Elinor F. Urstadt Honored for Decades of Support for Education and Civic Life Across Westchester
Pictured: Charlie Urstadt, Elinor Urstadt, Cathy & Wing Biddle. Photo by John Vecchiolla Photography
By Brendan Monahan
May 29, 2025: With powerful student stories, unforgettable moments, and an outpouring of support, the Westchester Community College Foundation’s 2nd annual Transforming Futures Together Gala raised more than $540,000. These funds enable the Foundation to provide more than $3 million in scholarships each year to help approximately 1,500 local students access, afford, and complete college.
Held at Tappan Hill Mansion, the evening welcomed a capacity crowd of 325 business, philanthropic, and civic leaders committed to expanding educational opportunities. The evening focused on celebrating the transformative power of education and the community partnerships that help shape brighter futures for students.
Ruth Shearer, Madryn Priesing, Rick Shearer. Photo by John Vecchiolla Photography
“Every scholarship represents a door opened,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President of SUNY Westchester Community College. "WCC Foundation scholarships help students pursue higher education, strengthening their ability to support themselves and their families and to contribute meaningfully to the regional economy."
The Foundation honored three standout partners whose leadership is helping shape brighter futures for students:
-Elinor F. Urstadt, recipient of the Philanthropy & Leadership Award, was recognized for her decades of unwavering support for education and civic life across Westchester.
-The Westchester County Federation of Women’s Clubs received the Community Leadership Award, honoring over 70 years of empowering SUNY WCC women students through scholarships and service.
-Turner Construction Company, awarded the Corporate Citizenship Award, was celebrated for its long-standing commitment to workforce development and building pathways into high-growth careers.
Actor and comedian Chris Williams emceed the evening, which featured moving speeches from current students who shared how scholarship support is changing their lives. “Our honorees remind us what leadership looks like when it’s rooted in service, generosity, and belief in others,” said Cornelia Spring, Chair of the WCC Foundation Board. “This event was a powerful reflection of what we can accomplish when we work together.”
The evening also recognized the remarkable generosity of major supporters, including Deborah and Gary Raizes, Cornelia and Rob Spring, Betsy May Stern, and the Urstadt and Biddle Families, whose leadership gifts are opening doors for hundreds of students.
“We’re proud to be part of a community that invests in student success,” said Susan Elion Wollin, President of the WCC Foundation Board. “Together, we’re helping turn ambition into achievement and strengthening Westchester’s economic future.”
“There was so much joy in the room,” added Susan Yubas, Special Events Chair. “The evening showed the transformational impact that community support of students and their dreams can have, not only for today, but for future generations.”
Community Service Organizations Directory
Bronxville Beautification Council
Organized in 1982 and incorporated in 1993, the Bronxville Beautification Council (BBC) is a not for profit organization administered by a Board of Directors. Its mission is to enhance and maintain the natural and man-made beauty of Bronxville Village, with emphasis on the downtown business district of Bronxville. The BBC uses the dollars raised in its annual spring solicitation letter to residents to fund the mum, tulip and summer flower plantings downtown and at traffic intersections, as well as the summer hanging baskets. Every few years the group spearheads such major endeavors as the renovation of Leonard Morange Square on the west side of the railroad tracks and the beautification of the Lawrence Hospital traffic circle, which included the addition of plants and the building of the fountain that now makes a gracious western portal to our town. The BBC also works with other civic groups to monitor the aesthetics of retail signage, the consistency of sidewalk materials, and litter and graffiti. During Beautify Bronxville Week, the BBC sponsors a poetry reading and works with Scout groups on the annual village clean-up.
Bronxville Beautification Council
PO Box 127
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-779-6123
Bronxville Boy Scouts
The village of Bronxville has a long tradition of scouting. “The troops and packs of Bronxville have maintained the finest scouting organizations and have taught the boys of the Bronxville area to be leaders and outstanding members of the local, national and global communities.”
There are several Boy Scout Troops in Bronxville, including Troops 1, 2, 4, and 5.
Bronxvillle Girls Scouts
The Girls Scouts is “the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world.” In Girl Scouts, “girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. Through the many enriching experiences provided by Girl Scouts, they can grow courageous and strong.”
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
The Bronxville Historical Conservancy was founded in 1998 to further the understanding and appreciation of the history and current life of the village. The Conservancy furthers its mission through the presentation of programs, publications, lectures and special events that foster an awareness of the village's architectural, artistic and cultural heritage, and lends its support for projects designed to strengthen and preserve those legacies. Anyone who is interested in the Bronxville and its history can become a member; varying levels of membership are available.
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
PO Box 989
Bronxville, New York 10708
http://bronxvillehistoricalconservancy.org/
Bronxville School Foundation
The Bronxville School Foundation, founded in 1991, is a non-profit organization independent from the school with the sole purpose of supporting the school. The Foundation raises money each year through donations from school families, community members, and alumni, among others.These contributions fund grants that provide cutting-edge technology, innovative programs and curriculum and other resources that are beyond the scope of public school funding.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0515
https://www.bronxvilleschoolfoundation.org/
Bronxville Women’s Club
The Bronxville Women’s Club offers lectures, exhibits and concerts. It also has a beautiful clubhouse which is available for rental for events.
135 Midland Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3252
www.bronxvillewomensclub.org
Bronxville Youth Council
The Bronxville Youth Council provides volunteer and leadership opportunities for high school students in the village of Bronxville.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0500 ext 1789
Counseling Center
Founded in 1971, the mission of the Counseling Center “is to provide a wide range of psychotherapeutic and counseling services to individuals, couples and families by a staff of highly trained, experience and dedicated psychotherapists.
The Counseling Center
180 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-793-3388
www.counselingcenter.org
Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester & Tuckahoe
The mission of the Community Fund is “to support broad social services in Bronxville 10708, Eastchester and Tuckahoe through grants and technical support to local agencies and community projects. All money raised here in our community stays here in our community.”
15 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-8808
www.thecommunityfund.org
Friends of the Bronxville Library
The Friends of the Bronxville Library is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to focus attention on the “Library’s services, facilities and needs” as well as sponsor projects and provide materials that are beyond the reach of the Library’s regular budget and perform other services.
Junior League of Bronxville
The Junior League of Bronxville is “an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.”
Rotary Club of Bronxville
The mission of the Rotary Club of Bronxville is to “encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and to encourage and foster (1) the development of friendships within the community as an opportunity for service, (2) high ethical standards in business and professions, (3) the application of the ideal of service of each member to his personal and business and community life and (4) the advancement of international understanding, good will and peace through a world fellowship.”
Senior Citizens of Bronxville
Senior Citizens of Bronxville is a not-for-profit organization that provides services and programs to seniors within the 10708 zip code area. “Programs cover a wide range of activities from educational seminars and cultural enrichment, to community services, bridge classes and exercise.”
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