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MCC Daily Tribune

Professor Emeritus Ronald Kostecke, Ed.D., Counseling Center

The MCC family mourns the loss of Professor Emeritus Ronald "Ron" Kostecke who passed away on July 21, 2020. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Carol, and his parents, William and Lauretta Kostecke. He is survived by his son David and brother Tom.

Dr. Kostecke was a graduate of East Rochester High School. He earned his doctorate of education from the University of Rochester, a master of science degree in guidance and personnel services from the University at Albany, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from SUNY Brockport.

Dr. Kostecke's first MCC experience was as an intern. In addition to serving as a counselor for the Brighton Youth Agency, he returned to MCC in 1970 as a counselor and assistant professor in the College's Counseling Center. He also served as a part-time counselor in the College's Continuing Education Department, providing academic, personal and vocational counseling to students.

He received a SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Administrative Services in 1977 for his many contributions and the inspiring way he assisted students with disabilities and those who were incarcerated and striving to start new chapters of their lives. He also significantly contributed to MCC's Freshman Orientation Program, a precursor to our First Year Experience and peer leaders/mentors programs. He led MCC's Seeds of Success Program that increased student retention and touched the lives of thousands of MCC students.

Dr. Kostecke was known to always make himself available to help a student. He achieved the rank of professor in 1990. He retired from MCC in 2006 at which time the MCC Board of Trustees bestowed upon him the rank of professor emeritus.

His obituary states, "He loved MCC, its students and the people he worked with and he truly believed that he had 'the best job in the world.'

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450 or to a charity of your choice.

Katherine Douglas
Office of the President
08/14/2020