President Honored by Adults Caring for Teens, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: June 23, 2010

CONTACT: Lisa Saunders

(845) 574 - 4244

lsaunde2@sunyrockland.edu

President of SUNY Rockland Community College
Honored by Adults Caring for Teens, Inc.

Ramapo, NY - Dr. Cliff L. Wood, President of SUNY Rockland Community College, was honored by Adults Caring for Teens, Inc. ( A.C.T.) of Nyack on June 6.

Dr. D. Penny Jennings, CEO and founder of A.C.T., an organization that recruits ethnically diverse men and women to mentor underachieving teens, said, "Dr. Wood doesn't just talk about mentoring, he is ABOUT  mentoring. Many say they have an 'open door' policy, but he really does. Any student is welcome in his office—he gives them advice and guidance—especially to the student who may have lost his way. Without discrimination, he treats everyone the same. He's really a good guy."

Michael D. Klinger, a graduate student at Harvard Divinity School, discussed the influence Wood had on his own development over the years.  Klinger said, "Dr. Wood's guidance has had a profound impact on my academic and professional development.  From the day I walked into his office at the County College of Morris in the summer of 2001, Dr. Wood encouraged me to immerse myself in service to the broader community, and to pursue the highest levels of education possible.  Dr. Wood's direction led me to the campus of Cornell University, where I completed my undergraduate studies and laid the groundwork for a career in public service."

Others honored at the event were Hon. William Darden, Rockland County Legislature, and Jeanette Carney, Provident Bank.

Jennings of Nyack serves on the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees. She graduated Rockland Community College in 2001 while raising her son. She said, "RCC gave me the support I needed to succeed as an adult student. When I graduated in 2001, I wanted more.  More knowledge, more excellence, more dreams fulfilled.  RCC gave me a great foundation."

Jennings began reaching out to troubled youth when she worked as a correction officer for the New York City Department of Corrections on Rikers Island from 1985-87.

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Rockland Community College, a unit of the State University of New York, is located 25 miles northwest of NYC. The majority of its students transfer to four-year colleges, and many find immediate employment upon earning their associate's degree or certificate. The College also offers others, from preschoolers to senior citizens, the opportunity to simply learn something new. Quality education...at a price you can afford.