GROUNDBREAKING HELD FOR GATEWAY CENTER WITH TEARS

DECEMBER, 2007
Published by the Westchester Community College Foundation Valhalla, New York
ONLINE COMMUNITY FOR
ALUMNI COMING SOON
By the time spring 2008 rolls around, Westchester
Community College alumni will have their own interactive website, or "online member community", where they
can stay connected with the college and with one another.
The website, hosted by yourmembership.com, will enable
alums to locate their old friends, chat with one another, post
information and news about themselves, exchange photos,
and even order tickets to college events. The service will be
free and will be available to any alum who has a computer
with an internet connection.
All of the 24,000-plus names in our alumni data base
will be stored on the website. An individual's contact information will NOT be available to anyone else unless that
individual registers with the site. At that point the person
can post as much or as little personal information as desired,
and even create his or her own web page.
The list of exciting member benefits is too long to enumerate, but here are a few highlights: Alumni will be able
to maintain an online resume, network with other alums
in their field, participate in online discussions and blogs,
display their personal photo album, view upcoming events
and register for them online, view the list of event attendees,
download documents, post job openings and availabilities,
search the member resume database, join special interest
groups, register for group events, send alert emails to entire
group, etc., etc., etc. This will be a secure website so alumni
will be able to purchase tickets online and make donations
to the college using a credit card.
The online community has been eagerly awaited by
many alumni who want to stay in touch with the friends
they made at WCC. The Alumni Office receives dozens of
requests each year from graduates trying to locate someone
they knew at the college. Soon, they will be able to search
the data base on their own.
Please be sure that we have your current e-mail address
so we can notify you when the new website is up and running. You can do this by simply sending an e-mail to the
Alumni Office at WCC.alumni@sunywcc.edu.
NOTE: Westchester Community College’s website can
now be reached by simply typing in “sunywcc.edu”. There
is no need to type in the “www” before the web address.
GROUNDBREAKING HELD FOR GATEWAY CENTER
"gateway" to the campus
On October 31st,
for students and visitors
Westchester Community
alike.
College took a giant step
The Gateway Center
closer to making history
is being built with funds
when it broke ground for
from the County, the
the landmark Gateway
State, and private donors.
Center. In addition to
The state has dedicated
providing badly-needed
$17 million, Westchester
classroom and meeting
County has promised $14
space on campus, the
million, and private do70,000 square foot, glass
nors, $9.5 million.
and stone building will
In the spring of 2004
also provide the resources
the Westchester Communeeded by foreign-born
nity College Foundation
students to become aslaunched a campaign to
similated into AmeriNine Happy People! L. to r.: Shirley Phillips, Executive Director WCC
raise private donations
can life and culture and
Foundation; architects Tim Hartung and Susan Rodriguez;
of $9.5 million for conto become productive
County Executive Spano; Dr. Joseph Hankin, President WCC;
struction costs plus an
members of its workTimothy Carey, chair of the Board of Trustees;
additional $5 million for
force. This "gateway"
to American citizenship Bill Ryan, chair of the County Legislature; Foundation Board President new programs and scholBetsy Stern; Campaign co-chair David Swope
arships. As of August
is believed to be the first
2007 The Foundation has raised $9.4 of the $9.5 million
building of its kind to exist at an American college.
The long-anticipated groundbreaking ceremony was for capital; $2.4 of the $3 million for scholarships; and
attended by County Executive Andrew Spano, state and $967,060 of the $2 million for programs, for a total of $12.8
county legislators, college and Foundation officials and the million. This leaves $1,605,061 still to be raised.
The Skirball Foundation completed its $250,000 match
architects. It was held on the site where the state-of-the-art
building will soon become a reality, serving as a welcoming for the funds raised by the WCC Foundation for scholarships, thus establishing a $500,000 Endowed Skirball
Scholarship Fund for the Gateway Center.
The building will become the first certified “green”
building in Westchester County, relying on recycled materials and natural lighting. The design by Polshek Partnership
includes a 3-story glass lobby, stone walls and an illuminated
tower to symbolize the college's welcome to all those who
seek an education, regardless of their country of birth.
The future site of the Gateway Center seen from the
East Grasslands entrance to the college
WITH TEARS AND TRIBUTES, THE COLLEGE
FAMILY BIDS FAREWELL TO DR. JULIUS FORD
After 31 years as Dean of Student Personnel Services,
Dr. Julius Ford retired on August 31st. The bittersweet
event brought tributes from every corner of the campus
to a man who had been a true friend to every Westchester
Community College student in the past three decades.
Hundreds of people--faculty, staff, family, friends,
students and alumni--attended Dr. Ford's official retirement party, a gala dinner held at Lakeland Country Club
in New Rochelle on September 27. But throughout the
spring and summer virtually every organization
on campus paid tribute to
Dr. Ford in its own way.
The college staff honored
him at Staff Development
Day in March. The students gave him a special
tribute at the Recognition
Dinner in May. Student
clubs, including the Black
Allison Pinsley, '85, was among
Students' Union, presented
the alumni who attended the
him with gifts, awards,
gala retirement dinner.
and tokens of appreciation. The alumni presented him with a Distinguished Service Certificate at the 60th annual alumni reunion in May.
And on November 17th he was inducted into the WCC
Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of the support he gave
to hundreds of the college's athletes throughout the years.
It is impossible to count the number of students whose
lives were touched, and forever changed, by Dr. Julius Ford
during his 31 years in the Dean of Students' Office. We
wish him many happy and productive years of retirement;
we know that he will never be forgotten.
37099_FWCC_NL.indd 1
Accepting Distinguished
Service Certificate at the
Alumni Reunion last May
Dr. Ford with his
predecessor, retired Dean
Angelo Delgrosso
Dear Westchester Community College Family,
It was an incredible send-off, the evening of September 27, 2007. I just want to thank you again for such
a magnificent tribute on behalf of my retirement.
Emily and I, and my family, are still talking about
this wonderful occasion that we’ll always remember.
Looking back over those 30+ years of service at the
college, I have to say it was a great run with so many
happy experiences. I will truly miss all of the great
relationships I made there.
My best wishes for your continuing successful
school year and my profound gratitude to all who
shared my retirement dinner.
Affectionately,
Julius Ford
Architect's model of the Gateway Center
SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTS
SECOND CLASS
The second annual Westchester Community College
Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner was
held on Saturday, November 17, 2007 at Julianos Restaurant
in New Rochelle.
Established last year, the Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals that have achieved greatness in their positions here at the college and/or alumni who have gone on
to achieve national prominence in their respective sport.
This year's honorees are Steven Acunto, Angela Alvisi,
Dr. Julius Ford, Mickey Whelan, and Thomas Foley.
Steve Acunto is the head coach of boxing at WCC where
he developed and teaches the only boxing class for college
credit in existence. A former professional boxer, he is considered one of the foremost boxing instructors in the world. In
1988 he was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
Angela Alvisi is a retired Associate Professor of Physical Education and former Coordinator of Women's Athletics
at WCC. She coached the Women's Tennis Team to the
NYS AIAW Championship in 1974-75.
Dr. Julius Ford, retired Dean of Student Affairs, was
honored for his strong support of WCC's student athletes.
Mickey Whelan, class of 1971, is a Soccer All-American. He is a former player and manager of Dublin and is
the current manager of St. Vincent's senior football team.
Tom Foley, class of '89 and former captain of the WCC
football team, was inducted posthumously. (See "Remembering Those We Lost" on page 2.)
The prestigious Sports Hall of Fame event was planned
and coordinated by Larry Massaroni, Director of Athletics.
12/11/07 1:25:51 PM
REMEMBERING THOSE WE LOST ON 9/11
Three months ago America marked the sixth anniversary of the World Trade Center disaster on
September 11, 2001. Among the 2900 people who lost their lives that day, we know of at least three who
were alumni of our college. This is a fitting time to remember them and tell their stories once again.
THOMAS FOLEY, ’89, a decorated New York City
firefighter from West Nyack and a member of Rescue Company 3, was among the first rescue
workers to arrive at the World
Trade Center on 9/11. Tom, who
was former captain of the WCC
football team, was 32 years old
when he died that day.
Tom became a volunteer firefighter at the age of 18, around the
same time that he graduated from
Clarkstown South High School.
”He never wanted to be anything
else other than a fireman,” said a
childhood friend.
That same year he enrolled at
Westchester Community College and joined the football
team; he became captain in his senior year. He graduated
in 1989 and joined the New York City Fire Department a
year later. Tommy was stationed at Squad 41 in the Bronx
for nine years, and moved to Rescue 3 in 2000. He was a
member of the FDNY football team.
Two years before his life abruptly ended, Tom had attracted widespread media attention when he helped rescue
two construction workers dangling from a broken scaffold
12 stories above the street. “Don’t worry,” he told one of
them. “You’ll be going home to your family tonight.” He got
plenty of TV time for that, which blossomed into bit parts
in “Third Watch” and “The Sopranos.” People Magazine
printed his photo and included him on its list of the 100
Most Eligible Bachelors that year.
About three weeks ago Tom Foley was inducted posthumously into the Westchester Community College Sports
Hall of Fame, formally ensuring that his service to the college, as well as the sacrifice he made on 9/11, will never
be forgotten.
YAMEL MERINO, '96 attended Lincoln High School
in Yonkers and went on to receive her EMT certification at
Westchester Community College. Yamel's life story struck
a chord with America--at 24, she
was a single mother advancing in
her career, and a rare female emergency responder killed in the 9/11
tragedy.
Helping people was what Yamel
had always wanted to do with her
life. She was hired as an emergency
medical technician for the White
Plains-based MetroCare Ambulance
Group, and in both 1999 and 2001
she won the company’s EMT of the
Year award because of her energy
and dedication to her work.
Yamel's 8-year-old son, Kevin Villa, was her pride and
joy; she would often say, “without him there is no me”. She
was excitedly planning a vacation trip to Disneyland with
Kevin in November 2001, a trip for which she had diligently
saved and which both were eagerly anticipating.
On September 11, Yamel and her partner were dispatched
to the South Tower of the World Trade Center after the first
plane hit the complex. The rule of thumb on any ambulance
is that one partner stays behind while the other checks out the
situation. Yamel volunteered to go into the building; some
believe she was the first rescue worker on the scene.
Yamel, who was a size 4, held her own among the much
larger firefighters and cops all around her. She was last
seen tending to an injured person in a stairwell as others
tried to rush past her to get out. She was killed by one of
the collapsing twin towers, sadly becoming one of the first
heroes of 9/11.
THOMAS WARREN HOHLWECK, JR., ’65, was
a vice president at AON Risk Services, an insurance company which occupied space on several of the higher floors of the South
Tower. AON lost 176 employees on
September 11, the third largest loss
of any single company at the World
Trade Center. Tom Hohlweck was
one of them.
Tom loved cars, jogging, tennis,
golf, the New York Philharmonic, and
excursions to Home Depot. His wife
Pamela indulged all his interests and
even let him set up a workbench in
the kitchen. But all of Tom's hobbies
took a back seat to his devotion to his children--Randy,
Robin and Todd.
Susan Jones Wells, '65, who was a friend of Tom's while
they were students at WCC, sent us some materials about
Tom shortly after the 9-11 anniversary. She wrote:
"Tom was my boyfriend during my two years at WCC.
I learned later on that he was working for AON Insurance
at the World Trade Center.
"On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was returning from visiting my daughter and grandchildren in New
Hampshire. My flight was supposed to be out of Boston
instead of Manchester, NH. I had to re-schedule my flight
from the day before and couldn’t get one out of Manchester
on Tuesday. If I had been on one of those two hijacked
flights, my plane could have been the one that hit Tom’s
102nd floor office at Aon Insurance.
"His memorial service in Harrison was the third one
held following the attacks. It was featured in an article in
the New York Daily News as one of the first services held
for victims of 9/11. This is how I found out he was one
of those killed in the attacks. It’s so hard to believe it has
been 6 years today."
FROM FARM TO ART GALLERY: AURELIO'S ODYSSEY
In June of this year artist Aurelio Castano, class of 2001,
had his first solo exhibition at the Mamaroneck Artists'
Guild in Larchmont. He is an artist in many media, but
this particular exhibit, titled "Objects of Affection", featured
pieces of his sculpture and hand-crafted jewelry.
Aurelio, who teaches at the Westchester Art Workshop,
has been called "gifted" by many art critics who have seen
his work exhibited throughout the
area for the past five years. His
name has become well known. It's
quite a success story for a former
day laborer.
Aurelio Castano was born on
a farm in the Andes Mountains
of Colombia. His parents would
surely have laughed at the idea that
he would one day be a successful
artist in America; his destiny was
Aurelio Castano
to be a farmer.
But when Aurelio was fifteen, his father died and shortly
afterward his mother went blind. Aurelio suddenly became
the head of the family, with the responsibility to provide
for his mother, sister, brother and grandparents.
Aurelio found that he could not support so many people
as a farmer, so he moved from the mountains to the city of
Manizales. He worked as a bar helper and sold books on
the streets, but providing food and medical attention for his
mother and family was almost impossible. Aurelio decided
to make a drastic change in his life: In 1994 he migrated,
alone, to the United States and eventually found himself
living in White Plains, New York.
He began his new life,working 16 hours a day as a landscape helper, dishwasher, busboy--most of the time he had
two jobs. Eventually he was able to provide a more decent
life for his family in Colombia, but this did not last long. In
1996 an on-the-job accident left him with a major lower back
injury and near-paralysis. He was now unable to work.
Devastated and ready to give up, Aurelio used his time
in rehabilitation to study and learn English; he then got his
GED. On the advice of his teacher he enrolled at Westchester
37099_FWCC_NL.indd 2
Community College, although a college education was not
what Aurelio had in mind when he came to the U.S.
In the summer of 1999 he started taking jewelry classes
at the Westchester Art Workshop and there Aurelio discovered his passion for the arts and the knowledge he needed
to start his life again. Aurelio got a Certificate in Applied
Arts and an Associates Degree in Visual Arts from WCC;
he then went on to earn a Bachelors in Visual Arts from
Empire State College.
Aurelio Castano works at the WAW as a jewelry teacher
and part time technician. The rest of the time he is busy
establishing himself as a very successful artist, exhibiting
his jewelry and ceramic works around the tri-state area. He
received first prize for his works, two years in a row, from
the New Rochelle Art Association. He received second prize
in the Art Society of Old Greenwich 2005 annual juried
show and participated in "Craft USA’05", where one of his
pieces was selected from among 850 works presented by
artists from all over the United States. Aurelio presented his
work at "The Worlds of Westchester" at the Arts Exchange
Gallery in White Plains. Today his art can be appreciated at
The Museo Del Barrio in New York City.
Aurelio is a member of the Mamaroneck Artists' Guild
in Larchmont, and the Old Greenwich Arts Association in
Greenwich, Connecticut. But his heart really belongs to
an organization called "Artistico" which he founded and
directs. Artistico is an arts program for day laborers and
their families in Westchester. By teaching these Hispanic
painters and artisans and helping them to exhibit their
work in local shows, Aurelio feels that he is giving back
and sharing his knowledge with people who, like him, are
struggling to make the American Dream a reality.
Aurelio has been featured in many Westchester magazines
and newspapers, including The Journal News. In his home
town in Colombia the local newspaper dedicated an entire
page to his success in the United States. On June 4th, 2006,
Aurelio’s story was featured in The New York Times.
Life for Aurelio Castano has never been easy, but he believes that a person with determination and a strong mind can
get far and accomplish goals that may seem impossible.
The
President's
Corner
NOVEMBER, 2007
Dear Alumnus/Alumna,
I'm sure that you take great pride in your alma mater,
and I'd like you to know that, as of October 31st, you have
yet another reason to be proud. On that date we broke ground
for a new addition to our campus, the magnificent Gateway
Center, which we expect to open in the fall of 2009 or the
spring of 2010.
As this newsletter goes to press the construction company is moving rapidly in its excavation of the site. Preparation
for the foundation is underway, and we anticipate the first
pouring of concrete by the time you have received this.
Why are we so excited about a construction project?
Because it is much more than that. It is the beginning of a
new era in Westchester County and a new and momentous
phase in the history of Westchester Community College.
The Gateway Center will be different things to different
people. It is, of course, a building, and it will greatly alleviate our critical need for more student space on campus.
It will house our Business and Modern Languages Departments, English Language Institute, Professional Development Center, Mainstream Institute for Mature Adults, and
our 300-member Volunteer Corps. It will be a 70,000 square
foot edifice of glass and stone with a perpetually illuminated
tower and a three-story atrium that will welcome visitors to
the college and serve as a "gateway" to our campus.
It will make environmentalists happy, too. I am happy to
tell you that many of the elements which make up a "green
building" will be found in the Gateway Center: Energy efficiency, daylighting, fresh air, materials with a high recycled
content, paints and adhesives without solvents, and so on.
The architects assure us that we will be LEED-certified.
But the Gateway Center will be more than just another
building. It will be a multinational education center designed to assist recent immigrants, the children of recent
immigrants, and international students in learning new
skills and attaining the information necessary to advance
within the American college system and/or to succeed in
the workplace beyond entry-level jobs.
In the past five years our college has served more than
20,000 students in our ten-level English as a Second Language Program. They came from 97 countries, speaking
43 different languages. These students--these immigrants-came here seeking opportunity: the opportunity to become
citizens, to hold jobs paying adequate salaries, and to be
assimilated into the American culture.
At present there are 4,000 foreign-born students enrolled in our English Language Institute. The Gateway
Center will make it possible to increase the number of ESL
courses being offered, and also to enhance the curriculum
content of the courses. New programs will be introduced to
emphasize technology, cross-discipline education, business
and entrepreneurial skills, intergenerational learning and
socialization, information sharing, and essential partnerships with community-based organizations and businesses.
The Gateway Center will serve as a community education
resource for issues of interest to the foreign-born population,
and an internet hub which will connect the college with the
many community-based service providers in the county.
All of us had ancestors who came from other places. It
is what has made America strong and each of our generations has benefited from this marvelous opportunity. Now
we are witnessing a new wave of immigration, and this
building being constructed will be like a beacon for immigrants of this generation who wish to make their homes
in Westchester County.
We may have come over here on different ships, but in
many ways we are all in the same boat now. Studies tell us
that America will be short ten to twelve million workers in the
very near future. This college has the opportunity to help provide educated workers and citizens for Westchester County,
and this building will be among the very first places that this
will occur. The Gateway Center offers the promise of tomorrow for all the generations who will come after us.
The Gateway Center will represent the most significant
commitment by the college to a specific segment of the
population since its founding sixty years ago to serve the
needs of returning World War II veterans. It will also be
the largest public and private partnership of a project in the
college's history.
As a member of our college family, you deserve a share
of the credit for this amazing accomplishment. You have
good reason to be proud!
Cordially,
Joseph N. Hankin
Aurelio Castano (c.) with members of The Artistico Group
12/7/07 4:18:32 PM
Alumnotes
1983
1958
JOE BROWNE and his
wife Connie were unable to
attend the reunion last May,
but Joe sent his regards to all
his old friends. Joe and Connie are now happily residing in
Florida and recently welcomed
a new granddaughter.
Joe and Connie Browne
1959
BEN MATHEWS came up from Florida for the 60th
anniversary Alumni reunion, and afterward wrote the following note to the Alumni Office:
"Thank you for staging the wonderful Alumni Picnic last Saturday. We all
enjoyed the day. I was especially happy
to be back to WCC, where it all began.
The campus is so nice and conducive
to learning. New generations have
come and gone since I last walked those
grounds so many years ago. You can’t
go back, but you don’t lose those precious memories. Thank everyone for
Ben Mathews
keeping us part of WCC".
--Ben Mathews, CPA
Faculty, University of Phoenix
1972
BILL REGAN, Deputy Mayor of Yonkers and former
Student Council President at WCC, turned 60 on September
5, 2007. His loving wife, of 29 years, FRANCINE SANCHEZ REGAN (class of 1973) and his two daughters,
Kim and Courtney, hosted a surprise birthday party for
him on Sunday, August 26 at St. Marks in Yonkers. It was
definitely a party he will never forget!
The social
event was the
talk of Yonkers
as 200 of Bill’s
closest and
dearest friends
gathered to celebrate. Bill and
Francine danced
the night away
to music by the
Cunningham
Brothers. Bill Fran and Bill Regan danced the night away
blew out the
candles on a birthday cake baked by Artuso’s Bakery in
Yonkers. Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone presented Bill with
a special proclamation from the city. A great time was had
by all, especially the birthday boy himself!!
1978
BOB ZAPPI was recently elected Town Chair of the
Westport, Connecticut Republicans. Pete Wolgast, the
retiring chairperson, stated that Zappi, 49, "has made outstanding contributions to the organization" and "will bring
in fresh ideas and renewed energy".
Zappi stated that, “We are Westporters first and encourage the free
exchange of ideas, spirited debate,
and compromise that are crucial
parts of the democratic process that
allow us to make the decisions on
how best to lead our town.”
Bob Zappi, who was President
of the Student Government at WCC,
is the son of retired WCC Professor
VINCENT ZAPPI who is also an
alumnus of the college. In addition,
Bob's brother, four sisters, his mom,
Fanny, and several nieces and nephBob Zappi
ews have all attended WCC, with
many graduates counted among
them. Bob says that WCC is in his DNA!
Bob is the founder and CEO of Catalyst, a firm that
provides marketing services to Fortune 500 companies.
He is also an adjunct professor of marketing at New York
University and a former managing director of the Marketing
Corporation of America. Bob also serves on the Board of
Directors of Mercy Learning Center, a non-profit organization that educates disadvantaged women.
Bob is involved in several Westport activities and organizations. He and his wife Cathy have lived in Westport
for 19 years and have two teenage sons who have attended
Westport public schools since kindergarten.
1979
DONALD ARACE recently accepted a new position with the New
York Mortgage Company, a division
of INDY MAC Bank (the 7th largest
originator of mortgage loans in 2006).
Don was formerly Vice President of
Columbia Equities in Tarrytown. In
his new position with NYMC he is
Vice President and Branch Manager
for Westchester County. Don and his
family live in Mamaroneck.
37099_FWCC_NL.indd 3
Donald Arace
CINDY ARGIENTO, a columnist for The Foothills
Paper in Greensboro, North Carolina, has written a book
about child abuse entitled "Doris in Dreamland". The book
is intended not only to entertain young readers, but to also
make them aware that sometimes children can be hurt by
adults and if they do not talk about it, the situation becomes
worse. One local newspaper reviewer described the book
as "gentle but disturbing".
"Doris in Dreamland" consists of nine short stories told
by a central character named Doris, a little girl who has
been a victim of sexual abuse. She lives in a picture-perfect
world with a loving mother and father, a cheerful room in
a cozy little house, and her favorite dolls. But things aren't
as perfect as they may seem.
In these nine stories Doris tells about her adventures in
Dreamland, a place where she goes at night to escape reality.
Here she becomes a butterfly, hovering over family scenes
in which children are safe and happy and wishing it could
be that way for all children.
Gradually, Doris reveals that she has been hurt-someone has touched her
inappropriately. She never
reveals the person's identity, only that "they look like
everyone else but are ugly
inside". She refers to the man
as "a grownup", "a monster",
and "a friend she thought she
could trust". She is cleverly
allowed to express all the
feelings typical in abusive
situations, including fear; she
Cindy Argiento proudly
will not reveal "the secret"
displays her new book
because she doesn't think
anyone will believe her and people will be mad at her.
Cindy Argiento's own experiences are what prompted
her to write this book. She wants to send children the message that "the only thing worse than the abuse is the silence
that may follow--I hope for my stories to be used as a healing
tool by opening a door to dialogue between a child and an
adult on the taboo subject of abuse."
You can read an excerpt from the book on Cindy's
website: www.cindyargiento.com/doris. You can e-mail
her at cargiento@aol.com.
AMY HOHENBERGER CECONI writes: "I graduated from WCC in 1983 with an AAS degree in Respiratory
Therapy. I've now been happily married for 12 years and
have a 6-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter.
"I was only 21 when I graduated from the RT program
I have been working in the wonderful field of Respiratory
Therapy since then. I am proud to announce that I graduated
from Seton Hall University with a Ph.D. degree in Health
Professions Leadership in May of 2006.
"Westchester Community College provided the foundation for my education and career path. Professor Quinones was and still is my mentor and a dear friend whose
inspiration has touched many lives, including my own. I
am very proud of my AAS degree in Respiratory Therapy
from WCC. I have been the Director of Clinical Education
at Bergen Community College since 1996."
ANTHONY GUILLARO, president of Phoenix Industries of Bedford, was recently featured in a front page
article in the Westchester County Business Journal. Tony,
who received a degree in civil engineering from WCC, is
now a successful land developer. He recently converted an
unsightly property in his old neighborhood in West Harrison
into a community of luxury condominiums which he named
"The Villas at Silver Lake".
Before starting his own company Tony worked for two
heavy contruction outfits, eventually becoming vice president of Unicorn Contracting Inc. In 1989, when the housing
market was in a slump, he began looking for properties to
develop. He began building luxury homes and developments in Westchester and Fairfield, Connecticut. He also
took on the Florida market and built condos in North Palm
Beach, with very successful results. Tony named his new
company Phoenix because it had "risen from the ashes" of
the depressed housing market.
The Villas at Silver Lake are expected to be completed by next summer. Prices range from $599,000 to
$999,000.
1991
SEAN COLE was recently promoted from Manager
of the Data Center at Westchester Community College to
Manager of Network Services. Sean
started his career at the college as
a PC Support technician. He then
moved into application development
for a period of time before moving
into networking. While in Network
Services Sean has been responsible
for supporting many of the College’s
key systems. Approximately two and
a half years ago, Sean took on the role
as Manager of the Data Center and
"has performed that job with distincSean Cole
tion" according to his supervisor, Anthony Scordino. Sean is also extremely active on campus,
giving a great deal of his spare time to special events and
activities for both staff and alumni.
MICHAEL D'ALESSANDRO, '91 was awarded a
BA in Liberal Studies from Purchase College in May 2007.
Michael works at WCC in the Department of Institutional
Research and Development as a Research Assistant, and
is a past recipient of the Westchester Community College
Foundation's Staff Excellence Award.
2001
KURIAN GEORGE and his wife, TINCY, also a WCC
alum, welcomed their first child, Zachary, on July 18, 2007.
Zachary George weighed in at 8 lbs. 11 ozs., and measured
21 inches. Kurian was a member
of Dr. Hankin's office staff for several years before recently starting a
new job as Systems Administrator
at Guidepoint Global in Manhattan. Established in 2003 as Clinical
Advisors, Guidepoint Global is a
global consulting and research firm
that delivers customized expertise
and research tools to professionals
in finance, professional services and
Zachary George
industry. It provides clients, which
include some of the world’s leading private equity firms,
mutual funds, hedge funds and strategy consultancies, with
access to critical information, expert insight, and proprietary
data products. We wish Kurian well in his new career.
2002
CATRINA ROCCO transferred to SUNY Albany after
graduating from WCC, and received her B.A. in December
of 2003. Her undergraduate major was History, concentrating
in European history, with a minor in economics. She then
completed her Masters in teaching Social Studies (grades
5-12) at Manhattanville College in December 2006.
2004
JENNA DEVITO graduated with honors from WCC
and went on to earn her Bachelors from the Fashion Institute of Technology in May, 2006. Jenna is now Regional
Merchandiser (east coast ) for Dolce and Gabbana Time
and Jewelry.
WCC FOUNDATION HONORS
FACULTY MEMBERS
The Westchester Community College Foundation presented its annual Faculty Excellence Awards in September.
The 2007 recipients are: Prof. Farhad Ameen for Excellence
in Scholarship, Prof. Margaret Coe for Excellence in Service, and Prof. Lori Maida for Excellence in Teaching.
DR. FARHAD AMEEN has been teaching Economics
at WCC since 1992 and is chair of the Liberal Arts/Social
Science Curriculum. Despite his
myriad responsibilities, Dr. Ameen
continues to pursue his passion for
scholarly research focusing largely
on issues relating to economic development in the poorest countries,
with special emphasis on the position
of women in his native Bangladesh.
Through numerous field visits and
Farhad Ameen
analysis of survey data, Dr. Ameen
has explored ways of alleviating
poverty for the "ultra poor" segments of society. Using his
vacations for travel and study, he has an open invitation
to work as a visiting researcher in Bangladesh whenever
possible.
MARGARET COE has been
an admissions counselor at WCC for
twenty years, and is greatly admired
by her peers in the Admissions Office
and the Counseling Department. Her
tireless efforts over the years to promote the college, increase enrollment,
and prepare new students for a lifetime
of success are widely recognized
throughout the campus. Prof. Coe
Margaret Coe
not only advises students on academic
matters, transfers, and careers, but is also an educator,
marketer, mentor, public relations liaison and speaker. Her
performance in all of these roles has been outstanding, and
her accomplishments have become
part of the fabric of the college.
DR. LORI MAIDA has, in seven
years at the college, built a reputation
for teaching excellence. A member
of the Behavioral/Social Science
Department, she has transformed the
Sociology course offerings to include
online courses, Honors courses, and
numerous syllabi revisions,bringing
her department to a "state of the art".
Dr. Maida's reputation as a phenomLori Maida
enal teacher has spread campus-wide
among her students, who praise her and express gratitude
for the personal interest she takes in them. She strives to
impact student learning and development and generate
enough interests for students to pursue sociology further.
12/7/07 4:18:32 PM
NEW PROGRAM OFFERED IN EMS MANAGEMENT
The college is offering a new program designed to prepare Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics for
management positions. The one-year EMS Management
Certificate Program is aimed at future leaders in the field
of emergency medical services.
According to Prof. Stephen Nardozzi, who chairs
WCC's Department of Prehospital Emergency Medical
Service, the Certificate in EMS Management will give
students the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to
effectively coordinate a response to emergency situations.
The program develops the EMT or paramedic’s management level perspective and ability to assume responsible
positions that affect procedures and influence policy. The
course of study includes disaster preparedness, global
terrorism, legal aspects of EMS, and overall program administration and leadership.
“Graduates will be better prepared to participate in
planning and decision-making within the EMS System”,
said Prof. Nardozzi.
Westchester Community College has offered EMS programs since 1988, training paramedics and EMS workers
from every part of Westchester and surrounding communities.
Students can choose between a two-year Associate degree in
Emergency Medical Technology, or a one-year Emergency
Medical Technician Certificate Program. Completion of
either course makes a student eligible for certification by the
NYS Department of Health, Bureau of EMS certification as
an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician—Paramedic.
The new EMS Management program will enable these graduates to take their careers to a new level.
NURSING PROGRAM NOW OPEN TO
PART-TIME STUDENTS
One of our most successful academic programs is getting
even more accessible. In addition to our full-time Nursing
Program, the college is now offering a new part-time evening
and weekend option. Please help spread the word about the
fact that we are expanding the program in this way. We are
hopeful that we will attract even more Nursing students who
will be drawn to the convenience of this new format.
For information on the Nursing or EMS programs, call Admissions at 914-606-6735.
KAPPAKSAPPA
IGMAS
KIGMA
APPAK
PAPPA
LANNING
50TH 50
REUNION
PLANNING
TH REUNION
Kappa Sigma Kappa Fraternity
New York Eta Chapter
50th Anniversary Reunion
Rich DeMuth and Gary Cotter, Reunion Co-Chairmen
Brothers of Kappa Sigma Kappa,
Nearly half a century ago, a group of twenty men became the charter members of the New York Eta
Chapter of Kappa Sigma Kappa Fraternity at Westchester Community College. Although the chapter is
in alumni status today, more than 200 men are bound by the brotherhood that is called fraternity.
On May 15th to 18th, 2008, we will gather, renew our bonds of brotherhood, visit and rekindle old
friendships. The celebration will start at the WCC Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 15th,
2008, honoring the 50th year anniversary of the Class of 1958, and the founding year of our Chapter.
Our official gathering will be a Friday evening dinner.
We've booked a block of discounted hotel rooms near the campus, so events will be held around
the White Plains-Valhalla area, at the hotel and at the college. We have reserved the Student Center
for a full day of events on Saturday. We’re still planning, so ideas are welcome (suggestions include
a golf outing). We’ll base Friday evening at the hotel (Springhill Suites on White Plains Road in Tarrytown-Greenburgh) and get a group or groups together to go out for food, drinks and conversation. For
those staying at the hotel breakfast is included, so that will be our daily start and final get together on
Sunday before departure. All are encouraged to bring whatever Kappa Sigma Kappa memorabilia you
can dig up, including yearbooks. We’ll have a display area set up on Saturday at our luncheon. Music
will be provided by the “Great Begasse”, and instruments would be worth the effort to bring with you,
too.
If this chance to renew your friendship with brothers of your own era and meet those who came before and after, excites you as much as it does us, please respond with a “Count me in!” e-mail or phone
call. You can email Brother Gary Cotter at gwc@gate.net or phone him at 813-634-2000. More details
will be coming at you soon, but we need to hear from you now so we get an idea of how many to plan
for. Please forward this to any brothers you know who may not have received it and/or send us their
names and contact info. We don’t want to miss anyone; we're finding more brothers every week!
Fraternally,
Brothers Rich DeMuth and Gary Cotter
60TH ANNIVERSARY MURAL ADORNS STUDENT CENTER
In a lasting tribute to WCC on its 60th anniversary, art
students decorated a wall in the Student Center Lounge with
a stunning mural depicting the history of the college.
In 2006 the Art Club was asked to participate in the
College’s 60th anniversary celebration. Members agreed
to create a mural celebrating the College’s history. The Office of Student Affairs offered a wall in the Student Center
Lounge, 36 feet long and 12 feet high. The students spent
over 1000 hours creating the mural, which features a “ribbon
of film” with images from the six decades of WCC’s history
as well as historic events of national importance. Professors Tom Halsall, Rick Miller, Elizabeth Schwerd, Claudia
Cardoso and Matt Ferranto participated in the project along
with Art Club faculty advisor Carla Rae Johnson.
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Alumnews is published by
WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION
75 Grasslands Road
Valhalla, New York 10595
Barbara Christesen, Alumnews Editor
WCC.alumni@sunywcc.edu
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
White Plains, NY
Permit No. 9519
37099_FWCC_NL.indd 4
2007 REUNION SHOWCASES
ALUMNI TALENT
JOHN TREACY EGAN, class of 1983, received the
2007 Alumni Voyager Award
for outstanding career accomplishments. John, who
majored in drama at WCC is
now a Broadway actor and
singer. His credits include
playing the starring role of
Max Bialystock in "The Producers". John is due to open
in Disney's new Broadway
production of "The Little
Mermaid" in December.
PETER TASCIO, class of 2003, brought his signature
brand of guitar music to the
Reunion. Peter is a professional musician, songwriter,
and music teacher. Upon
graduating from WCC he won
a highly coveted Jack Kent
Cooke Scholarship, the most
competitive scholarship in the
nation for two-year college
students. Peter's beautiful music was a real treat for all those
who attended the Reunion.
BILL CARTER, class of 1993, opened the Reunion
with a stirring, a cappella
rendition of "America the
Beautiful". Bill is a talented
singer with a special love
of gospel-style music; he
is often invited to sing by
local churches and other
organizations. Bill, who has
an M.S.W. degree, is Program Administrator for the
Westchester County Youth
Bureau and lectures widely
on youth-related issues.
MORE THAN 90 ALUMNI
NOW WORK IN ALL AREAS
OF THE COLLEGE
At last count there were 91 WCC alumni working at the
college as members of the staff, faculty and administration.
This is the highest number of alumni ever to be part of the
college family. Their names are listed below.
Janice Adams; Georgianna Anderson, David Anton;
Susan Arietta, Peter Asp, Ron Brown, Hudson Cadet,
Claudia Cardoso, Susan Carey, Kathleen Casey, Joanne
Castaldo, Jose Chavez, Judith Christ, Sean Cole, Margaret
Coles, Iris Cook, Emmy Creskey, Michael D’Alessandro,
Maryann Davis, Paul Di Roma, Naomi Dogani, Salvatore
Fazzino, Joseph Felicissimo,
Anthony Fella, JoAnn Gala,
Tom Gala, Pam Geraghty, Ken
Gross, Tina Hack, Renee Halloran, Mark Hanna, Marcia Hewitt, Eric Hvisc, Rick Hyland,
Nancy Inzinna, Russell Ippolito, John Kelleher, Edward
Kelly, Jon King, Caryl Kling,
Wendy Lassiter, Donna Levy,
Victoria Liverpool, Regina
Logiudice, Madalena ManProf. Russell Ippolito,
sinho, Terri Markward, Kim
Mason, Peter Massaro, Sharon '85, chairs the college's
Paralegal Program
Massey, Peg McSpedon, Gabrielle Miller, Raymond Naldini, Lisa Neville, Kai Nichols, Bill Nigro, Laura Nudi,
Hildy Oberstein, John Olenik,
Anne Pacifico, Gina Pelliccio,
Judith-Anne Petersen, Phyllis
Primus, Debra Puccia, Alfred
Quinones, Raymond Quintal,
Jacqueline Ray, Fran Regan,
Carmen Rodriguez, Steve Samuel, Chris Santospirito, Barbara
Schmidt, Bob Sci-abbarrasi,
Anthony Scordino, Marika
Scotti, Phyllis Senghaas, Roselle Simonetti, Kevin Slavin, Georgianna Anderson, '92,
Robert Steinmann, Ron Stern, is food production manager
Larkland Stewart, James Stiehl, for the college's Food
Services Department
Gail Stryker, Robin Warner,
John Watkins, David Wedlick,
Donald Weigand, Christolynn Williams, Roberto Williams,
Barbara Wilson, William Winters, Robert Wong.
How about a new alumni slogan: "Westchester Community College: We Liked It So Much We Never Left!"
12/11/07 1:25:54 PM