Business majors to learn importance of arts, music, and nonprofits
Ten students from Mount Saint Mary College’s School of Business were welcomed into the prestigious Medici Scholars Program on Monday, October 5 during a virtual kick-off ceremony.
The Medici Scholars Program, which is made possible through an endowed fund by Walden Savings Bank, connects Mount students with the local non-profit and arts community so they may understand the vital role business executives play in supporting these endeavors. This cohort is the sixth group of Mount students to be welcomed into the program.
This year, the students will be working with Safe Harbors of the Hudson, an arts and redevelopment project that began in 2002 and is focused on “transforming lives and building communities through housing and the arts.”
“We are so delighted to be working with the great people from Safe Harbors,” said Anthony Scardillo, Medici faculty advisor and assistant professor of Marketing. “We have had the good fortune of working with them through internships and work study programs. They are a well-organized and extremely professional organization. We couldn’t be happier!”
While past kick-off ceremonies were held in-person at the Walden Savings Bank offices, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated that the event be held virtually.
Walden Savings Bank staff helped to make the kick-off ceremony a success, including Derrik R. Wynkoop, Walden Savings Bank President and CEO; John M. Carola, Vice President, Retail Delivery and Marketing; and Nichole Moretto, Assistant Vice President, Bank Operations. They were joined in their efforts by Lisa Silverstone, Executive Director of Safe Harbors of the Hudson, and Dr. Jason Adsit, President of Mount Saint Mary College.
Dr. Adsit spoke about the tremendous opportunity the students will be getting by participating in the Medici program. He said the students should strive to get everything they can out of the experience.
Wynkoop discussed the wonderful opportunity the Medici program provides the students through participating in board meetings and event planning. He said that the students will be able to build relationships with many of the business executives involved with the non-profit and see how they are committed to giving back and helping out the community.
“We are thrilled to have you join our program,” Wynkoop said.
Carola reminded the Mount students that what they contribute to the Medici program “will matter a great deal” and that they will be able to see how their participation is important to the community.