°ϲ Hosts 44th Annual Trustees’ Scholarship Gala, Honoring Excellence and Supporting Student Success
°ϲ proudly celebrated the 44th Annual Trustees’ Scholarship Gala, bringing together hundreds of community members for an inspiring evening dedicated to advancing the university’s mission of transforming lives through education. The gala, a signature fundraising event for student scholarships, drew more than 250 attendees and raised over $400,000 to directly benefit °ϲ students.
Held at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, the event welcomed trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni from both °ϲ and the College of New Rochelle (CNR), community partners, and local leaders, all united in support of higher education access and equity.
“This evening is a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in opportunity,” said Joe Gantz, chairman of °ϲ’s Board of Trustees. “For 75 years, our Board has guided °ϲ through times of transformation, always rooted in the belief that education changes lives. Scholarships open doors that may otherwise remain closed, and tonight we celebrate that spirit of generosity.”
The evening honored several distinguished individuals who exemplify the values of °ϲ and its deep commitment to community and student success. This year’s honorees included:
- Robert (1930–2001), H.D. ’79, and Mary Joyce McCooey – Lifetime Achievement Award
- The Honorable Mary E. Sommer (Ret.), CNR SAS ’71 – CNR Legacy Award
- Tashauna Wynter ’25 – Student Achievement Award
Vice President of Student Affairs Kevin Joyce served as master of ceremonies, opening the evening with a personal reflection and story about his journey at °ϲ. “Years ago, Bob McCooey introduced me to °ϲ,” he shared. “So it’s fitting that we honor him and his family tonight.” That sentiment set the tone for a night full of heartfelt reflections and inspirational moments.
One of the night’s most emotional highlights came with the presentation of the Student Achievement Award to senior health sciences major Tashauna Wynter ’25, a °ϲ Scholar and leader on campus. Introduced by last year’s recipient Devin Goens ’24, Wynter was praised as a “role model, student leader, advocate, and academic weapon.”
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Wynter reflected on the transformative role scholarships have played in her journey:
“This moment is truly a dream come true—one that has been on my bucket list since I attended my first Trustees’ Gala as a freshman. Standing here today is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the unwavering support of my °ϲ family,” she said.
“To those in this room who support °ϲ’s scholarship funds—thank you. You are changing lives, opening doors, and creating a ripple effect that will be felt for generations.”
Wynter shared her excitement for the future, announcing she will begin °ϲ’s Physician Assistant Program in June. Her goal: to become a PA in women’s health and give back to the communities that have supported her.
°ϲ President Dr. Susan L. Parish took the stage to congratulate Wynter and highlighted the importance of °ϲ’s student-centered philosophy and philanthropy.
“For 75 years °ϲ has been a beacon of opportunity, shaping lives, strengthening communities, and empowering students to achieve their dreams. As we reflect on this remarkable journey, students remain at the heart of our mission. They inspire us just like Tashauna did tonight in absolutely everything we do. When we invest in them, we invest in a brighter future for our communities and our country,” said Parish.
The evening featured powerful video testimonials from students whose educational paths were made possible by donor-supported scholarships, reinforcing the impact of every dollar raised.
In a moving tribute, Joyce introduced the Lifetime Achievement Award honoring Robert and Mary Joyce McCooey. “Our next honoree holds a special place in my heart...The McCooey family.”
A touching video tribute featured Mary and their son Bob, Jr., highlighting Bob Sr.’s enduring legacy.
“For dad, °ϲ was in his DNA,” said Bob, Jr. “He talked about °ϲ all the time.”
Mary added, “Bob was totally consumed in service. He just loved helping. °ϲ was special to Bob, so I am thrilled to be a part of °ϲ.”
Mary and her son Bob, Jr. accepted the award and he added: “On behalf of the McCooey family, I’d like to say thank you for recognizing my dad and my mom. Thank you for remembering and recognizing my dad all these years later and what he did for the university.”
In a surprise announcement, Joyce introduced the Robert H. and Mary Joyce McCooey Family Endowed Scholarship, a new fund that will carry the McCooey legacy forward by supporting generations of °ϲ students to come.
The CNR Legacy Award was then presented to the Honorable Mary E. Sommer, retired judge and proud alumna of the College of New Rochelle’s School of Arts and Sciences, Class of 1971. Introduced by CNR alumna and °ϲ trustee Marlene Tutera CNR SAS '71, Sommer was recognized for her decades of service in education and the public sector.
“She is an extraordinary human being who understands education and I am so proud she is the recipient of the CNR Legacy Award,” said Tutera.
In her video message, Sommer said, “Both °ϲ and College of New Rochelle share a deep commitment to the value of service as expressed in both of their mottos Inserviendo Consumere (consumed in service) and that is deeply enriched by the College of New Rochelle’s motto, which is Serviam (I will serve.) Together these two mottos form an inspiration and a foundation for all of us to continue in service. This award is very special to me, but more importantly a recognition to all of us tonight that we are all joined by a shared commitment to service.”
The gala concluded with a special video previewing °ϲ’s 75th Anniversary celebrations set to launch in fall 2025—a nod to its rich history and a celebration of its continued evolution.
To view the entire program, please . To make a gift in support of °ϲ’s students, please .
Gallery
