November 4, 2009 | LaGuardia Community College
November 4, 2009–Students, faculty and staff at LaGuardia Community College are celebrating the victory of Peter Koo, a founding member of the LaGuardia Community College Foundation, in a tight City Council race in Flushing.
Mr. Koo, a pharmacist and local philanthropist, was a founding member of the LaGuardia Foundation from 2003 to 2009. At the Foundation’s annual meeting last month he was named an Honorary Director. Mr. Koo donated $140,000 to the college for scholarships in memory of his father Wan Ng Koo, the Foundation’s largest individual gift to date.
“Peter Koo’s victory is a victory for the American dream of every immigrant who comes to this country to better their lives,” said Dr. Gail Mellow, president of LaGuardia. “With over 60 percent of our students born outside the United States, Peter serves as a role model, proving that anyone can be successful if you work hard and pursue an education.”
The mission of the LaGuardia Community College Foundation is to raise private funds to support and enhance the education of LaGuardia students, most of whom have annual family incomes of less than $25,000. Since its inception in 2003, the Foundation has raised more than $2.6 million and awarded 1,638 scholarships to students in need. The Foundation is made up of dedicated business and community leaders who have been instrumental in providing support where it is most needed: offering scholarships to low-income students. The Foundation encourages donors and friends to become involved in many aspects of College activities, including mentoring students, serving on advisory boards, and speaking to student groups about their professions. To learn more, visit: http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/lagfoundation/
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Located in Long Island City, Queens in New York City, LaGuardia Community College, part of the City University of New York, is a nationally recognized leader among community colleges. Founded in 1971, the College is recognized as an innovator in educating students who are under prepared for college work and/or are not primary English speakers. A catalyst for development in western Queens and beyond, LaGuardia serves New Yorkers and immigrants from 163 countries through over 50 majors and certificate programs, enabling career advancement and transfer to four-year colleges at twice the national average. Visit www.laguardia.edu to learn more.
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