Where It All Began (1933-1950): The Founding Years with President Emeritus Stephen Jerome
Join host Ann Marie Ferguson, Executive Director of the Monroe Foundation, for an enlightening journey into the rich history of Monroe College with a special guest, President Emeritus Stephen Jerome. Together, they unveil the inspiring tale of how Monroe College, a renowned institution of higher learning for over 90 years, came into existence.
President Jerome, a pivotal figure in Monroe's history, shares his invaluable insights and personal anecdotes about the college's inception. Get ready to travel back to the college's modest origins in 1933, when Mildred King, a trailblazing woman of her time, acquired a small private business school in the Bronx, defying societal norms during the Great Depression.
Discover how Monroe College focused on practical skills like bookkeeping, secretarial studies, and optometry to empower students, even those with liberal arts degrees. These programs provided opportunities for gainful employment during challenging economic times.
The episode also delves into Monroe College's early certification programs, allowing students to earn certificates after completing short-term courses. It's a story of determination, vision, and commitment that laid the foundation for Monroe College's 90-year legacy of educational excellence.
Join us to uncover how Monroe College's pioneering spirit and dedication to empowering students began in the heart of the Bronx during a challenging era, shaping the institution's incredible journey and transforming countless lives.
President Jerome, a pivotal figure in Monroe's history, shares his invaluable insights and personal anecdotes about the college's inception. Get ready to travel back to the college's modest origins in 1933, when Mildred King, a trailblazing woman of her time, acquired a small private business school in the Bronx, defying societal norms during the Great Depression.
Discover how Monroe College focused on practical skills like bookkeeping, secretarial studies, and optometry to empower students, even those with liberal arts degrees. These programs provided opportunities for gainful employment during challenging economic times.
The episode also delves into Monroe College's early certification programs, allowing students to earn certificates after completing short-term courses. It's a story of determination, vision, and commitment that laid the foundation for Monroe College's 90-year legacy of educational excellence.
Join us to uncover how Monroe College's pioneering spirit and dedication to empowering students began in the heart of the Bronx during a challenging era, shaping the institution's incredible journey and transforming countless lives.
Creators and Guests
Host
Ann Marie Ferguson
Executive Director of the Monroe Foundation: Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Nonprofit Professional, Consultant, Coach, and Supply Chain Management Professional with 30 + years of professional experience including project management, process improvement, change management, event management with a specialization in virtual platforms. I have 28+ years of experience as a healthcare professional in Supply Chain Management, with cross-functional expertise in e-commerce, operations, procurement, inventory management, contracting and policy and procedure development. Focused leader with success in guiding teams through pre-event coordination, event execution, and post event activities while building relationships with internal stakeholders. Proven history of building business through personal and professional networking. I have a strong work ethic with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Guest
Stephen J. Jerome
President Emeritus/Chairman Of The Board at Monroe College: Stephen Jerome is a product of The Bronx and joined Monroe College in 1966 as an instructor. He held a succession of positions, becoming President in 1978 and serving through 2016. He currently holds the title of President Emeritus/Chairman of the Board. Stephen served more than 20 years as President of the Association of Proprietary Colleges in New York State, and is currently Vice President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Overseer of the Boston Symphony, and Board member of the New Rochelle Police Department. He is a former member of the Board of Trustees of Dwight-Englewood, Horace Mann, and Barnard Schools, The Fordham Road Development Corporation, and former Commissioner of the Accrediting Commission of the Association of Independent Colleges and Schools and former member of the College Presidents’ Council for the Governor’s Office on New York State Financial Aid. In January 2017, Stephen assumed the Presidency of The Monroe Foundation, a non- profit organization assisting deserving individuals in their pursuit of higher education, emphasizing support of underserved students who are qualified to attend college, but who require additional assistance to pursue or resume their education. Stephen received his baccalaureate degree from Pace University and his M.S. degree in Higher Education Administration from Baruch College. In gratitude for his education, Stephen sponsors scholarships at both institutions. Stephen and his wife Leslie, who is Alumni Director at Monroe College’s New Rochelle campus, have three children, all of whom are involved in careers in higher education.
