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Last year, more than 550 Queensborough supporters attended the Partners for Progress Gala
The most successful fundraising event in the College’s history
April 17, 2008 – Lively international music, heartfelt speeches, and the many languages of Queensborough students brought to life the theme of this year’s Partners for Progress Gala: Many Nationalities, One Community, A Common Goal.
More community members came to Queens’ Terrace on the Park to celebrate its support of the College’s educational mission and students’ futures than ever in the College’s 21 year history of holding the Partners for Progress fundraising Gala. The Gala is hosted by the Queensborough Community College Fund, Inc., the College’s foundation. All funds raised by the Gala support student scholarships and enhance the College’s educational and cultural programs such as the Kupferberg Holocaust Research Center and the QCC Art Gallery.
This year’s celebration recognized the many communities of Queensborough: our students, who represent over 135 different nationalities; our faculty and staff, who provide dedicated teaching, mentoring and support services to our students; and our greater Queens, New York City and State community, who are helping to make possible the extraordinary things the College does.
A colorful and talented Students’ International Performance opened with a traditional dance of India danced by Kushneet Kukreja and Baljinder Kuar, and closing with a Latin American merengue by couples Luis Menacho and Lais Payano, and Dalberto Mejia and Eva Santos. Students wearing clothing indigenous of their native countries and speaking in their native languages spoke about the many nationalities at Queensborough, and how we come together to form one community sharing a common goal: to create a pathway for student success – through higher education that starts at Queensborough Community College.
Sophisticated jazz music during the cocktail reception was provided by Eliot Lilien’s Jazz Experience, an ensemble composed of Queensborough students.
Each of the four distinguished Honorees that were chosen for the 2008 Partners for Progress Gala are inspiring role models for Queensborough students:
Corporate Partner of the Year, Elaine Tomassetti-Scotto, Principal of J & E Industries, and is a successful entrepreneur - a highly accomplished woman in the construction industry. She founded her own rebar business in Belle Harbor, Queens in 2000, which provides steel reinforcing to numerous construction sites, most notably to the new Freedom Tower at Ground Zero.
Alumni Partner of the Year, Larry Shulman,’74, President of LMS Technical Services, is a proud Queensborough alum, whose education in technology at the College led him to establish LMS Technical Services in 1979. Mr. Shulman says that his Queensborough education was the turning point in his life, and the greatest educational experience he has ever had. His Long Island business in computer and network support has thrived throughout the ups and downs of the past decades, owing to his commitment to his customers and the dedication of his staff.
CUNY Partner of the Year, Iris Weinshall, Vice Chancellor for Facilities Planning, Construction and Management for The City University of New York is a CUNY alum. A graduate of Brooklyn College, and former Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation, she finds it rewarding to guide CUNY’s capital projects to ensure that our Queensborough students have a safe environment which is conducive to learning.
Humanitarian Partner of the Year, Maureen White, R.N., Senior Vice President & Chief Nurse Executive for the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, is an impressive role model for the nursing students and graduates of Queensborough’s Nursing Program, many of whom are hired on to the Health Systems’ team. Under her direction, three of the hospitals in the North Shore-LIJ Health Systems have received the Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service over the past seven years. The award is the profession’s top honor and recognizes quality patient care and exemplary nursing leadership.
State Senator Frank Padavan and City Council Member David Weprin were distinguished guests and supporters of the night’s festivities, with David Weprin addressing the audience and presenting the Honorees with proclamations of their contributions to Queensborough Community College and the County. |
