The York College Foundation hosted its One York Gala at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Thursday, April 27, recognizing four honorees for their contributions to strengthening communities on the local and national levels.
Industry leaders, government officials, community partners and supporters attended the fundraising event in support of York College students and faculty.
One York Community Impact Award recipients included Rudolph Wynter Jr., president of National Grid New York and Michelle Stoddart, vice president of Community Development at Resorts World New York City.
The One York Trailblazer Award recipients included Congressman Gregory Meeks and Dr. Hazel Dukes, president of NAACP New York State Conference and member of NAACP National Board of Directors.
“Our theme tonight is One York, as has been my theme since my arrival in fall of 2019,” said York College President Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes. “It is a rallying cry to be certain, it helps us remember why we do what we do and that we can only be successful doing it together. We are deeply committed to the work of this college and this room full of people that adore York College.”
Eanes added, “People who know York, love York. That is what’s in this room, a love for transformation of our students. We transform lives and we are about the business of making sure people gain higher education and move from where they are to where they want to be and with them take their families, their village and everyone in their life that they can touch.”
Dukes acknowledged the corporations supporting York College, saying they’re “doing the right thing.”
“You’re doing just not for your profit but you’re opening doors for young people of all hue and cry, not born here but that Statue of Liberty makes them come,” Dukes said. “One of my mottos, if I can help somebody, as I pass along the way, then my living shall not be in vain.”
Following the awards segment of the event, York College Senior Ryan Lahens, who is a SEEK student, issued remarks about his undergraduate journey experiencing many hardships.
“Being a track and field athlete, as well as a student government senator, and also an older brother, it’s been hard for me to focus on my academics at times,” Lahens said. “However with the help of the SEEK Program, they always had their eyes set on me to make sure that I complete my goals. York College recognizes that students may not have the same access as their peers, so they make sure that students who come from underprivileged backgrounds have these success programs to help bridge the gap and make them feel included here at York.”
According to Lahens, York College provides students with a “sense of community, belonging and family,” while urging a continuation of funding for crucial programs so students can follow their dreams.
The One York Foundation’s fundraising event represents the college’s commitment to seek philanthropic support as it continues to embark upon new initiatives to drive student success and invest in leading-edge development programs to empower faculty.
Additional reporting by Paul Frangipane.
