The FA encourages members to participate in the Guild's "matching funds" scholarship opportunity in support of SCCC nursing students and in honor of the memory of our friend Jane Shearer.

The FA regularly looks for opportunities to support SCCC students in a variety of ways, including financially. Thus, when the Guild approached me with regard to advertising a special scholarship "matching funds" opportunity—see letter below from Guild President Sean Tvelia to his membership—my fellow officers and I agreed to help publicize this worthy cause.

For reasons made evident in Carl Corry's article this month about the critical work of our nursing faculty and students, the FA encourages members to consider contributing, using the links below, in support of SCCC nursing students and in honor of Jane's memory.

Dear colleague:

So many of us have witnessed this classic Jane Shearer conversation.

A young adult working at a restaurant or as cashier in a store would casually mention that they’re in high school and looking at colleges. “Oh?” Jane would reply, “Have you thought about Suffolk Community College? I’m a dean there…” she’d continue as she was pulling out her business card.

To know Jane was to know a tireless promoter of the college who was deeply proud of her role as a dean and as president of the Guild. And, given her years at the Eastern Campus, she became even more deeply proud of supporting and promoting the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate Program.

This is why, at the March meeting, the Guild Executive Committee authorized the Jane F. Shearer Challenge Grant to honor her memory and support the Jane F. Shearer Memorial Scholarship. Over the next month the Guild leadership challenges each of our members and friends to contribute to this scholarship and, for each dollar contributed, the Guild will match the contribution up to $5,000.

We can think of no better way to honor Jane, who was constantly encouraging students to come to SCCC, and to help deserving students meet their goal of completing the LPN program. In addition, coming out of a pandemic year, we know more than ever that we need a greater number of students in the nursing profession.

Please consider making a gift today to honor Jane’s memory at sunysuffolk.thankyou4caring.org/donate. Select the Jane F. Shearer Memorial Scholarship from the drop-down menu. If you would like to make a monthly contribution, click the “recurring gift” option. If you prefer to send a check, please indicate “Jane Shearer Memorial Scholarship” on the memo line and send to the Suffolk Community College Foundation (533 College Road, The Cottage, Selden NY 11784).

This Jane F. Shearer Challenge Grant will provide promising nursing students with the support they need along their individual pathways to success.

Thank you for considering this request to celebrate Jane’s memory with your generous gift. I wish you a safe and healthy spring.

With appreciation,

Sean Tvelia, President
Guild of Administrative Officers