Annual Gala | Dutchess Community College

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Save the Date – March 28, 2026

Mark your calendars! The Dutchess Community College Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 Our Community’s Bridge to the Future Gala, taking place on Saturday, March 28 at The Grandview. This cherished annual celebration brings together friends, alumni and community leaders to honor the transformative power of education—and raise essential funds that support more than $1 million in scholarships, emergency grants and student-focused programs each year.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR 2025 HONOREES

As we look ahead with excitement, we also reflect with gratitude on the unforgettable moments shared at our 2025 Gala, which truly captured the spirit of community, generosity and achievement.

The 2025 Our Community’s Bridge to the Future Gala was an inspiring evening of connection and celebration, where we honored distinguished alumni, visionary leaders and dedicated educators whose work is shaping lives across the Hudson Valley.

This year’s honorees included:

Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees: Yvonne D. Flowers ’90 and Kirk A. Imperati ’89, recognized for their outstanding professional achievements and deep-rooted commitment to community service.
Bridge to the Future Award Recipients: Dutchess BOCES, Poughkeepsie City School District and Wappingers Central School District, honored for their collaborative efforts to advance education and equity in our region.
Bernard Handel Community Leadership Award Recipient: Eleanor R. Charwat, lauded for her decades-long dedication to education, civic involvement and advocacy.

Guests enjoyed an elegant cocktail reception, a lively silent auction, dinner and dancing—while raising critical funds for the students, faculty and initiatives that define Dutchess Community College. Thanks to the generosity of our attendees and sponsors, the event exceeded expectations, supporting vital opportunities for those we serve.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we begin planning for next year, the 2026 Gala promises to build on this incredible momentum. We look forward to honoring a new class of trailblazers who exemplify the values of leadership, service and educational access.

Stay tuned for honoree announcements, ticket information and sponsorship opportunities. For questions or to get involved, please contact Anna Parra at gala@sunydutchess.edu or (845) 431-8399.

Let’s make 2026 another year to celebrate excellence, opportunity and shaping the future!