The Eugenio María de Hostos Community College Foundation 2022 Annual Scholarship Benefit on Wednesday, May 18, was a tremendous success, raising more than $315,000 in gifts and pledges to provide empowering support for Hostos students. Revelers enjoyed a beautiful evening overlooking the gleaming Long Island Sound from Glen Island Harbour Club. The sold-out event radiated with the resiliency and unity that has come to define Hostos, as trailblazers in education, development, finance, advocacy, and healthcare celebrated yet another exceptional year for the College.

Students, alumni, and College leadership shared resonating messages about the lasting impact of a Hostos degree, and prominent individuals and corporations were honored for their dedication to the health, growth, and prosperity of South Bronx residents. As Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis remarked, Hostos Community College is a place where “community is central, students are considered our most sacred trust and our finest asset, and collaboration within and outside the confines of our immediate surroundings defines our actions.”

The Foundation would like to extend a final word of gratitude and commendation to the distinguished honorees: former Hostos President Dr. David Gómez; Executive Director of District Council 37, Henry Garrido; President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, George Gresham; President and CEO of Urban Health Plan, Paloma Hernández; Executive Director of UnLocal, Terry Lawson; President and CEO of MBD Community Housing Corporation, Derrick Lovett; Vice President of Development at Trinity Financial, Thomas Brown; Montefiore Einstein; President and CEO of Ponce Bank and Ponce Financial Group, Inc., Carlos Naudon; and Founder and President of the Oyate Group’s Bronx Rising Initiative, Tomas Ramos. Each of these corporations and individuals has made remarkable contributions in this community that positively impact Hostos students and, indeed, the entire city. Hostos is proud to be a neighbor and partner – employing union workers, serving as a community hub for activism, educating the next generation of leaders, and advocating for justice and equity in this community and beyond.

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The Foundation is thankful for everyone who helped to make this Benefit possible. The Hostos Division of Institutional Advancement and the Benefit Committee executed a delightful and memorable event thanks to the direction of Vice President Colette Atkins and the ceaseless effort of Development Manager Idelsa Méndez. Musicians Jonatan Suriel, Jay & Lee – Rumba Flamenca, and DJ Ralphie Mercado made the evening festive, all of the speakers shared thoughtful insights, and emcee Jessica Cunnington of NBC 4 New York kept the extensive program moving along in a timely and jovial fashion. Of course, the Foundation also wishes to acknowledge the generous partners who have been instrumental in the success of this Benefit, including Premium Event Sponsor, Stavros Niarchos Foundation; Presenting Sponsor, BronxCare Health System; Community Sponsors, 1199SEIU – United Healthcare Workers East, Friends of the Chairman of the Hostos Community College Foundation, Montefiore Einstein, Somos Community Care, and Unitex; our many Ambassador and Friend Sponsors; and all of the enthusiastic attendees.

This event, like all events hosted by the Foundation, serve to further the mission of Hostos Community College to create accessible higher education opportunities for all who seek them. To quote President Daisy Cocco De Filippis once again, “Community college students provide us with an opportunity to contribute to the betterment of society and feel that we will share in a future that will not be ours and where we may not go, but whose rich harvest will have been ensured by the seeds that we plant today.” To make a gift today to this transformative institution and its incredible students, please visit www.givetohostos.com.