The New Frontier (1976-1985): Stephen Jerome's Presidency and the New Rochelle Campus
In this episode of '90 Years Strong: The Monroe College Story,' Executive Director of the Monroe Foundation Ann Marie Ferguson welcomes guests Della Regina, an alumna of Monroe College, and Leslie Jerome, the Director of Alumni Relations. The conversation highlights Stephen Jerome's impactful presidency and the evolution of Monroe College's New Rochelle campus.
Della shares her personal journey from being a cosmetologist to becoming a teacher, influenced by her positive experiences at Monroe College in the 1980s.
Leslie Jerome elaborates on the college's strategic relocation from the Bronx to New Rochelle due to urban challenges and the vision to offer higher education degrees. They discuss the transformation of New Rochelle's Main Street, the introduction of a diverse student body, and the college's significant community contributions through volunteer work and economic support. The episode concludes with reflections on the lifelong connections and positive changes facilitated by Monroe College over the years.
Creators and Guests
Host
Ann Marie Ferguson
Ann Marie Ferguson, MPA – is a Philanthropist, eCommerce Specialist, and an Entrepreneur. In November, 2021 she embarked on a new journey as the Executive Director of The Monroe Foundation, NY. She is the Creator and Host of Coffee & Conversation a Virtual Series for the Monroe College Alumni Association. Ann Marie previously held the position of Associate Director-Supply Chain Management at NYU Langone Health System. She had a 29-year career in healthcare, with 27 of those years as a Supply Chain Management Professional. In her last role she was responsible for daily operations, project management initiatives, and provided leadership support to the NYULH Supply Chain Management organization. She is humbled to have held numerous positions within her healthcare career and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, trained in lean management and process improvement. Ann Marie holds a BBA from Monroe College and an MPA from MCNY. She continues to participate in Alumni Activities, where she can make an impact in the lives of students and Alums by mentoring and motivating them to being their best. Ann Marie has been recognized as an Alumni of Distinction in 2011 & 2014 respectively. Ann Marie is passionate about her volunteer services and has volunteered for a few organizations including New York Cares, where she has participated in their yearly Coat Drive initiative. She participates in philanthropy work where she has raised funds for different causes. Due to her dedication to the Jah Jerry, Inc (a nonprofit organization) over the last 5 years; Ann Marie was named as Chair of the USA Scholarship Committee in 2018. Ann Marie is a Monroe College Alumni Association Board Member, sits on the Young, Gifted and Black Entrepreneurial Awards Board and is a committee member of the Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc (JIFINYC). Ann Marie believes although she had a long career in healthcare, her current roles and projects are right where she is meant to be. She states, “Being called to be of service is an honor”.
Guest
Della Regina
Della graduated from Monroe in 1991 with an AAS Business Administration. She is a has been a teacher in elementary science in the South Bronx for 25 years!
