Communities across America, including Rochester, are celebrating National Philanthropy Day this month. The Association of Fundraising Professionals Genesee Valley Chapter is hosting an awards luncheon at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center this afternoon to recognize our community’s most generous philanthropists and successful fundraisers.
The Monroe Community College Foundation has nominated the following persons for awards this year. Please join us in congratulating them for their many achievements and contributions to support student success at MCC.
Outstanding Philanthropists: The DiMarco Family
Members of the John L. DiMarco family have shown time and again their remarkable commitment to MCC students. Collectively, the DiMarco family has made it possible for countless students to pursue an education that will lead them on a path to success. Mr. DiMarco, Sr., and his wife, Debbie, enthusiastically contributed to MCC’s Building on Success capital campaign with a $1 million gift. The family actively engages in special events, both personally and through their company. In addition to serving with his wife as the honorary chairs of the MCC Foundation’s annual Gold Star Gala twice, Mr. DiMarco, Sr. has served on the honorary committee of MCC Foundation’s Salute to Excellence for the past five years. In 2005 he was the recipient of MCC’s Salute to Excellence Award for his outstanding leadership and philanthropy.
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: John T. Smith ’71
MCC Alumni Hall of Fame member John T. Smith ’71 has served on the MCC Foundation Board of Directors for 21 years -- serving in virtually every leadership capacity including two terms as Board Chair, 1992-1996 and 2009-2011. During his tenure as a director, the Foundation achieved record fundraising results with special events, secured eight gifts of $1 million or more, and achieved full participation from the Board of Directors in annual and capital campaign. His personal testimony underscores the value of a MCC education and is a powerful asset that has greatly influenced new donors and the Foundation’s overall success. The EquiCenter, Inc. and the MCC Foundation nominated John to honor his leadership and volunteerism in support of both organizations. The nomination reflects the belief that the two organizations would not be the same without his consistent presence and involvement.
Robert A. Clinger Outstanding Professional Fundraiser: Diane L. Shoger
Diane L. Shoger, executive director of the MCC Foundation, was nominated for the Robert A. Clinger Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award by the MCC Foundation Board of Directors, represented by David Mack, senior vice president, The Lifetime Healthcare Companies; Howard Konar, president, Konar Properties; and Leonard Redon, deputy mayor, City of Rochester. Diane is a veteran fundraiser, with 24 years experience, who brings passion and enthusiasm to her work. Her success and ability to create meaningful opportunities for philanthropists and volunteers inspire others to support higher education and give back to their communities. After joining the MCC Foundation in 1999 as director of development and major gifts, she has progressively demonstrated fundraising excellence by securing over $22 million to support MCC students and innovative programs. Her track record of success in helping the MCC Foundation achieve nationally recognized results was acknowledged by the MCC Board of Trustees with her promotion to executive director in 2008.
Mark Pastorella '90
MCC Foundation
11/04/2011 |