Monthly Newsletter
November 2025
MCC FOUNDATION SALUTES THREE OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC LEADERS
The Monroe Community College Foundation's 34th Annual Salute to Excellence was an evening filled with shining examples of leadership, philanthropy and Monroe Community College success stories.
Nearly 275 business and community leaders, MCC alumni, students, faculty, and staff joined the celebration on November 19 at the Floreano Convention Center. At the Salute to Excellence dinner Honorary Chair Faheem A. Masood and Committee Chairs Michael A. Krupnicki ’85 and Richard Reingold set the stage for an incredible evening.
The Salute to Volunteerism award was presented to MCC Foundation Director Scott M. Kogler, in recognition of his 22 years of dedication to the MCC Foundation. Following the MCC Alumni Hall of Fame inductions of Emad H. Kadhim ’13, Ebony T. Miller ’98, Kevin S. Salva ’84 and Dr. Stephanie E. Von Bacho ’88, the 2025 Salute to Excellence award was accepted by Lauren Dixon and Michael Schwabl. The award recognizes their remarkable generosity and passionate commitment to MCC. (Pictured above Martin K. Birmingham, Gretchen Wood, Mike Schwabl, Lauren Dixon, Allen Williams, Dr. DeAnna Burt-Nanna.)
We also heard from Elle Reeves ’26, an MCC student who is looking forward to a career in radiologic technology. The scholarships Elle is receiving are keeping her enrolled at MCC. The nearly 950 scholarships available each year to help students focus on completing their degree or certificate are available to students because of your support.
HELP STUDENTS BUILD MOMENTUM—MAKE YOUR YEAR-END GIFT
At Monroe Community College, every student is on a journey—one that gathers momentum with each new opportunity. Your support makes that possible.
Connor Klute’s story shows the power of your generosity. Growing up below the poverty line, Connor (pictured right) faced persistent financial hardship. Today, thanks to scholarships, he’s thriving—serving as president of the Engineering Leadership Council, excelling academically, and preparing for a future in mechanical engineering. When you support the Annual Fund, you help create more stories like Connor’s.
You can also make a meaningful impact in a tax-smart way. By donating appreciated stock, giving from your IRA (if you're 70.5 or older), or recommending a Donor-Advised Fund grant, you can support MCC students—often with added tax benefits and without spending from your bank account today.
Want to explore other giving options? Email the MCC Foundation team or call 585.685.6020.
Deadline: December 31 for 2025 tax benefits.
Thank you for helping MCC students build momentum
ARE YOU READY TO ROC THE DAY FOR MCC?
On Tuesday, December 2, our community is coming together to rally support for DWIGHT, our on-campus food pantries.
Here’s why this matters: More than half of Monroe Community College students face basic need insecurity, meaning they lack reliable access to essentials like food, housing, and other critical resources.
When you support ROC the Day, you’re doing more than giving – you’re helping students overcome obstacles, stay in school, and build momentum toward brighter futures. Your gift creates opportunity all year long.
Thanks to the generosity of our ROC the Day Co-Chairs, Jill Knittel and Loren Flaum, along with alumnus Tyler Ricks ’92, and his wife, Brianna, your gift will go twice as far! They are matching gifts, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000!
How can you help?
- Pledge your support in advance by emailing the MCC Foundation.
- Mark your calendar and visit the ROC the Day website on Tuesday, December 2.
- Share why you support the MCC Foundation with friends, colleagues, and on social media!
We can’t wait to ROC with you!
JOHN WARREN SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORTS FUTURE ENGINEER
Earlier this month, the family of Monroe Community College alumnus John Warren ’92 met with one of this year’s recipients of the John N. Warren Memorial Scholarship. Kade Bentley, pictured with Kathy ’69, Denny ’90, and Carm ’71 Warren, is a returning student pursuing an associate of applied science degree in electrical engineering technology. Kade worked for many years as an installer of solar technology and has returned to school full time to become an electrical engineer. Their focus in the industry is on transmission and distribution of an improved electric grid to better accommodate the future energy landscape. After graduating from MCC, Kade plans to transfer to Rochester Institute of Technology.
The John N. Warren Memorial Scholarship was established in 2012 through the generosity of family and friends who participate in the annual John Warren Memorial Golf Tournament. It supports MCC students who have academic promise, unmet financial need, and who are matriculated in a 2+2 transfer pathway with a four-year college or university.
If you’re interested in helping students like Kade on their academic journey, contact the MCC Foundation at 585.685.6020.
Cabin Fever is Back!
We’re bringing back one of our favorite winter traditions—Cabin Fever—and we’d love for you to be part of it!
Join us on February 26, 2026, at the beautiful Arbor Loft for a cozy evening of warm drinks, cool beats, and great company—all in support of student success at Monroe Community College.
But Cabin Fever is more than just a cocktail hour. It’s a chance to connect with Rochester’s changemakers and rally around a cause that matters: helping MCC students overcome financial emergencies that threaten their education.
This event raises critical funds for MCC Assist, a program that provides mini-grants to students facing unexpected hardships—like housing instability, food insecurity, or medical bills. With 55 percent of MCC students experiencing at least one form of basic need insecurity, your support helps them stay on track to graduation.