Foundation Announces Major Gifts From Stewart's, Dennis Family and Liu Family
May 23, 2008
The Adirondack Community College Foundation has
announced three major philanthropic gifts
totaling $250,000 to help build the new Regional
Higher Education Center for four-year degrees on
the ACC campus.
Stewart's Shops Makes $100,000
Gift.
An employee- and family-owned business with over 300 convenience shops in Upstate New York and Vermont, Stewart’s is highly regarded for its philanthropic commitment. In 2007, the company donated $2 million to charities in communities where its shops are located.
“Our gift reflects the far-reaching impact that ACC has on this region, from both an educational and economic perspective,” said David Caruso, vice president of shop operations for Stewart’s and the father of two ACC graduates. “We’re especially excited about the college’s renewed focus on supporting the area’s business community, which we feel is on the verge of tremendous growth opportunity.”
Mike and JeanAnn Dennis Present $100,000.
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis are the owners of Dennis Land Development Co., Inc., and McGregor Links Country Club in Wilton. Mr. Dennis is a member of the board of directors of the ACC Foundation and the governing board of Empire State College, one of the partners in providing advanced degree programs on the ACC campus.
“I believe that everyone should have a right to a quality education, regardless of their financial situation,” Mr. Dennis said. “I also think that businesspeople have a responsibility to help make that happen. By making a gift to the Regional Higher Education Center, we’re helping ACC and its partner colleges make associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees more accessible and affordable.”
Monty and Amy Liu Give $50,000.
After emigrating to the United States from China at the age of 14, Mr. Liu graduated from Glens Falls High School and went on to earn his associate’s degree from ACC in 1995. Today he is the owner of Chinatown restaurant on Rt. 9 in Queensbury, East Field Plaza on Dix Avenue in Glens Falls, and the Maple Wood Apartments in Queensbury.
“ACC really made a difference in my life,” Mr. Liu said. “They care about their students. You can sense it. I am happy to give back to ACC so they can make a difference in the lives of others.”
An employee- and family-owned business with over 300 convenience shops in Upstate New York and Vermont, Stewart’s is highly regarded for its philanthropic commitment. In 2007, the company donated $2 million to charities in communities where its shops are located.
“Our gift reflects the far-reaching impact that ACC has on this region, from both an educational and economic perspective,” said David Caruso, vice president of shop operations for Stewart’s and the father of two ACC graduates. “We’re especially excited about the college’s renewed focus on supporting the area’s business community, which we feel is on the verge of tremendous growth opportunity.”
Mike and JeanAnn Dennis Present $100,000.
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis are the owners of Dennis Land Development Co., Inc., and McGregor Links Country Club in Wilton. Mr. Dennis is a member of the board of directors of the ACC Foundation and the governing board of Empire State College, one of the partners in providing advanced degree programs on the ACC campus.
“I believe that everyone should have a right to a quality education, regardless of their financial situation,” Mr. Dennis said. “I also think that businesspeople have a responsibility to help make that happen. By making a gift to the Regional Higher Education Center, we’re helping ACC and its partner colleges make associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees more accessible and affordable.”
After emigrating to the United States from China at the age of 14, Mr. Liu graduated from Glens Falls High School and went on to earn his associate’s degree from ACC in 1995. Today he is the owner of Chinatown restaurant on Rt. 9 in Queensbury, East Field Plaza on Dix Avenue in Glens Falls, and the Maple Wood Apartments in Queensbury.
“ACC really made a difference in my life,” Mr. Liu said. “They care about their students. You can sense it. I am happy to give back to ACC so they can make a difference in the lives of others.”