Westchester Community College
Hartford Hall on the WCC campus.
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Former names
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New York State Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences (1946-1953) |
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Motto in English
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"Building Minds, Building Futures." |
| Type | Public community college |
| Established | 1946 |
| President | Dr. Belinda S. Miles |
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Academic staff
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209 (Full time), 805 (Part time) |
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Administrative staff
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47 |
| Students | 27,802 |
| Undergraduates | 13,696 (Fall 2011) |
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Other students
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14,106 (Fall 2011, non-credit students) |
| Location |
Valhalla, New York, United States 41°04′00″N 73°47′25″W / 41.06667°N 73.79028°WCoordinates: 41°04′00″N 73°47′25″W / 41.06667°N 73.79028°W |
| Campus | Suburban, 218 acres (88 ha) |
| Colors | Navy and Gold |
| Sports | basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, bowling, softball, volleyball |
| Nickname | Vikings, Westcos |
| Mascot | Viking |
| Affiliations | State University of New York, NJCAA Division I,III Region 15, District 3, Mid Hudson Conference |
| Website | sunywcc.edu |
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Westchester Community College (also referred to as WCC) is a public, two-year community college, sponsored by Westchester County, and the State University of New York (SUNY). The college is one of 30 community colleges affiliated with SUNY. The main campus is located in Valhalla, New York, on the 218 acre former estate of John A. Hartford.
New York state opened five coed technical institutes in 1946, one each in the communities of Buffalo, Binghamton, Utica, New York, and White Plains. The five institutes were operated and financially supported by the state. The Westchester County location in White Plains was called the New York Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences and was housed in a few rooms of the Battle Hill School. The state decided to close the schools in 1953, unless the five communities would accept operating responsibilities and share the financial costs with the state. All five communities decided to retain the institutes. Some members of the Westchester County Board of Supervisors objected to taking on the management of the New York Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences, but community organizations, such as women's clubs, business men's leagues, and civic associations, voiced support. Some even pledged scholarships. A deal was reached so that the financial burden would be shared equally between the state, county, and the student body, with each contributing one-third towards the school's operating costs. On August 12, 1953, Westchester County announced that the Institute would be replaced with Westchester Community College beginning September 1, 1953.
New York governor Thomas E. Dewey appointed WCC's first board of trustees, which was composed of "successful lawyers, editors, manufacturers, labor readers and persons of varied racial backgrounds". The college's first president was Dr. Philip C. Martin, and its first board chairman was Chauncey T.S. Fish. WCC began operating with a budget of $400,893. Original enrollment at the school was 550 men and women, paying in-state tuition of $125 per semester, and out-of-state tuition of $250 per semester. Westchester County billed the home counties of non-Westchester students an additional $125. The first courses available were in business administration, building construction, technologies (electrical, mechanical, industrial chemistry), food administration, and medical-dental office work. Originally, the college awarded Associate of Applied Sciences degrees. Night courses were offered, but did not count towards a degree. Additional instruction was provided in English, mathematics, and social sciences. Initial extracurricular activities included music, golf, basketball, track, chess, radio, and photography.
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