Delicious food, fine wine and a sold out dining room were the main ingredients in the recipe for the latest successful fundraiser to benefit SUNY College at Old Westbury. In all, $120,000 in gross revenue was raised during "A Taste of Long Island," a gala dinner organized by the Old Westbury College Foundation, Inc. in support of the College.
"Ladies and gentlemen, by being here tonight you have helped us improve the educational experience of the students of Old Westbury," College President Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, told the guests in attendance at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, New York. "To get to where we want to go, to add to the strength of an Old Westbury education, and to enhance our position as a community resource, we need the assistance of people like you. I cannot thank you enough for joining us."
Throughout the evening, guests were able to enjoy a sampling tour of the latest creations from the menus of the region's finest dining establishments, compare the offerings from an array of local vineyards, and ask questions of leading chefs and vintners themselves.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the sixth annual Ellie Simpson Citizenship Award to Michelle Di Benedetto. Along with her role as a vice president for government and community relations for Citibank, N.A., Di Benedetto is well-known for her leadership in Long Island charitable and civic communities, including her service to such organizations as Sustainable Long Island, the Long Island Fund for Women and Girls, and the Fair Media Council.
The evening also featured the presentation of the Old Westbury Learning and Leadership Award to Douglas Kurz. Recently retired as managing partner of the Long Island Office of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Kurz was recognized for his nearly 15 years of service to the College and College Foundation, including his leadership of the Long Island International Partnership Committee.
Among the restaurants and wineries that took part in the affair were: Aix En Provence, American Classic Specialties, Barney's, Café Toscano of Jericho, Chartwells, Cristina's, Crest Hollow Country Club, Dallas BBQ, Fiddleheads American Fish House & Grill, George Martin: The Original, George Martin's Coastal Grill, Legal Sea Foods, Maine Maid Inn, Manor Hill Vineyards, Martha Clara Vineyards, Mim's, Nick DiAngelo, Sitar, Sweet Karma Desserts, Taste, Uncle Bacala's and Vineyard 48.
Making "A Taste of Long Island" possible was support from a host of corporate and individual sponsors. The presenting sponsors for the evening were Citibank, N.A. and Liberty Title Agency. Other sponsors included Chartwells & Thompson Hospitality, Madison National Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Joseph and Laurel Anne Mancino, Nassau Community College, Newsday/Island-Publications, and the Louise & Gerald Kaiser Family Foundation.
The Ellie Simpson Citizenship Award was created in 2002 to herald the life and commitment to community service of Mrs. Eleanor Simpson, who spent more than 35 years in service to Long Island. Past recipients of the award include Harvey Simpson, John Cameron, Brian Madden, Daniel Murphy, and Robert McMillan.
The Old Westbury Learning and Leadership Awards are presented to those men and women who have, through their efforts and deeds, aided the progress of SUNY College at Old Westbury while exhibiting in their own unique ways a commitment to the College's goal of stimulating in students a passion for learning and a commitment to building a more just world for humankind. Past recipients of Old Westbury Learning and Leadership Awards include New York State Senator Carl Marcellino, then-New York State Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli, and former Nassau County Police Commissioner James Lawrence.
The Old Westbury College Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting SUNY College at Old Westbury in becoming the flagship Arts & Sciences College in the SUNY system. Directed by a 25 member board, the Foundation solicits gifts, grants and endowments that enhance the educational, research and community service mission of the College. Funds raised through Foundation activities, help bridge the gap between tuition and operating expenses at the College, and ensure that Old Westbury's students have the best educational experience possible.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Events to Check Out
Black Day at SUNY Old Westbury
On Thursday, November 15th on the SUNY Old Westbury campus the Counseling & Career Service Center is sponsoring a Wear Black Day event to support rape and violence. Wearing black would represent individuals who are against sexual assault and domestic violence. There has been an alarming number where women are being rape, abuse, and murder, and many of which had disappeared. Started in Argentina, this has become and international event. The purpose of this event is to raise awareness and alert us with the monstrosities committed by some men who had no conscious against hurting a woman.
Faculty Brown Bag Lunch Series
Professor Denton Watson of the American Studies Department presents "Congress: The Overlooked Front in Modern Civil Rights Histories". This session is free of charge, and promises to be very informative. All students and faculty are welcomed to attend. This event will take place November 15, in the Academic Village, Room A-201 @ 12pm. For more information contact Prof. Jacob Heller or Prof. Carol Quirke @ hellerj@oldwestbury.edu, quirkec@oldwestbury.edu
Learn Your Path to Success
This event will teach you the many opportunities that the NYC Board of Education can give you as a future teacher. Learn the steps to obtaining certification, scholarships, and incentive issues addressed by people who know it best. Lunch will be served! This event will take place Wednesday, November 14, between 12pm & 1pm in the Academic Village Room B100. For more information, contact Eric Sisenwein @ (516) 479-1384 or via email esisenwe@oldwestbury.edu
Jam if you "Kan"
This is a very simple and easy thing to do! Just bring a canned good or a nonperishable item to the door of the Building 5 second floor lounge on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 9:11pm. You will be allowed entry into a great atmosphere of food, fun, music, and a charitable event. Therefore, Kome out and join the GOOD BROTHERS OF THE MU OMICRON CHAPTER for a GREAT KAUSE! Everyone Kan Kome out to the jam, but only if you bring a KAN!
Farewell Class of 2008
This is a formal event and it is not limited to seniors only. It will be an enjoyable night of dinner, dancing and a night to remember. Bring out your best dresses and suits. The tickets are $15 for couples and $10 per person. The winter ball will be held at the multipurpose room on Sunday, December 2, 2007 from 7:00pm-11:00pm. For more info contact Tiffany M. ext. 1531 or Tiffany T. ext.1321
Saturday Night Fun
Every Saturday at 8:30 PM in the Student Union TV lounge, participate in tournaments of fun. There will be a spades tournament on November 17th. A Texas hold’em tournament is scheduled for November 24th. On December 1st participate in a pool tournament and on December 8th, a game night is planned. To sign up and get more information about each event contact Juan Marte, Jr. in Student Activities, at ext. 3071 or stop in to the Student Union room 303G.
Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day at Campus Bookstore
The SUNY Old Westbury Campus Bookstore invites the faculty and staff to the Campus Bookstore in the Student Union building on November 15th, from 12-4 PM to celebrate the partnership between the school and the bookstore through the year. During the event, a 20% discount will be extended on select merchandise. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (516) 338-0550.
Partnership Fair
To encourage community-based learning programs the Community Engagement and Partnership Center will host a Partnership Fair on Wednesday, November 14th from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM at the Campus Center Atrium. The fair will offer the opportunity to meet and greet the students, partners, faculty and staff who will be participating in the program.
Multicultural Thanksgiving
Celebrate a multicultural Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 15th, at the Student Union multipurpose rooms from 6-10 PM. Hosting the event is the Office of Student Activities. In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving feast, there will be international cuisine. The live entertainment will include African drums and dance, Latin dance and belly dancing.
On Thursday, November 15th on the SUNY Old Westbury campus the Counseling & Career Service Center is sponsoring a Wear Black Day event to support rape and violence. Wearing black would represent individuals who are against sexual assault and domestic violence. There has been an alarming number where women are being rape, abuse, and murder, and many of which had disappeared. Started in Argentina, this has become and international event. The purpose of this event is to raise awareness and alert us with the monstrosities committed by some men who had no conscious against hurting a woman.
Faculty Brown Bag Lunch Series
Professor Denton Watson of the American Studies Department presents "Congress: The Overlooked Front in Modern Civil Rights Histories". This session is free of charge, and promises to be very informative. All students and faculty are welcomed to attend. This event will take place November 15, in the Academic Village, Room A-201 @ 12pm. For more information contact Prof. Jacob Heller or Prof. Carol Quirke @ hellerj@oldwestbury.edu, quirkec@oldwestbury.edu
Learn Your Path to Success
This event will teach you the many opportunities that the NYC Board of Education can give you as a future teacher. Learn the steps to obtaining certification, scholarships, and incentive issues addressed by people who know it best. Lunch will be served! This event will take place Wednesday, November 14, between 12pm & 1pm in the Academic Village Room B100. For more information, contact Eric Sisenwein @ (516) 479-1384 or via email esisenwe@oldwestbury.edu
Jam if you "Kan"
This is a very simple and easy thing to do! Just bring a canned good or a nonperishable item to the door of the Building 5 second floor lounge on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 9:11pm. You will be allowed entry into a great atmosphere of food, fun, music, and a charitable event. Therefore, Kome out and join the GOOD BROTHERS OF THE MU OMICRON CHAPTER for a GREAT KAUSE! Everyone Kan Kome out to the jam, but only if you bring a KAN!
Farewell Class of 2008
This is a formal event and it is not limited to seniors only. It will be an enjoyable night of dinner, dancing and a night to remember. Bring out your best dresses and suits. The tickets are $15 for couples and $10 per person. The winter ball will be held at the multipurpose room on Sunday, December 2, 2007 from 7:00pm-11:00pm. For more info contact Tiffany M. ext. 1531 or Tiffany T. ext.1321
Saturday Night Fun
Every Saturday at 8:30 PM in the Student Union TV lounge, participate in tournaments of fun. There will be a spades tournament on November 17th. A Texas hold’em tournament is scheduled for November 24th. On December 1st participate in a pool tournament and on December 8th, a game night is planned. To sign up and get more information about each event contact Juan Marte, Jr. in Student Activities, at ext. 3071 or stop in to the Student Union room 303G.
Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day at Campus Bookstore
The SUNY Old Westbury Campus Bookstore invites the faculty and staff to the Campus Bookstore in the Student Union building on November 15th, from 12-4 PM to celebrate the partnership between the school and the bookstore through the year. During the event, a 20% discount will be extended on select merchandise. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (516) 338-0550.
Partnership Fair
To encourage community-based learning programs the Community Engagement and Partnership Center will host a Partnership Fair on Wednesday, November 14th from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM at the Campus Center Atrium. The fair will offer the opportunity to meet and greet the students, partners, faculty and staff who will be participating in the program.
Multicultural Thanksgiving
Celebrate a multicultural Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 15th, at the Student Union multipurpose rooms from 6-10 PM. Hosting the event is the Office of Student Activities. In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving feast, there will be international cuisine. The live entertainment will include African drums and dance, Latin dance and belly dancing.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Chamillionaires Ultimate victory
In an industry where it seems like artist care more about the album and ring tone sales then they do the actual quality of the music, it is always a bit of a surprise when an artist comes out and shows that there are still a few good men left. They understand that they need to sell records, but they are passionate that if they continue to put out quality music that the sales will come in due time. They usually stray away from the fads, and try to follow by their own paths/styles, and in most cases they are natural born leaders. Chamillionare is one of those few good men. His first album "Sounds Of Revenge" went platinum but not without work, during the time that "sounds of revenge" was out, Chamillionare did not see his home for an entire year. If he wasn't in the studio he was on the road. It was this hard work and dedication that got him his first platinum plaque, and now with his newest album "Ultimate VIctory" already on the shelves of music stores everywhere, he feels the same effort that he put forth towards the previous album will bring him a platinum plaque for this one. SO on his journey to make this sophomore album a success he was able to stop by and chop it up for a bit. So now we get to enter into the universe of one of the few good men left in hip hop, to experience and understand his ultimate victory.
Q. Your first album "sounds of revenge" went platinum while " Ultimate Victory" only sold 79,000 records in its first week, are you disappointed, or do you compare it to the first album sales?
A. well your comparing a years worth of work to a week, I'm gonna do the same thing I did last time get out there grind it out and just stay on the road and work. Nowadays with hip hop not feeling the way it used to its a lot harder, but at the same time a lot of artist aren't doing what they used to. You used to be able to just put out a record and just blow up, but its not the case. Even people with big names are coming out and not selling any records. So you just gotta get out on the road and just connect with the people and thats what I plan to do. As we speak I'm in Toronto Canada and then I return to the states and go on my tour bus. People act like it was easy for me to go platinum last time, it was hard I was on the road everyday I never went home for an entire year.
Q. A lot of people were focused on the 50 cent and Kanye album, there was a big hype of who would sell the most, do you think because of this people may have missed out on your album, and if so what did they miss?
A. I think that was a real good marketing tool for them to do that, to get a hype because nowadays you have to do some kind of publicity or some kind of hype, to get people to pay attention to an album. Its not really focused on the music anymore, its really just about how you can draw attention to it. But I still believe that if you make good music and you go out there and let people know you have good music you will be able to get a good outcome. I feel like the 50 and Kanye thing it was cool but that may have honestly shifted the hole rap industry. Even at this moment 50 cent is still under platinum and to me thats crazy. I think now a days people are to focused on first week numbers and thats the problem, that is why the industry is where its at now, because labels and everybody gives up on a project after seven days of sales, on a project that an artist might work a year on. so you have a whole bunch of projects that aren't doing anything, their not putting a long term money into these things. Artist go out and do a run for like two weeks then they stop and go home. Thats Crazy to me. I know people pay attention to the 50 and Kanye thing but I'm not even paying attention to all of that I'm just gonna do what I do, I got kind of an Old School formula, I came from the underground and mix tapes so my formula is kind of grass roots.
Q. Can Fans ever Expect a Paul Wall Chamillionare Album
A. Nah I don't see that Happening. I think people that appreciate that old sound can still go get that old music, those albums are still there. All of the old mix tapes "Swisha House" if they want that sound they can go get that. I think that over the years people have gotten attached to the music, they listen to it and they hear this "Bling Bling" style that we used to do and they think if me and paul get together their gonna hear that same style again. Thats not the case, I don't even want to mislead people by making them think thats gonna happen. Me and paul don't got no beef, we got past all of the problems that we had, we cool and are actually on speaking terms but as far as doing an album together thats not gonna happen.
Q. Is there a reason or meaning for you not cursing on your album.
A. With me I was never really an artist that used a lot of profanity. People didn't really realize that, I didn't want it to be such a big deal, but it ended up being a big deal because of all the Don Imus stuff and all of the controversy going on in hip hop. So in this album I didn't say the N word thats the only difference, I decided I wasn't gonna say that. Because I'm going to shows and all of these white kids are showing up and when I'm singing my freestyles or whatever and I hear them saying the N word to me, and this time around I'm going global I'm traveling all over the world and its like I'm teaching white kids all across America to say that. Thats why I didn't wanna do it on this album but like I said I didn't wanna make a big deal out of it. Initially it wasn't my intention to put out the album completely clean, I told people I wasn't cursing there are other artist who curse on there. But there was a political decision that had to be made at the last minute.
Q. Tell us about your new single "Industry Groupie" produced by J.R. Rodo is it a concept record?
A. Industry groupie is a sample from "final countdown" J.R. Rodo produced it. The record talks about a groupie, really I'm shouting out all the people in hip hop and Like Kanye said, your a "gold digger" and Pain said your a "stripper" stuff like that, but basically I'm talking about music how music has went through so many faces and jumped on so many different artist, like back in the days when I used to write in my pad I used to think music was just mines, but now its every bodies, so I'm like oh your a groupie your letting everybody in. Theres like a little hidden meaning it in, but you kind of got like a club track and even if people some people get the simpler meaning of it thats cool with me.
Q. It reminds me of the song by Common "I used to love her"
A. somebody else told me that, but I don't know I cant really compare it to that because that Common song was more of a classic type of conscious type of record, this one has a little bit of a hidden meaning but still done in a playful way.
Q. How do you feel when you get high reviews for this current album?
A. It feels good. The overall response has been really really good, people appreciate that because it is definitely a risk to do something like that, because nowadays it seems like if you even try to put any kind of social commentary or some kind of message in their people kind of stray away from it and say "what are you doing" but its good that people are giving good responses because I'm one of those people who prides himself in being a leader and not following what everybody else do. So its good to get rewarded by getting good comments about it. I want people to like it
Q. with the way that hip hop sales have been do you see yourself making more albums or are you going to step back into more of an Entrepreneur role.
A. I definitely want to build an empire, my brand Chamillitary I want it to be bigger, and put some other people on. I got an R&B artist I got two rap artist I signed. Right now I'm my biggest investment, but for the most part I don't wanna be rapping forever I really don't, I don't wanna be 40 years old on the stage telling people to put their hands up. its a stepping stone to so much other stuff and business is my thing; I like that and its something I think I'm good at. Its actually kind of hard when your on the stage rapping and trying to handle all of the business at the same time, if I could fall back I think I would be more successful in all of my business.
Q. We heard that you have a color changing Kicks shoe line, and tell us some more about your upcoming artist.
A. I actually don't I think its a fan that made some color changing kicks, I actually saw the shoe and didn't even like them they were to colorful, I'm a person that dosent like that kind of stuff I keep it simple. The clothing line stuff is kind of cool but I'm doing that on a small level merchandising wise. On a big scale all of these people that say they got clothing lines most of them don't even make no money, so I ain't really about doing stuff for the hype to say that I make money when I'm not. if its not something thats a money maker I don't wanna do it. with my artist, Tony henry he's an R&B artist I'm gonna put him out through Chamillitary soul I'm not even gonna rap on his stuff, I'm just gonna put him out because he's just pure R&B I think he's an Incredible writer and his voice is real dope. He's actually on a skit of my album called "the stuck in the ghetto skit" its kind of a little introduction to Tony henry. Another artist named Lil Ken also known as famous is rapping on my album on the song "you must be crazy". Another artist named Young Rho, he used to be with me on the color changing click but I went back and signed him so me him and ken will do an album together.
Q. Is little wayne the best rapper alive, why or why not.
A. I feel that Little wayne has the right to feel he's the best rapper alive, I think T.I. has the right to feel he's the king. Its just about how much confidence you have in yourself. One thing about Wayne that I can say is that Little Wayne likes to Rap. when I send him a song, he sends it back real quick, quicker than anybody, like he's always in the studio. To me he puts out more material than a lot of people, and maybe if he says that hes the best its up to you to dispute him if you feel otherwise, but I don't get mad at everybody putting out their titles, I don't even care about titles.
Q. Where do you see yourself five to ten years from now?
A. I just say successful it might not even be rapping but just successful. I'm one of those people who wanna get to the money. whatever I'm doing I wanna be successful. Build my empire Chamillitary and maybe doing some other stuff, acting etc.
Q. A lot of your fans download your music, how do you feel about people who illegally download your music
A. People are going to see the cause and effects for that in a little bit. Right now it seems to be the turning point in the industry. Were all the downloads are really going to change the fate of hip hop. All of the bigger artist that you see, when they come out none of them sell records. So when the next Phase of hip hop comes in and its just a bunch of ring tone rappers and one hit wonders that are disposable and everyone the ones that you loved their not here anymore, then you'll see the effects of downloading, they'll be like oh I wish so and so was here, and people always say that, they talk about old artist that they wish was doing there thing but its because you didn't support them while they were out. some people are lucky enough to have a good business mind, like me I feel like I can stay in the game for as long as I want because I'm smart enough to know how to maneuver around all of this junk. People say all of this stuff about 50 cent but I honestly believe like 6 7 million people have 50 cents album. But record sales may show under a million. That ain't really cool but at the end of the day thats just the way it is. So now its all about ring tones, but I'm one of those people who actually care about the booklet, actually care about the quality of the album. But time will tell who last.
Q. How do you feel when people categorize you as a southern rapper.
A.Its cool because I'm a southern rapper. But when people say it in a way where southern rappers cant rap or that were simple and stereotype us I don't like that, because I feel its unfair to categorize everybody in the south as being simple. I understand theres a hole bunch of that type of music out there but they shouldn't put me in that box.
Q. Is there anything that I haven't asked that you want us to know.
A. I want all the fans to know that I'm pretty active online. I stay on the Myspace page myspace.com/Chamillionaire, myspace.com/Chamillitary. All of that type of stuff is stuff that Im really doing its not like an intern doing that. I take the online community very seriously were doing all kind of contest and my schedule and everything will be up there for the fans so just stay posted with me because Im about to be on the road grinding it out.
The calculus of College Costs: An interview with Mrs Mildred S. O'keffe, Director of FinAid at Suny Old Westbury
BY REGINALD FEVILIEN
How expensive is the cost of attending a four-year college, most would say it's very expensive. Both parents and teenagers face a tough question with pinpointing the equilibrium between a good education and what's affordable. According to Mark Kantrowitz, the publisher of FinAid.org, the average cost on a yearly basis-from food to books, flying back and forth home during the Holiday seasons is $50,000 at a public College, and more than $120,000 at a private one. Many times, parents find themselves gripped with a hard decision when their children choose a College that is desirable, but may be not affordable. Mark Kantrowitz stated, if you were to have a 1-year-old who will be going to College in the future, the bill for your son's or daughter's four-year education could be four times what it would be today. In an interview with Mrs. Mildred O'keffe the director of finical aid at SUNY Old Westbury who describes herself as "the product of Hofstra University, a mom, and a career woman with seventeen years of experience", she addressed the concerns that some students and parents.
Fevilien
How long have you been working for SUNY Old Westbury?
O'keffe
In SUNY Old Westbury, I have been here for six months.
Fevilien
Far from me the idea of being a noisy person, Have you worked in this field before?
O'keffe
Seventeen years in financial aid. I was most recently director at New York College of Health professions in Syosset. Prior to that, I was the senior associate director at Hofstra University…I have been in it for awhile.
Fevilien
I am assuming you have been in this position for a while, and you have witnessed many changes in the college Industry. Have those changes been for the better or for the worse?
O'keffe
I would say half and half. Normally, it is just recently the government increased the maximum amount of student loans. That is a good thing. However, the cost of education also went up. Therefore, it is not even balanced out. We just received a notification that the Government is going to sign the "Cost of Reduction Act". The Pell Grant is currently $2155 per semester; they are going to increase it in 2012.
Fevilien
How do you view the cost of higher Education ten years from now? Do you think it has the propensity to increase tremendously to the extent it will be a lot harder for the middle class to send their kids to College?
O'keffe
I mean I'm looking when I went to school. I came from less than middle class, and I went to a private school, and my parents could afford to send me to a private school with me borrowing the NDSL which is now called the Perkins Loans. I was able to afford room and board with less than middle class. Now there is no way if my child had to go to College and they would not qualify for anything. And I am certainly not wealthy. So, you know, either you have to be extremely low income to qualify for all the grants, or you are wealthy enough to be able to pay for everything.
Fevilien
What about a family with an income of $80,000 living in New York. Are they considered rich by the government standard?
O'keffe
They would not qualify for grants. The government has a formula they apply. It is a federal methodology formula. Based on that, they determine what the federal contribution is. I have seen instances where parents with this type of income, and they are not qualified for anything. To me the cost of education is probably going to increase more, and it is going to be harder for those in the middle to be able to find their way through without the assistance of aid.
Fevilien
Do you have any data on the percentage of SUNY Old Westbury students who apply for financial aid? (From 50 to 75 %)
O'keffe
According to the data of 06/2007, we processed a total $21,497,112 in Aid. The number of recipient was 2,558 students. Now, I have to remind you that the enrollment for 2006-07 was 3,409 students. So, out of 3,409 enrolled students, 2,558 received financial aid. That is 75% right there. And then, the actual percentage package is also 75%.So, at SUNY we are rather different than a private School. The fact of the matter is most of student population does receive aid.
Fevilien
How many of them who rely on student loans to finance their education?
O'keffe
It has to be very few. I have to tell you that SUNY is incredibly affordable. The point of the matter is if you qualify for TAP and Pell Grants, and you don't live in the dome, your tuition is paid. I would say it is a small percentage that does take loans. They probably use the loans mainly to cover rooms and boards.
Fevilien
From your own experience, what one of the things that drive tuition costs?
O'keffe
From my past experience-not at SUNY, obviously I have not been here long enough to observe that- they usually raise tuition in private institutions anywhere from 3 to 5%. It is probably because the cost of living is increasing, and they raise everything accordingly.
Fevilien
Do you any advice you would like to share with our readers specifically SUNY Old Westbury Students?
O'keffe
Well, there is a wealth of information out there, if students know where to go, there is a scholarship search organ out there. It is www.fastweb.com. If you do not qualify for financial aid, you can always visit this website to see if anything applies to you. This is the world of information age. Go online; you can also use the Google search engine for both scholarship and financial Aid.
How expensive is the cost of attending a four-year college, most would say it's very expensive. Both parents and teenagers face a tough question with pinpointing the equilibrium between a good education and what's affordable. According to Mark Kantrowitz, the publisher of FinAid.org, the average cost on a yearly basis-from food to books, flying back and forth home during the Holiday seasons is $50,000 at a public College, and more than $120,000 at a private one. Many times, parents find themselves gripped with a hard decision when their children choose a College that is desirable, but may be not affordable. Mark Kantrowitz stated, if you were to have a 1-year-old who will be going to College in the future, the bill for your son's or daughter's four-year education could be four times what it would be today. In an interview with Mrs. Mildred O'keffe the director of finical aid at SUNY Old Westbury who describes herself as "the product of Hofstra University, a mom, and a career woman with seventeen years of experience", she addressed the concerns that some students and parents.
Fevilien
How long have you been working for SUNY Old Westbury?
O'keffe
In SUNY Old Westbury, I have been here for six months.
Fevilien
Far from me the idea of being a noisy person, Have you worked in this field before?
O'keffe
Seventeen years in financial aid. I was most recently director at New York College of Health professions in Syosset. Prior to that, I was the senior associate director at Hofstra University…I have been in it for awhile.
Fevilien
I am assuming you have been in this position for a while, and you have witnessed many changes in the college Industry. Have those changes been for the better or for the worse?
O'keffe
I would say half and half. Normally, it is just recently the government increased the maximum amount of student loans. That is a good thing. However, the cost of education also went up. Therefore, it is not even balanced out. We just received a notification that the Government is going to sign the "Cost of Reduction Act". The Pell Grant is currently $2155 per semester; they are going to increase it in 2012.
Fevilien
How do you view the cost of higher Education ten years from now? Do you think it has the propensity to increase tremendously to the extent it will be a lot harder for the middle class to send their kids to College?
O'keffe
I mean I'm looking when I went to school. I came from less than middle class, and I went to a private school, and my parents could afford to send me to a private school with me borrowing the NDSL which is now called the Perkins Loans. I was able to afford room and board with less than middle class. Now there is no way if my child had to go to College and they would not qualify for anything. And I am certainly not wealthy. So, you know, either you have to be extremely low income to qualify for all the grants, or you are wealthy enough to be able to pay for everything.
Fevilien
What about a family with an income of $80,000 living in New York. Are they considered rich by the government standard?
O'keffe
They would not qualify for grants. The government has a formula they apply. It is a federal methodology formula. Based on that, they determine what the federal contribution is. I have seen instances where parents with this type of income, and they are not qualified for anything. To me the cost of education is probably going to increase more, and it is going to be harder for those in the middle to be able to find their way through without the assistance of aid.
Fevilien
Do you have any data on the percentage of SUNY Old Westbury students who apply for financial aid? (From 50 to 75 %)
O'keffe
According to the data of 06/2007, we processed a total $21,497,112 in Aid. The number of recipient was 2,558 students. Now, I have to remind you that the enrollment for 2006-07 was 3,409 students. So, out of 3,409 enrolled students, 2,558 received financial aid. That is 75% right there. And then, the actual percentage package is also 75%.So, at SUNY we are rather different than a private School. The fact of the matter is most of student population does receive aid.
Fevilien
How many of them who rely on student loans to finance their education?
O'keffe
It has to be very few. I have to tell you that SUNY is incredibly affordable. The point of the matter is if you qualify for TAP and Pell Grants, and you don't live in the dome, your tuition is paid. I would say it is a small percentage that does take loans. They probably use the loans mainly to cover rooms and boards.
Fevilien
From your own experience, what one of the things that drive tuition costs?
O'keffe
From my past experience-not at SUNY, obviously I have not been here long enough to observe that- they usually raise tuition in private institutions anywhere from 3 to 5%. It is probably because the cost of living is increasing, and they raise everything accordingly.
Fevilien
Do you any advice you would like to share with our readers specifically SUNY Old Westbury Students?
O'keffe
Well, there is a wealth of information out there, if students know where to go, there is a scholarship search organ out there. It is www.fastweb.com. If you do not qualify for financial aid, you can always visit this website to see if anything applies to you. This is the world of information age. Go online; you can also use the Google search engine for both scholarship and financial Aid.
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