There was much to celebrate at Mercy College’s October 13 Hispanic Heritage Month community reception hosted by President Tim Hall. The reception, which took place at the Moller House at Mercy’s Tarrytown Location, gathered community leaders from across the region with Mercy students, faculty and staff to recognize the individuals and programs serving the needs of Hispanic students.
The program featured Hall, Mercy College Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eva Fernández, 100 Hispanic Women National Inc. President Nancy Genova and Mercy alumnus Steven Orantes ’22, Mercy Scholars Program graduate and paralegal at Sobo & Sobo L.L.P. Sonia Martinez, associate director of public relations and community engagement at Mercy College, moderated the program.
During his remarks, Hall shared the news of Mercy’s certification of the Seal of Excelencia by Excelencia in Education. Mercy is the first private college in the country, as well as the first Hispanic-Serving Institution in New York State, to receive this certification.
As said by Hall, the certification honors Mercy as a national exemplar in advancing Latino student success. It also recognizes Mercy’s community partners, Board of Trustees, students, alumni, faculty and staff, many of whom were in the room, for their efforts in propelling dramatic improvements in student outcomes and enriching the campus culture.
Fernández cited several of the grant funded programs that are in motion at Mercy, many of which were awarded to Mercy for the College’s commitment to advancing Latino student success and serving the needs of minority students. She also emphasized Mercy’s investment in building and strengthening community partnerships considering the significant Latino populations in the regions the College serves.
Genova discussed the importance of providing resources and opportunity for Hispanic youth, a primary mission of her organization, 100 Hispanic Women National, Inc. She acknowledged the significant achievements that Hispanics have achieved in the United States and emphasized the need for programs that promote enhanced equity.
Orantes, a recent alumnus of the Mercy Scholars Program, described his experience as a legal advocate for immigrant families, and how he takes pride in and understands the great responsibility of being a voice for those in need.
To learn more about Mercy College’s Seal of Excelencia certification, please click here.
To learn more about Mercy College’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, please click here.