student stories
EVAN ELIXMAN
“Scholarships are helping me finish my education. Once I earn my degree in engineering, I can start my journey in the world with a serious career. This is possible because of scholarships. Thank you.”
CLASS OF 2025
OPTICAL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY
General Optics Scholarship
Gilbert J. Hatch Endowed Scholarship Fund
Richard A. Nasca Memorial Scholarship for Optics Excellence
The Thompson Family
Endowed Scholarship Fund
Wentworth Family Endowed Scholarship
Evan Elixman was born and raised in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. His mother was only 15 years old at the time of his birth and worked double shifts as a waitress to provide for him. Both of his parents suffered with substance abuse. In 2019, while he was taking classes at a Texas community college, Evan’s family found themselves about to lose their home. Evan and his two younger siblings moved to Rochester, New York, to live with an aunt and uncle and their two children. In August 2022, at the age of 45, Evan’s father died of a drug-induced heart attack. “It was one of the hardest times of my life,” he said. “My dad will never see me get married or meet his grandchildren.” One year later, at the age of 43, Evan’s uncle passed away, leaving his aunt to care for all of them.
Despite a great deal of misfortune in his life, Evan has been able to stay motivated to pursue his academic goals. Today, Evan is on track to earn his associate degree from Monroe Community College in May 2025. He plans to continue his education by earning a bachelor’s degree in optical engineering followed by a master’s degree.
“There were many times when I thought I would not make it,” he said. “The many struggles and issues I have endured notwithstanding, my mother is the reason for my strong work ethic. I love her dearly. My aunt is my rock right now. She fully supports my siblings, her children and everything I choose to do, as well. She does it all so she can see us succeed. I would like to make her proud someday, and the scholarships I receive will help me do that.”
Loritea Ellis
“The path to higher education has not been easy for me. The scholarships I have received are not just financial assistance, they are a recognition of my hard work and the potential that others see in me. It is heartwarming to know how Monroe Community College provides support that goes beyond academics and understands the unique challenges I face as a student parent. Scholarships help me keep focused on a dream that is about to become a reality.”
CLASS OF 2026
LIBERAL ARTS/
ARTS & HUMANITIES
The Brennan Family
Endowed Scholarship
Student Leadership
Scholarship
STAR Power Endowed
Scholarship
Thomas T. Mooney Scholarship
Endowment
Loritea Ellis moved to Rochester, New York, from Toledo, Ohio, with only her mother and siblings at her side. Despite her earnest efforts to adapt and excel and with a diagnosis of a learning disability, the struggle of a new high school and learning environment where the materials were unfamiliar caused her to face repeated setbacks and question her capability and potential. Loritea chose to leave high school for a path that better suited her needs. Luckily, she found Job Corps in Medina, New York, where her tenacity shone through. By age 18, Loritea had obtained a GED and multiple certifications.
Loritea would enroll at Monroe Community College three times. Each return marked a new chapter in her life, one that was initially filled with promise but was soon clouded by external pressures. From the hopeful 18-year-old eager to give education another shot, to the determined 22-year-old parent of a child with health issues, to today as a 34-year-old woman managing epilepsy, she knows the third time is the charm and she will exceed the educational expectations she has set for herself. Loritea has served as a virtual senator and currently serves as vice president of the Downtown Campus Student Government Association. An active member of various clubs and committees, she strives to be a change-maker within the College community and beyond. She is an advocate for societal betterment and the empowerment of others.
The discovery of scholarships designed to assist students and student parents provided a much-needed lifeline. Easing the financial burden of childcare, extra books, materials, transportation, reliable internet and so much more allowed Loritea to focus on her studies. “This support system is crucial, it acknowledges my diverse circumstances and provides the means to continue my education without compromising family responsibilities,” she said. “I am serving as a powerful example for my daughter, demonstrating that determination and support at any stage in life can be graced with success.”
Camilio Ocasio
“Returning to MCC means I will have less time to work. Even though I know an education is an investment in my future, I still need to keep a roof over my head. I worry about the impact attending college will have on my finances and how this will affect my stability. With these scholarships, I will worry less about my basic needs and stay focused on school.”
CLASS OF 2025
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
TECHNOLOGY
The Thompson Family Endowed Scholarship Fund
Wentworth Family
Endowed Scholarship
Stepping away from MCC in 2021 was one of the hardest decisions Camilio Ocasio ever had to make. Not long after COVID began, Camilio, the father of two boys, experienced the loss of three important people in his support system. “The past few years were the toughest years of my life,” he said. “There were times when I didn’t have a stable home, transportation or food. It has taken me a lot of time and effort to get back on track.”
Working a series of dead-end jobs over the past few years made Camilio realize how important skills are for gainful employment. He made the decision to return to Monroe Community College, enrolling in the Automotive Technologies program before transferring to the Electrical Engineering Technology program. Camilio, who maintains a 3.7 GPA, is turning his interest in engineering and problem-solving into a marketable skill thanks in part to the scholarship support he has received.
“I truly appreciate that some of my financial burden has been lifted. I am so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community at MCC,” Camilio said. “It is a tremendous opportunity for me that I never imagined possible. I once thought that higher education was only for people who had the money to attend college. I know now that it is for anyone who is willing to put in the work. It is my hope and dream to one day be able to give back to my community.”
Arriana Smith
“Thank you for the opportunity to apply for scholarships. The funds I receive have decreased the tremendous stress in my life and help me support myself, allowing me to work fewer hours, pay for books and daily expenses. I can focus on my education more.”
CLASS OF 2025
COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA, JOURNALISM
Native American
Education Foundation Scholarship
Gavi Springut Scholarship
Ronald McDonald Charities Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Ronald L. Bittner
Sarah Jones Memorial Endowed Scholarship
The Thompson Family
Endowed Scholarship Fund
Arriana Smith, who works full-time at the Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties, and her family are deeply engaged in sharing and educating others about their Native American culture. Arriana has two dream paths that are very different from one another. The first is to start a career focused on helping the people of the Tuscarora Nation improve their media communications, online presence and public relations. She hopes to share news about community events, births, deaths and the Tuscarora Nation’s history to bring awareness, reach more people and educate. The second, to continue her own education by attending a four-year college or university.
Arriana lives a three-hour drive from Rochester and chose Monroe Community College because of the affordable tuition, the opportunity to take online classes and the strength of the Communications and Media program. The scholarships she receives help her reach her full potential. Arriana is currently a full-time student and boasts a 3.5 GPA.
Angelo Romero, JR.
“I will always remain devoted to what I love doing and never stop advocating for what I think is best for students. My love for politics will stay with me and my education will always come first. Scholarships are helping me achieve my goals and helping my family by lessening the financial burden of paying for my college tuition.”
Sparked by the 2012 presidential election, Angelo Romero has had a love and passion for politics since the age of 8. Angelo plans to earn a Ph.D. in Political Science and is a second-year student at Monroe Community College. Angelo is taking full advantage of the extracurricular activities available to students. Involved in the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and the Student Government Association, Angelo has served as vice president of governance and was voted president for the 2024-2025 academic year by his peers. He is a peer navigator, participates in Model United Nations, is the community college representative in the SUNY Student Assembly representing five community colleges, and works part-time in the Office of Student Life and Leadership Development, all the while maintaining a 3.7 GPA.
“If you ask anyone who knows me, they will say I never stop talking about politics,” he said. Angelo’s academic journey has already taken him to SUNY Student Assembly Conferences representing MCC as a voting delegate, Advocacy Day in Albany to advocate for funding and an internship with Senator Samra Brouk.
Angelo is the first in his family to attend college. The scholarship support Angelo receives not only helps him and his family now, but will better position him as he works toward earning his Ph.D. His goal: to become expert in the field to help others better understand the political world in which we live.
CLASS OF 2025
LIBERAL ARTS/
GENERAL STUDIES
The Brennan Family
Endowed Scholarship
Student Leader Scholarship
Susan Elizabeth Graham
“I am extremely grateful for the scholarships that I have received. Without them, attending MCC would have been a distant dream. The experiences and memories that Iʼve made, along with the assistance and values of the MCC Foundation, have shaped who I am today. Scholarships are making the impossible possible.
I look forward to a bright and successful future!”
Susan Graham’s journey to Monroe Community College has been one of resilience and determination. Working at a military defense company, she found herself laid off, facing uncertainty and questioning her purpose. A first-generation college student, she decided to go back to college to make a better life for herself and find a career that would give her the purpose she was seeking. She enrolled at MCC as a full-time returning student. Because of her love of helping people, she chose the human service field.
Two weeks into the semester, Susan’s beloved mother, her biggest supporter, passed away suddenly. “The emotional toll was more than I thought I could handle,” she said. “As her only child, the financial burden seemed insurmountable. It was during this time that scholarships emerged as my lifeline, giving me access to education, empowerment and financial relief. Scholarships helped me buy the things that I needed for school and home—food, personal supplies, transportation, tuition—and helped me stay out of debt.”
“Scholarships do not just fund education, they transform lives,” Susan said. “The scholarship support I receive has not only made my current path possible, but has also ignited a fire within me to serve my community.ˮ Now a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and with a 3.66 GPA, Susan’s career aspirations are clear. She wants to be a compassionate advocate, a voice for those who often go unheard, whether working with at-risk youth, supporting families or addressing mental health challenges. “I am committed to making a difference. My goal is to be a bridge between resources and individuals, ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles.ˮ
CLASS OF 2025
HUMAN SERVICES
The Thompson
Family Endowed
Scholarship Fund
Wegman Family Charitable Foundation Scholarship
