There was much to celebrate at ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ College’s October 13 Hispanic Heritage Month community reception hosted by President Tim Hall. The reception, which took place at the Moller House at ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ’s Tarrytown Location, gathered community leaders from across the region with ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ students, faculty and staff to recognize the individuals and programs serving the needs of Hispanic students.
The program featured Hall, ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ College Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eva Fernández, 100 Hispanic Women National Inc. President Nancy Genova and ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ alumnus Steven Orantes ’22, ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ Scholars Program graduate and paralegal at Sobo & Sobo L.L.P. Sonia Martinez, associate director of public relations and community engagement at ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ College, moderated the program.
During his remarks, Hall shared the news of ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ’s certification of the Seal of Excelencia by Excelencia in Education. ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ is the first private college in the country, as well as the first Hispanic-Serving Institution in New York State, to receive this certification.
As said by Hall, the certification honors ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ as a national exemplar in advancing Latino student success. It also recognizes ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ’s community partners, Board of Trustees, students, alumni, faculty and staff, many of whom were in the room, for their efforts in propelling dramatic improvements in student outcomes and enriching the campus culture.
Fernández cited several of the grant funded programs that are in motion at ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ, many of which were awarded to ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ for the College’s commitment to advancing Latino student success and serving the needs of minority students. She also emphasized ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ’s investment in building and strengthening community partnerships considering the significant Latino populations in the regions the College serves.
Genova discussed the importance of providing resources and opportunity for Hispanic youth, a primary mission of her organization, 100 Hispanic Women National, Inc. She acknowledged the significant achievements that Hispanics have achieved in the United States and emphasized the need for programs that promote enhanced equity.
Orantes, a recent alumnus of the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ Scholars Program, described his experience as a legal advocate for immigrant families, and how he takes pride in and understands the great responsibility of being a voice for those in need.
To learn more about ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ College’s Seal of Excelencia certification, please click here.
To learn more about ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ College’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, please click here.