Westchester Community College roars into the new century
Shirley Phillips, vice president of external affairs and executive director of the Westchester Community College Foundation.
As Westchester Community College in Valhalla faces record enrollment and a 10 percent increase in scholarship demand in the midst of an aggressive capital campaign, the Westchester Community College Foundation celebrated its 40th year in operation by way of an “Opportunity Match” dinner at Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill in Tarrytown.
An anonymous donor offered to match all gifts made above the price of a $250 ticket up to $250,000.
“It stimulated people to send money even if they couldn”™t attend the event,” said Shirley Phillips, vice president of external affairs and executive director of the foundation, of the matching offer. “There are more students with more need and this should put our funds over the top for next year.”
Barbara Chakmakjian, radiologic technology curriculum chairwoman and professor, Westchester Community College, examines auction items.
On the heels of President Barack Obama”™s recent announcement of job training opportunities for those out of work, unemployment benefits may be retained by those seeking financial assistance for education.
The maximum Pell grant would be increased in July by $500 to $5,350; The National Association of Student Financial Aid and Administrators (NASFAA) reported policy changes would likely affect community colleges and financial aid offices.
“It could help,” said Phillips, of the president”™s push for unemployment benefits for those seeking job training and financial aid for education. “But, I don”™t think anyone knows exactly how it will flow.”
John Fellas, director of operations, WCC Foundation, and Sy Lesh, director of grants, WCC.
“The student census is up quite significantly,” said Jeff Conte, associate dean of academic affairs, division of business, behavioral/social sciences and public and human services. “When the economy slows down, things tend to pick up.”
Conte said a ballpark figure of half-a-million dollars could be raised from the Spring for Scholarships benefit and that federal stimulus funding “ultimately” should trickle through.
Timothy Carey, chairman of the board of trustees of the college, said of the foundation, “They are responsible for more than $1 million each year in scholarships for students and over $14 million toward the Gateway Center.”
Ann Rubenzahl, assistant dean of continuing education, with husband Lou Rubenzahl.
Opening in 2010, the Gateway Center will house the college”™s business programs, professional development center, modern language programs, international student services, English Language Institute and The Volunteer Center in 70,000 square feet of space.
Elinor Urstadt, co-chairperson of the Gateway Campaign”™s steering committee, said there is a “huge interest in entrepreneurship” and that educational opportunities will be available for foreign-born citizens; WCC educates some 10,000 students a year in English as a language (ESL) programs, Urstadt said.
The Gateway Campaign is funded in part by Westchester County and the state of New York; a total of $26 million was committed toward the building.
According to a SUNY report, Westchester Community College enrolled 5,591 full-time students for academic year 2006 to 2007; the statewide community college average was 4,038 full-time students.
 
Christopher Buckley, novelist, editor at Forbes magazine and event keynote speaker.