Past Monthly Newsletters

The Wentworth Family Scholarship, established by Timothy ’80 and Robin ’80 Wentworth, awarded a record 100 individual scholarships for the first time in 2024. The Wentworth Family Scholarship will now award up to 100 scholarships per year in perpetuity thanks to the endowment established by these extraordinary alumni. The Wentworth family shared the exciting news with the scholarship recipients on a massive zoom call. Each recipient receives up to $3,000 per year and the students, including Susan Graham pictured left, were elated to discuss their goals and share a message of gratitude with the Wentworths.

The motivation to establish this scholarship was a personal endeavor for Tim and Robin, who both attended Monroe Community College. Tim credits the scholarship support he received for his academic and professional success and they both wanted to offer similar assistance to deserving recipients pursuing their education and career goals at MCC.

All of the candidates come from various backgrounds, demonstrating financial need and academic promise. They are able to use the generous scholarship funds toward any cost of education expense, with the award amount varying but expected to cover the cost of full-time tuition.

“Through the kindness of scholarships and generous donors, I have been able to continue my education and maintain my personal life. I am profoundly grateful for the support I’ve received, which has allowed me to stay focused on my goals and dreams.” – Susan Graham ’25

Associate Professor Emeritus, Mark S. Harris, and his wife Joanne (pictured left), have made a lasting commitment to student success by establishing two endowed scholarships at Monroe Community College. Their generosity will empower students for generations to come, helping them realize their unlimited potential both in and beyond the classroom.

After a distinguished career in mathematics at MCC, Mark retired in 2020. Throughout his tenure, he was known not only for his dedication to teaching but also for his passion for supporting students. Mark strongly believed in the value of student engagement outside of the classroom and served as faculty advisor to several student clubs.

Now, just a few years into retirement, Mark and Joanne have established two endowed scholarships that reflect their belief in both academic perseverance and the transformative power of extracurricular involvement.

The Mark S. Harris and Joanne Harris Endowed Scholarship will support mathematics students who are actively involved in a student club, reinforcing the importance of a well-rounded college experience. The Mark S. Harris and Joanne Harris Endowed Scholarship for Student Clubs and Organizations will assist students engaged in at least one club or organization at MCC, with a preference for those involved in the Veterans Club, a faith-based club, or student government. Both scholarships will have their first recipients in the coming months.

Through their generosity, Mark and Joanne are opening doors for students who might otherwise struggle to balance academics with extracurricular opportunities. Their gift is a testament to their unwavering belief in the power of education, engagement, and perseverance. MCC is deeply grateful to Mark and Joanne for their investment in student success. Their legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, ensuring that students have the resources and encouragement they need to thrive.

Scholars’ Day at Monroe Community College is an event dedicated to showcasing the work of student and faculty researchers. This year’s event will conclude with a keynote presentation from Dr. Clint Smith (pictured left). Smith is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of #1 New York Times bestselling book, How the Word Is Passed. Through his vital writing and talks, he argues that understanding our history not only enables us to understand our world but also empowers us to fight for racial justice.

Presented by the ESL Charitable Foundation, the keynote presentation will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in the Robin and Tim Wentworth Arts Building, 1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester.

Each year the Alumni Hall of Fame Committee of the Monroe Community College Foundation considers nominees for the Monroe Community College Alumni Hall of Fame and selects up to four new inductees. Created in 1992, this hall of fame recognizes those alumni who have achieved outstanding success and made a lasting impact on their community. Help us identify the next class of inductees; nominate someone for the MCC Alumni Hall of Fame today! Nominations are due by June 1, 2025.

Need inspiration? Take a look at our MCC Alumni Hall of Fame members!

With deep sadness, Monroe Community College announced the passing of its fourth president, R. Thomas Flynn, on April 10. President Emeritus Flynn began his career at MCC in 1974 and served the College with distinction for more than three decades. He held multiple leadership roles before becoming president in 1999, retiring in 2008 as MCC’s longest-serving officer. His visionary leadership helped transform MCC into a national leader in higher education.

During his tenure, he championed initiatives that expanded student access and success, including the PAC Center, Online Learning, and the 2+2 dual admission program. He was a strong advocate for student services, residence life, and private philanthropic support through the MCC Foundation. In recognition of his legacy, the Brighton Campus center was renamed the R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center in 2004.

To honor his memory, the Flynn family requests that memorial contributions be made to the MCC Foundation in support of the R. Thomas and Kate Flynn Endowed Scholarship for Student Leaders. Sympathy notes may also be sent to the MCC Foundation (1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester NY 14623) and will be shared with the family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 13 at 10:00 a.m. in the MCC Theater on the Brighton Campus, with a luncheon to follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Flynn Campus Center Atrium.

At Monroe Community College, every dollar has the power to transform a life and help students realize their unlimited potential. Evan Elixman (pictured left), a determined student who faced unimaginable challenges, is one of the many students who benefit from your support. After facing homelessness, family loss and financial hardship, Evan found hope and direction at MCC. Evan discovered the Optical Systems Technology Program and embraced a clear path forward, supported by scholarships and part-time work. Today, he’s a Dean’s List student, working in his field and on track to graduate in 2026—all thanks to the generosity of people like you.

Now more than ever, students like Evan need your help. Your gift to the Annual Fund for Monroe Community College ensures that MCC can continue to provide critical scholarships, resources, and opportunities that help students rise above adversity and realize their full potential. Please make your gift today. Your support doesn’t just change lives—it creates futures.

Do you know an outstanding Monroe Community College alum? Nominate them for the MCC Alumni Hall of Fame by June 1!

Each year the Monroe Community College Foundation’s Alumni Hall of Fame Committee considers nominees for the MCC Alumni Hall of Fame and selects up to four new inductees. Created in 1992, this hall of fame recognizes those alumni who have achieved outstanding success and made a lasting impact on their community. Help us identify the next class of inductees; nominate someone today!

Need inspiration? Take a look at our MCC Alumni Hall of Fame members!