NEW YORK  (TIP): In a new direction for the Association of Indians in America (AIA)—NY Chapter, its President, Dr. Jagdish K. Gupta, recently led a high-powered delegation to meet the leadership of Queensborough Community College (QCC), a premier CUNY institution, to initiate cultural and educational collaboration.

The AIA-NY team was given a firsthand look at two of QCC’s distinguished departments: Engineering & Technology, and Nursing. Inspired by the visit, AIA-NY pledged to support education at QCC by establishing a scholarship fund with an initial donation of $10,000.

Dr Jagdish Gupta was accompanied by AIA-NY Vice President Beena Kothari, National AIA President Gobind Munjal, Past President & Advisor Smiti Khanna, Secretary Harsh Vyas, and other community leaders.

They met the QCC team led by President Dr. Christine Mangino. Prof. Nidhi Gadura (Chair of Chairs), Audrey Maroney (Director of Nursing), Prof. Michael D. Lawrence (Engineering Technology), Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer Stephen Di Dio, and Director of Development Sajedeh Sheerazi welcomed the AIA-NY delegation.

Queensborough Community College in Bayside, NY, is a top-ranked, fully accredited two-year college recognized for its exceptional success in helping low-income students advance in life. Its students come from over 110 countries and speak over 60 languages, 30% of whom are of Indian origin. Dr Gupta said that reflecting the rich diversity of Queens, QCC is an ideal partner for cultural and educational collaboration with AIA-NY.

Exploring Innovation at QCC

The AIA-NY delegation visited two QCC departments:

Engineering & Technology Department: The delegates were introduced to the latest advancements in 3D printing technology. Prof Michael D. Lawrence explained the department’s collaborative project with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in which 3D models of cancerous tissues generated from MRI and CAT scan images aid surgical teams in precise cancer treatment planning.

Nursing Department: Established in 1967, QCC’s Nursing Program is highly respected and ACEN-accredited. The delegation was impressed by its state-of-the-art simulation labs, which feature interactive mannequins representing adult patients, pregnant mothers, pediatric cases, and newborns. Audrey Maroney detailed the comprehensive nursing curriculum and showcased the Jackson & Muriel Lum Nursing Resource Lab, where students train with cutting-edge simulation computers.

AIA-NY Launches Scholarship Fund for QCC

AIA-NY has pledged to support education at QCC by establishing the ‘Student Success Scholarship Fund’ with an initial donation of $10,000 (10 scholarships of $1,000 each). These scholarships will assist students from low-income families enrolled in certificate or associate degree programs, covering tuition, course materials, and essential educational expenses.

AIA-NY’s leadership proudly presented the check to QCC President Dr. Christine Mangino, reinforcing their commitment to future cultural collaborations, including the celebration of Holi this spring and Diwali later in the year.

This partnership begins a strong alliance between AIA-NY and QCC, fostering student success and cultural exchange. Both organizations look forward to working together to enrich students’ academic experiences while celebrating India‘s vibrant heritage.

Founded in 1967, AIA has been promoting the welfare of Asian Indians and showcasing India’s rich culture and traditions. Through its message of “Cultural Diversity and Social Harmony” and the bond of “Indian Heritage and American Commitment,” AIA-NY has actively contributed to charitable, cultural, and educational initiatives, fostering communication and cooperation among people of Indian heritage worldwide. The annual Deepavali celebration at South St Seaport in NY has been its flagship event.

(Based on a press release issued by Parveen Chopra)