TRR photo by David Hulse Alan Gerry speaks at August 28 dedication ceremonies for the Lazarus I. Levine Residence Hall at SCCC. (Click for larger image)

SCCC dedicates residence hall

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — Sullivan County Community College (SCCC) got its new residence dormitory and residents got the solution to a mystery on August 28, when the Lazarus I. Levine Residence Hall was dedicated and Allan and Sandra Gerry were named as the previously anonymous donors of a $3 million gift toward its funding.

Completion was a tight fit. As ceremonies started last Thursday, finishing work was still going on in the building in preparation for the September 1 welcome for new student residents.

More than 100 notable members of Sullivan County’s education, business and government communities were on hand for afternoon ceremonies dedicating the $10.8 million building, which will accommodate 320 students.

The Gerrys provided a $2 million outright gift, with an additional challenge grant for another $1 million. Joyce Salimeno, co-chair of the SCCC Foundation Capital Campaign announced that $750,000 has been raised so far toward that $1 million match. The audience provided a standing ovation when SCCC Foundation chair Robert Ernst revealed the Gerrys as the anonymous donors.

The Gerrys, personal friends of the late and noted Sullivan County attorney, requested the use of Levine’s name for the building.

Other funding for the SCCC Dormitory Corporation project resulted from the sale of $8.7 million in bonds.

SCCC also dedicated the Benmosche Family Dining Hall in Statler Hall last Thursday. The Benmosche family donated $50,000 for the renovation. Robert Benmosche is chairman and CEO of MetLife. He grew up in Monticello, where his family owned and operated the Patio Motel on Broadway.