Patricia Michel, SUNY Oswego
“I am a New York State tax payer, an alumna of SUNY, and a proud educator of SUNY community college students. Our students deserve a well rounded liberal arts education, one that will lead them into the future—whether that is in corporate NY/America, into the classroom, or into entrepreneurial pursuits—with the skills of critical thinking and an understanding of the complex world around them. Do not sell our institutions, or faculty, or or students short!”

Ryan Hersha, SUNY Corning Community College
“The high quality liberal arts education offered by New York’s community colleges transforms lives, addresses persistent social inequities, fosters democratic society, and drives opportunity and growth in our communities. It’s time to start supporting and re-investing in their vital mission rather than disparaging and attacking it.”

Charlotte Smith, SUNY Adirondack Community College
“College students need more than mere job training. They need the critical thinking skills that a broad education can provide.”

Patricia McCurdy, SUNY Cayuga Community College
“I am signing this because I believe Governor Cuomo has no understanding of the work done at a community college. I invite him to come to Cayuga Community College and observe the quality of education our students receive, as well as the wide range of transfers we have to four year institutions. Finally, if the governor believes Criminal Justice, Nursing, and Early Childhood education are outdated professions, I am very concerned with him leading our state.”

Ray Petersen, SUNY Jefferson Community College
“Our local community college has been a godsend for students who could not afford more expensive colleges; some of these students have become doctors, lawyers, artists, novelists, and holders of many other careers far more impressive than the ones [Cuomo] seems to have in mind for them.”

Grace E. Graham, SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community
“I graduated from Dutchess Community College in May 2011 and had a job by November 2011 in manufacturing. Critical thinking is essential to my job trouble shooting machines.”

Please join your NCC colleagues, and others from around the state and the nation (including students) by going to the link and signing the petition:
tinyurl.com/letter-to-cuomo-2015