Judge Lenora Foote-Beavers Supports Student Technology Needs

SUNY Erie President, Board Chair Recognize Judge Lenora Foote-Beavers for Supporting Student Technology Needs

SUNY Erie Community College Interim President William Reuter, SUNY Erie Board Chair Danise Wilson and SUNY Erie Foundation Executive Director Christopher Musialowski joined together recently to recognize Buffalo City Court Judge Lenore Foote-Beavers for her support of the new student technology fund at the College.

Judge Foote-Beavers had previously been honored as a 2020 Woman of Distinction and through that honor selected the SUNY Erie Student Technology Fund as the recipient of a $1,000 directed donation funded by Lake Shore Savings Bank. Scott T. Swan, Assistant Vice President/Regional Branch Sales Manager and Jessica Martinez, Assistant Branch Sales Manager from Lake Shore Savings Bank were also in attendance to present a check to the SUNY Erie Foundation.

Interim President Reuter said that “the effects of this pandemic on our students has been overwhelming, and our Deans of Students identified technology as an area where many of our students have the greatest need outside of classroom support. We created the Student Technology Fund in response to that.”

The fund is designed to provide mobile hotspots free of charge to students who lack the necessary technology at home to complete their coursework.

“Recognizing the ongoing needs of our students, the SUNY Erie Board of Trustees has decided to match Judge Foote-Beavers generous donation to the student technology fund,” Chairwoman Wilson said. In addition to the Board’s matching donation, the college’s deans of students hosted a Quarantini virtual fundraiser in December that raised an additional $1,780 toward this fund.

Interim President Reuter noted, to date, the College has raised almost $9,000 to support this fund with plans for another fundraiser in April.

The next virtual fundraiser is scheduled for April 8 at 6PM via webex. This event will feature “Tropical Delight” cocktails and mocktails designed to get you thinking about warmer days in Western New York.