For Immediate Release
July 16, 2019

Suffolk Federal Credit Union Named Official Partner of Suffolk County Community College

It’s a slam dunk as two powerhouses in Suffolk County join forces. Suffolk Federal Credit Union is now the official partner of Suffolk County Community College, a move that cements the two brands as hometown leaders, in a time of continued growth and success. “We could not be more thrilled to enter into this partnership with such an esteemed establishment where we can benefit the leaders of tomorrow,” said Ralph D. Spencer Jr., President & CEO of Suffolk Federal. “The resulting opportunities are proving to be endless through not only brand awareness and community events, but financial education for the students as well,” he added.

With this new partnership, the college’s former Health, Sports & Education Center on its Brentwood campus will now become known as the Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena. The 60,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility hosts thousands of visitors each year through events including athletic games and expos. Home to three multi-purpose courts, sporting fields, indoor and outdoor running tracks, an eight-lane swimming pool, fully equipped fitness center and more, the center is situated alongside the Long Island Expressway.

“This is a historic moment for Suffolk Community College Foundation, Suffolk Federal Credit Union and the students, alumni and members of the Suffolk County Community College family!” exclaimed Belinda Alvarez Groneman, Chairperson of the Suffolk Community College Foundation. “The Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena will not only serve as the Home of the Sharks but will continue to serve as a destination for community groups, professional organizations, trade associations and of course, the students of Suffolk County Community College. This landmark joins the great arenas of our region and I am grateful for the support of the men and women of the Suffolk Federal Credit Union for their generosity and commitment to our community college,” she continued.

Sylvia A. Diaz, PhD, LMSW, Executive Director of the Suffolk Community College Foundation added “Today we join with more than 26,000 students and over 125,000 alumni as Suffolk County Community College celebrates the naming of the Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena in Brentwood, Long Island!  The nationally recognized Suffolk Sharks athletics teams have earned the right to practice and play in one of the largest collegiate athletic spaces in our region – now recognized through this generous naming gift as Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena – The Home of the Sharks!  Our sincere thanks go to Suffolk Federal Credit Union President & CEO Ralph Spencer, who was also our recent Golf Classic honoree, Suffolk Federal’s Board Chairman James Maggio, Supervisory Committee member Todd Johnson and all the good folks who serve at the Suffolk Federal Credit Union throughout our county, many of whom are Suffolk Community College alums!”

Recently Suffolk Federal presented six local graduating high school seniors who will be attending Suffolk County Community College this fall with $30,000 in scholarships. Boasting over 26,000 students spread across five locations, the two-year, open enrollment institution is the largest community college in the SUNY system. More than 70-degree programs and 30 certificate programs are offered.

“Suffolk Federal’s funding of these scholarships demonstrates in a powerful way their commitment to the young men and woman of Suffolk County and to the societal benefits that flow from an educated and trained workforce. So, thank you Suffolk Federal,” added Suffolk County Community College Executive Vice President Louis Petrizzo.

With the merger, changes coming to the Brentwood campus include updated signage inside and outside the renamed arena, the display of the credit union’s logo on the court floor, the opportunity to participate in tabling at area events as well as student job fairs and recognition on event materials including schedules, student and alumni publications as well as corporate brochures. Additional signage will also be placed at the gym facilities at the College’s Riverhead and Selden Campuses.

“The Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena is the center stage of the Michael J. Grant Campus of Suffolk County Community College and my late father, for whom the campus was named, would be thrilled with this historic naming opportunity!” explained Michael J. Grant, First Vice Chairperson of the Suffolk Community College Foundation. “Our Foundation Board is delighted to partner with Ralph Spencer and Suffolk Federal Credit Union to advance the college by providing generous scholarship support and additional funding that will enhance student services and academic programs.”