Hall of Fame Reception Honors Distinguished Community Members

The community turned out for the fifth annual MCC Foundation Hall of Fame Reception late last month  to honor First Niagara Foundation as investor of the year; Susan and Charles Plese for their leadership role in MCC’s 50th birthday celebration; and the Devanney family, owners of Highland Park Market, for their extraordinary volunteer service. The reception was held at Cavey’s Restaurant in downtown Manchester on Sunday, January 25.

The Hall of Fame award is presented each year to a distinguished donor, community activist or alumnus for their service and contribution to the college. “From investing in the arts and education in historic downtown, to leading and documenting the 50th history of MCC, to the longstanding philanthropic support of the MCC Foundation, this year’s honorees are invaluable supporters of the college,” Dr. Gena Glickman, MCC president, said.

For their part, the honorees offered praise back to the community rather than take the limelight themselves. “I am honored to represent First Niagara in our partnership with Manchester Community College and the town to support the mission of MCC on Main and its positive economic impact on the community,” said Paul McCraven, senior vice president, community development for First Niagara.

In 2011, First Niagara donated $1.3 million to support the town of Manchester’s downtown revitalization. First Niagara donated the commercial building located at 901-903 Main Street to the town of Manchester and gifted the MCC Foundation $500,000 to support Manchester Community College’s growth in the downtown community and to help expand educational programming.

Susan Plese, author of the MCC history book, Education that Liberates and Ennobles: A History of an American Community College, said, “MCC defined our lives.”

Charles Plese, who worked with his wife on the recently released book, said that the college was continuing to make history.  “History is today – I didn’t realize this when I was working at the college, but I realize it now as I’ve gathered material for the book.”

Tim Devanney, president of Highland Park Market, received an honorary associate degree from MCC in May 2012. He added, “The school is terrific and is such a big part of the community. We are being honored for something you are just supposed to do. Family is such a big part but you have an extended family in your customers and community. We are just doing what we were taught to do, and we believe in it very strongly.”