Monthly Newsletter
October 2025
34th ANNUAL SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE PRESENTED BY ESL
The 34th Annual Salute to Excellence presented by ESL is a special celebration of community leadership and philanthropy in support of Monroe Community College. On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, we will gather to celebrate the spirit of philanthropy and the accomplishments of leaders in our community at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Alongside our MCC Alumni Hall of Fame inductions and the Salute to Excellence Award presentation to Lauren Dixon and Michael Schwabl, we are honored to present the Salute to Volunteerism Award to Scott M. Kogler, president, Davie Kaplan, CPA, P.C. (pictured right). A board member since 2003, Scott currently serves as treasurer and is on the Executive Committee and has led our Investment, Finance and Audit committees. His steady guidance has strengthened the Foundation's financial health and fueled scholarships and programs that help MCC students thrive. Scott and his wife, Dr. Nancy Kung, also established an endowed scholarship supporting students who have faced significant barriers.
Created 1996, the Salute to Volunteerism Award has been bestowed only eight times in the Foundation’s 42-year history.
Make your reservation or learn more about the Salute to Excellence here. Questions? Please email Karen Shaw, assistant director of development, at the MCC Foundation, or call 585.685.6020.
HISTORIC INVESTMENTS STRENGTHEN MCC'S OPTICS PROGRAM
In recognition of their $3 million investment in MCC’s optics program, Sydor Optics will name MCC’s new Advanced Technology Center (ATC) the Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center. When the 110,000-square-foot ATC opens in Fall 2026, students will train in state-of-the-art facilities designed to prepare them for careers in optics, precision tooling, automotive technology, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) service.
Many will recognize Jim Sydor ’71—alumnus, industry leader, and longtime champion of MCC’s optics program—who, with the help of other industry leaders, helped revive the program when enrollment had dropped to just five students in 2008. Jim’s commitment has inspired his colleagues and peers to invest as well, including John and Barbara Bruning, who have made a $1 million endowed gift to establish the Barbara and John H. Bruning Optical Systems Technology Endowed Directorship, ensuring sustainable leadership for this nationally recognized program. The directorship is currently held by Dr. Alexis Vogt, who has been instrumental in growing and elevating the program. Pictured left to right are: Dr. DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Jim Sydor, Matthew Sydor, Jonathan Sydor and Dr. Alexis Vogt.
Continuing the good news, SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, has invested $150,000 to name the new SPIE Optical Systems Lab within the Sydor Optics ATC—a powerful statement about the program’s growing global relevance.
The MCC Foundation is honored to partner with these visionary philanthropists on this work and has launched a naming website for the Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center to showcase additional naming opportunities.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE 19th ANNUAL 5K WALK/RUN FOR SCHOLARSHIPS A SUCCESS!
Nearly 300 Monroe Community College students, faculty, staff, retirees and community members joined us for the 19th Annual 5K Walk/Run for Scholarships at the Brighton Campus on September 27. It was a bright and beautiful fall day filled with community spirit. Thanks to the incredible participation and generosity of our runners, sponsors and volunteers, we raised more than $15,000 to support student scholarships and help MCC students achieve their goals.
We're already looking forward to next year's event. Save the date for our 20th Annual 5K Walk/Run for Scholarships on Saturday, October 3, 2026!
Thank you for keeping the momentum growing and making a lasting difference in our students' lives!
ROC WITH US!
On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the Greater Rochester Community will come together to ROC the Day and we need YOU to join us!
In times of growing uncertainty, many MCC students are facing heightened challenges that threaten their ability to succeed. More than half—55 percent—of MCC students experience at least one form of basic need insecurity—food insecurity, housing insecurity, or homelessness. Alarmingly, 41 percent of our students face food insecurity alone.
This annual day of giving provides unrestricted support that empowers Monroe Community College to respond to the most pressing needs of our students. From access to nutritious meals and safe housing to emergency assistance and academic support, your gift helps ensure that students can stay focused on their education—even when life gets unpredictable.
Many thanks to Jill Knittel, president and CEO, JK Executive Strategies, LLC, and MCC Foundation board member, for serving as this year's ROC the Day chair.
Watch for additional communications on December 2 to learn how to make your gift and what matching challenges you can be part of!
HONOR SOMEONE SPECIAL
With the holiday season approaching, now is the time to think about giving thanks.
Consider making a gift to honor someone in your life or commemorate a special occasion. Tribute gifts are a thoughtful way to show your appreciation and demonstrate how much that special person means to you. Share your belief in public higher education by giving a gift in their honor.
When you make an honorary gift through the Monroe Community College Foundation, your honoree receives a special card acknowledging your donation. Make your honorary gift today.