Monthly Newsletter

August 2026

Celebrate 20 Years of Impact at the 5k Walk/Run for Scholarships

Monroe Community College Foundation 5k Walk/Run for Scholarships

Join the 20th Annual 5K Walk/Run for Scholarships on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Monroe Community College Brighton Campus. Hosted by the MCC Foundation, this family-friendly event brings together the MCC and greater Rochester communities to support scholarships that help students achieve their educational goals.

Onsite registration opens at 9 a.m., and the race begins at 10 a.m. Participants will enjoy a USATF-certified 3.1-mile course, pre- and post-race activities, lunch, and student scholarship drawings totaling $5,000.

Adding to the excitement, Jeff Bartkovich, Janet Zinck, and the Sigismond family have issued a $2,000 Matching Funds Challenge for anyone who donates to the Experiential Learning Team. Join their team to help unlock these matching funds and double your impact on MCC students.

Whether you run, walk, join a team, or make a donation, every contribution helps students move closer to graduation.

Register, form a team, or make a gift. For questions, call 585.685.6020. Thank you for supporting MCC students!

Save the Date: 35th Annual Salute to Excellence

Monroe Community College Foundation's Annual Salute to Excellence - A celebration of philanthropy and outstanding alumni

The Monroe Community College Foundation will host the 35th Annual Salute to Excellence on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Salute to Excellence is a special celebration of community leadership and philanthropy in support of Monroe Community College.

We will gather with Honorary Chairs Olivia and David '73 Cornell and Committee Chair Essie Calhoun-McDavid as we present this year's Salute to Excellence Award to Lori A. Van Dusen (pictured right) in recognition of her remarkable commitment to MCC.

At the event, we will also celebrate four new outstanding inductees to the MCC Alumni Hall of Fame:

  • LaShay D. Harris ’03, Vice President, Rochester City Council and CTE Teacher, Rochester City School District
  • Rev. Julius D. Jackson, Jr. ’08, Pastor, United Church of Pittsford
  • Mark J. Pastorella ’90, President, Left A Mark Logistics
  • Kristin M. Scheible, M.D. ’91, Professor, University of Rochester Medical Center

To learn more about Salute to Excellence, including ticket sales or underwriting opportunities, please visit our Salute to Excellence webpage or contact Kerry Niessing (kniessing@monroecc.edu) by email or call 585.685.6385.
 

Last Call to Support the Annual Fund

MCC Business Administration student Camren '26 speaks to guests about his journey

Supporting the Monroe Community College Annual Fund builds momentum for students working to create a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Your gift helps students like Camren ’26 (pictured above), a business administration major and recent graduate, who came to MCC determined to build a better life after navigating a difficult childhood and significant health challenges. Camren had decided school just wasn’t for him – until he enrolled at MCC. Camren's donor-funded scholarships helped lessen his financial strain, which allowed him to focus on his studies. Motivated by the generous support he received, Camren became even more determined to succeed. He juggled classes and full-time work, and maintained a 3.9 GPA before graduating this summer with no student loans. 

There is still time to make a gift to the Annual Fund and be recognized in our 2025 – 2026 Honor Roll of Donors. This is your moment to help students like Camren reach their academic goals. Make a gift online by August 31 to help power the success stories of tomorrow.

NYS charitable Tax Credit Program Now Open

Tax Credit text written on sticky note next to calculator and financial worksheets

Support Monroe Community College students and reduce your New York State tax bill dollar for dollar.

Through the NYS Charitable Tax Credit Program, donors can receive a tax credit (not just a deduction) for contributions made to MCC. Unlike a deduction, which lowers your taxable income, a tax credit directly reduces the amount of tax you owe - making this one of the most powerful giving incentives available. Donors are able to direct contributions made via this program to area of greatest need, program support, student emergency assistance funding, and/or event sponsorships.

Thanks to the generosity of last year's participants, the MCC Foundation raised nearly $500,000 to support MCC students!

The 2026 program is now open! Apply via the SUNY Impact Foundation 2026 registration form by September 30 to take advantage of this limited opportunity. To learn more about the details of the program, contact Emily Cohen (ecohen15@monroe​cc.edu) via email or call 585.685.6317.

Coach H. David Chamberlain Honored with Endowed Scholarship at Upcoming Baseball Alumni Weekend

Monroe CC baseball and 2026 Tribune Alumni Weekend honor H. David Chamberlain

Monroe Community College baseball alumni and friends are coming together to honor legendary Coach H. David Chamberlain by establishing the H. David Chamberlain Endowed Scholarship for Baseball Excellence.

Coach Chamberlain founded MCC Baseball and built the Tribunes into a nationally recognized program, leading MCC to 735 victories, 17 conference championships and four NJCAA World Series appearances. The new scholarship will carry that legacy forward by supporting up to two MCC baseball players annually who demonstrate excellence both on and off the field.

Friends and former players of Coach Chamberlain are invited to kick off fundraising efforts during the MCC Baseball Alumni Weekend, October 3 to 4, 2026. The weekend will bring Tribunes together for baseball, camaraderie and a celebration of Coach Chamberlain’s lasting impact. Learn more about the First Annual Alumni Weekend and RSVP online.

Support the H. David Chamberlain Endowed Scholarship

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