Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As we approach the end of the year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable accomplishments we’ve made as a campus community. Together, we’ve not only transformed the lives of countless students but have also provided essential resources and fostered a nurturing environment where both students and faculty can thrive.
This year, our collective efforts have expanded student support in meaningful and lasting ways. A standout initiative is the new community garden, launched in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County. This project strengthens The Pantry’s ability to combat food insecurity while providing hands-on learning experiences for local at-risk youth. The garden symbolizes what we can achieve when education, community, and sustainability unite. Our commitment to DCC CARES also continues to alleviate significant challenges, such as homelessness and food insecurity. Thanks to the advocacy of Assembly Member Didi Barrett and the NY State Assembly, we received $300,000 for the DCC Housing Insecurity Program—double the previous awards—demonstrating our dedication to securing stable housing for our students.
Our commitment to professional development has also reached new heights. The Dr. Mary Louise Van Winkle Professional Staff Teaching and Learning Center provides faculty members like Professor Dana Weidman with international scholarship opportunities, exemplified by her participation in the Maple Leaf and Eagle Conference in Finland, where she presented her research on the representation of history in film. The DCC Foundation plays a vital role in fostering faculty engagement by providing lunches for the HEALing Fireside Chats, which address pressing issues in higher education. Additionally, the Foundation enhances camaraderie through TLC mugs awarded via the Educator of the Month program, recognizing outstanding contributions from faculty.
The Teaching and Learning Center serves as a cornerstone of our dedication to faculty excellence, equipping educators with innovative tools and resources to refine their pedagogical approaches. Recent investments in technology, including a new screen, facilitate professional development opportunities that cater to diverse learning preferences. By fostering a supportive environment for collaboration, we empower faculty and staff to thrive, enriching our students' educational experience and preparing them to be tomorrow's leaders.
Looking forward, there is still so much we can achieve together. Your gift to our campus campaign will not only fuel the growth of our programs but also provide essential resources for students—from scholarships to emergency support—helping them pursue their education without the burden of financial instability.
Your support reaches beyond financial assistance—it is an investment in our community, empowering students, enhancing resources, and supporting faculty and staff growth. Together, we create a campus where everyone has the tools to thrive. Together, we are shaping the future!
On behalf of the Foundation, thank you for your dedication. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with shared purpose and success.
Warmly,
AVP Institutional Advancement and Executive Director
P.S. For your convenience, you are welcome to give by cash or 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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