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A community college sponsored by Niagara County

© 2019 SUNY Niagara | All rights reserved.

NCCC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP SOIREE WHITE, BLUE, AND BLACK LOGO
Four students smiling drinking out of wine glasses at a formal party.

NCCC Foundation

Scholarship Soirée 2024

The NCCC Foundation Scholarship Soirée is an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence and supporting the future of SUNY Niagara students. Each year, the NCCC Foundation proudly awards over $225,000 in scholarships to deserving scholars, helping them achieve their academic and professional dreams.

Hosted at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, a division of SUNY Niagara, this special event offers an immersive experience. Our talented students take center stage, showcasing their skills through stunning table settings, innovative food preparation, and impeccable service — highlighting the value of a SUNY Niagara education.

Sponsorship InformationPurchase Tickets & Sponsorship

2024 Distinguished Alumni Award

A highlight of the evening is the presentation of the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing exceptional alumni for their outstanding contributions to academics, career, and community service. This year, we are honored to celebrate:

Pamela A. Walck ’85

Michael J. Garner ’80

Richard L Andres Jr ’99

Event Details

  • Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024
    • 5:30 p.m. Introduction of Distinguished Student Scholarship Recipients and Distinguished Alumni Awardees
    • 6:00 p.m. Auction and Raffles, Hors d’ouvre, Complimentary Beer and Wine
    • 7:00 p.m. Food Stations Prepared by NFCI Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Students
    • 9:00 p.m. Winners Drawn and Checkout
  • Location: Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, 28 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Business cocktail attire. Complimentary parking is available on the 3rd floor in the parking ramp adjacent to the building.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of fine dining, student talent, and heartfelt recognition of our community’s leaders. Your support helps make higher education accessible for the next generation of SUNY Niagara scholars.

NCCC Scholarship ice Soiree Sculpture in front of a waterfall at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.

Since 1987, the NCCC Foundation has been committed to supporting students. Join us for a special evening at the NCCC Foundation Scholarship Soirée, celebrating the talent of our culinary students and the impressive legacy of SUNY Niagara students, alumni, faculty, and community spanning over 60 years.

Attending our soirée means directly supporting student scholarship funds, fostering success and opportunity. As we invest in our students’ futures, we pave the path for their achievements. Secure your ticket or table now to join this impactful event and create a meaningful impact in students’ lives.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Blue and Gold Sponsors

Glenn & Kathy Arthurs

Chris & Debra Malof

Blue and Gold Sponsors

Mount St. Mary’s Hospital
ME Engineering Teal and Grey logo
LaBella Black and Green Logo

Coffee & Dessert Sponsors

Picone Construction Corporation Blue and Grey Logo

Liz & Jerry Canada

Floral Sponsors

Photobooth Sponsors

Seneca Resorts & Casinos Black and Purple Logo

Auction & Basket Raffle Sponsor

Lighting Sponsor

Culinary Sponsor

We extend our deepest gratitude to our Honorary Chairperson, Jane Haenle, for being an instrumental partner in establishing the NCCC Foundation in 1987 and for her continued support.

2024-2026
Distinguished Student Scholarship Recipients

Caitlin Cliffe

High School: Wilson
Major: Psychology

“Make sure your worst enemy doesn’t live between your own two ears.”
- Laird Hamilton

Luke Kolbe

High School: North Tonawanda
Major: Engineering Science

“Limits, like fear, is often an illusion”
- Michael Jordan

Miracle Martin

High School: Niagara Wheatfield
Major: Liberal Arts & Sciences

“You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.”
- Beverly Sills

Natalie Brandel

High School: Barker
Major: Accounting

“knowledge is power”

Peter Aversa

High School: Lewiston-Porter
Major: Sport Management

“Don’t put yourself on a pedestal. Because it’s very easy for someone to knock you off.”
- Rob Halford

Shelby Sy

High School: Royalton-Hartland
Major: Animal Management

“You don’t get what you wish for, you get what you work for.”

2023-2025
Distinguished Student Scholarship Recipients

Kaylee Bugman

High School: Niagara Wheatfield
Major: Liberal Arts & Sciences

“Give your best today; you will create a better tomorrow.”

Jenna Dobrasz

High School: Lewiston-Porter
Major: Liberal Arts & Sciences

“Work hard and have faith and everything will fall into place.”

Makenna Elsenheimer

High School: Royalton-Hartland
Major: Criminal Justice

“Always be your best self and chase your dreams!”

Jackson Hopkins

High School: Lockport
Major: Liberal Arts & Sciences

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Gwendolyn Johnson

High School: Newfane
Major: Liberal Arts & Sciences: Humanities and Social Sciences

"As a future educator, it is my hope to help and encourage my students to see the potential within themselves such that they may find success pursuing their dreams."

Grace Trombley

High School: Royalton-Hartland
Major: Nursing

“You don’t need to be more than yourself, just all of yourself.”

Contact

Barbara DeSimone

Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Phone: 716-614-5904
Email: desimone@niagaracc.suny.edu
Location: A-204

Julie Berrigan

Director of Development

Phone: 716-614-5911
Email: jberrigan@niagaracc.suny.edu
Location: A-202

Courtney Helinski

Assistant Director of Development

Phone: 716-614-5911
Email: chelinski@niagaracc.suny.edu
Location: A-201