Message from the President
Last year, as we produced the fifth annual publication of the College’s review of
Accomplishments, i introduced the concept of “legacy” and shared with our audiences
that as the years pass, our achievements and influential moments are being remembered,
thus becoming “legacy points.”
Since i became President, i have consistently shared my belief that education
transforms lives by empowering individuals; this empowerment allows people to achieve,
create, and thrive – thereby creating progress. To build momentum and keep everything
moving forward, the college community, along with our Board of Trustees, elected
officials, business and community leaders, and area partners, share responsibility for
supporting the continued development and strengthening of Suffolk County Community
College. in so doing, each of these networks has numerous opportunities to take action
and make decisions that can propel our College forward – maintaining our goal of being an institution of excellence. i am
honored to share with you that between the covers of this document, you will find many examples demonstrating steps
already taken in that direction.
Having accomplished so much, we are now poised to build on a legacy that responds to the needs of our local
communities here in Suffolk County. e legacy of welcoming people of all backgrounds and abilities, the legacy of good
stewardship of resources, the legacy of enhanced academic programs and student services, the legacy of improved facilities,
and the legacy of changing lives in a profound way for the better, are all hallmarks of this institution.
is past year has been a defining moment in the history of the College. when challenged by numerous external
demands, so many members of the college community willingly stepped forward to address the work required to meet those
demands, enabling all of us to advance the institution and enhance our legacy of excellence.
As i have led our efforts and joined with the college community in completing the hard work required to maintain and
enhance excellence within the College, my vision for the institution – the big picture – is to ensure that Suffolk County
Community College evolves and is better tomorrow than it is today. e point is not to finish quickly those actions that can
be completed in the short-term, but rather to make bold and well-considered decisions that keep our institution moving
forward, and building upon our legacy of leadership, innovation, and transformation.
Clearly, our community supports the College’s mission and the contributions made by each colleague. our faculty and
staff of professionals, who possess exceptional skills, creativity, and a healthy competitive drive, continue to maintain a
student-centered focus and respect for our collective work. i remain grateful to each of them, and i am grateful for the
dedication of our Board of Trustees. rough their continued focus and commitment, i know our students and this College
will continue to achieve great things. Now, as we start a new academic year, we also commence the next phase in the
College’s growth, and i join our community in anticipating the newest legacy points that will emerge.
in this way, adhering to our mission, we will generate the transformational power of education that brings success to
our students and provides opportunities to create a legacy of change and growth. i am honored to serve as the College’s
President and i look forward to another exciting academic year. with meaningful actions, such as those chronicled within
the following pages, it is clear that we are making purposeful progress in shaping our institutional legacy, while enhancing
teaching and learning across the College.
Sincerely,
Dr. Shaun L. McKay
2014-2015 Review of Accomplishments
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