A $2.25 million gift to the Monroe Community College Foundation from alumni Robin ’80 and Timothy ’80 Wentworth (Franklin Lakes, N.J.) will provide full scholarships to 40 MCC students each year. The gift is the largest in the college’s history.
The gift establishes the Wentworth Family Scholarship program at MCC, an endowed fund that gives students opportunities to start their college education. The first cohort of Wentworth Family Scholars—aspiring computer scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and health care professionals from across our community—was present at the November 14 gift announcement.
“Tim and I hope this scholarship empowers students who can someday help others in a similar fashion,” said Robin Wentworth who earned an associate degree from MCC.
Originally from Rochester, the Wentworths were the first in their families to attend college. “Robin and I didn’t have the choice not to engage if we wanted a better life,” said Timothy Wentworth, who transferred to Cornell University to study business administration following his studies at MCC and went on to succeed in the pharmaceuticals industry. “MCC was our chance. Our chance to transfer to a four-year school. Our chance to have a career,” he said.
“Through their remarkable and visionary commitment to MCC, Robin and Tim Wentworth have enabled our students to set their educational goals and expectations higher—to pursue their dreams, complete their degrees, and, most importantly, chart futures as valued professionals and community leaders,” said MCC President Anne M. Kress. “We thank them for their historic gift and for inspiring others to keep their connection to MCC and our community strong.”
“Monroe County is proud to serve as the lead government sponsor for our nationally-renowned MCC, but government simply can’t do it alone,” said Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks. “I want to thank Robin and Tim Wentworth for their incredibly generous contribution. Their strong support will certainly help MCC continue its mission of providing a world-class affordable, education for students across our community, while simultaneously building a highly skilled local workforce to bolster our economy for years to come.”
“Scholarships change student lives and the lives of their families,” said MCC Foundation Executive Director Diane L. Shoger. “This gift also changed the lives of our donors, defining them as leaders in higher education philanthropy, as they encourage others to join them in their passion to support higher education. MCC alumni are among our greatest advocates. We thank Robin and Tim for inspiring others to achieve their dreams and experience MCC,” she said.
This is not the first time the Wentworths have given back to MCC. In 2009, they established a scholarship fund for business and music majors. They also gave the college a Steinway piano on which students learn, compose and perform.
The Wentworths received the MCC Foundation’s Salute to Excellence Award later that evening for their leadership and philanthropy toward higher education.
“To hear students say they have set higher goals than they have ever had before … and begin to have a vision of themselves as motivated and willing to give back—that’s what we want to hear back from students,” said Timothy Wentworth.