Past Monthly Newsletters
January 2025
Happy New Year!

The past year certainly proved to be a year of unleashing unlimited potential. Thanks to you, we provided a record number of scholarships: more than 1,200 awards totaling more than $1.6 million which helped more than 900 hardworking Monroe Community College students! We established 13 new scholarships, helping our students close the chasm between their available resources and the cost of tuition.
Under the leadership of MCC President DeAnna Burt-Nanna, we are catalyzing bright futures for our community and its people. When students join us, they’ve already taken the first steps toward realizing their potential. We are proud to have transferred $6.1 million to the College in support of programs, facilities and scholarships including a total of $74,600 in MCC Assist emergency grants awarded to 350 MCC students.
We are grateful that so many of you continued to include the Monroe Community College Foundation in your philanthropic giving plans, allowing us to provide our students with the resources they need to be successful.
Thank you for all that you do to support our students in their quest to succeed through your gifts to the Foundation. Our best to you for a happy and healthy 2025.
THE WENTWORTH FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS RECORD NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS

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
YOUR YEAR-END GIVING STATEMENT

While we have sent individual receipts for your gifts as they were made, we also offer to make the tax preparation process a bit easier by supplying you with a Year-End Giving Statement. If you are interested in having a statement prepared, please contact Morgan Nikolov at the MCC Foundation office and we will be happy to do so. Thank you again for your generous support!
February 2025
UNLOCKING UNLIMITED POTENTIAL: ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR EMERITUS ESTABLISHES TWO ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

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.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 27TH ANNUAL GOLD STAR GALA PRESENTED BY M&T BANK!
The 27th Annual Gold Star Gala will be held at The Country Club of Rochester on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Guests will be arriving to Behind the Curtain, a theatrical production that will overwhelm the senses! Honorary Chairs Jill and Marty Birmingham and Flor and Bobby Colón along with Committee Chairs Naomi Silver, Desirée Silver and Morrie Silver are planning a thrilling evening in support of students at Monroe Community College! Come, peek behind the curtain and witness the extravagance yourself!
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and tickets, visit our Gala webpage. As always, thank you for your support of students at MCC!

UNLEASHING UNLIMITED POTENIAL

Gifts to the annual campaign create scholarships and fund emergency need programs that have been vital to the success of our students. Your gift to the Annual Fund for Monroe Community College will help students receive the support they need to focus on their studies and reach their educational and career goals. Because of donor support, in 2023-24, a record number of scholarships were awarded totaling more than $1.65 million. This helped more than 900 deserving students.
Help us continue this momentum by making your gift today. Your generosity will help unleash the unlimited potential of so many attending Monroe Community College. Make your gift to the annual fund today!
March 2025
7TH ANNUAL SCHOLARS’ DAY PRESENTED BY THE ESL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

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.
TEE UP FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AT MCC'S 41st ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP OPEN!
Get ready for an unforgettable day on the greens! The 41st Annual Scholarship Open returns to The Country Club of Rochester on Monday, June 23, 2025, offering an exceptional round of golf, great food, and lively camaraderie—all for a great cause.
This premier tournament sells out every year, so secure your spot now! Tournament co-chairs Billy Farmer and Kim Gaylord ’98, along with the dedicated Scholarship Open Committee, are planning an outstanding event, ensuring an incredible day of play while raising vital funds for Monroe Community College students.
Thank you for your continued support of MCC students!

CASE SURVEY RESULTS

Results from the 2024 annual report on findings from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s (CASE) Voluntary Support of Education (VSE) survey, the definitive source of data that measure the level of philanthropic support for nonprofit and public higher education institutions in the United States, have been released.
We are grateful to our donors and Monroe Community College's faculty and staff for their generosity in providing the support our students need to succeed.
Monroe Community College Foundation’s rankings among SUNY community colleges:
- #1 for total and restricted support!
- #2 for total unrestricted support!
- #1 for faculty and staff giving!
- For a fifth year in a row, our total support exceeded $5 million.
- Top three for total, unrestricted, and restricted support since 2018.
NOMINATE SOMEONE YOU KNOW FOR THE MCC ALUMNI HALL OF FAME

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!
April 2025
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PRESIDENT EMERITUS R. THOMAS FLYNN

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.
Celebrate a Mother's Legacy and Double Your Impact

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Alice Holloway Young, a trailblazing educator, founding MCC trustee, and a guiding force for students. This spring marks a milestone as we award the inaugural Dr. Alice Holloway Young Endowed Scholarship, ensuring her impact continues for generations. In honor of his mother’s dedication to education, Rodney Allen Young is matching all Mother’s Day gifts dollar for dollar, up to $100,000.
We invite you to honor the mothers and mother figures in your life in a meaningful way by making a gift to the MCC Foundation. Together, we can celebrate those who have shaped our lives while helping others.
LAST CALL! DON'T MISS DR. CLINT SMITH AT SCHOLARS' DAY

Scholars’ Day at MCC is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss the powerful keynote that will close out this inspiring celebration of student and faculty research.
On April 30, acclaimed author and The Atlantic staff writer Dr. Clint Smith will take the stage for a thought-provoking conversation with celebrity interviewers Norma M. Holland, Chief of Staff, Office of Equity and Inclusion, University of Rochester and Tokeya C. Graham, Ed.D., MCC English Professor.
Smith’s #1 New York Times bestselling book, How the Word Is Passed, has sparked national conversations about history, memory, and racial justice. His words challenge and inspire us to engage more deeply with the world around us.
Presented by the ESL Charitable Foundation, the keynote 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.
SUPPORT MCC STUDENTS - NO CLUBS REQUIRED!
You don’t have to swing a club to make a major impact. The 41st Annual Scholarship Open returns to The Country Club of Rochester on Monday, June 23, 2025—and while the tournament sells out year after year, there are still powerful ways for your company to be part of the action.
Non-golfing sponsorships offer your business high-visibility brand exposure and the chance to align with a beloved community tradition, all while supporting student success at Monroe Community College. Whether it's sponsoring lunch, signage, or attending the networking reception and program, your partnership helps change lives.
Thank you for making a difference for MCC students!

May 2025
HONORING THE LEGACY OF ANNA C. PRICE

It’s been ten years since the world lost Anna C. Price—a gifted writer, artist and alumna of Monroe Community College. Known for her immense creative talents, Anna was a celebrated pop vocalist in Boston, an accomplished visual artist and a writer of both prose and poetry. Her warmth, insight and unwavering encouragement of others left a lasting impact on all who knew her. The Anna C. Price Poetry Scholarship was established to honor her legacy and inspire future writers.
This year, one richly deserved award of $3,000 was granted to a student whose work reflects the transformative power of poetry—something Anna deeply believed in. While at MCC, she presented at academic conferences, mentored peers and pursued her many artistic passions. Her life was a testament to empathy, resilience and creativity. The scholarship ensures that Anna’s spirit continues to uplift and encourage MCC students who share her passion for the written word.
To support this scholarship or learn how to establish your own, email the MCC Foundation or visit our website.
GOLD STAR GALA GUESTS RAISE $275,000 FOR MCC STUDENTS
The Monroe Community College Foundation's Behind the Curtain themed 27th Annual Gold Star Gala presented by M&T Bank was a resounding success—raising $275,000 (net of expenses) to support Monroe Community College students. Held on April 26 at The Country Club of Rochester, the evening was a true celebration of community raising funds to support scholarships and meet the emergency needs of our students.
MCC student speaker Susan Elizabeth Graham ’25 (pictured below), a human services major and scholarship recipient, shone during our scholarship call that evening. Special thanks to our Honorary Chairs Jill and Marty Birmingham and Flor and Bobby Colón, as well as our Committee Chairs Naomi Silver, Desirée Silver and Morrie Silver. Also, a deeply heartfelt thank you to our Auction Advocates Robin ’80 and Tim ’80 Wentworth, our evening’s emcee Doug Emblidge, and our Gala committee for their dedication, creativity, and resourcefulness in making this year's Gala one to remember!

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PRESIDENT EMERITUS R. THOMAS FLYNN

Monroe Community College’s fourth president, R. Thomas Flynn, sadly passed away on April 10. President Emeritus Flynn (pictured right) began his career at MCC in 1974 and served the College with distinction for more than three decades. His visionary leadership helped transform MCC into a national leader in higher education.
A celebration of life for President Emeritus Flynn 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.
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 on our website.
Your Gift Can Change a Life

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.
LAST CHANCE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE YOU KNOW FOR THE MCC ALUMNI HALL OF FAME

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!
SUPPORT MCC STUDENTS - NO CLUBS REQUIRED!
You don’t have to swing a club to make a major impact. The 41st Annual Scholarship Open returns to The Country Club of Rochester on Monday, June 23, 2025—and while the tournament sells out year after year, there are still powerful ways for your company to be part of the action.
Non-golfing sponsorships offer your business high-visibility brand exposure and the chance to align with a beloved community tradition, all while supporting student success at Monroe Community College. Whether it's sponsoring lunch, signage, or attending the networking reception and program, your partnership helps change lives.
