Issuu

47th Annual

Scholarship Celebration

Thursday, May 20, 2021 ~ Virtual Event ~

HELPING NAVIGATE COMPLEX LEGAL MATTERS

ATTORNEY AT LAW 2631 Merrick Rd, Suite 406 Bellmore, NY 11710 georgelawpc@gmail.com Phone: 516.826.5500 Fax: 516.826.2720 2

47th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser

1974-2021

honoring

Unispan Award Recipients Rachel Harrison Blackburn Choral Music Director, Hempstead High School

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Collie-Pendleton Memorial Presbyterian Church

Keith C. Eriksen Chaplain, Hempstead Fire Department

K’sean L. Henderson Associate, Ropes & Gray LLP

Robin Michelle Howard-Banks Administrator of Planning Board, Village of Hempstead

Stuart Rabinowitz President, Hofstra University

Raymond J. Raia Camray, LLC

Carol Ransom Former Member at Large, Girls Scouts of Nassau County

Dorian V. Segure Teacher, Law Club Advisor, and Scoutmaster, Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School 3

Stuart Rabinowitz, President

Tonight, Hofstra University is proud to host the 47th annual Hempstead for Hofstra/Hofstra for Hempstead Scholarship Fund celebration. Over more than four decades, this program has been an educational lifeline, providing scholarship funds for hundreds of students who might otherwise not be able to attend college. This program is called Hempstead for Hofstra/Hofstra for Hempstead to represent the enduring bond between the University and the community. It also serves as a reminder that we are stronger, more resilient, and more successful when we work together – a lesson that has been driven home to us this year more than ever. We come together tonight to recognize a group of individuals who have dedicated themselves to making our community a better place to live, work, play, and study. I am honored and humbled to be included among them this year. This year’s award recipients are: • Rachel Harrison Blackburn, choral music director at Hempstead High School • Rev. Dr. Yvonne Collie-Pendleton, associate pastor of Memorial Presbyterian Church • Keith C. Ericksen, chaplain of the Hempstead Fire Department • K’sean L. Henderson, associate at Ropes & Gray LLP • Robin Michelle Howard-Banks, administrator of the Village of Hempstead Planning Board • Raymond J. Raia of Camray, LLC • Carol Ransom, former member at large on the board of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County • Dorian V. Segure, teacher, law club advisor, and scoutmaster at Alverta B. Gray Shultz Middle School in Hempstead Congratulations to the honorees and thank you for your commitment to Hempstead. You embody the spirit of service and sacrifice. I’d also like to thank George Sandas and the entire scholarship committee for their hard work in organizing this event every year, and in particular this year, as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. This event is more than a celebration. It is a pledge that we make to each other every year that we will continue to work for the young people of Hempstead, to support them and help them reach their potential. It has been one of the great privileges of my presidency to work with and learn from the extraordinary Hempstead community. Thank you for joining us and for your generous support of the Hempstead for Hofstra/Hofstra for Hempstead Scholarship Fund. Sincerely,

Stuart Rabinowitz President, Hofstra University 144 Hofstra University | Hempstead, New York 11549-1440 | 516-463-6800 | Fax: 516-463-6096

Waylyn Hobbs Jr., Mayor PATRICIA PEREZ, Village Clerk KEISHA N. MARSHALL Esq, Village Attorney JOE GILL, Treasurer

JEFFERY DANIELS, Deputy Mayor CLARIONA D. GRIFFITH, Trustee KEVIN D. BOONE, Trustee JOYLETTE WILLIAMS, Trustee

May 20, 2021 To President Rabinowitz Hempstead for Hofstra Committee 1000 Hempstead Turnpike Hempstead, New York 11550 Greetings! It gives me great pleasure as the new Mayor of the Village of Hempstead to greet you and celebrate the 47th annual Hempstead for Hofstra celebration. Hempstead for Hofstra/Hofstra for Hempstead has made a major impact in the lives of so many young people in our wonderful village. It is amazing what a healthy partnership can produce. It is the wonderful work of the Hempstead for Hofstra Committee that has opened doors for students who otherwise may not have had an opportunity to go to school to receive a quality education. I want to take this time to further celebrate all of the 2021 Honorees. It is because of your work, dedication, and commitment not only to the village but to the cause of humanity that we recognize your great work. Hofstra and Hempstead are better for your service. The Village of Hempstead cherishes the long-standing relationship with Hofstra. Hofstra is one of the premier academic institutions in this nation and we are thrilled to have it in Hempstead. Finally, as the proud Mayor of Hempstead, I promise that the Village of Hempstead will continue to cultivate this wonderful relationship. Again, congratulation to all the honorees, and May God continue to bless you. Sincerely,

Waylyn Hobbs, Jr. Waylyn Hobbs, Jr. Mayor

1974-2021

47th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Thank you to our sponsors: GOLD SPONSOR Stuart Rabinowitz and Hofstra University BRONZE SPONSORS Ann Mallouk Camille, Michael, and Paige Marie Raia COPPER SPONSORS Keith Eriksen Hempstead Classroom Teachers Association Hempstead Fire Department Chiefs Hempstead School Administration Association National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University® Ropes & Gray LLP Victory Engine Co. 4

2021 Hempstead for Hofstra/Hofstra for Hempstead Committee George Sandas, Chair+ Village of Hempstead

Frederick E. Davis Jr.*

Henry Holley Sr.+

Charles Renfroe+

Mitchell & Titus, LLP

The Holley Group Business Consultants A Plus East Coast Realty Inc.

Ruth Roberson+

Rev. Dr. Sedgwick V. Easley+ Union Baptist Church of Hempstead

Leo Fernandez+

Hempstead Police Department

Hempstead Recreation

Keith Senko+ Hempstead Funeral Home

L.A. Fernandez Insurance Agency

Kennetha Pettus+

Dr. Rodney Gilmore+

Nassau County Office of Housing and Community Development

Djuana Wilson

Raymond Raia

Steven Wilson Jr.+

Hempstead Public Schools

Michael Higgins+ Hempstead High School

Alan B. Hodish, Esq.+ Law Offices of Alan B. Hodish

Regina Lattimore+

1188 Realty

Harry Ransom+ Past District Commander of the American Legion

Hempstead Public Schools

Hempstead Police Department

Joseph Wing*+ *Hofstra alumnus +Past Unispan Award recipient

PROGRAM

OPENING REMARKS

Alan J. Kelly Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs, Hofstra University

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

George Sandas Chair, 2021 Hempstead for Hofstra/Hofstra for Hempstead Committee

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Nemiah Dos Santos Hempstead High School Class of 2021

GREETINGS

The Honorable Waylyn Hobbs, Jr. Mayor, Incorporated Village of Hempstead

STUDENT REMARKS

Gisselle Rodas Hofstra University Class of 2023

PRESENTATION OF UNISPAN AWARDS

Stuart Rabinowitz Rachel Harrison Blackburn Rev. Dr. Yvonne Collie-Pendleton Keith C. Eriksen K’sean L. Henderson Robin Michelle Howard-Banks Raymond J. Raia Carol Ransom Dorian V. Segure CONCLUDING REMARKS

George Sandas

~ 2021 Unispan Award Recipient ~ RACHEL HARRISON BLACKBURN Choral Music Director, Hempstead High School Rachel A. Blackburn is the founder/executive director of Voices of Virtue, Inc. Her accomplishments in and passion for youth, music education, and leadership have led her down the path of entrepreneurial endeavors. Voices of Virtue, Inc. was designed to provide underserved youth with an opportunity to obtain the necessary resources and education to pursue music careers and performance endeavors. She has served in the Hempstead Public Schools for 20 years as the high school choral music director and holds a bachelor's degree in music education from Central State University, a master’s degree in music in higher learning from New York University, and an executive master’s degree in business (EMBA) from Hult International Business School. Rachel’s leadership skills and abilities are a major component of her success. Currently the lead teacher for Hempstead High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA), Rachel is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she serves as chair for the arts in her chapter of Theta Iota Omega. She has also served as president and vice president of the New York chapter of the Sisters of the Arts of the Society, Inc., a national organization whose mission is to support aspiring youth in the arts. As an accomplished music educator, her performance groups have earned international recognition, including winning two international choral competitions in Verona, Italy, and Prague, Czech Republic. Her choirs have also had the privilege of performing in prestigious locations such as New York City’s Carnegie and David Geffen halls. Rachel recently made her choral conducting debut at The Metropolitan Opera, conducting The Voices of the Underground Railroad choir for Kathleen Battle’s Underground Railroad: A Spiritual Journey, and she continues to serve as project manager for this program.

~ 2021 Unispan Award Recipient ~ REV. DR. YVONNE COLLIE-PENDLETON Memorial Presbyterian Church The Rev. Dr. Yvonne Collie-Pendleton was born in Nassau, Bahamas, where she received her early education. To further her academic goals, she pursued tertiary education in the United States of America. In 1980, Rev. Dr. Collie-Pendleton received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. In 1998, she received her Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. Upon graduation from Columbia, Rev. Dr. Collie-Pendleton was awarded a graduate fellowship for “Outstanding Academic Achievement and Leadership Abilities.” In 2011, she earned her Doctorate of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Spiritual Formation from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. Rev. Dr. Collie-Pendleton is a called, ordained, and installed minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She serves as associate pastor at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Roosevelt, Long Island, and is currently the chaplain for the Roosevelt Fire Department. Rev. Dr. Collie-Pendleton has also served as a chaplain and pastoral care counselor for Hospice Care Network, Inc. on Long Island. Rev. Dr. Collie-Pendleton’s involvement with the Presbytery of Long Island includes the Clergy Sexual Misconduct Investigating Team, Council on Mission, Racism/Bigotry Workgroup, Committee on Preparation for Ministry, Committee on Nominations, Permanent Judicial Commission, Committee on Ministry, and the Pastoral Emergency/ Crisis Response Team for Nassau County. Further, she moderated the session and served as the liaison for the Presbyterian Church in Elmont, New York. She was commissioned in 2013 to serve on the Disaster Recovery Commission for the Presbytery of Long Island. Rev. Dr. Collie-Pendleton also represented the Presbytery of Long Island in 2012, as a commissioner to the General Assembly in Pittsburgh, PA. On the national church level, Rev. Dr. Collie-Pendleton serves on the National Response Team for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). Rev. Dr. Collie-Pendleton has received numerous awards for her service to the church and the community. In May 2008, she received the Freedom Fund Religious Service Award from the Freeport/Roosevelt Branch of the NAACP. In 2007, she received a Volunteer Service pin, along with a personalized Certificate of Achievement, and a letter of congratulations from the president of the United States. She also received the Unspoken Hero Award from the Dale House Medical and Resource Center for HIV/AIDS in March 2005. In 2004, she received the Community Service Award from the Nassau County chapter of the National Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. In addition, Rev. Dr. Collie-Pendleton was honored in 2011 as Woman of the Year and received a citation from the mayor of the Village of Freeport, NY. In 2012, she received the Community Service Award from the Bahamian American Association, Inc. In 2014, Rev. Dr. Collie-Pendleton received an NAACP Game Changers award from NAACP chair Roslyn M. Brock at their Leadership 500 Annual Conference in Florida. In 2018, she received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award from the Nassau County CSEA, Local 830. Rev. Dr. Collie-Pendleton is on the board of directors for Church Women United and holds memberships in the National Association of Presbyterian Clergywomen, and in Common Ground, an HIV/AIDS Institutes Faith Communities project. Rev. Dr. Collie-Pendleton has an acute sense of the call God has placed on her life. As a minister, she strives to be a part of Christ’s vision and the church’s mission of embracing, extending, and practicing the gift of Christian hospitality amid these changing and challenging times. To that end, she has ministered and preached throughout the United States and in the Caribbean. In all things, the Rev. Dr. Yvonne Collie-Pendleton gives honor and thanksgiving to God for God’s manifold blessings upon her life. 9

~ 2021 Unispan Award Recipient ~ KEITH C. ERIKSEN Chaplain, Hempstead Fire Department Keith Eriksen was born in Brooklyn and his family later moved to Merrick, Long Island, where he was raised. He attended Curé of Ars grammar school and graduated in 1965. After grammar school, he attended Pius X Seminary in Uniondale. While at Pius X, he focused mainly on courses of religious studies emphasizing theology. Keith attended the Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception in Douglaston, Queens, for a minor seminary for the priesthood. He graduated with his BA in Psychology and minors in both theology and philosophy and still wished to pursue the priesthood by continuing his studies. His vocation in life switched from priesthood to married life when he married his wife, Sharon Daly, in April of 1975. Sharon was born and raised in Hempstead. Keith met Sharon during their high school years while riding the bus together. After marrying, he and Sharon moved to an apartment in Hempstead, where Keith soon got a job as a part-time recreation attendant with the Village of Hempstead. In August of 1977, Keith received a full-time position with the Village as a recreation attendant. Over the years, Keith took and passed promotional exams and today is the recreation supervisor. Keith has proudly served the Village of Hempstead for over 42 years. Whenever there has been a special event at the Recreation Department, Keith is always there lending his professional and personal touch, ensuring that the event is a success. Keith also felt as though he wanted to give something back to his community, so in November of 1977 he decided to join the Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department. Throughout his 42 years of service, Keith has served the fire department in many offices, including lieutenant, captain, and warden of his company. He is also an active member of the Fire Police. After 9/11, Keith felt he had to do more for the fire department. The thoughts of his theological education for the priesthood came back to him. He knew he could not be a priest, but thoughts of being the fire department’s chaplain weighed heavy on his mind. He believed that this was God’s calling for him. So, Keith enrolled in classes that were given by the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains. Upon completion, he was appointed chaplain of the Hempstead Fire Department. Keith considers this position both an honor and a privilege because it enables him to serve his brother firefighters along with their families. Keith now presides over all fire department funerals, dedications, and memorial services, to name a few. He keeps up with his studies by attending yearly conferences held by the fire chaplains association. Keith is always there when called upon by any member of the fire department family in their time of need. Keith is an active member, a Eucharistic minister of Holy Communion, an active member with the Knights of Columbus, and an instructor of religious education for special children at his parish, the Sacred Heart Church in Merrick. Keith is also proud to say that he has been a cancer survivor since 1983. God was good to him and not only blessed him with his health but also with his one and only child, his daughter, Kara, who was born in 1984. Now, Kara and her husband, Matthew, have blessed Keith with two grandsons, Nolen Patrick (3 years old) and Conor Rian (4 months old). “As Kara gave me strength during my cancer days, her boys now give me the strength to keep going and feel young and serve my community," Keith said. 10

~ 2021 Unispan Award Recipient ~ K’SEAN L. HENDERSON Associate, Ropes & Gray LLP K’sean Henderson is a proud product of the Hempstead Union Free School District, attending the Early Childhood Center, Franklin Elementary School, Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School, and Hempstead High School. K’sean served in several positions during high school, including senior class president, honor society president, and student body president. K’sean was also a member of the Hempstead High School band, playing the flute and piccolo. K’sean graduated from Hempstead High School in 2008 and went on to attend Georgetown University, which was his first choice. While at Georgetown, K’sean majored in government and minored in history while participating in several student clubs. As a freshman, K’sean was elected to serve as a senator in the Georgetown University Student Association, representing other Georgetown freshmen residing in Village C West. K’sean also served as the executive secretary of the Student Commission for Unity, an organization devoted to increasing diversity in Georgetown’s admissions process, its student life, and its academics. During the spring semester of his sophomore year, K’sean was initiated into the Nu Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., going on to serve as the chapter vice president and director of intake and as assistant area director advising six chapters in the Washington, D.C., region. K’sean graduated from Georgetown in 2012 and joined Teach for America as a corps member in the Mississippi-Delta region, where he taught middle school English language arts in Greenville, MS. After teaching for three years, K’sean had a desire to return to Washington, D.C., for law school and applied to Georgetown University Law Center. While at Georgetown University Law Center, K’sean interned for the United States Department of Justice in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan, focusing on affirmative civil rights cases and violations of the federal False Claims Act. While at Georgetown Law, K’sean served as vice president of programming and then president of the Black Law Students’ Association, senior editor of the Georgetown Journal on Poverty and Policy, a member of the Barristers’ Council’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Division, and as an ambassador for the admissions office, responsible for interacting with prospective students and their families. After graduating from law school in 2018, K’sean joined the global law firm Ropes & Gray, LLP in its Washington, D.C., office in the Litigation and Enforcement Practice Group. K’sean now focuses on antitrust, internal investigations, anti-bribery and corruption, export controls, and sanctions. K’sean is an active member of the Ropes Multicultural Forum and serves on the Diversity & Inclusion Committee for the D.C. office. An active Georgetown alumnus, K’sean currently serves on the board of the Patrick Healy Fellowship, an organization devoted to maintaining a community of dynamic leaders who share a passion for addressing issues that affect communities of color through a commitment to service, professional development, and alumni mentorship. In July 2020, K’sean began his term as a member of the Board of Governors, the elected board of the Georgetown University Alumni Association (GUAA) responsible for governing and managing the affairs and setting the strategic vision of the GUAA. K’sean is also a member of the Recent Alumni Advisory Council for Georgetown University Law Center, an organization charged with fostering relationships among recent graduates, building support for the Law Center, and serving as a resource for recent and future alumni. A proud product of Hempstead, K’sean owes his successes and opportunities to the support he has received from his mother, LaShawn, his family, close friends, former teachers and administrators, and members of the Hempstead community who have supported him constantly over the years.

~ 2021 Unispan Award Recipient ~ ROBIN MICHELLE HOWARD-BANKS Administrator of Planning Board, Village of Hempstead Robin Michelle Howard-Banks, known as Michelle by most, grew up in Oakland, California. Her parents instilled in her the desire to achieve and excel in her life through education, sound work ethic, and strong family values. Michelle’s dad exposed her to ice-skating when she was 7 years old. As she continued to grow, she quickly excelled and competed in iceskating, winning many medals and awards, including the highest technical achievement in compulsory figures, the 8th Gold Test. Michelle graduated from Oakland High School and attained her associate’s degree in business administration from Alameda Community College. Ice-skating was Michelle’s dream and she eventually left California to pursue her dream of becoming a professional ice-skater with the Ice Capades. From 1981 through 1988, she performed with the Ice Capades nationally and internationally. Michelle retired from the Ice Capades and settled in Las Vegas, where she continued her skating career with the Fire and Ice show. This is where Michelle met and married the late Theron W. Banks, Jr., clerk of the village justice for the Village of Hempstead. Michelle has resided and worked for the Village of Hempstead for the past 28 years and is a fixture in the mayor’s office. Michelle has worn many hats in that office. She has served as the secretary to mayor, administrator of the planning board, and all around go-to person for the office. Michelle has had the pleasure of serving three mayors and assisting with their transitions. Michelle is currently the administrator for the Village’s planning board for residential and business development. She most enjoys providing vital information and direction to business owners – helping to make their entrepreneurial dreams come true. She is regarded as an employee who provides first-class customer service, always willing to go above and beyond. Michelle is an active and dedicated member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Roosevelt, NY. She serves on the church council, is treasurer of the Salome Sister Circle Women’s Group, and is a lector. Michelle is a member of the local chapter of the NAACP, the Kiwanis Club of Hempstead, and is a committee person for the Hempstead Boy Scouts of America, Troop 300, at St. George’s Episcopal Church. Michelle is the proud mom of two children, Theron and Taylor Banks. She is family-oriented, loves to cook, rollerblade, ski, and travel the world. Michelle is looking forward to life’s next adventure.

~ 2021 Unispan Award Recipient ~ STUART RABINOWITZ President, Hofstra University Stuart Rabinowitz was chosen by the Hofstra University Board of Trustees to serve as the eighth president of the University on December 20, 2000, and assumed office in June 2001. Prior to his appointment, he served as dean of Hofstra University School of Law from September 1989 through June 2001. He joined the faculty of the Law School in 1972. President Rabinowitz currently holds the Andrew M. Boas and Mark L. Claster Distinguished Professorship of Law. Under his leadership, Hofstra has created several new schools, including the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell; the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies; the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science; the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs; and the School of Health Professions and Human Services. He also founded The National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University® and the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. During President Rabinowitz’s tenure, Hofstra has conducted two successful capital campaigns, increased Hofstra’s endowment and long-term investments more than five-fold to more than $600 million, and achieved two rating upgrades from Moody’s to A2. The profile of the incoming class of undergraduate students has improved in all measures since 2003, and the University has launched graduate programs in occupational therapy, nurse practitioner, higher education, and communication. During this period, several schools have been named to recognize support and service to the University (Maurice A. Deane School of Law, The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, the Kalikow School, the Zucker School, and the DeMatteis School). Buildings dedicated to the arts and humanities (Shapiro Family Hall), medicine, graduate student housing, and business (new building for the Zarb School of Business) have been constructed during his presidency, and thousands of square feet in laboratories, studios, performance spaces, classrooms, student services, and study areas have been renovated with state-of-the-art technology enhancements throughout. Hofstra is the only university in the U.S. to host three consecutive presidential debates (2008, 2012, 2016).

HONORS AND AWARDS The Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award, EOC Distinguished Service in the Cause of Justice, Legal Aid Society UJA Federation Leadership Award Honored by Central American Refugee Center (CARECEN) The Bar Association of Nassau County Proclamation for Outstanding Service to both the legal profession and the community The Community Service Award from the Conference of Jewish Organizations of Nassau County The Alumni Association of the City College of New York 2005 Townsend Harris Medal Long Island Software and Technology Network (LISTnet) Long Island SummIT Award Networking magazine’s David Award Long Island Press 50 Most Influential Long Islanders Chief Executive Leadership Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), District II, 2009 Claflin University: Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, in November 2009 Long Island Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award Long Island Business News’ 25 Most Powerful People in Long Island Education, 2020 (No. 1) City and State New York’s 2020 Higher Education Power 50 list (No. 6) City and State New York’s 2020 Long Island Power 100 list (No. 17)

President Rabinowitz has held positions with a number of important government and community organizations, including the Judicial Advisory Council of the State of New York Unified Court System, County of Nassau. He currently serves as a member of the board of directors for the Long Island Association, and as co-vice chair of the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, which under his leadership has brought, since 2011, $727 million for 885 projects on Long Island. He is a member of the board of directors of Accelerate Long Island. He has also served as a trustee of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities and on the board of directors of the Long Island Technology Network. President Rabinowitz is a former chair of the Nassau County Local Advisory Board. Additionally, President Rabinowitz served as a member of the Nassau County Commission on Government Revision, which was charged with drafting a new charter and a new form of government for the County. President Rabinowitz received a Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Columbia University School of Law, where he was a member of the board of editors of the Columbia Law Review and a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. He graduated with honors from the City College of New York and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. 13

~ 2021 Unispan Award Recipient ~ RAYMOND J. RAIA Camray, LLC Raymond J. Raia was born and raised in Flushing, NY, by immigrant parents who taught him that hard work, perseverance, and dedication to your job would lead you to success. At age 16, he started his career in the floral industry, working at various florists while still in high school. In 1979, the opportunity arose (and he had saved enough money) to purchase his own shop, Terranova Florist. Mr. Raia immediately realized that to become successful and grow his business, he needed the help of the surrounding communities. So, he willingly brought flowers to the local schools, PTA groups, churches, ministries, and civil organizations to show good will. He is a 39-year member of the Baldwin Kiwanis and a former member of the board of directors. In 1988, he received Merchant of the Year from the Town of Hempstead for his service and contributions to the Hempstead, Roosevelt, Uniondale, Baldwin, and South Hempstead communities. Mr. Raia has served on the FTD International Convention Design Team throughout the world and his shop was the recipient of the FTD Top 100 Florist Award. When he owned his shop, his trademark signature design was a smiley face chrysanthemum, which changed seasonally into an Easter Bunny, a Pilgrim, Santa Claus, or a lion. He also gave every person who entered the shop a free wrapped carnation, whether they made a purchase or not. In the late 1990s, he started “Good Neighbor Day” by giving out hundreds of dozens of free roses to people with the premise that they keep one rose and give the other 11 roses away to neighbors, friends, and especially homebound elderly residents. He was featured on Channel 12 News and received many official citations from governmental representatives for his outstanding contribution to the communities. Mr. Raia has mentored many local Hempstead, Uniondale, and Baldwin students on Career Day, giving them the opportunity to work hands-on at the florist, seeing the various creative and business aspects of owning and managing a flower shop. Many of these interns worked for him during the summer and during the busy holiday seasons as well, and he employed residents for part-time sales and driving positions. He has granted scholarships to local high school students and sponsored Operation Get Ahead for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast and was an award recipient himself. In 2003, Mr. Raia joined the Hempstead for Hofstra Committee and continues to serve as a committee member. He was also an assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 577 and helped support boys to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, for which his son Michael is one. Mr. Raia sold Terranova Florist in 2006 but continues to support the local community and civic organizations. He is a member of the Bellmore Lions Club and a sponsor of the annual Polar Express Children’s Holiday Party, which serves children and families who live in shelters and foster homes. Mr. Raia and his wife, Camille, along with their son, Michael, and daughter, Paige Marie, have resided in Merrick for over 26 years. They are active parishioners in the Curé of Ars church in Merrick. He is currently a licensed real estate professional with Century 21 and is a property manager in both New York and Florida. He enjoys spending time at the beach and taking his mini goldendoodle, Amelia, for long walks. Mr. Raia's nickname is “Mr. Happy” because he is always smiling and enjoys making people feel great and happy about themselves.

~ 2021 Unispan Award Recipient ~ CAROL RANSOM Former Member at Large, Girl Scouts of Nassau County Carol is a retired administrative assistant for the Town of Hempstead Housing Authority. She has lived in Hempstead for over 45 years. She is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a BS in Business Administration. While at A&T in 1964, Carol participated in student demonstrations for the integration of public facilities in downtown Greensboro, NC. She spent a week confined to a reopened hospital facility. Carol has worked tirelessly with and for the girls of Hempstead for more than 40 years, serving as troop leader for Cadette Girl Scouts, Community Adult Volunteer, and Community Cookie Mother. She previously served on the Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s board of directors as the chair of the Community Relations Committee. The Community Relations Committee gives our local officials information on what GSNC is doing for girls in our communities and how we can work together. Carol has been a champion for the girls of Nassau County, helping to define girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. She received the Thanks Badge and Thanks Badge II, which are the highest honors for an adult volunteer from Girl Scouts of Nassau County, for her exceptional ongoing commitment, leadership, and service, which has had a measurable impact on meeting the goals and priorities of GSNC and the entire Girl Scout movement. She is a member of Memorial Presbyterian Church in Roosevelt, NY; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Nassau alumnae chapter; and NANBPW, Central Nassau Club. Carol is an avid knitter and belongs to several knitting groups. Carol is married to the love of her life, Harry D. Ransom, for over 50 years. They have one son, Steven. Maya Angelou said, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” Carol hopes that through her many challenges she has helped someone, made someone smile, and made them feel better about themselves.

~ 2021 Unispan Award Recipient ~ DORIAN V. SEGURE Teacher, Law Club Advisor, and Scoutmaster, Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School Dorian V. Segure began his career in education in 1993 as a member of the adjunct faculty at Temple University School of Law in the Urban Education’s initiative clinical program. He also served as the associate director of the Temple-LEAP program, which teaches non-lawyers the law and conflict resolution skills, and trains law students in how to teach middle and high school students the aspects of civil/criminal law and civic education. In 1999, Mr. Segure joined the sixth grade team of teachers at the Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School (ABGS MS) in Hempstead, NY, where he spent the next 21 years teaching English and social studies. In his first year at ABGS, Mr. Segure founded the ABGS MS Law Club (“Law Club”), which worked in collaboration with lawyers and judges of the Nassau County Bar Association Mentoring Program. In addition to learning the law, participating students engaged in debate, public speaking, peer mediation, and civic, college, and career programs. The most popular program for students was the annual Western Suffolk BOCES Mock Trial Competition, where students got to compete for awards, and role-play as lawyers and witnesses in an in-school mock trial competition and then compete against other middle schools. Law Club members also competed to win a public speaking award by giving a “What it Means to be a Mentor/Mentee” speech at the annual Nassau County Bar Association Luncheon. To support Law Club programs, the Nassau County Bar Association funded, built, and dedicated a mock courtroom in the middle school. Later, the Bar Association awarded the Law Club a $5,000 grant to support and expand law-related and civic education programming for the middle school students. Since that time, Law Club members have participated in various college and career programs, such as the Mentoring Matters conference sponsored by LIU Post, and the annual Dr. King Day of Service at Molloy College. In addition, in 2007, Mr. Segure founded and co-sponsored the ABGS MS Peer Mediation program. To become a peer mediator, students participate annually in a rigorous 16-hour training program that is co-sponsored by Mr. Segure and the Education Assistance Corporation, a Long Island Dispute Resolution program. Afterward, a sitting judge swears in student mediators. These peacemakers work with the dean of students and the peer mediator advisor to provide mediation services targeted at helping students manage school disputes. The program promotes critical thinking through self-assessment and the study and practice of empathy, common purpose, and use of negotiation and discussion skills to solve problems and decrease in-school and out-of-school suspensions. Finally, in 2018, Mr. Segure founded and is the scoutmaster of the Middle School PTSA Troop 280, a scouting program. Since its formation, the boys of Troop 280 have earned various merit badges and have participated in programs and projects that promote reflection, service, and self-development. For example, Mr. Segure points to his troop’s collaboration with Troop 824 of Baldwin to restore the ABGS MS trophy case during the summer of 2019 as one of the most fun, productive, and satisfying Eagle service projects. In addition, for two consecutive years, Mr. Segure co-sponsored Troop 280’s scout summer seven-day campout at the Boy Scouts of America Onteora Scout Reservation in the Catskill Mountains. Consistent with the scout slogan of “Do a Good Turn Daily,” he plans to continue to accept, discover, and develop partnerships that will serve the children of the Hempstead community. Some past examples include working with the director of career services and diversity initiatives at Hofstra’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law to send law students to teach in the middle school’s eighth grade classrooms; working with the Columbia University program “Free Debate and Decision-Making Online @Teacher’s College,” to enhance middle and high school debate skills; and working with Hempstead’s “My Brother’s Keeper” program to train middle and high school students to hone their own skills while giving back as mentors to younger students. Mr. Segure would like to thank God, and all those who gave their time, energy, and financial support to make all the previously mentioned programs possible and successful. Mr. Segure holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English from Central State University and a Master of Science in Education from Bank Street College. He is also a New York state licensed attorney, who obtained his Juris Doctorate from Temple University School of Law. He is admitted to practice in New York. He is married to Celeste, his wife of 24 years, and they have three sons. 16

The 2021 Hempstead for Hofstra/ Hofstra for Hempstead Committee wishes to congratulate all of this year’s honorees.

Standing (from left): Steven Wilson Jr., Frederick E. Davis Jr. ’85, Charles Renfroe, George Sandas, Rev. Dr. Sedgwick Vaughn Easley, Leo Fernandez, and Henry Holley Sr. Sitting (from left): Keith Senko, Ruth Roberson, Kennetha Pettus, Regina Lattimore, Alan Hodish, and Harry Ransom. Not pictured: Dr. Rodney Gilmore, Michael Higgins, Raymond Raia, Djuana Wilson, and Joseph Wing ’80, ’91. 17

2021 Benefactors of the 47th Annual Scholarship Dinner M. Patricia Adamski and the Office of the President

Robert D'Esposito

Joanne Antun

W. Houston Dougharty

Theron and Taylor Banks Ivory Baptiste

Jessica Eads and the Office for Enrollment Management

Joseph Barkwill

Keith Eriksen

Betty Bedford

Steve Fabiani

Bellmore Lions

Marion Fleming

Herman A. Berliner

Flowers by Voegler

Gil Bernadino

Patricia Francis

Shelton Bethea and Helen Latimer

Collette Frazier

Lisa Cairo

Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science

Mary Campbell Edward Campis Annissa Carpenter Robert Catell James Clark Rick Cole, Jr. Josephine Collins Melissa Connolly Delores Cooper Kershaw Country Club Estates Civic Association Cornell Craig

Frederick E. Davis, Jr.

Dolores Fredrich and the Office of General Counsel Harry F. George Steve Giardino Rodney Gilmore

Girl Scouts of Nassau County

Hempstead Classroom Teachers Association

Hempstead Fire Department Chiefs Hempstead Kiwanis Club Hempstead PBA

Hempstead Public Schools

Josie Mitchell

Hempstead School Administrators Association

Fran Monahan

Hempstead Teaching Assistants Association

Carolyn Morant

Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department

MultiCultural Council of New York

K'sean Henderson Catherine Hennessy and the Office of Financial Affairs Tonya Herring Steven Hessing Alan Hodish

Hofstra University School for Health Professions and Human Services

Marilyn Monter Christine Morvay National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University® Stuart Rabinowitz Camille, Michael, and Paige Marie Raia Harry Ransom Sarah Ransom-Maynor Jeannette Reed Charles Renfroe

Linda Howard

C. Rochester-Duckett

Dr. Annie L. Hurst-Smith

Dorea F. Rolle

Carolyn Hyatt

Ropes & Gray LLP

Flavia and Fran Iannaconne

Donald Ryan

Island Fence Co.

George Sandas

Patricia Jones

William Scheibeler

Susan and Alan Kelly 1974-2021

Michael Schmid

Patricia Klahn

Hazel Sheppard

Donald Lalama

Delores Smalls

Regina Lattimore

Michael Taylor

Linda Leaf

Victory Engine Co. #4

Ann Mallouk

Betty Williams

Emily Massey

Ruth Winfree

Mitchell Titus

Charmise Woodside-Desiré As of 5/27/21

Past Unispan Award Recipients Ted Adams* Sergio R. Argueta* Alexander A. Avella Jr.+ Everton Bailey Deneé Rivera Barracato* Henry Beards Ronald Bekoff Caryl Benjamin Evangelist Reginald Benjamin Richard T. Bennett* Bill Beroza Richard M. Bivone Jean Bligen+ Hon. Mark A. Bonilla Rev. Clinton C. Boone+ Marlon S. Bottoms Rev. Ida Bowles+ Tina Hodge Bowles Eddison Bramble Frederick K. Brewington Hon. Hezekiah Brown Rev. Joe Louis Brown Manny Brown Gerard Burnett Sr.+ Thelma G. Burnett+ Mary Burns Rev. James L. Burrell+ Rev. Malcolm J. Byrd Virginia L. Calkins* Rev. Clarence Carr+ Hon. Charles R. Carruth+ The Honorable Jerald Carter Christine Cervasio Circulo de la Hispanidad, Inc. Scott Clark Hon. Lance D. Clarke Dr. Nathaniel Clay+

Gary Coley Paul Conte+ Coordinating Agency for Spanish Americans Betty Cross Brandon M. Cruz Shirley A. Cunningham Tyree Curry*+ Chy Davidson Rev. Canon John W. Davis*+ Roland H. Davis*+ Glenn Deans Rev. Lynnwood Earl Deans Paul R. Delle* Lillian Dent Cynthia Diaz-Wilson, Esq.* Denis Dillon+ Rev. Dr. Sedgwick Vaughn Easley Rev. Phillip Edward Elliott Sheila D. Elliott EOC of Nassau County, Inc. Julius “Dr. J“ Erving Ligia Estrada+ Rev. William C. Evans Christopher D. Felder Cynthia D. Felder M. James Fellman* Leo Fernandez Hon. Curtis E. Fisher*+ Marion P. Fleming* Ira I. Flesch Mateo Flores Richard A. Fuhrman* Florence Galloway Herbert J. Gardner Jr. Hon. James A. Garner Bishop David B. Gates+

Brigadier General Omuso D. George Homer W. Gillis+ Dr. Rodney Gilmore Dorian R. Glover Bishop Barrington Goldson R. Alvina Gray+ Rabbi Morton L. Green Hon. Thomas S. Gulotta Charles J. Hackett+ Hon. Wayne J. Hall, Sr. David F. Hancock Valuare Hardy Donald H. Hazelton Hempstead Chamber of Commerce Hempstead Park Nursing Home Hempstead/Uniondale Rotary Club Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department Michael Higgins Alan B. Hodish, Esq. Henry R. Holley Michael Holley Russell Hood+ Saul Horowitz* Lynda Ireland Island Medical Center Hon. Jacqueline Jackson+ Robert C. Jackson Jr. Harry Jacobs Abe Janvey+ Bruce Janvey* Phil Janvey Harry L. Johansen Ronald K. Johansen Aaron Jones Lee Jones Jackie Jones-Ford John L. Kearse+

Oliver W. Lancaster+ Edith Watts Lattimore+ Regina Lattimore Soh Young Lee-Segredo Hillary Light* Hon. Robert D. Livingston Jr.*+ Cecilia López-Bell Rochelle M. Lowenfeld* Rev. Richard Lutz Jorge A. Martinez* Kennetha Massey-Pettus Rev. Phillip McDowell Valerie McFadden-Walker Michael McGavan Major General Joseph A. McNeil, USAF, Ret. Mary Merritt Hon. Dalton R. Miller+ Rev. Dr. Evelyn Miller-Suber Charles Mills+ Steve Mills Hon. A. Patricia Moore* Leonard Myers+ New York Jets Sheila H. Noeth 100 Black Men, Nassau/Suffolk, Inc. 100 Black Women of Long Island, Inc. Hon. Barbara Patton* Julius and Joysetta Pearse Angel A. Perez Perry Pettus I. Meyer Pincus

1974-2021

Clarence Pope+ Rev. Neta Lindsay Pringle Hon. Francis T. Purcell*+ Dorothy E. Quirk+ Greta M. Rainsford, MD Phyllis Ramsey* Harry Ransom Wayne K. Redman Charles Renfroe Rev. Eliezer Reyes Ruth M. Roberson Sheryl Roberts Agnes M. Rodriguez Max Rodriguez Sister Jeanne Ross, CSJ James Russo+ Donald L. Ryan John J. Ryan* The Salvation Army William F. Sammon Jr. Frederick V. Sandas Jr. George Sandas Robert E. Scheuing Alverta B. Gray Schultz+ Alan B. Schuman John J. Senko Jr. Keith Senko Gladys Serrano Hon. Russell N. Service+ Ethel P. Shapiro, Esq.+ Saul G. Shapiro+

Dr. James M. Shuart*+ George Siberón Lisa Smith Edward A. Soukup* Dr. Glen L. Spiritis Milton H. Stapen, MD+ Ann Steinger+ Student Mentoring Program, Nassau County Bar Association The Suburban League Reginald V. Terry Timothy L. Terry Gerald H. Tootle* Robert Trotman Rev. Reginald Tuggle Kenneth B. Van De Water Jr. Rev. William A. Watson Jr. Willie White+ Hon. Abram C. Williams+ Hank Williams Steven R. Wilson Jr. Chief Joseph B. Wing* Gerald G. Wright, Esq.* Douglas K. Wyler, DVM Stephen M. Wyler, DVM Walter Zuckerman

*Hofstra alumnus

+Deceased

Past Tyree Curry Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients Alan B. Hodish, Esq. Henry Holley, Sr.

Donald L. Ryan George Sandas

Curtis “Flex” Watts

“Leadership is not domination. It’s the art of persuading people to work toward a common goal.” -Daniel Goleman

Congratulations TO A LOVING HUSBAND AND DAD,

Raymond J. Raia We are so proud of you and your hard work and dedication for Hempstead for Hofstra and the local community.

Love, Camille, Michael, Paige Marie, and Amelia

ROPES & GRAY is proud to support the

47th Annual Hempstead for Hofstra/Hofstra for Hempstead Scholarship Fundraiser We congratulate the recipients of this year’s Unispan Awards, including Ropes & Gray’s own

K’sean Henderson Associate, Litigation & Enforcement

ropesgray.com Attorney Advertising © 2021 Ropes & Gray LLP © 2018 Ropes & Gray LLP. All rights reserved. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Communicating with Ropes & Gray LLP or a Ropes & Gray lawyer does not create a client-lawyer relationship. 18_0999_0730

21_0874_AD_HforH_0513_8.5x11.indd 1

5/13/21 10:47 AM

Hempstead School Administrators’ Association would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of the following staff members:

Rachel Harrison Blackburn Choral Music Director, Hempstead High School

Dorian V. Segure Teacher/Law Club Advisor, Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School For outstanding educational and service-related contributions to the Hempstead Learning Community. We commend your efforts and dedication towards outstanding academic outcomes for students.

Thank you for showing your Tiger Pride!

BLB

Congratulations

Carol Ransom

Your Guys, Harry and Steven Ransom t t

~ Congratulations ~ to the Hempstead for Hofstra/Hofstra for Hempstead Scholarship Fundraiser Honorees •••••

Rachel Harrison Blackburn Rev. Dr. Yvonne Collie-Pendleton Keith C. Eriksen K’sean L. Henderson Robin Michelle Howard-Banks Stuart Rabinowitz Raymond J. Raia Carol Ransom Dorian V. Segure

Congratulations to

Stuart Rabinowitz and all of this year’s recipients of the

Hempstead for Hofstra Unispan Award Thank you for your commitment to the local community.

9 Herman Berliner

Congratulations to Hofstra’s visionary and distinguished president,

Stuart Rabinowitz, and to all of the 2021 Unispan Award Recipients.

Pat Adamski

Senior Vice President for Planning and Administration and the entire Office of the President

Congratulations

to all of the Honorees! Thank you

President Rabinowitz

for your longstanding support of the Hempstead for Hofstra/Hofstra for Hempstead event. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. Dolores Fredrich

Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel and the entire Office of General Counsel

Congratulations to

Stuart Rabinowitz and all of this year’s Unispan Award recipients EH

Susan and Alan J. Kelly

Congratulations to all of the 2021 Hempstead for Hofstra Unispan Awardees and the recipients of the Hempstead for Hofstra/ Hofstra for Hempstead Scholarship Flavia and Fran Iannaccone 37

Congratulations to the

2021 UNISPAN AWARD RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to Carol Ransom,

local leader and Girl Scout colleague extraordinaire

Stuart Rabinowitz, leader and inspiration

and all of the great Hempstead for Hofstra/Hofstra for Hempstead honorees. There’s nothing more important than being involved in our hometown and assisting our youth on their path to a promising future.

F Melissa Connolly 40

Catherine Hennessy and the

Office for Financial Affairs at Hofstra University

CONGRATULATE

Stuart Rabinowitz on his years of service and dedication to the local community and all of the

2021 Honorees on receiving the Unispan Award at the ~ 47th Annual ~ Hempstead for Hofstra Scholarship Fundraiser

Congratulations to Firefighter & Chaplain Keith Eriksen

From the Chiefs, the Officers, and the Members of the Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department 42

CONGRATULATIONS

RAY RAIA

& FELLOW HONOREES ON THE DISTINGUISHED HONOR From the Schmid Family Robert Schmid Sr. and Family Michael Schmid and Family Robert Schmid Jr. and Family

718‐292‐3000 www.shapiroglasscorp.com KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! 43

2 CONGRATULATIONS to

ROBIN M. HOWARD-BANKS for being a 2021 UNISPAN AWARD RECIPIENT

We are so proud of you! Many blessings to you, mom. LOVE, TEDDY AND TAYLOR Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way: But the LORD directs his steps.

2 44

Congratulations to a GREAT LEADER, President Stuart Rabinowitz. Your clarity of vision and consistency of purpose guided our university over the past 50 years on this road to incredible growth and success. Thank you for being you and congratulations!

h The Office of Enrollment Management

Congratulations to

Stuart Rabinowitz and all the honorees on the well-deserved honor of receiving the 2021 Unispan Award

8 Joseph Barkwill

Congratulations to

President Stuart Rabinowitz on this

2021 Hempstead for Hofstra/ Hofstra for Hempstead honor!

W Rick Cole, Jr. Cornell Craig W. Houston Dougharty Steve Fabiani

LARRY GORDON

964 Front Street Uniondale, NY 11553 www.islandfencecompany.com C 516.807.0936 T 516.481.2187 F 516.481.0289

larry@islandfencecompany.com

Dear Ray, Sincere congratulations on receiving the Unispan Award. The Hofstra community and the Village of Hempstead have greatly benefited from your dedication, volunteerism, and contributions to their initiatives and programs. With Love, Christine

Congratulations Carol Ransom on your service and for being honored by the University. ~ Mary Campbell ~ 52

Congratulations Lion Raymond Raia We are so proud!

The Bellmore Lions Club

CONGRATULATIONS to all of the

2021 RECIPIENTS --------------------------------------

Law Offices Of ALAN B HODISH, LLC 666 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, SUITE 412 GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK 11530 ALHODISH@AOL.COM 516-222-1640 FAX: 516-393-5556

TRY SOMETHING EXCITING AND FUN IN 2021!

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Thursdays, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. ~ via Zoom ~ • In the privacy of your home. • All ages and levels welcome. • Great exercise!

Contact Nava: 703-862-0438 navaumniya@gmail.com 54

Robin Michelle Howard-Banks and Keith Ericksen Thank you for all do for the residents and your fellow co-workers in the Village of Hempstead. Congratulations to the both of you and all the other honorees in receiving this year’s Unispan Award.

~ Regina Lattimore ~

To Stuart Rabinowitz Thank you for your guidance these many years.

Hofstra should be very proud.

Congratulations. Robert F. D'Esposito M.D.

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees ~xxx~ Charles Renfroe

OFFICERS James Riddick President Charles Renfroe Vice President Tim Cleary Treasurer Petal Scantlebury Secretary

KIWANIS CLUB OF HEMPSTEAD congratulates our member

Robin Michelle Howard-Banks for her dedicated service to our community on receipt of her Unispan award.

CONGRATULATIONS

Robin Banks

on receiving the prestigious

UNISPAN AWARD for your outstanding and continual service on behalf of our community youth...We applaud you!! –––––––

Carolyn Morant 58

Congratulations to all the honorees

k Donald Ryan 59

The Campis Family thanks

Keith Eriksen for his dedicated service to the members and families of the Hempstead Fire Department.

Rev. Dr. Yvonne ColliePendleton

God has a special place for us to serve and you have chosen to follow His path. Thank you for your willingness to give of yourself and be used where God has placed you. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you. - Dorea F. Rolle, Fellow BahamianAmerican & Sister in Christ 60

Congratulations to my dear friend

Carol Ransom and to all of tonight’s distinguished honorees. It is a privilege to celebrate with you.

****** Joanne Antun

Best

Wishes ••••

Lisa A. Cairo, Esq.

Congratulations to all of this year’s

Unispan Award recipients! Stay up to date on this annual event: hofstra.edu/hempsteadforhofstra facebook.com/H4HScholarshipDinner 62

School of Health Professions and Human Services

The School of Health Professions and Human Services congratulates

President Stuart Rabinowitz and all of the honorees.