On Thursday, April 29, the Hostos Community College Foundation presented its premier of the 2021 Virtual Annual Scholarship Benefit. This special event afforded the Foundation the opportunity to express its appreciation to its generous donors, celebrate their impact on students’ lives, and illustrate the phenomenal offerings that Hostos provides to its students and the community. This year, the well-attended Annual Scholarship Benefit raised more than $107,000 in support of student success and the educational mission of the College.
 
Host Michael Max Knobbe, executive director of BronxNet Television, welcomed the audience to experience the impact and history of Hostos by presenting the program from several iconic locations around the campus. Interim President Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis and Foundation Board Chairperson José A. Sánchez-Kinghorn shared inspiring messages about the College’s tradition of excellence and the student achievement that donors enable through scholarship support. The Foundation bestowed three awards to community leaders in honor of their philanthropy and public service. Continental Food and Beverage, Inca Kola, USA was presented with the Community Impact Award; Mr. and Mrs. Stuart and Randi P. Feiner received the Philanthropic Impact Award; and the Honorable José E. Serrano accepted the Lifetime Community Service Award. Once again, the Foundation extends its congratulations to all of its honorees and thanks them for all they do for the benefit of others.
 
This event also highlighted the inspired perseverance of Hostos students and alumni through the challenges of the last year. The Office of Alumni Relations applauded the many selfless Hostos graduates who work in healthcare combating the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted six outstanding healthcare professionals who were featured in the Hostos Alumni on the Frontlines series. The digital animation video titled “Hope” created by student Sky Candelario captured the resilient spirit of Hostos students, and a documentary featuring Isabel Neira Sánchez titled “A Day in the Life of a Student” gave insight to her relatable experiences, managing her coursework, volunteering efforts, and familial responsibilities. One viewer reflected, “Listening to Isabel's story, it reminds me of my beginning at Hostos…Thanks to Hostos and the ESL Intensive Program, I was able to succeed. I encourage everyone to support Hostos and its students.”
 
The Foundation would like to thank each of the generous individuals who supported this event and who help to ensure that a Hostos education remains accessible to all who seek it. The Foundation also extends its deep appreciation to the sponsors of the Annual Scholarship Benefit. Presenting Sponsors: BronxCare Health Systems and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. Community Sponsors: Michael Propper and Family and ChessNYC.com, in honor of the Richard A. Propper Memorial Scholarship; ATAX Tax Preparation and Business Services; and BronxCare Health Systems. Further gratitude is due to the Benefit’s media partner, BronxNet Television, for its assistance in making this a virtual event to remember.
 
If you were unable to view the premiere, you can watch the entire program by clicking here. If you would like to make a gift in support of student opportunity and success at Hostos, please click Make a Gift​.