Monthly Newsletter
February 2026
HONORING A LEGACY OF COMPASSION: THE DR. CHRISTOPHER SHIELDS MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
More Monroe Community College students now have access to meaningful financial support through the Dr. Christopher Shields Memorial Endowed Scholarship—intentionally designed with flexible eligibility criteria so it can support a wide range of students.
The scholarship honors Dr. Christopher Shields (pictured left), a proud MCC alumnus whose education here launched a 45-year career in Emergency Medicine in New York City. Known for treating every patient with dignity and for mentoring generations of young physicians, Dr. Shields never forgot where his journey began. He often credited MCC as the foundation that made his life’s work possible.
Grounded in Dr. Shields’s belief in accessible education, this scholarship supports students who share his values—compassion, resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to helping others—as they begin their own paths of service and impact.
Interested in establishing a scholarship of your own? Reach out to the MCC Foundation (mccf@monroecc.edu) to explore how you can make a lasting difference for future MCC students.
FUELING MCC'S GROWING MOMENTUM
Gifts to the Annual Fund for Monroe Community College create scholarships and support innovative programs that help students overcome barriers to success. Community food pantries on campus and a dedicated homelessness liaison are just two examples of initiatives made possible by philanthropic support, allowing us to pilot new ways to keep students enrolled, focused, and on track to achieve their goals.
Your gift to the Annual Fund ensures students receive the assistance they need to pursue their educational and career aspirations with confidence.
Thanks to donor generosity, in 2024–25, a record number of scholarships—more than 1,300 awards totaling over $2 million—helped more than 945 deserving students. Yet our work remains unfinished. Every student deserves the stability and support needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Help us sustain this growing momentum by making your gift today. Your generosity strengthens the foundation that empowers MCC students to succeed.
FRIENDS GATHER FOR CABIN FEVER
On February 26, 100 friends of MCC gathered to escape the winter blues at Cabin Fever—an evening centered on connection, community, and supporting students facing unexpected financial challenges. Hosted by a generous committee of community leaders, including proud MCC alumna Agathi Georgiou Graham ’05, owner of the Arbor Loft where the event was held, the night brought together new and longtime supporters around a shared commitment to helping students stay on track when life takes an unexpected turn.
Why emergency support matters:
- Setbacks can derail students. A flat tire, missed childcare, or a medical bill can keep students from staying in class and completing their degree.
- Basic needs insecurity is widespread. Over half of MCC students lack reliable access to food, housing, or transportation.
- Emergency funding works. Eighty percent of students who receive support persist and graduate, showing the power of timely assistance
The evening also included remarks from MCC alumnus Dylan Burgio '20, who reminded guests how timely support can create stability—not just for students, but for their families as well. Dylan is pictured below alongside Gretchen Wood, Laura-Ann Wood of Broadstone Net Lease, and Agathi Georgiou Graham.
We are grateful to our event hosts and our bar sponsor, Broadstone Net Lease, whose support helped make Cabin Fever a welcoming and memorable evening.
If you’re interested in helping MCC students weather unexpected challenges, we’d love to connect. Contact the MCC Foundation (mccf@monroecc.edu) to learn how you can make a lasting difference.
