Dearest MCNY Community,

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as President of Metropolitan College of New York and to work alongside the incredible MCNY community.

The deep commitment of faculty and staff has been a source of inspiration and optimism every day of the past six years. I leave MCNY a better person, filled with pride at the impact and success of our students on our communities.

Thank you to each of you for helping to advance the goals of Purpose-Centered Education. You’ve made our world a better place.

Sincerely,

Joanne Passaro, PhD
President Emerita
Metropolitan College of New York

A Message from the MCNY Community

In July 2018, Dr. Joanne Passaro joined MCNY as our sixth president with a passion and care for students rarely seen at this level. Ready to tackle challenges at both the macro and micro levels, she always put students first. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was nothing short of extraordinary. The College and our students faced unparalleled challenges, yet President Passaro remained unwavering in her energy and commitment. She steered us through an impossible transition, and thanks to her dedication, we succeeded.

President Passaro’s relentless commitment set a standard for us all. Under her guidance, MCNY not only navigated the pandemic but also achieved significant academic advancements. She championed innovative support opportunities for students and staff, strengthened our academic programs, and ensured our institution remained a place of excellence and opportunity.

We will deeply miss her drive, innovative spirit, and genuine care for everyone in the MCNY community. As we bid farewell to President Joanne Passaro, we are filled with gratitude and admiration for her remarkable contributions. Her impact on our institution and on each of us individually will be felt for years to come.

President Passaro, your legacy of leadership, compassion, and excellence will always be a part of the MCNY family. Even as you retire, we know that wherever you go, you will continue to inspire with the same passion you showed us.

Thank you for all that you do!

On June 18, 2024, the Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) community bid a bittersweet farewell to President Joanne Passaro, whose retirement marked the end of a remarkable era of leadership and transformation. The event at the Manhattan campus was a heartfelt tribute to a leader who profoundly impacted the institution and its members.

The evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Vice President Humphrey A. Crookendale, JD, set the tone for an evening filled with warmth, gratitude, and reflection. As he welcomed the attendees, there was an unmistakable sense of appreciation and admiration for Dr. Passaro’s contributions.

Gary P. Jenkins, MPA ‘06, Chair of the Board of Trustees, delivered the welcome remarks, capturing the collective sentiment of the MCNY community. He spoke of Dr. Passaro’s unwavering commitment to the college’s mission and the personal touch she brought to her role. Jenkins shared how her outreach convinced him to join the board, highlighting her leadership’s impact on the institution and those around her.

One of the evening’s most poignant moments came with the presentation of a proclamation from the New York City Council Members. This proclamation, introduced by Matthew D. Metzger, Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, underscored the significant partnerships Dr. Passaro had forged with city leaders. These collaborations were instrumental in garnering grant support for MCNY, enhancing its stature and outreach in the community. The proclamation was a testament to her ability to build bridges and advocate for the college’s mission.

On behalf of the faculty, Dr. Charles Gray spoke of Dr. Passaro’s support of the faculty and academics and her unwavering dedication to students. His words painted a vivid picture of a president deeply committed to fostering an environment where students could thrive. Vice President Crookendale also reflected on her support and shared an emotional moment, recounting Dr. Passaro’s early life as a disc jockey. He played the Manhattans’ “Kiss and Say Goodbye,” symbolizing the end of a challenging but wonderful journey for all who had the honor of working with Dr. Passaro.

Charles E. Armstrong, Chair Emeritus of the Board of Trustees, led a heartfelt toast. His words resonated deeply with everyone present as he reminisced about Dr. Passaro’s journey and her transformative impact on MCNY. Armstrong’s toast was not just a tribute to her professional achievements but also a recognition of her kindness, integrity, and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.

The toast culminated with remarks from Dr. Joanne Passaro herself. In her speech, she expressed profound gratitude to the MCNY community, reflecting on the shared accomplishments and bonds formed over the years. Her words were filled with emotion as she recounted the challenges and triumphs, growth, and progress that defined her tenure. Dr. Passaro’s speech reminded the audience that camaraderie is at the core of this special place and how the College flourishes because of the staff’s commitment to each other and the students.

As the evening drew to a close, it was evident that Dr. Passaro’s legacy would continue to inspire and guide MCNY for years to come. Her retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in the college’s history, but her influence will undoubtedly endure. The event was a fitting tribute to a leader who has given so much to MCNY.

In celebrating Dr. Joanne Passaro, the MCNY Community not only honored her past contributions but also embraced the future she helped shape. It was a night filled with gratitude, respect and an enduring sense of family – a reflection of Dr. Passaro’s impact on Metropolitan College of New York.

Enjoy the Pictures and Speeches from “A Farewell Toast to President Passaro” HERE.