On Thursday, April 8, 2021, the Nasry Michelen Foundation presented a $57,000 gift to Eugenio María de Hostos Community College for scholarships for academically deserving students majoring in the allied health and science fields. The Nasry Michelen Foundation board designated $50,000 for creating an endowment. The remaining $7,000 will be presented as two scholarships in May 2021 at the Colleges Honors Convocation Ceremony. Interim President Daisy Cocco De Filippis accepted the award from Hostos Foundation Board Member and Nasry Michelen Foundation Board Chair Cira Angeles.
Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis reaffirmed, “The Allied Health Sciences Department and I are immensely grateful to the Dr. Nasry Michelen Foundation for this generous award. We have many talented students in need of support. Now more than ever, we want to empower our high achieving allied health students to carry on with their academics so they can enter the workforce and contribute to our society that needs new and enthused hands to heal our many wounds.”
Nasry Michelen Board Members Dr. Juan Tapia Mendoza, Dr. Manuel Acevedo, Dominicanos USA Director Eddie Cuesta, and Cira Ángeles presented the award.
Their support of Hostos remains steadfast. "This is a wonderful day. We celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. Nasry Michelen by instituting an endowment that will empower Hostos Community College Allied Health Students thru scholarships and mentoring via The Nasry Michelen Foundation,” said Cira Ángeles. “On behalf of the entire Nasry Michelen Foundation board, thank you, Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis, for motivating us to continue with this important and humane cause. Your warm welcome has been vital in motivating us to reach and accomplish this milestone.”
For Pediatrics 2000 CEO and COVID19 Medical Site Supervisor for Yankee Stadium Dr. Juan Tapia Mendoza added: “I will continue supporting Hostos Community College because this institution transforms people's lives for the better though education. It is very important to support students who pursuing careers in the Allied Health Sciences field. We hope that this contribution will help Hostos Community College students achieve their career dreams and professional goals "
Dr. Manuel Acevedo and Mr. Eddie Cuesta also expressed feeling very proud of being part of the Nasry Michelen Foundation board because of the worthwhile mission that it carries.
The nursing, radiologic technology, and dental hygiene programs at Hostos have for years delivered consistent high or 100% pass rates for certifications and validation exams, making the College a well-known affordable, and competitive place to earn an allied health degree.
Also in attendance, Associate Dean Susan Pinamonti, Dr. Rocio D. Hernández from SOMOS, Dr. Marilu Galvan, Special Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of the President Diana Kreymer, and
Associate Dean of Community Relations Ana I. García Reyes.
Dean García Reyes said, “It is a privilege to collaborate with this group of amazing professionals who are committed to raising funds to support our students.”
Though unable to attend the ceremony, Nasry Michelen Foundation Board Co-Chair Dr. Lantingua sent the following remarks: “I am excited to see the creation of this endowment and to present these first two scholarships later this semester. With this award, the Nasry Michelen Foundation Board reaffirms Hostos’ importance and relevance for the South Bronx and beyond.”
Hostos Community College through the Office of the President is co-hosting the newly launched Dr. Nasry Michelen Allied Health Lecture Series in collaboration with the Nasry Michelen Foundation Board. The next Dr. Nasry Michelen Allied Health Lecture Series is scheduled for April 20, 2021, at 2:30 p.m.
Presented by Dr. Walid Michelen and titled, "COVID and Seniors."
Click here to join the zoom event.
To learn more about the Nasry Michelen Foundation, read here.