Welcome to the Spring 2021 edition of the Hostos Community College Foundation Newsletter. While spring is often viewed as a season filled with promise, here at Hostos we are fortunate to witness promise realized every day through the determination and accomplishments of our resilient students. As the days become longer and the weather begins to warm, our students continue to persist through the semester, building momentum toward degree attainment and coming closer to realizing their dreams.
 
We extend our appreciation to all of the faculty members, staff and friends who play a vital role in helping our students to fulfill their promise and invite you to read our latest news and learn about the opportunities available to support student success. 
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
On Wednesday, February 24, the Hostos Community College Foundation presented The Virtual Third Annual Donor & Scholar Appreciation Event. Interim President Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis and Acting Provost Charles Drago introduced the program, extending their gratitude to our generous donors and celebrating our dedicated students' heart and determination. 
 
Hostos Community College Foundation Board Member and Chief Executive Officer and Founder of ATAX Franchise, Inc., Rafael Álvarez, spoke of how he personally relates to our students' journeys, as many of their experiences reflect his own. He shared that scholarships made opportunities possible for him. Now, as a Foundation Board Member and a donor, he works to provide those same opportunities to others. He urged our students to "Keep pushing; we really want you to achieve your dreams."
 
Unitex Chairman Michael Potack, who established the Judith Z. Potack and Dorothy Hausberg Scholarship at Hostos, shared why he invests in the students of Hostos and encouraged others to do the same. "It is the responsibility of those who can to create opportunities for all. I hope all who can will join me in helping to make the journey less difficult for those students who need the support. It will undoubtedly be one of the best investments you ever make."
 
Students and alumni related their personal stories of the impact that scholarships made in their lives and thanked all the donors who enable such opportunities at Hostos. Alumna Yudiris Rodríguez reflected that scholarships "Made me feel like I could make it. I am very proud of my accomplishments and what I have achieved, and I am proud to say that I am a Hostos graduate. Without these scholarships, I couldn't finish my education or have a place to live." Following the event's recorded portion, Hostos faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors participated in moving breakout room conversations. The Hostos Community College Foundation extends its gratitude to all who attended and participated in this event. 
If you were not able to join, you can still hear the inspiring testimonials of our students and donors by viewing the event on the Hostos Community College YouTube channel.
Please consider making a gift in support of student scholarships today.
On Thursday, April 29 at 6:00 p.m., the Hostos Community College Foundation will present The 2021 Virtual Annual Scholarship Benefit, celebrating student success and the transformative power of Hostos Community College. Join us to recognize our determined students and honor the generous supporters who invest in their academic and personal journeys. An array of sponsorship opportunities are available for your consideration, the proceeds of which enable the Foundation to further its mission of empowering student achievement at Hostos. Visit our Benefit webpage to learn more.
CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION RELATIONS
Since our last newsletter, the following grant has been awarded to the Hostos Community College Foundation.

  • Robert Sterling Clark Foundation - $40,000 grant over one year for general support of the Center for Bronx Nonprofits (CBNP)

The Hostos Community College Foundation is most grateful for this generous, impactful support.
ALUMNI RELATIONS
The Office of Alumni Relations continues to follow the successes of our outstanding alumni and create opportunities for them to engage with one another. 
The Hostos 20.21 Class Campaign invites you to celebrate our newest graduates while enabling student success. Gifts of $20.21 or more in support of this graduating class will make a significant, collective impact on our students, helping them to persist and earn their degrees. Hostos equips its students to carve their own pathways and launch their futures – and now the next generation of Caimans is preparing to soon go forth and achieve their goals. Please make your gift today and support our growing alumni family. To read more and make your gift of $20.21, please use the button below.
The Hostos Alumni Spotlight Series illuminates the remarkable impact our graduates have in our communities. These stories illustrate personal triumphs through challenging circumstances, but also share resonating messages about the boundless potential of motivated individuals equipped with the tools for success. These evocative, personal insights from alumni affirm to our students that with the power of education and the supportive environment provided by Hostos, they, too, will succeed in making their dreams come true.
We invite you to consider supporting this special series – each sponsorship level provides an array of promotional benefits in recognition of your generosity and empowers us to continue preparing the leaders of tomorrow.
On Thursday, March 11, the Office of Alumni Relations hosted its monthly Alumni Mixer with alumnus Robinson De Jesús ’97, co-founder and chief learning officer at Efficient Advice, LLC. Robinson answered common tax questions and shared helpful tips for filing returns before the April deadline. Participate in upcoming Mixers and stay up to date about alumni events by following @hostosalumni on Instagram.
Foundation News
Meet Acting Dean of Institutional Advancement Susan Pinamonti
 
Please join us in congratulating Susan Pinamonti on her appointment as Acting Dean of Institutional Advancement and Acting Executive Director of the Hostos Community College Foundation. Susan is certainly no stranger to our community; she has been with Hostos since 2011, leading our corporate and foundation relations efforts. With 15 years of experience in higher education development and a deep understanding of the College’s mission-based work, Susan’s skillsets will help to advance our mission-driven efforts.
Thank You
We would like to thank the generous Presenting Sponsor of our 2020 Golf Outing:
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