Dr. Shaun McKay speaks at his inauguration
President McKay Keynotes MLK Celebration
Your Success Starts at Suffolk
Welcome to Suffolk County Community College! Here you will find affordable, quality higher education delivered in small class settings, led by faculty with credentials from many of the country's most acclaimed colleges and universities. Read Dr. McKay's Full Welcome Message.
Initiatives, Progress and Leadership
Frey Family Scholars Reunion
On June 25th, we had a highly successful reunion with 18 of the College's 42 Frey Family scholars at the home of alumni Dr. Robert Frey ('78), Secretary of the Suffolk Community College Foundation Board of Directors, and his wife, Kathryn ('73). Throughout the 20-year history of this scholarship, the Frey family has provided support for students studying Mathematics at Suffolk and beyond. During the informal evening program, I was able to express sincere appreciation on behalf of the Foundation, the College and our students for Kathy and Robert’s generous support and incredible hospitality. Dr. Frey then shared his insights for success and charged each scholar with a responsibility for paying forward their experience and good fortune-either through philanthropic support of scholarship opportunities for other students or through volunteerism and mentorship. Dr. and Mrs. Frey expressed their love and gratitude toward the College as they accepted a personalized book featuring a profile of each of the 42 scholars they have helped through the years. The Frey scholars then expressed their individual appreciation for the Frey family's support and the impact the receipt of the scholarship made in light of their individual circumstances.
Astronaut Robert "Hoot" Gibson ('66) Addresses Select Students
Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay was joined by Commander Robert "Hoot" Gibson at a dinner with faculty, staff and students a day after Gibson's inspirational commencement speech at Suffolk County Community College's 55th commencement on May 21. Mr. Gibson addressed NSF S-STEM scholars, STEP, C-STEP and Liberty Partnership students and spoke passionately about his start as an engineering science student at Suffolk.
Retired NASA Astronaut Robert "Hoot" Gibson ('66) Delivers Commencement Address at Graduation
Retired NASA Astronaut, Space Shuttle Commander and 1966 graduate, Robert "Hoot" Gibson" (Captain, USN Ret.) will deliver the Suffolk County Community College 2017 keynote commencement speech at the college’s May 21, 2017 graduation ceremony. Gibson presented the college with a Suffolk County Community College pennant he took into space.
"Robert Gibson is a homegrown inspiration to all Suffolk County Community College students, as well as students from our local high schools and communities," said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay.
Suffolk Gala Honors Randi Weingarten, AFT President
On April 4, 2017, Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO was honored by the Suffolk Community College Foundation at its annual Salute to Excellence Gala. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund need and merit-based scholarships, emergency student loans and quality academic enrichment programs. The Foundation distributed more than $650,000 in scholarships and aid last year.
Suffolk Creates Seamless Pathway with St. John's University
On March, 30, 2017, Suffolk and St. John's University entered into a new partnership to ensure that students will be able to transfer seamlessly from Suffolk to St. John's. The agreement provides 33 associates-to-bachelor degree programs for students who will be provided an academic pathway to transfer to St. John’s University. St. John's University will also generously award an annual $17,000 scholarship to Suffolk students who attain a set academic goal.
Foundation Tips-Off Foley Scholarship Event
On February 28, 2017, the Suffolk Community College Foundation hosted a "tip-off" reception for the John J. and Kevin Foley Scholarship Fund. The event was well attended, with 50 people on hand to celebrate Kevin and his father and to learn more about plans to name the Brookhaven Gymnasium basketball court for Kevin and raise funds for this new scholarship.
Advocacy Day - March 2, 2017
Suffolk students joined members of Suffolk County Community College's Board of Trustees and college officials to meet state representatives and senators in Albany to discuss higher education issues and advocate for increased funding for community colleges.
Suffolk Hosts Thousands for Breast Cancer Walk at Eastern Campus
Suffolk County Community College’s Eastern Campus hosted the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in Riverhead on Sunday October 23. The event attracted 3,500 participants and raised thousands for cancer research. “We're coming together to support women battling breast cancer, to remember those who've lost the battle, and to push for continued advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment,” Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay said.
Annual NYSUT/SUNY Community College Presidents Conference
Dr. McKay participated in the annual NYSUT/SUNY Community College Presidents Meeting on October 14, 2016. The gathering enables community college presidents, community college union presidents, SUNY leadership and NYSUT leadership to share ideas and discuss issues related to higher education. Dr. McKay was also joined by Kevin Peterman, president of the Faculty Association of Suffolk County Community College.
Professional Development Day - October 11, 2016
Dr. McKay and the entire college community met to discuss the Achieving the Dream (AtD) initiative and to explore "Diverse Strategies for Diverse Students: Ensuring Equity, Success and Inclusion."
Academic Convocation - August 29, 2016
Students, faculty and administrators convened in the Brookhaven Gymnasium on the Ammerman Campus on Monday, August 29, 2016 for the College’s academic convocation. The ceremony provided an opportunity to welcome incoming students and bestow honors upon select members of our college community.
33rd Annual Suffolk Community College Golf Classic
On August 22, 2016, the Suffolk Community College Foundation held its 33rd Annual Golf Classic. Kevin M. O'Connor, president and chief executive officer of The Bridgehampton National Bank (BNB) and a Suffolk County Community College graduate was the honoree. "Kevin O'Connor is committed to making a difference in our students' lives," said Suffolk President Dr. Shaun L. McKay. "As a Suffolk graduate, Kevin has gone from the classroom to the boardroom and nurtured a culture of purpose and commitment to the community at large. We thank Kevin for helping the college's foundation and our students." Proceeds from the event support need and merit-based scholarships, emergency student loans and quality academic enrichment programs for students.
Suffolk Graduates Largest Class in History
With more than 4,398 graduating students, Suffolk's 54th commencement was its largest ever. It was held on May 15, 2016, in the Field House of the Health, Sports and Education Center on the Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood.
Suffolk Receives $1 Million Gift at Spring 2016 Gala
At the Suffolk Community College Foundation's Annual Gala on May 5, 2016, the College received a $1 million gift from Suffolk Alumnus and Gala Honoree Dr. Robert Frey. It is the largest gift ever received from a Suffolk graduate. Dr. Frey, holds a joint appointment in Stony Brook University's Business School and is the President of the University's Research Center for High Frequency Finance. He has been an adjunct professor and chair of the advisory board for the Program on Financial Mathematics at the University of Chicago and currently serves as CEO of FQS Capital Partners, Ltd., an investment management firm based in New York and London, and CEO of Harbor Financial Management, his family office. His public service and charitable activities include service on the Boards of the Guardian Angels, Hope House Ministries, the Museum of Mathematics, the Stony Brook Foundation, and the Suffolk Community College Foundation. Dr. Frey's wife and daughter are also Suffolk graduates.
"Robert Frey, a class of '78 graduate and advocate for our institution, recognizes the transformative value of his contribution and the impact it will have on the lives of our students,” said Dr. Shaun L. McKay, Suffolk County Community College president. “We cannot thank him enough for his generosity."
Community Leaders Meeting
On March 9, 2016, Dr. McKay hosted the second Community Leaders meeting, where he updated over 50 community leaders regarding new and ongoing initiatives at the College. Dr. McKay conveys his appreciation to these individuals for taking time from their very busy schedules to learn more about what’s currently happening at the College, and speaking about the value that Suffolk brings to students and the towns where they live.
L.I. Federation of Labor Awards
On Thursday, March 3, the Long Island Federation of Labor honored Dr. Shaun L. McKay, with their Leadership Award at their annual celebration of leaders.
President McKay Keynotes County MLK Celebration
Dr. Shaun L. McKay delivered the keynote address at the Suffolk County-wide Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission’s 2016 annual awards luncheon. In his remarks, Dr. McKay connected the values espoused by Dr. King and the contemporary challenges we face in 2016. "If our lives truly matter, then we must do all in our power to provide a good education to every person, no matter gender, color, creed, socio-economic status, or political belief. Even in the most impoverished, underserved and perhaps violent neighborhoods, our schools must be beacons of hope for an end to oppression. The structures that create systemic inequity can be transformed and result in opportunity for all," said Dr. McKay.
Second Term Inauguration of County Executive Steve Bellone
On December 30, 2015, Dr. McKay and Suffolk students celebrated the second term inauguration of Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. Suffolk students even helped to emcee the event, including (l to r): Anthony Mercurio, Elisandra Fini (front) and Nykel Reese (back).
Honoring Veterans with the Student Veteran Association (SVA)
On Monday, November 9th, I was honored to host the Student Veteran Association’s (SVA) program for Veterans Day on the Ammerman Campus. The ceremony drew veteran representatives from across Suffolk County and included a color guard and honor guard provided by the 106th Air Rescue Wing from Westhampton Beach. The event began with the “The Star Spangled Banner,” performed by Staff Sergeant Mervin Leonar (husband of SVA member Didi Leonor); this was followed by reflections on his Coast Guard Service by Ammerman Campus Executive Dean, Wes Lundburg; and remarks by Vietnam Veteran Brian Rockwood (grandfather of SVA member Michele O’Brien). The ceremony concluded with an Honor Guard flag-folding ceremony and "Taps" performed on trumpet by Suffolk music major Colin Holsinger.
Suffolk Unveils First Live-TV Production Vehicle for Community College in NY
Suffolk unveiled a state-of-the-art high definition mobile production vehicle outfitted by a Massachusetts production tech company owned by a former student of the College's Radio and Television Production program. The van is a first for community colleges in New York State. It will enable students produce up to four live web broadcasts each semester including concerts, athletics and graduation.
Suffolk Welcomes Top SUNY Administrators
Suffolk County Community College was visited by top SUNY administrators on Thursday, October 8, 2015. Led by SUNY Provost Dr. Alexander Cartwright the contingent included Eileen McLoughlin, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Chief Financial Officer; Joseph Porter, General Counsel; and Johanna Duncan-Poitier, Senior Vice Chancellor for Community Colleges and Education Pipeline. The visit included a number of private meeting sessions, lunch at the College’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Center, which was prepared and served by students enrolled in the program, and a student panel with current and alumni scholarship recipients.
Long Island Celebrates National Manufacturing Day at Suffolk
Dr. McKay was joined by a host of state and local officials, labor leaders, students and manufacturing CEOs, and economic development officials to celebrate National Manufacturing Day. The event featured a video that showed manufacturing as a viable career path on Long Island, with testimonials from successful millennials in various manufacturing environments. The event was sponsored by The Workforce Development Institute (WDI) and hosted by our college at the Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood at the Workforce Development Technology Center.
Suffolk Breaks Ground for Eastern Campus Health & Wellness Center
On September 28, 2015, ground was broken on a nearly 49,000 square foot, $18 million Health & Wellness Center on Suffolk’s Eastern Campus in Riverhead. The new LEED certified building will provide students, faculty, staff and residents of eastern long Island with a facility that features a rock climbing wall, swimming pool, basketball court, locker room and shower facilities, classrooms and faculty space as well as nursing facilities, and an aerobic and weight training room. "No longer are we going to have three disparate campuses,” said College President Dr. Shaun McKay, who emphasized the importance of a singular Suffolk experience. "We are officially one college,” he said. The new building will be available for community use and allow the Eastern Campus to serve as a complete academic center for eastern Long Island."
Suffolk Breaks Ground for Renewable Energy and STEM Building
On Thursday, September 17, Dr. McKay joined elected officials, students, faculty and administration to celebrate the ground breaking of a two-story, 33,792- square-foot Renewable Energy and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Center on the Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood. It will be the first of its kind in the state community college system.
Suffolk Celebrates Tobacco Free Campuses
On Wednesday, September 2, the College held a celebratory news conference to showcase the new college-wide tobacco-free policy that began on August 27, 2015.
Convocation 2015: The Legacy Continues
The College's Academic Convocation took place on August 27, 2015, as Dr. McKay addressed more than 300 students, faculty, professors emeriti and distinguished retirees. In addition to marking the new academic year, it was also an occasion to unveil the College's new shark mascot.
32nd Annual Suffolk Community College Golf Classic
On August 24, 2015, the Suffolk Community College Foundation held its 32nd Annual Golf Classic. Former Suffolk County Police Commissioner, Deputy County Executive and Community College Executive Dean John C. Gallagher was the honoree. Proceeds from the event support need and merit-based scholarships, emergency student loans and quality academic enrichment programs for students.
Stay On Long Island Initiative Keeps Talent on Long Island
The SOLII scholarship program conceived by Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay in 2010 to staunch Long Island’s "brain drain" by keeping talented, motivated students on Long Island and attending Long Island Colleges and Universities awarded scholarships totaling approximately $640,000 to 27 Suffolk County Community College students. The program has awarded more than $3.7 million in scholarships to 116 Suffolk County Community College students since its inception.
49th Annual Puerto Rican/Hispanic Day Celebration
Dr. McKay joined community leaders on June 7, 2015 to celebrate the annual Puerto Rican/Hispanic Day Parade in Brentwood, N.Y. More than 3,000 people marched in the 49th annual Latin American cultural celebration and crowds were estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
Commencement - May 17, 2015
With more than 4,306 graduating students, Suffolk's 53rd commencement was its largest ever. It was held in the field house of the Health, Sports and Education Center on the Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood.
Ground Broken on Grant Campus Learning Resource Center
On May 11, 2015, Ground was broken for a new 74,198 square foot Learning Resource Center (LRC) and library on Suffolk County Community College’s Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood. Joining Dr. McKay (left to right) Michael J. Grant Campus Executive Dean James Keane, College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay, Dick O’Kane, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk, Suffolk County Legislators: Monica Martinez, Sara Anker, Thomas F. Barraga, Robert Trotta and Leslie Kennedy, at right Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy, Jr.
2015 Salute to Excellence Gala
Suffolk President Dr. Shaun L. McKay joined to honor the following financial leaders making a difference: Bill Brown, Executive Vice President, US Head of Network, HSBC Bank USA, N.A.; Gregory S. Garritano, founder of G.S. Garritano & Associates and chief financial officer of The Lauro Group; The Honorable John C. Cochrane, Sr., vice president, First National Bank of Long Island and Captain, United States Navy, Retired and David L. Calone, Founder, Long Island Emerging Technologies Fund, LP.
Dr. McKay Recognized for Stay on Long Island Initiative With John & Suanne Roueche Excellence Award
Dr. McKay discusses why he initiated the Stay on Long Island Scholarship Program and how it has already generated more than $3.1 million in scholarships.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the William J. Lindsay Life Sciences Building
Dr. McKay shares his thoughts about the late Presiding Officer, the new building and the special ribbon-cutting ceremony.
2014 Commencement - A Record 4,189 Graduates!
Watch our 2014 commencement ceremony, our College's largest ever graduating class!
2014 Salute to Excellence Gala
Suffolk President Dr. Shaun L. McKay joined Long Island labor leaders to celebrate the College, the labor movement and posthumously honor Suffolk County Legislator and Presiding Officer William J. Lindsay.
Black History Month Awards Ceremony
Dr. McKay was honored by New York State Senator Lee Zeldin as keynote speaker at the Senator’s annual Black History Month Awards Ceremony on Feb. 21 at the Brentwood Public Library.
Community Leaders Breakfast Meeting
Dr. McKay used this opportunity to present an update on College activities and to share his vision for the institution with the 40 community leaders in attendance. Additional sessions will be held at other campuses.
Kick-Off Reception for 2014 Gala
Dr. McKay hosted a reception for the Foundation’s upcoming Salute to Excellence Gala. Forty friends of the College attended the invitation-only event at Insignia Steakhouse in Smithtown. The Gala will take place Thursday, April 24th at the Hilton Long Island/ Huntington at 7 p.m.
Dr. McKay Supports ALAS Competition
Dr. McKay showed his support for the Association of Latin American Students dance competition on Dec. 13, 2014
Dr. McKay Thanks Legislators
On Dec. 17, 2014, Dr. McKay recognized Lynn C. Nowick and Wayne R. Horsley, two departing Suffolk County Legislators who were champions of the College.
Dr. McKay Recognized by HIA
Dr. Shaun L. McKay was honored by the Hauppauge Industrial Association (HIA) during its 35th Anniversary Gala for critical contributions to workforce development.
Embracing our Difference in Patchogue
As part of the traveling Embracing our Differences display, Dr. McKay spoke about tolerance and human understanding to students at the South Ocean Middle School.
Ben Vereen visits Dr. McKay and Suffolk theatre students
Tony-award winning actor Ben Vereen met with Dr. McKay and offered a master class to Suffolk's theatre students
Embracing our Differences
Suffolk and the Center on the Holocaust, Diversity & Human Understanding recognize artists in L.I.’s largest outdoor art exhibition
Suffolk Celebrates Unity Day
The college marked Suffolk County Unity Day on Oct. 24th with a host of events designed to encourage acceptance and mutual understanding
SUNY Completion Day
Suffolk participates in SUNY-wide "completion" event to let students know the benefits of completing an associate degree
SCC Foundation Fashion Show
The 11th annual event showcases employees, friends and alumni for scholarship development
Honoring Ellen Schuler Mauk
Following 43 years of service – 34 years as President of the Faculty Association – Prof. Schuler Mauk was recognized by the entire college community
Suffolk’s Academic Convocation
View photos and read Dr. McKay’s speech from Suffolk’s Academic Convocation on September 3, 2013
SCC Foundation Golf Outing
More than $76,000 was raised during the 30th annual golf fundraiser
Suffolk/LIU Expand Partnership
Ceremony announces LIU Brentwood’s relocation to the Suffolk’s Michael J. Grant Campus
Workforce Development
SCCC hosts the Metal Industries Company (MIC) from Trinidad and Tobago
Emerging Leadership Award
Learn how Dr. McKay is being recognized for building a pipeline of effective leaders at Suffolk.
Stay on Long Island Initiative (SoLII)
The Stay on Long Island Initiative (SoLII) is a program created by Dr. Shaun L. McKay. It seeks to ensure that Long Island’s brightest and most talented students consider the merits of continuing their education at a Long Island-based college or university.
SCCC YouTube Channel
Click here to visit the SCCC YouTube Channel for videos of recent events.
