BRONX, NY – Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) will confer honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees, honoris causa, upon Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, MS’97, and Mr. Steve J. Bandrowczak during its 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.
The ceremony will celebrate graduates from the Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026 classes as they join a distinguished community of MCNY alumni committed to leadership, service, and social impact.
Dr. Rainey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Brooklyn Org and a proud Master of Science in Administration 1997 alumna of Metropolitan College of New York, will be recognized for her leadership in philanthropy, workforce development, community engagement, and social justice. Under her leadership, Brooklyn Org has invested more than $150 million in organizations and initiatives serving Brooklyn communities while advancing innovative approaches to community-centered philanthropy.
Mr. Bandrowczak, former Chief Executive Officer of Xerox Holdings Corporation, will be honored for his leadership in innovation, workforce development, and technology transformation. During his tenure, he led Xerox through a period of strategic transformation, expanding the company’s digital and information technology services while overseeing nearly $2 billion in acquisitions and investments, including the landmark acquisitions of ITsavvy and Lexmark. These initiatives positioned Xerox for future growth and strengthened its ability to compete in an evolving global marketplace.
The honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree is among the highest distinctions bestowed by Metropolitan College of New York. It recognizes individuals whose achievements, leadership, and service reflect the values of Purpose-Centered Education and a commitment to creating positive change in society.
“At MCNY, we believe education should be a catalyst for opportunity, service, and lasting change,” said Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, President of Metropolitan College of New York. “Dr. Jocelynne Rainey and Steve J. Bandrowczak have dedicated their careers to creating opportunities for others and strengthening the communities they serve. Their lives and careers demonstrate what is possible when talent, education, and purpose come together in service of something greater than oneself. We are proud to honor their achievements and celebrate them alongside the Class of 2026.”
The honorary degrees will be conferred by President Gibbs during the ceremony. The 2026 Commencement marks his second commencement ceremony as President of Metropolitan College of New York since assuming leadership of the College on July 1, 2024.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Humphrey Crookendale, the College’s longest-serving faculty member, will serve as mace bearer, carrying the ceremonial mace that symbolizes the authority, traditions, and academic heritage of Metropolitan College of New York.
Founded by educational innovator Audrey Cohen, MCNY’s Purpose-Centered Education model challenges students to connect what they learn in the classroom with meaningful action in their workplaces and communities. The Commencement ceremony celebrates graduates who have balanced work, family, and educational responsibilities while preparing to make a difference in the lives of others.
###
About Metropolitan College of New York
Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) is a private, nonprofit college located in the Bronx, New York. Founded in 1964 by educational visionary Audrey Cohen, MCNY was created on the belief that higher education should be accessible, relevant, and directly connected to improving lives and strengthening communities.
Through its distinctive Purpose-Centered Education model, MCNY empowers students to apply what they learn in real time, connecting academic study with professional growth, civic engagement, and social impact. The College serves a diverse population of working adults, first-generation college students, parents, veterans, and career changers who are committed to advancing their education while making meaningful contributions to their communities.
MCNY offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs in business, education, emergency and disaster management, healthcare management, human services, information technology, nonprofit management, public affairs, and related fields.
Metropolitan College of New York
463 East 149th Street
Bronx, NY 10455
718-665-7787
www.mcny.edu
Media Contact
Tina Georgiou
Director of Marketing and Communications
Metropolitan College of New York
tgeorgiou@mcny.edu
212-343-1234 ext. 2626
