Foundation 2022 Update
As we continue into another uncertain academic year, rest assured that with the help of our family of donors, we are confident that we will continue to create opportunities and necessary skills and training, ensuring that our students have a brighter future.
Richard Allman
President, BCC Foundation, Inc
Cathy Abashian Williams
Executive Director, BCC Foundation, Inc
Financial Overview
In 2021-2022 the Foundation provided SUNY Broome with $1,789,313 in total support.
Note:
This financial information represents both audited and unaudited results.
Giving Impact Stories
2022 – Scholarship Reception
2022 Student Awards Recognition Reception
Recognizing excellence, donor generosity, and the most scholarships awarded in SUNY Broome Foundation history
After cancellation in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, the Student Awards Recognition Reception returned to life on May 10, 2022. Approximately 600 students, friends, family, scholarship donors, college faculty, and staff gathered for the reception. The traditional event celebrates the philanthropy of countless donors and the academic excellence of SUNY Broome students.
View photos of the 2022 Student Awards Recognition Reception.
Three hundred and twenty-three scholarships were awarded to students during this event — the most scholarships given to date. Scholarships can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, with a few covering the total cost of tuition.
The SUNY Broome Foundation, which raises money from those invested in SUNY Broome’s mission, provides over $1.5 million in student support each year. In total, the Foundation contributes approximately $2 million annually to financially bolster students, assist faculty development and programming, improve the campus experience, and otherwise support the college.
In a speech at the reception, Richard Allman, SUNY Broome Foundation President, noted that from the very beginning, “the Foundation’s main priority has been to raise private support from alumni, faculty, staff, and our community to ensure the success of our students.” Therefore, the scholarship reception, he added, is a marvelous blend of “recognizing the hard work of our students while also congratulating and thanking our generous donors, dedicated faculty and staff, and our student’s families and friends for their support.”
For many donors, funding a scholarship is a way to create a positive legacy for a loved one. A scholarship established in tribute to someone honors their name, creates an opportunity for their story to be retold and assists a worthy student with higher education.
A Brand-New Scholarship
One notable scholarship, given for the first time this year, is the Antonio & Domenica Dream Scholarship. Antonio and Domenica immigrated to the United States with a dream of a new life for themselves and their children. Despite having little formal education, the couple believed faith, hard work, and education would unlock their success. The scholarship, established by their family, is for international students who dream of a better future for themselves and work hard to achieve their goals.
Mary Macharia, a recipient of this scholarship and a nursing major, told her supporters that she plans to intern at a local community center after graduation. After that, she has ambitious goals back in her home country of Kenya. Mary says she wants to “be a voice for the women and girls facing female genital mutilation. My nursing degree is a tool needed to equip me with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to teach my community to abolish this act and offer counsel to the affected individuals. I want to focus on being an effective advocate and empower women to stand and fight for their rights and to abandon FGM.” She thanked her donors, adding, “Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope, one day, I will be able to fulfill my dream of helping vulnerable women, children, and students achieve their goals… just as you have helped me.”
Francia Beriguete, the other Antonio & Domenica Dream Scholarship recipient, is also a future nurse. She said, “this scholarship is going to allow me to focus more on my schoolwork because [the scholarship’s donors] have reduced my financial burden. [This] generous and thoughtful gift will allow me to pursue my dream of becoming an RN.”
SUNY Broome student launches her career in the Air Force
Another noteworthy scholarship recipient is Dani Bryan. The engineering science major graduated just this spring. “I have a passion for military service,” Dani remarked, “but also for encouraging more women to enter the field of engineering and the military.” Dani combines these loves with her passion for aerospace and airplanes. She said, “I grew up going to airshows with my family. We also frequented air and space museums across the country, and I have always enjoyed them. I am fascinated by the technological leap in aircraft through World War I and World War II.”
Dani received two scholarships from SUNY Broome, the BCC Foundation Scholarship for Excellence in Math and the Francis and Lillian Paul Transfer Scholarship. Yet, another significant and unexpected award also arrived at the scholarship reception. Mrs. Goodwin, a surprise visitor to campus, honored Dani with acceptance into the United States Air Force Academy.
She was one of 900 applicants for a position in the Air Force Academy. Dani had been nominated for both the Navy and Air Force academies. Yet, with her love for aircraft, Dani’s choice was easy.
Dani points out that SUNY Broome helped her find this path. Because of her scholarships, she’ll start at the academy with fewer loans and be able to pay for textbooks, technology, and uniforms. She adds, “getting rewarded for my academic achievements also gives me another level of confidence in my ability to succeed.”
“The leadership experiences and education I received at SUNY Broome helped bolster my resume. As a result, I was offered an appointment to the Air Force Academy for the Class of 2026,” Dani said. She added, “My goal is to serve as an officer in the Air Force for at least the required five years after the academy.”
Stories of Scholarship Winners
Every scholarship recipient has a story of perseverance and dreams to share. Here are just a few of them.
Errica Samuels, a single mom with an 8-year-old son, was awarded the Baccalaureate Scholarship. With a heart for wayward kids and adolescents in foster care, Errica hopes to have her own practice to help them one day. “I am so humbled and thankful to you all for this amazing chance to earn a scholarship! It is the first time for me [to win a scholarship], and I am so proud of myself for how far I have come in regard to my education,” she says.
Claudia Chermak received the Jack Sherman Toyota Presidential Scholarship. Claudia is an aspiring healthcare professional, working on two degrees at SUNY Broome, and is considering medical school. She is also the captain of the college’s inaugural women’s track and field team. Claudia told her donors, “With this extra financial assistance, I feel better prepared to explore my options and pursue ambitious educational and career goals. Winning this scholarship also affirms that I am on the right track academically, which boosts my self-confidence.”
Samuel Ward says that, as a non-traditional student, “trying to knock the dust off my brain has been challenging, but also invigoratingly fun!” He plans to jump into a career as a computer technician after he graduates. He says, “My deepest gratitude to the donors for their assistance in allowing me to achieve a second wind in life.” Samuel was honored with the Dr. Leopold Eckler Award for Excellence in Computer Studies and the Bruce R. Schermerhorn Veterans Appreciation Scholarship.
You can find more student stories on the 2022 Scholarship website, plus the entire list of recognized students. The college is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our Hornets.
If you are interested in establishing a scholarship, contact the SUNY Broome Foundation. If you are a student looking for scholarship information, visit the scholarship website.
2022 – The Beyond the Classroom Grant Unlocks Opportunity
Beyond the Classroom
A donor-supported grant unlocks unique opportunities for students
Sometimes, the most memorable educational moments happen outside of the classroom. SUNY Broome has recognized this with our long tradition of travel and learning courses. Over the years, students and their professors have explored the Florida Everglades, National Parks, London, and more.
Many of these courses have been supported by the generosity of donors to the SUNY Broome Foundation’s Beyond the Classroom grant. This funding also enables students to travel to conferences and competitions. Here are some examples of donor dollars unlocking once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for students.
American Culinary Federation Competition
Justin Yap (CULI ’22), a recent graduate, represented SUNY Broome in the American Culinary Federation (ACF) competition in Las Vegas, Nevada. This competition recognizes culinary arts students with passion, professionalism, and talent. Winners of regional areas compete for the National Winner championship at the convention.
Before the competition, Justin practiced with incredible dedication. His hard work paid off and he was awarded a silver medal for “Student Chef of the Year.”
During the fierce competition, Yap was required to prepare an amuse bouche (a single bite appetizer), as well as an entrée that had to be made using a bone-in pork loin.
Civil War Conference
On April 30, 2022, five individuals sat behind nameplates, glasses of water, a single microphone, and a table clothed with SUNY Broome’s logo. The students faced an educated audience of scholars, historians, professors, and military history aficionados. As panelists at the Society for Military History (SMH) Annual Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, they were about to give a presentation and Q&A based on their Fall 2021 Civil War course.
Dr. Steven Call (LA’ 78) was nervous. The SUNY Broome history professor had taught the students’ initial Civil War course. He’d watched them prepare, do a presentation dry-run in March, and guided them through airports and hotel check-ins. Now it was time for the “big show.” After the presentation, he admitted, “I needn’t have worried: they gave an excellent presentation.”
The students confidently displayed their knowledge, depth of research, and preparation as they bounced the lecture between teammates.
“I was exceptionally impressed watching their organizational skills, the teamwork they displayed throughout, and the camaraderie they generated within the group. Both the public presentation itself and the behind-the-scenes preparations reflect the greatest credit upon themselves and the college,” said Dr. Call. He recounts, “hundreds of [conference attendees] were keen to talk to our students…Our group held up their end of the conversation with knowledge, insight, and most of all, confidence, and poise. I expected some to feel intimidated when talking with persons who they knew had much more education. Yet, even our “notoriously shy” member conversed like a seasoned scholar and an experienced interlocutor.”
As Dr. Call shepherded this opportunity, he searched for funding for the SMH conference trip. Ultimately, the Beyond the Classroom grant from the Foundation stepped in.
Looking back on the experience, Dr. Call remarks, “[Our students] highlighted the exceptionally effective academic excellence to be found here at SUNY Broome, as well as the inspiration they find here. I wish more of the public – nationally, in New York, and in our local community – could see how valuable community colleges are and what they offer our students in terms of inspiration, broadening, and individual growth.”
Studying in Iceland
The group made the 4+ hour trek to the eruption under the guidance of the Icelandic Search and Rescue authorities to safely view the eruption. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these students and made possible with generous support from the SUNY Broome Foundation.
SUNY Broome plans to host a faculty-led travel program in Iceland in Summer 2023.
2021 – Lockheed Helps Students in Need
SUNY Broome Celebrates Lockheed Martin’s Commitment to the Student Emergency Fund
On Friday, June 11, 2021 members of the SUNY Broome community gathered in the Calice Connector to recognize Lockheed Martin’s (Owego) most recent, generous gift of $75,000.00 to support SUNY Broome’s Student Emergency Fund.
President Dr. Kevin Drumm opened the event by graciously thanking Lockheed Martin for over twenty-five years of community partnership and support. “Our neighbor to the west has always treated SUNY Broome as a priority and an investment. Whether it be through grants, merit scholarships, a physical collaborative classroom on campus, resources for our veterans, or internships for our students, Lockheed Martin has always made an impact. Thank you on behalf of all of our students and particularly the 150 students who were able to access emergency funding during the pandemic thanks to your $75,000.00 donation,” said President Drumm.
The Student Emergency Fund was the pre-pandemic brainchild of the Financial Wellness Committee led by Director of Student Financial Services, Laura Hodel, and Executive Director of the BCC Foundation, Cathy Williams. The goal of this grant was to designate easily accessible funds to help students cover unexpected costs during life’s emergencies. These funds, which range from $50.00 – $1,000.00, could be used to cover the cost of technology, school supplies, internet access, rent, food, childcare, transportation, or medical bills. Little did we know just how necessary this initiative would become…
During the height of the pandemic, the BCC Foundation sprung into action and coordinated a massive giving campaign to bolster the Student Emergency Fund. Thanks to the generous support of almost 400 of SUNY Broome’s alumni, faculty, staff, and campus partners, the Foundation was able to raise $68,000.00 in eight weeks. The BCC Foundation then secured $58,000.00 in matching funds via the SUNY Impact Foundation. Then our partners at Lockheed Martin contacted SUNY Broome with a simple, succinct message, “We want to help.”
Lockheed Martin’s Vice President and Owego Site General Manager, Hamid Salim, was honored to come to campus to share in the celebration of supporting our community’s students. “We all know what a tremendous toll the pandemic took on nearly every facet of our lives – it has impacted our families, our businesses, and our communities, and our students at every level. We hope that this relief fund gave students the support they needed and allowed them to continue their studies without that additional worry,” said Salim.
Nursing student Gisele Dure attended the press conference highlighting the Student Emergency Fund to personally thank members of the Lockeed Martin and SUNY Broome community for their support during her time of need.
“It was just a rough time for all of us, but especially for me as a single mother. I had to balance my nursing classes, labs, and clinicals, my job at a rehabilitation and nursing center, and monitor homeschooling. On the suggestion of my advisor, Lori Brewer, I applied for the grant to help me cover survival expenses – just critical, basic things like my rent and utility bills. The application process was so simple and I am really thankful for it,” Dure said.
Cheryl Kurosky (SC ’76), President of the BCC Foundation Board of Directors, was delighted to announce that the Student Emergency Fund will remain as a source of financial support beyond the scope of the pandemic, greatly in part due to Lockheed Martin’s dedicated and unwavering commitment to SUNY Broome. To date, 214 students have been able to access this funding. As both a SUNY Broome alum and a Lockheed Martin retiree, Kurosky is particularly pleased with the partnership of two of her favorite institutions. Currently, over 300 SUNY Broome alumni are employed by Lockheed Martin.
2021 – The Jumpstart Scholarship
The Jumpstart Scholarship: A great opportunity for new, first-time college students to get started
In a press conference in April 2021, SUNY Broome President Dr. Kevin Drumm and The BCC Foundation’s Executive Director, Cathy Abashian Williams, announced a new source of financial support available to students. The Jumpstart Scholarship program will ensure a minimum of $500 in funding to all qualified new, first-time, admitted students to help offset the cost of tuition and/or related college expenses.
“Recent studies have shown that many students are struggling financially especially after the effects of the pandemic.” explained President Drumm. “We understand the ongoing impact of the pandemic and have significant funding available to help students with the cost. We want to give new students the chance to rediscover the opportunities and value that SUNY Broome and higher education provides.”
The BCC Foundation already awards over 1 million dollars a year in scholarships to assist full-time and part-time students with the cost of attendance including, housing, food, transportation, and emergency events. The college
also awards millions of dollars in grant and scholarship funds from federal, state, and other local entities. 87% of SUNY Broome students will receive some form of financial aid.
“It is our goal for the fall to get as close to 100% of students receiving some sort of financial aid as we can get.” said President Drumm. “So, if you didn’t qualify for financial aid before, you will be able to get it with the Jumpstart Scholarship program.”
SUNY Broome offers students with the best possible start, whether it’s an opportunity to study a critical skilled trade and directly enter the workforce, or the ability to take advantage of dozens of incredible transfer agreements with institutions throughout the state and beyond. This scholarship makes this start more feasible for so many in our community.
“Student support is our top priority and we are particularly excited about the Jumpstart program because it comes at a time to help open the door for even those students who may not have qualified for any funding previously,” said Cathy Abashian Williams, Executive Director of The BCC Foundation. “The good news is that in addition to the Jumpstart program we also have a significant number of available need-based grants in aid and merit scholarships to help support the cost of college and help reduce any barriers a student may be facing to get access to high quality public education.”
“This past year has been so difficult for so many,” said Director of Student Financial Services, Laura Hodel. “Providing our newly admitted students with a minimum of $500 will hopefully alleviate financial barriers they may be facing and make the transition to SUNY Broome a seamless one.”
