Monthly Newsletter
November 2024
MCC FOUNDATION SALUTES THREE LEADERS IN THE OPTICS INDUSTRY
What a celebration! The Monroe Community College Foundation's 33rd Annual Salute to Excellence was an evening filled with shining examples of leadership, philanthropy and Monroe Community College success stories. Nearly 400 business and community leaders, MCC alumni, students, faculty, staff and administrators celebrated with us on November 14 at the Floreano Convention Center.
At the Salute to Excellence dinner representing Honorary Chair Dr. Millicent K. Ruffin, Corning Incorporated's Michele Johnson and Committee Chairs David Beinetti and Kevin Williams set the stage for an incredible evening. Following the MCC Alumni Hall of Fame inductions of Kimberly J. Gaylord '98, Michael P. Mandina '75, Sheila M. Strong '98 and Tashanda D. Thomas '06, the 2024 Salute to Excellence award was accepted by Tom Battley, James M. Sydor '71 and the family of the late Richard A. Nasca. The award recognizes their philanthropic commitment to MCC's Optical Systems Technology program and the lasting impact their support has on the local optics community. (Pictured above Gretchen Wood, Nina Nasca, Mariellen Nasca, Gianna Nasca, DeAnna Burt-Nanna, Tom Battley, Daniele Lyman-Torres '02, Maureen Wolfe, Jim Sydor '71 and Alexis Vogt.)
We also heard from Evan Elixman '26, an MCC student who is looking forward to a career in optical engineering. The scholarships Evan is receiving are keeping him enrolled at MCC. The nearly 900 scholarships available each year to help students focus on completing their degree or certificate are available to students because of your support.
MAKE YOUR GIFT TO THE ANNUAL FUND BY YEAR-END
As the holidays approach and the year winds down, it is the perfect time to make your year-end gift to the 2024-2025 Annual Fund for Monroe Community College. Your gift helps students like Susan Graham '25, who came to MCC looking for a fresh start and a bright future, realize their unlimited potential.
Susan exemplifies how scholarship support not only funds education but transforms lives. She is the recipient of the Thompson Family Endowed Scholarship Fund and the Wegman Family Charitable Foundation Scholarship, both of which have helped her overcome financial burdens. Just two weeks into her first semester at MCC, Susan’s beloved mother and biggest supporter, passed away suddenly. The financial burdens that she faced seemed insurmountable, until scholarships emerged, and kept her on the path to success. Now Susan is on track to graduate in the Class of 2025 with a degree in Human Services. She is committed to making a difference and hopes to be a bridge between resources and individuals, in effort to ensure that no one feels alone in their struggles.
To support students like Susan, make your gift today! To take advantage of tax benefits in 2024, make your gift by December 31.
ROC WITH US
Join us and make a difference. On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the Greater Rochester Community will come together to ROC the Day and we need YOU to join us!
Many thanks to the ESL Charitable Foundation for offering a $5,000 match for all gifts made during this 24-hour giving initiative. We hope you’ll rise to the challenge and help students at MCC realize their full potential! To make your gift, visit the ROC the Day website on December 3rd!
Plan Ahead for Your Future and the Future of the MCC Foundation
As we consider the most important decisions we need to make before the end of the year, the MCC Foundation is pleased to offer a free, online tool from our partner, FreeWill. This resource makes it easy to provide for your loved ones and support the causes closest to you – including advancing achievement, innovation, and the mission of excellence at Monroe Community College. Click here to create your free will.
Individuals who indicate that they have included the MCC Foundation in their estate plans are recognized as members of the Alice Holloway Young Society.
Would you like to discuss a bequest intention or other legacy giving? Contact Christyn Sanagursky, director of development, at csanagursky@a220149.com or 585.685.6148.
The information here is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide and should not be construed as providing legal or tax advice.