‘Strength in Our Diversity’ Celebrated At Annual Event

Hostos Community College of The City University of New York (CUNY) is delighted to announce its 2017 Scholarship Benefit on Friday, May 5, 2017. With the goal of raising funds for student scholarships, the Benefit will also highlight the many accomplishments of Hostos students and their passion to fulfill their educational aspirations. Noticiero 47 Telemundo News anchor Cristina Navarrete will serve as the Benefit’s Mistress of Ceremonies.

“To once again pay tribute to the resiliency and many successes of our students is a chance we can’t pass up,” said Hostos President David Gómez. “It’s the College’s commitment to not only offer quality education, but to also provide services like scholarships for those who need support. Our annual benefit showcases our values and raises financial assistance.”

The College recently launched its 50th anniversary celebrations, a year-long observance noting its transformative work since 1968. The Benefit will pay tribute to two honorees who have made significant contributions to the College.

Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis, current President of Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC), will receive “The Educator of the Year Award” for her lifelong dedication to higher education. The former Hostos Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs played a crucial role in the development of key academic programs such as Women’s Studies, Dual Degree Engineering, and Media Design - among other accomplishments - during her tenure. De Filippis is a proud product of CUNY system. She holds a Ph.D. in Spanish Language and a Master’s of Philosophy in Spanish Literature from the Graduate School, as well as a Master’s in Spanish Literature and a Bachelor’s in Spanish and English Literatures from Queens College.

Under her guidance, NVCC student retention has steadily risen, enrollment has increased, graduation awards have grown, and a thriving expanded campus in Danbury (CT) was developed. In 2016 NVCC was named one of the top 25 community colleges nationwide in advancing opportunities for low-income students.

“The Philanthropic Impact Award” will be presented to The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). One of the world’s leading private international philanthropic organizations, the Foundation provides grants in the areas of arts and culture, education, health and sports, and social welfare. It also funds organizations and projects that strive to make a lasting and positive impact on society at large, and exhibit strong leadership and sound management. 

SNF has been a key supporter of Hostos since 2014, when it donated $300,000 for the Hostos Community Heroes, a two-year program designed to assist veterans in the pursuit of non-degree CEWD certifications, remedial courses and related training programs. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification, Credentialed Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) Certification, and Hands-On Automotive Transmission Certification are some of the programs available to the men and women who have served their country. This year, SNF committed $50,000 towards Hostos student scholarships.

The Benefit brings together and celebrates the best of Hostos:  its unique blend of cultural diversity, educational achievement, community involvement and – most of all – its talented students.
 
Two such students will share their personal stories of how a scholarship directly helped their educational journey at Hostos. Over the last four years, the fundraising event has yielded an astonishing $1,708,665 in funds that benefitted the College’s student scholarships programs.
 
Hostos has experienced tremendous growth in and out of the classroom through community partnerships, enhanced academic offerings, and valuable student support services. The 2015 and 2016 classes featured the largest number of graduates in the school’s history. A recent study by the Equality of Opportunity Project indicated that Hostos Community College boasts the highest “intergenerational social mobility rate” among two-year CUNY institutions, which confirms that affordable, high-quality education can transform lives.
 
To register for the 2017 Annual Scholarship Benefit or to become a sponsorship partner, click here.

About Hostos Community College
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change that has been transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities for nearly half a century. Since 1968, Hostos has been a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, as well as a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs.

Hostos offers 28 associate degree programs and two certificate programs that facilitate easy transfer to The City University of New York’s (CUNY) four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. The College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. Hostos is part of CUNY, the nation’s leading urban public university, which serves more than 500,000 students at 24 colleges.