Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It has been wonderful to see students returning to classrooms on campus this fall after the past few years. With the campus walkways abuzz again, the Foundation team has been reenergized in our collective work helping students begin and continue their DCC academic journey. Not only have our students survived a global pandemic, they have made a commitment to continue their education and I know that we all want to help them succeed in that endeavor.
Your tireless efforts to serve our students continue to motivate me!
One of our former colleagues who was a huge inspiration and asset to the College's Foundation and to me, personally, was Mike Weida. When I started at DCC in 2005, he welcomed me with open arms and helped me with Foundation events like the Bowl-a-Thon. As we mourn the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, please know that Michael was dedicated to our students. For those of you who did not have the pleasure to work with Mike, he was a genuine friend to our students and served as the director of student activities for many years.
This year, the Foundation along with the Student Government Association have created the Mike Weida Student for Student endowment. Before there was DCC CARES, Michael recognized the challenges our students faced and worked with SGA each year to raise funds so they could help their classmates-the Student for Student fund was created. SGA has voted to make a gift matching every dollar donated to this fund through our campus campaign.
In addition, this year we are looking to replenish the Foundation's Faculty/Staff mini-grant fund. The funding for this initiative was previously supported by retired faculty member Marty Triola in an effort to help his former colleagues create new and innovative teaching and learning initiatives. Disbursed by the Learning Center, mini-grants have funded speech and debate activities, art gallery events, math and statistics month programming, materials for and redesigns of academic courses and many other projects with the goal of enriching student experience. Professional development activities for faculty and staff can also be supported with mini-grant funding as it has been demonstrated that there is a correlation between professional learning and student outcomes.
When faculty and staff are given the time and resources to reflect and improve on their practices and policies, we see an increase in student success. Over time, this fund has been depleted, limiting both the number and amounts that can be awarded annually. Know that by investing in the scholarship of teaching and learning, you will be supporting our faculty, staff and students and ensuring that this award program can continue.
This year, I encourage you to consider these options when making a payroll or year-end donation. Of the holiday gifts you will or can give this season, contributions to these funds are meaningful and needed.
Thank you for making this very important choice to improve lives and support our campus community. On behalf of the Foundation, I wish you a safe and healthy holiday season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year!
Warm wishes,
Diana L. Pollard
Executive Director
P.S. For your convenience, you are welcome to send a check or donate through payroll deduction. To make a gift by credit card please fill out the form below. If you have questions please contact Diana Pollard at pollard@sunydutchess.edu or (845) 431-8403.
You may use this SECURE online form to make a gift via Mastercard, VISA, American Express or Discover.
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