The LaGuardia Community College Foundation will honor two influential leaders during its 2010 Innovative Leadership Award Reception on June 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan.
The Innovative Leadership Award, which distinguishes those who have made fundamental contributions and advancements to higher education, will be presented to Honorary Directors Lily Gavin and Tai Wang. Both women are being commemorated for maintaining their relationship with the college and for continuing to support the Foundation. This will be the fifth year of the two-hour cocktail reception, although it will be the third year in which people are being honored. Gail Mellow, president of the college, will make welcoming remarks and will also present each honoree with a crystal Tiffany’s award.
“We really wanted to recognize them for their help in making the Foundation grow and for providing financial support for the students as well,” said Angela Wambugu Cobb, Director of Development at LaGuardia.
Gavin, who is also the owner of Dazie’s Restaurant in Sunnyside, has been active with the Foundation since its establishment in 2003. She has assisted in her outreach for the board to businesses in the surrounding community, assisted with making relationships with local businesses and has introduced others to the work of the college in addition to providing scholarship support for students.
Wang, owner of W.A.C. Lighting, has also been actively involved with the college and additionally has established the W.A.C. Lighting Scholarship at LaGuardia. Along with her family, she has provided over 100 students with much needed financial support.
Proceeds from the event will provide integral aid for student scholarships. The Foundation hopes to raise $118,000 in scholarship support for the 2010-2011 academic year.
The Foundation’s mission is to raise private funds to aid the education of LaGuardia students. Since 2003, over $2.6 million has been raised and over 1,200 scholarships have been awarded to students.
