Vaughn College Installs Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo as Seventh President after Holding Gala to Raise Scholarship Funds

FLUSHING, N.Y., Nov. 12, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology installed Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo as the seventh president in its history on Friday, November 7 in a ceremony that took place in the College's William DeCota Hangar on the Flushing campus (86-01 23rd Avenue). The installation followed the Vaughn Transformed Gala the previous night where the institution celebrated the completion of a nearly $40 million renovation of the campus and the retirement of the College's sixth president, Dr. John C. Fitzpatrick. The Gala, the first in Vaughn College's history raised $100,000 for scholarships and institutional priorities.

"This was a tremendous week for Vaughn," said President DeVivo. "The Gala was incredibly successful and the funds raised will help us achieve our mission of assisting our students, many of whom are first-generation Americans and first-generation college students, attain their dream of obtaining a college education. She added, "As I take on this new role, I look forward to working with trustees, students, faculty, staff, employers and community groups to impact the lives of our students, serve the needs of the industries where our graduates are employed and support our local community."

Many friends and supporters of the College attended the Gala to experience the campus transformation, view a compelling exhibit of Vaughn's milestones as displayed through historic photos and hear about the College's mission and plans for the future. Vaughn's next Gala will take place on November 5, 2015.
 
DeVivo has been with Vaughn College since 1996 and is the first woman to hold the office of president in the history of the institution.  She has been serving in this role since July 1, 2014. During her tenure, DeVivo has served in various administrative positions in departments that include: academic affairs, financial aid, admissions, development, student affairs and public affairs. DeVivo earned an EdD from the University of Pennsylvania, an MA from Fordham University and a BA from SUNY Albany.
 
As an act of service to honor DeVivo's presidency, the College sponsored a book drive to create a children's library at The King's Inn, a family center for women and children located across the street from Vaughn.  The campus was able to donate more than 700 books to the center.
 
VAUGHN COLLEGE: Founded in 1932, Vaughn College is a private, four-year college that enrolls more than 1,700 students in master's, bachelor's and associate degree programs in engineering, technology, management and aviation on its main campus in New York City and online. The student-faculty ratio of 15 to 1 ensures a highly personalized learning environment. Ninety-two percent of Vaughn College graduates are placed in professional positions or choose to continue their education within one year of graduation. They work in 20 countries and all 50 states. The institution serves many first-generation college students and is recognized by the US Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. For more information visit www.vaughn.edu.
 
A photo accompanying this release is available at:
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=29022