90 Years Strong: The Monroe College Story

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”.

Alumni Director at Monroe College’s New Rochelle campus

Assistant Director of Alumni Relations - Monroe College

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.