Our Mission

To provide a superior, experiantially-based education that fosters personal and professional development, promotes social justice, and encourages positive change in workplaces and communities.

Our Values

Integrity
Establishing and maintaining the highest standards.

Innovation
Identifying and implementing creative opportunities to provide quality programs and services.

Empowerment
Assisting ourselves and others to become more effective and productive.

Diversity
Actively promoting and supporting a community of different people and ideas.

A LETTER FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Letter from Gary P. Jenkins, MPA’06

Dear MCNY Community,

As we approach the end of an era, I write to you with both a heavy heart and a sense of anticipation for the future. After six years of dedicated service and transformative leadership, President Joanne Passaro has announced her retirement from Metropolitan College of New York this summer 2024.

Under President Passaro’s guidance, MCNY has experienced many transformations leading us into the future. Her unwavering commitment to our mission of providing a superior education that promotes social justice and positive change has shaped the very fabric of our institution. From expanding academic programs to fostering partnerships with local organizations and advocating for the needs of our students, President Passaro’s impact on MCNY cannot be overstated.

As we bid farewell to President Passaro, we also look ahead with optimism and excitement for the future of MCNY. The Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and selecting a successor who will continue to uphold our core values and lead MCNY with integrity and vision.

We are confident that with the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni, MCNY will continue to thrive as a beacon of excellence in higher education. Together, we will build upon our Founder, Audrey Cohen, and President Passaro’s legacy and chart a course for continued growth, innovation, and success.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Passaro for her outstanding leadership and tireless dedication to the Metropolitan College of New York Community. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to MCNY. Together, we will continue to shape the future of education and make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the communities we serve.

Sincere regards,

Gary P. Jenkins

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Message from Joanne Passaro, PhD

Dear Metropolitan College of New York Community,

As I reflect on my six years at this great college, I am most inspired by the powerful connections among the members of the MCNY community that are forged by their mutual commitment to the success of our students. The superpower of MCNY is its people—the learners, educators, trustees and staff members who go the extra mile every day to ensure that our amazingly talented and resourceful students succeed and achieve their personal and professional goals.

It has been an enormous privilege to serve as president of such an important and transformative college. MCNY occupies a unique position in the higher education landscape of New York City. The majority of our undergraduate students transfer to MCNY from larger colleges; at MCNY they thrive in personal campus environments that provide individualized support. MCNY empowers adult students to graduate at many times the national average for adults. These graduates join with our more than 12,000 alumni to bring the power of Purpose-Centered Education to life through their work in businesses, government agencies and social service organizations across New York City, where more than 90% live and work. MCNY’s impact has been palpable across the city for 60 years through the ongoing work of our alumni to promote constructive action and lead positive change in our communities.

MCNY is poised for an exciting future, with a new era of growth and deeper community connections on the horizon. A new president will take office over the summer, and that person will have the honor of continuing to advance MCNY’s mission to promote social change through transformational higher education. Stay tuned!

It has been my great privilege to work with the incredible people of the MCNY community. Every day, your dedication and commitment to our students has inspired and energized me. I will miss all of you, as I will miss the interactions with students, supporters and alumni that renewed my optimism for a better future. I hope all of you will stay connected to this great college as MCNY blazes a new and exciting trail to extend Purpose-Centered Education to new student populations.

Warmest regards,

Joanne Passaro

2023 Highlights Celebrating the Impact of Social Justice

Power of Purpose Social Impact Awards

MCNY Honors Three Alumni at Inaugural Impact Awards

On November 16, 2024, MCNY hosted the inaugural Power of Purpose Social Impact Awards Luncheon, a major fundraising event designed to recognize the remarkable contributions of alumni and business and community leaders addressing vital issues within New York City. Held at the breathtaking lower Manhattan venue, Manhatta and MC’d by Doctor Bob Lee, three alumni received the MCNY Social Impact Award for their service to the community and commitment to the mission and values of MCNY. Among the distinguished honorees was MCNY alumnus Gary P. Jenkins, who rose from adversity to ascend to the position of New York City’s Commissioner of Human Services, concurrently serving as the Chair of MCNY’s Board of Trustees.

Larry Scott Blackmon, another luminary alumnus who has left an indelible mark on NYC, was the second honoree. From enhancing urban green spaces and bringing health issues to light to combating food insecurity, Blackmon’s tireless efforts have uplifted communities.

Completing the inaugural class of recipients of the MCNY Social Impact Award was Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, who epitomizes an unwavering commitment to social justice and equity. Through her advocacy and leadership, Rainey has expanded the reach of nonprofit organizations, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.

The collective efforts of these individuals not only exemplify the MCNY spirit of purpose, but underscore MCNY’s mission to empower graduates who are dedicated to strengthening governmental agencies, community-based organizations, and businesses, thus shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Relive the moments. Explore the Flickr album.

MORE 2023 HIGHLIGHTS

DONORS 2023

Giving Societies

1964 Society
$50,000 – 99,999		 Change Makers
$30,000 – 49,999		 Empowerment
$15,000 – 29,999
New York City Council Trinity Church Wall Street Frank and Grace Roosevelt
The Thomas Family Foundation
Vision
$10,000 – 14,999		 Constructive Action
$5,000 – 9,999		 Innovation
$2,500 – 4,999
Friends of Bert F. Breiner The Howard and Katherine Aibel Foundation Melanie Schnoll Begun and Richard Begun
Jonathan and Micki Reiss Bond, Schoeneck & King, LLC Wendy Cohen and Robert Smith
Joy Colelli Melissa Crandall
FreshDirect Louise Feroe
Goldman Sachs Huron Consulting Group
Christian Hakim Gary P. Jenkins
Matthew Metzger Morgan Stanley Foundation
Slate Property Group Joanne Passaro and Ginger Duiven
Thermidor Consulting, LLC Spark 451
Margaret Wojcik Statewide Public Affairs
Vinton Thompson
David F. A. Walker
Thomas and Andrea Webber
UniverSoul Circus
Social Justice
$1,000 – 2,999		 Advocates
$500 – 999
Anthony Cammarano Charles E. Armstrong
Anthony Carone Wendy Birkemeier
Humphrey Crookendale Eric Fuchs
Kristin C. Curry Christina Georgiou
Andrew and Katie Parker Davidson Patrick Gordon
Diana Gordon Stephen Greenwald
Marilyn Hensle-Hirsch Michael McGetrick
Hodes & Landy Elane Robles
Anne Lopes Ninfa Sagerra
Ruth Lugo Adrian Smith
Paul and Maria Martin Greta Strong
NFP Property & Casualty, Inc Darlene Williams
David Rhodes
John and Janet Rodgers
Peter Slater
Nawrocki Smith, LLP

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND ADMINISTRATION

Board of Trustees

Gary P. Jenkins, MPA ’06 – Chair
Managing Director
Not-for-Profits & Social Services
Oaktree Solutions

Wendy Cohen – Vice Chair
Executive Director
Head of Loyalty & Millennial Marketing
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Matthew D. Metzger – Treasurer
Vice President
Infrastructure & Public Finance
Siebert Williams Shank & Co.

Darlene Williams, PhD, BPS ’00, MPA ’04 – Secretary
Chief Executive Officer
Union Settlement

Joanne Passaro, PhD
President
Metropolitan College of New York

Charles E. Armstrong – Chair Emeritus
Chief Executive Officer
Armstrong Interactive, Inc.

Andrew Davidson
President
Andrew Davidson & Co.

Patrick T. Gordon, BA ’19, MPA ’21
Sergeant
NYC Police Department, Office of the Chief of
Department

Charles Gray, DSW
Faculty Trustee – Associate Professor
MCNY

Max Holland
Vice President
First Line Financial Crime Compliance
PNC

Paul P. Martin, Esq.
Law Offices of Paul P. Martin

Jonathan Reiss
Managing Principal
Analytical Synthesis

Grace G. Roosevelt, PhD
Professor Emerita of History and Education
MCNY

Melanie Schnoll Begun
Managing Director, Head of Philanthropy Management
Morgan Stanley

Precious Stepney, BPS ’02, MPA ‘04
Interim Division Deputy Director
Division of State-Operated Healthcare Facilities
NC Department of Health and Human Services

David F.A. Walker
President
Exelauno Associates, LLC

Maggie Wojcik
Managing Director, Head of Digital Transformation
Office & COO of Core Engineering and the
Engineering Strategy Office
Goldman Sachs

Administration

Joanne Passaro, PhD
President

Isabel Cabrera, MA
Executive Assistant to the President

Anthony J. Cammarano, MBA
Interim VP for Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Kristin Curry, MA
Chief Development Officer

Joy Colelli, MS
Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

Humphrey A. Crookendale, JD
Vice President for Academic Affairs

Adrian Smith, MBA
Vice President for Technology and Operations
Chief Information Officer

Elaine Robles, BBA
Director of Human Resources

Hui-Yin Hsu, PhD
Dean for Academic Affairs

Clotilde Ibarra, MSW
Dean of Students

Michael Arabitg, MS
Director of Institutional Research and Assessment

Joanna Boston, MS
Registrar

Jonathan Frater, MLS
Director of Library Services

John Garfoot, MBA
Associate Vice President of Finance

Tina Georgiou, BA
Director of Communications and Alumni Relations

Taurean Kennedy, MBA
Bursar

Elliott Kerr, BA
Interim Director of Admissions and Recruitment

Philip Meade, MA
Director of Career and Professional Development

Thalia Stewart, MBA
Director of Financial Aid

Michael Molina, MSEd
Director of Student Services

Ryan Runager, MDiv
Director of E-Learning

Academic Administration

Humphrey A. Crookendale, JD
Vice President for Academic Affairs

Hui-Yin Hsu, PhD
Dean for Academic Affairs

Chuck Frank, MPA
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Co-Director,
Emergency and Disaster Management Programs and
Master of Public Administration Emergency and
Disaster Management Online Program

David Aaron Hahn, MM
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Mahbubul Joarder, PhD
Interim Associate Dean
School for Business
Co-Chair, ACBSP Self Study Group
Coordinator, MS in Project Management Program

Ali Gheith, MS
Director of Master of Public Administration
Emergency and Disaster Management Program

Patrick Ianniello, PhD
Director of the Master of Science in
Education Program

Sophie Lee, PhD
Director of Master of Public Administration,
Public Affairs and Administration Program

Setareh Sharif, PhD
Director of Master of Business Administration
Health Services and Risk Management Program

Adele Weiner, PhD
Director of Master of Arts in Community Health Education and
CASAC Programs

Jonathan Frater, MLS
Director of Library Services

Rae D. Mack, MPA
Director of the Welfare to Careers Project

Ryan Runager, MDiv
Director of E-Learning

GIVE A GIFT WITH PURPOSE

DOWNLOAD THE PDF

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who have contributed their knowledge and time to make 2023 truly remarkable for our students at Metropolitan College of New York. Your dedication and participation have been instrumental in fulfilling our mission. Together, we’ve created an environment, on campus and online, where learning thrives and students flourish. Here’s to a year of growth, achievement, and staying true to our mission.

Thank you for making 2023 a great year for our college community.