Congratulations to the Association of Development Officers on the success of their Annual Philanthropy Breakfast held at Tappan Hill Mansion on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025. They recognized individuals, organizations, and the corporate sector for providing outstanding service to the community through acts of philanthropy.
The Co-Chairs of the event, Ms. Monica Spears and Ms. Laura deBuys, noted in their remarks that the “generosity and passion of the people gathered in the room are a wonderful reminder of the power of philanthropy.”
Dr. Marcia V. Keizs was one of the esteemed honorees nominated by Sister to Sister International. Dr. Cheryl Brannan, founder of Sister to Sister International, said, “Dr. Marcia Keizs was nominated for her outstanding fundraising support as Co-chair of our very successful STSI 30th Anniversary Gala, garnering several new sponsorships. She also serves as a steering committee member and staunch champion of the STEAM Summer Camp and Academy, supporting both our fundraising and recruitment efforts. We were pleased to have a great group of STSI members, consultants, and friends on hand to cheer Dr. Keizs on and express appreciation for her remarks with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Dr. Marcia V. Keizs has had a distinguished career at The City University of New York for almost fifty years in a variety of capacities, where she gained recognition as an excellent classroom teacher before moving into administrative leadership.
After many years of service on five CUNY campuses and the CUNY Central Office, Dr. Keizs assumed the Presidency at York College /CUNY. Her leadership at York College / CUNY (2005-2019) was marked by outstanding academic achievements: securing national accreditation for existing programs; creating new undergraduate academic offerings in Aviation Management, Pharmaceutical Science, Journalism, Generic Nursing, Logistics and Supply Chain, and Health Science; expanding graduate programs at the master’s level in Pharmaceutical Science and Business, Physician Assistant Studies and Social Work.
Dr. Keizs has served on a number of not-for profit boards, was the Founding Editor of The New York Carib News and continues to be an engaged member of the Bronx and Westchester – communities where she has resided, Her affiliations include the Westchester Branch of American Association of University Women, Sister to Sister International Inc., and Wakefield Grace United Methodist Church.
Other event honorees included: Ms. Gwen Salmo, Fundraising Professional, Friends of Karen; Ms. Sofia Feinstien, Youth Philanthropist- Founder of UNI-T Fashion; Shop Rite as Outstanding Corporate Partner; and Ms. Alison Paul – Peter J Gallagher Award for Leadership and Service, President of Alison Paul Grant Writing and Consulting. In addition to the awards, proclamations from legislators were given to the honorees. Those included the Declaration of March 16th, 2025, as Marcia V. Keizs Day in Westchester by County Legislator David Imamura, which was posted on the Jumbotron at Westchester County Center.
Auntie Marcia,
You never cease to amaze us with your, humility, caring and forever mentoring us , coming behind you. I am so blessed to have you as my aunt, you are demonstrating planting seeds and helping them to grow Blossom. 🌸