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MCC Daily Tribune

First-ever Meeting Between Faith Leaders and the ELT

MCC values establishing and strengthening partnerships with a wide network of community groups to support the College’s mission. That community engagement and partnerships is one of MCC’s strategic directions and goals, as outlined in our new strategic plan Vision2027, speaks to our commitment to fostering a collaborative culture.

An example of our recent efforts is an inaugural meeting convened at my invitation between Rochester community faith leaders and MCC’s Executive Leadership Team earlier this month at our Downtown Campus. Our guests were among 40 local leaders representing a broad spectrum of faith institutions who were invited to participate.

Joining me at the table were:

  • The Rev. Derrill Blue, Memorial AME Zion
  • The Rev. J.D. Jackson, Trinity Emmanuel Presbyterian
  • The Rev. Melissa Parrish, Spiritus Christi Church
  • The Rev. David Domina, Bethel Christian Fellowship
  • The Rev. Rebecca Segers, Third Presbyterian Church
  • The Rev. Dr. Ricky B. Harvey, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church
  • The Rev. Dr. Torrence Sparkman, Northfield Church
  • Glenda Youmans, Church of Love Faith Center
  • The Rev. Patricia Rector-Hollomon, New Bethel CME Church
  • The Rev. Fred Johnson, First Genesis Baptist
  • Alissa Cattalani, Browncroft Community Church
  • The Rev. Anthony Bonds, Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • The Rev. Roger Breedlove, In Christ New Hope Ministry
  • The Rev. Ruthie Williams, Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ
  • The Rev. Marva Tyler, Aenon Baptist Church
  • The Rev. Keith Patterson, The Episcopal Church of St. Luke and St. Simon Cyrene
  • The Rev. Dan T. Butler, St. John Baptist Church
  • Minister Pauline Viverette, First Church Divine
  • my husband, Pastor Wilson “Joseph” Nanna

During our Aug. 10 meeting, I shared introductory facts about MCC, provided insight into the College’s vision, and invited faith leaders to contribute ideas and solutions by which the College can better serve our community. Our stimulating conversation touched on the various opportunities available to their parishioners at MCC and the College’s desire to collaborate by bringing MCC to the community.

It is the first of many ongoing conversations we have planned with faith leaders during this academic year. If you know of a faith leader who is interested in participating in the dialogue, please contact Dr. Calvin Gantt, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Belonging and executive director of the Downtown Campus, at diversity@monroecc.edu or (585) 292-2125.

As the community’s college, MCC will work to expand our relationship with community-based organizations, area businesses and local leaders.

Photo caption for Meeting with Community Faith Leaders: From right are the Rev. Derrill Blue and Essie L. Calhoun-McDavid, both from Memorial AME Zion who helped organize the convening; President Burt-Nanna; and her husband, Pastor Wilson "Joseph" Nanna.

Photo caption for Meeting with Community Faith Leaders2: President Burt-Nanna, far left, convened a meeting between local community faith leaders and MCC's Executive Leadership Team on the Downtown Campus on Aug. 10.

Attached Files:
Meeting with Community Faith Leaders_8-10-22.jpg
Meeting with Community Faith Leaders2_8-10-22.jpg

DeAnna Burt-Nanna
Office of the President
08/29/2022