The sun shone on Thursday, October 7, 2021, for the Eugenio María de Hostos Community College Foundation 15th Annual Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic at the picturesque Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses in Pelham Bay Park. The first in-person event since February 2020 surpassed its $50,000 fundraising goal and reached close to $120,000 to bolster scholarships and create opportunities for students at Hostos Community College.
 
Prominent representatives of the Bronx’s robust business, hospitality, and nonprofit industries were in attendance to mark this beloved Hostos event. The winners of the tournament received a trophy and a complimentary foursome at the course.
 
After the tournament, Foundation Chairperson José Sánchez-Kinghorn welcomed guests for the evening’s program, followed by messages from Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Class of ’21 Valedictorian Ishrat Zahan, and Development Officer Idelsa Méndez. A highlight of the program was the announcement of three new scholarships that were developed because of the event: The Bronx Rising Initiative Scholarship, the Cocco De Filippis Family Scholarship, and the yet-to-be-named Montefiore Scholarship.
 
Foundation Board member Jason Caraballo presented the awards for the evening. The foursome representing the CUNY Athletic Conference, comprised of Michael Sporton, Vincent Naletilic, Zak Ivkovic, and Jim Vogt, clenched the first-place trophy, followed by the runner-up foursome from ABM Facility Management, Daniel Mucci, Peter La Tempa, Thanassi Arvanitis, and Alex Elkins. The Men’s Longest Drive Winner was Daniel Mucci of ABM Facility Management and the Women’s Longest Drive award was bestowed to Monique Lopez of JPMorgan Chase. The Closest to the Pin Award went to Luca Catania of Uncurtain, Inc.
 
Additionally, gift cards and prizes from some of the area’s finest restaurants and attractions were raffled to several lucky winners, including CUNY Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff Dolly Martínez, Foundation Board member Dolores Batista, and Hostos’ own Franklyn Correa Martínez and Dean Ana García Reyes. Miguel Cáceres won a one-night stay at the brand-new Wingate by Wyndham at Bronx/Haven Park, and Hostos’ former Director of Vocational Training Joseph Cunningham won the $500 grand prize from the Ball Drop.
 
During the reception President Cocco De Filippis remarked: “Hostos was established to provide access to the abundant opportunities available through higher education. This has been our mission for over half a century, and it guides my efforts as it guided the efforts of my distinguished predecessors. With your generous support, as well as a historic $15 million gift we received this summer, we look forward to fulfilling our mission for another fifty years – and beyond. Our students are as gifted, determined, and dedicated a group as any institution of higher learning has ever witnessed. They are hungry for knowledge and experience and look forward to playing vital roles in their communities. I think of something Ms. Zahan said in her remarks at the Spring Commencement ceremony: ‘Hostos has not produced a single leader, but rather a generation of leaders in the South Bronx.’”
 
Student volunteers and scholarship recipients participated in the evening’s program, underscoring the significance of this event and its impact on student success. Hostos Foundation Board Chair José Sánchez-Kinghorn said, “While this day had many winners, the biggest winners are the students who benefit from the scholarships supported by this event.” Title Sponsor, Schindler Elevators, was also moved by the College’s demonstrated commitment to its students. General Manager Alfonso Robles remarked, "It was Schindler Elevator's pleasure and honor to be part of the 15th Annual Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic. Our Schindler family learned a great deal about the tremendous positive impact Hostos has on the Bronx community, and we look forward to joining future efforts."
 
Hostos Development Officer Idelsa Méndez described the success of the event, "Once again, we rose to the challenge and surpassed our goals! Our work impacts the lives of two important groups: our beloved students, for whom we raised all the money, and our donors, who invest in the future of our students. I am so proud of this team, and I am grateful to the donors and sponsors who made this Golf Outing a memorable event through their enthusiasm and exceptional commitment.”
 
The Foundation would like to express its profound gratitude to the sponsors of this year’s Golf Outing Classic: Title Sponsor, Schindler Elevators; Dinner Sponsor, BronxCare Health System; Lunch Sponsors, Montefiore, ABM Facility Management, 1199SEIU, the renewed Bronx Element Social Justice and Leadership Scholarship, and the Bronx Rising Initiative Scholarship. Additionally, it would like to thank the Madruga Foundation for its dedicated generosity toward Hostos students.