program reflects the donor’s particular interests or emphasis. The Empire State Honors Scholarship program was a perfect fit with Citizens Bank’s desire to provide educational support to low- to moderate-income families and individuals,” she said.


Pictured below are MCC President R. Thomas Flynn, MCC honors student Whitney J. McClary and Citizens Bank Regional President Charles Vita at the Damon City Campus.

    Rosanna Condello
    College and Community Relations
    12/07/2006