Foundation Annual Report

Peer Scholarships Doubled

During the last academic year, Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) members and Presidential Honors Scholarship (PHS) students raised a record amount of scholarship money for their peers.

With campus support, the council and volunteers raised $2,027.73 (double last year’s total) through the Student Giving Campaign. This was enough to fund four $500 scholarships. Staci Gregory, Yuliia Onikiienko, Waylon Partridge, and Tammy Poku were the recipients of the Student Giving Peer Scholarship this year.

The council and volunteers fundraised through bake sales, basket raffles, fundraisers at local restaurants, and a bingo event. “We are so grateful to everyone in our campus community that bought a donut, donated cookies, ordered a burger at a restaurant fundraiser, or participated in a drawing for a basket or prize. We couldn’t have done it without our students and friends on campus,” said SUNY Broome Foundation Alumni & Development Associate Jamie Manchester, the council’s advisor.

SPC member and PHS recipient Isabelle Dithrich presented the proceeds in a ceremonial check to Dr. Drumm at the graduation ceremony on May 18, 2023. The council hopes to earn a similar amount in the next academic year to assist another four students in 2024-2025.

Dedicating Edwin C. Daub Field

SUNY Broome renames Hornet Field in memory of a beloved professor emeritus & coach

On April 29, 2023, a crowd of alumni, college employees, current and past SUNY Broome baseball players, and friends of the Daub family, huddled beneath a tent pitched on the outskirts of the College’s baseball field. The blustery weather did not deter the group from gathering to rename and dedicate the Hornet Baseball Field in honor of Professor Emeritus and Coach Edwin C. Daub.

For Mini Daub, the chilly day conjured up many memories of sitting in countless baseball stands, covered in blankets to brace against the weather, to support her husband as he coached. (Sometimes being the only spectator in the stands.) The family recalled that his love for the sport was so strong that they often teased that his family took second place in his heart.

Reverend Joe Hein (LA ’76), who played on the 1976 baseball team, remembered Coach Daub as a master motivator who had an incredible knack for developing a student’s path in life.

During the ceremony, Director of Athletics Colleen Cashman (BA’ 85) read the SUNY Broome’s Board of Trustees’ resolution to rename the college’s baseball field to Edwin C. Daub Field. In the resolution, the trustees listed many reasons for the honor. Some reasons included: Daub’s 59-year long tenure, the exceptional quality of his instruction, his mentoring of less experienced faculty members, his NJCAA Region III baseball championships, his level-headed ability to problem solve, and his coaching of the college’s first tennis and varsity soccer teams in 1963.

Cashman also recounted that, “I was only able to interact with Ed a couple of times when I started [working] here…[but] I was able to see the love and passion he had for teaching here at the college, and how much it meant to him to be a part of developing a student’s path of life.” As a longtime Cincinnati Reds fan, she was also excited that Daub had scouted for the team. Cashman said, talking to him about the Reds “was definitely one of the coolest things about starting my job here.”

Stephanie Daub-Kuzio (CT’ 83) shared that her father would truly be honored by this dedication and would be humbled to know that his great spirit and passion for physical education and athletics at SUNY Broome were both noticed and appreciated.

Heather Hoffman, Assistant Professor and Chair of Physical Education and Sport Studies, spoke with an evident fondness for her older colleague, noting, “What stood out the most was his passion for teaching and coaching.” Telling a story of finding a handout titled “Thoughts for Your Journey” from one of Daub’s classes, she shared one that seems particularly relevant, “our true legacy will not be in your accomplishments or possessions but rather in the wisdom you share and pass on to others.”

The dedication ceremony wrapped with the Daub family viewing the newly updated scoreboard. The Daub family, who now live in Maine and New Mexico, also established a scholarship fund in his memory for students at SUNY Broome who intend to transfer to SUNY Cortland and pursue a career in teaching and physical education. Through these two efforts, the college hopes that the story of the dedicated long-term coach and professor will live on in the memory of our campus.

Celebrating Storytelling and Heritage

SUNY Broome and Universidad de Celaya students explore each other’s cultures to create storytelling exhibit

The Gallery @ SUNY Broome was overflowing with faculty, staff, students, and friends of the College on June 8, 2023, in honor of the debut of the Storytelling and Heritage exhibit, curated collaboratively by a group of anthropology students from SUNY Broome and the Universidad de Celaya, Mexico. The exhibit showcased a collection of photographs, interviews, and artistic pieces depicting Mexican and American cultures. The event resulted from the overwhelming success of Anthropology 288: Storytelling and Heritage, an invitation-only travel course designed to highlight the power of storytelling and its ability to bridge cultural gaps.

“A few of the SUNY Broome students who participated in the course had previously never left the country, so the impact of this type of international, experiential learning was even more significant. Courses like ANT 288 truly enrich our students’ lives,” said Professor Kathleen McKenna.

The course, taught by adjunct instructor Lynda A. Carroll, began with weekly Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) discussions via Zoom. While initially, the weekly Zoom classes were admittedly a bit awkward for students on both sides, the awkwardness dissolved the moment that they gathered collectively in Querétaro, Mexico, in March 2023. While in Mexico, SUNY Broome and Universidad de Celaya students spent their days immersed in Mexican culture through travel to historical and natural sites such as la Peña de Bernal and the Museo Regional de Querétaro. They also attended workshops, interviews, and cultural performances. The SUNY Broome cohort left Mexico with seven new, lifelong friends and the desire to return the hospitality by serving as the ultimate American ambassadors for their counterparts in June.

In America, the students explored Broome County’s cultural highlights, such as the carousels, the Discovery Center’s Story Garden, the Phelps and Kilmer Mansions, and an introduction to the delicacy of the “spiedie.” Then, the semester-long intercultural exchange culminated in the display in the gallery.

The program was primarily funded by outside sources such as 100,000 Strong in the Americas, the Mary Street Jenkins Foundation, and Universidad de Celaya. However, two SUNY Broome Foundation funds, designated to increase innovation among faculty members and enhance student academic opportunities, also assisted. These two funds, The Harold Sunshine Fund for Cross Disciplinary Collaboration — created in memory of Professor Emeritus Harold Sunshine — and the Dr. Richard and Ellen Romano International Education Endowment Fund, were established in honor of dedicated SUNY Broome employees. Read the longer version of this story in the Buzz.

2023 Student Awards Recognition Reception:

Celebrating students and donors and six new scholarships

On May 9, 2023, over 600 people gathered in a sea of folding chairs inside SUNY Broome’s Ice Center. Students, friends, family, scholarship donors, professors, and college employees attended the Student Awards Recognition Reception to recognize the academic efforts of scholarship winners and the philanthropy of the countless donors who make it all possible.

This year, over 420 scholarships were given to help incoming, continuing, graduating, and transferring students afford their college education. These scholarships award a range of amounts from $200 to the multi-year full-tuition coverage of the Presidential Honors Scholarship. The average scholarship is worth $500.

In 2023, the Foundation had six brand-new scholarships.

The Edwin C. Daub Memorial Scholarship was created by his family in memory of Professor Emeritus Daub, who dedicated 59 years to teaching and coaching at the college. This scholarship is for a student who will also transfer to SUNY Cortland and seems to be on a path similar to Professor Daub’s career, one of teaching or physical education. Nicholas Mugglin, this year’s scholarship winner, told his donors, “With help from my SUNY Broome professors, I have been able to volunteer for Intramural Sports, assist members in my community at the Lourdes Fitness Center, and kickstart my coaching career with the Chenango Forks Varsity Football team! Your generous donation for Coach Daub’s scholarship will allow me to be financially free enough to continue my path of volunteering and coaching into my years in Cortland! Go Hornets!”

The Nirchi family also started scholarships in memory of their loved ones: Rocco Nirchi, owner of the Nirchi’s Pizza franchises, and his sons Michael and Thomas.

Nirchi’s Pizza Memorial Scholarship for Paramedics recipient was Hannah Oleary. She thanked her donors, saying, “My end goal is to be a flight medic as well as a volunteer firefighter. This award gives me the motivation to not give up on what I have been dreaming of becoming.”

Nirchi’s Pizza Memorial Scholarship for a Culinary Student recipient, Kelsey Coe, said, “I appreciate your consideration for this award. It means a lot to me. I grew up with little money, so getting this opportunity even to be a candidate means a lot.”

The new Broome County Association of Towns & Villages Scholarship is designed for local students in the Criminal Justice or Homeland Security majors. When the scholarship was awarded, Mike Marinaccio, the Supervisor of the Town of Dickinson, spoke on behalf of the Broome County Association of Towns & Villages. “Domenico Emilio’s work and plans to become a NY State Trooper more than meets the criteria our Association has set to qualify for this scholarship. Congratulations Domenico and we wish you the very best success in all your future endeavors.”

The Christopher & Marjorie Keibel Memorial Scholarship, established by their family, focuses on helping a continuing nursing student who has worked or volunteered in hospice. Kendal Valenti, the scholarship winner, remarked, “Scholarships such as this one are important to me because they allow me to continue pursuing my academic and career goals without the added financial burden that often comes with higher education. After graduation, I am hoping to begin my career as a psychiatric nurse at Binghamton General Hospital.”

The final brand-new scholarship, given by the Sohn Family, is in memory of Young H. Sohn, who they remember as a “wonderful son, brother, husband, and father who left us all too soon.” Through her kindness and compassion during Young’s final hours, ICU nurse Ellen Paffie Gross (RN ’13) unintentionally inspired the family to donate to a SUNY Broome nursing student in honor of both Young and Ellen. The Young H. Sohn Memorial Scholarship assisted two students in 2023, Jenny Comency and Carly Forbes.

Jenny notes, “I work part-time at UHS Wilson Memorial Hospital and volunteer for Special Olympics weekly. This scholarship allows me to work fewer hours and focus on my studies and additional educational opportunities.” Carly told her donors, “I am deeply touched by your kindness. I became a mother at a young age, and I’m so excited to be able to set an example for him that hard work pays off. This scholarship allows me to work fewer hours so that I can focus on my education and my son.”

You can find more student stories on the 2023 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.

SUNY Broome Celebrates the Dedication of the Dr. Francis Battisti Reflection Area

Past and present faculty, staff, administration gathered on campus on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. to attend the dedication ceremony of the Dr. Battisti Student Reflection Area. This tranquil, outdoor space, which was designed for members of the campus community to use as a spot to rest, converse, and reflect, is situated between the Natural Science Center and the Calice Advanced Manufacturing Center. The pergola and surrounding area are named in honor of Dr. Francis L. Battisti and his unfailing devotion to SUNY Broome, which lovingly spanned over 50 years.

Dr. Francis L. Battisti retired from his position as the Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of SUNY Broome in October of 2019. In honor of his decades of service to the College, fellow colleagues, family, and friends collaborated with SUNY Broome’s Foundation to create a space for students bearing his name. The College’s facilities staff spent months designing and constructing the Reflection Area to craft the ideal outdoor spot for students. Keep Reading

2022 Student Awards Recognition Reception

Every October, a select group of parents and students move into the Klee Center of the Decker Building and split up. Parents enter the tiered rows of chairs to sit in the audience. Students head to the front of the room to find their names taped to chairs that faces the crowd of family and donors, and nervously wait for the Presidential Honors Scholarship (PHS) Reception to begin. One reason this year’s event, held on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, was remarkable was the number of waiting chairs for the PHS students.

“I had to figure out how to make the space work with as many chairs as were needed. We’ve never had so many PHS students before,” remarked scholarship coordinator, Foundation Executive Assistant Amy Englehart.

SUNY Broome chose nineteen PHS students from approximately forty-five applicants from Broome, Chenango, Delaware, and Tioga county high schools. These Hornets were selected because of their hard work and leadership, evidenced by their position in the top 10 percent of their graduating class and their extracurricular activities. Along with the prestigious title of Presidential Honors Scholar, SUNY Broome awarded students a certificate and, more importantly, a full-tuition scholarship for their two years at the College. Keep Reading.

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. 

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.

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

SUNY Broome faculty Dr. Kennie Leet and Professor Jason Smith were in Iceland with two independent study students when the Fagradalsfjall volcano began erupting after an 8-month hiatus. A fissure opened up in the Meradalir valley to the northeast of last year’s eruption.

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.

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.

Learn more about the Student Emergency Fund.

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.”

Learn more about this opportunity.

2021 Scholarships

Since the beginning of the college’s Foundation in 1965, when tuition was under $400, it has endeavored to provide financial resources to students in need and to reward academic success. Thousands of SUNY Broome students in need have been financially supported by private donations over the years. Today, tuition for New York residents is set at $2,544 a semester and approximately 87% of students will need assistance in funding their education.

This year 12 local high-achieving students were awarded the full-tuition Presidential Honors Scholarship for their two years, more than $1,185,000 merit or need-based awards of various amounts were granted, over $1,517,308 was given to support our students overall.

Scholarship recipients often note that they are not only grateful for the support but for the emotional boost of knowing that someone cared enough to invest in their dreams and future.

“My family is so excited that I was chosen. This scholarship is a dream come true,”said Devin, who plans to become a programmer at Microsoft one day. “This has cemented that me going back to school was meant to be. I will not let you down!”

“I hope one day that I will also be able to help struggling students reach their goals in higher education by assisting them in the same way you are helping me,” Tatsenyo, a civil engineering student, told his donors.

Early childhood education major Haley promised her donors, “I will work hard and eventually give back to others, both as a teacher and possibly a scholarship to future students like myself.”

“This award is very important to me because it will help me not need a loan for this semester,” said Michelle, a business major. “As a single parent, it is important to me to not go very deeply into debt.”

SUNY Broome is very grateful that our supporters’ generosity keeps a college degree within financial reach of our students.