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Rockland Community College Foundation’s Champions of Change Celebration Set for October 16
The Rockland Community College (RCC) Foundation will host its annual Champions of Change Celebration Oct. 16, honoring three community leaders whose vision, generosity, and innovation are making a lasting impact on Rockland County.
The evening begins with a 5:30 p.m. VIP reception, followed by a 6:00 p.m. cocktail reception and a 7:30 p.m. awards program. The event will feature live music, a wine pull, and a celebration of individuals and organizations whose contributions strengthen both the College and the community, according to the foundation’s press release.
This year’s honorees include:
Impact Award: Steven H. Porath, Executive Director of Rockland County’s Industrial Development Agency and President of the Rockland Economic Assistance Corporation, who is being recognized for his leadership for driving billions of dollars in investment and creating thousands of local jobs through strategic economic development and workforce training.
Philanthropy Award: Susan Oelkers-Ramos, owner of Environmental Construction Inc., and member of the RCC Board of Trustees, will be honored for her dedication to education, mentorship, and community enrichment. She founded the RCC President’s Society in 2020 and has championed cultural, scholarship, and improvement initiatives throughout the region.
Innovation Award: JPMorganChase will be recognized for its longstanding commitment to Rockland and its innovative Money Smart Financial Coaching Program, which empowers RCC students with essential financial literacy and planning skills. The Champions of Change celebration will also highlight RCC’s renowned Hospitality and Culinary Arts program, along with Visual and Performing Arts students, who will showcase their talents throughout the evening.
Benefactor tickets, which include access to the VIP reception with honorees, are available for $200. General admission tickets are $125. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are also available. For more details, please visit the Champions of Change event page. All proceeds raised during the event will directly support RCC students through the Foundation.
President of Dominican University Elected to the RBA Board of Directors
Manuel Martínez, Ph.D., President, Dominican University New York, has been elected to the Rockland Businesses Association (RBA) Board of Directors. The RBA is a non-profit organization that has been serving the business community of Rockland County, New York, since 1967.
“I am proud to join such a respected organization,” said Dr. Martínez. “Dominican University educates so many employees in Rockland County, and the University itself is an important employer here in the County. I look forward to finding new ways to partner with and support businesses in our community.” Former Dominican University President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P. Ed.D. was also a member of the Board of Directors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Martínez to the Board. Dominican University has been a valued partner of the RBA for many years, fostering strong connections between the business community and academia. While we will greatly miss the contributions of Sr. O’Brien, we are confident that Dr. Martínez will elevate our collaboration to new heights,” said Kenneth Zebrowski, President, RBA.
Michael Shilale, AIA, Board Chair, RBA, added, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Manuel Martínez to the RBA Board. His academic leadership at Dominican University and expertise in enrollment and program growth will foster stronger ties between our business and educational communities. We deeply thank Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien for her 35 years of transformative service to Dominican University and the RBA.”
For more information, visit www.rocklandbusiness.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland, Rockland Youth Empowerment Center, Host Oct. 4th Fundraiser
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County (https://www.bbbsofrc.com/) and the Rockland Youth Empowerment Center (https://ryecenter.org/) are hosting a fundraiser in October to support the activities of both agencies.
The event will honor long-time supporter Rene Rodriguez of New City Florist.
BBBS serves at-risk youth between the ages of seven and 18 throughout Rockland County who are seeking a mentor in their lives. Our mentees have diverse needs such as being raised by single- and two-parent homes, grandparents, or are in foster care that crave guidance for their child to help them make positive choices. Many of the mentees have social and emotional development concerns that in addition to counseling are best served by building a connection with a trusted adult who will assist them in getting into the community and exploring new interests through the access mentoring provides them.
R.Y.E., in collaboration with the Family and Supreme Courts, provides youth with a safe, supportive, and child-friendly environment to reunite with non-custodial parents under supervised visitation. The program serves children and young adults ranging in age from infancy through early adulthood. Court-ordered visitation is often required in cases involving domestic violence and/or substance abuse, including allegations of physical, verbal, emotional, economic, or sexual abuse—sometimes with children themselves as victims. All visitations are overseen by fully trained, qualified supervisors who document and report on the interactions between parents and children.
The fundraiser is being held on Oct. 4th, from 6pm-10pm at the Crowne Plaza Suffern Mahwah, and features a night full of dining, raffles, auctions, dancing, all while supporting two great Rockland County organizations. For ticket and sponsorship information, call 845-317-6112, send an email to sarras@bbbsofrc.com, or click here: https://secure.givelively.org/event/big-brothers-big-sisters-of-rockland-county-inc/aged-to-perfection-celebrating-42-years
