February 14, 2024

Suffolk County Community College Alumni Connect Rubi Catalan & Milton Farez

Milton and Rubi met at Suffolk County Community College Eastern campus in the Spring of 2014 during Milton’s last semester and Rubi’s first semester. The two met while participating in the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) Club. During that semester the two began to meet each other, and it didn’t take long for them to notice how compatible they were. When Milton first asked Rubi on a date, their similarities continued to reveal themselves.

After graduating from Suffolk County Community College, and as fate had it planned both moved on to finish their bachelor’s degree at Long Island University, CW Post Campus. The couple continued through college together, through all the late study nights, the midnight pizza slices, midterm weeks, finals weeks, and finally graduation. They did everything together, taking classes, studying together, exploring campus, and even finding their first jobs together. Throughout the years the couple did a lot of growing and celebrating together. They both helped and supported each other get through school and achieve all their goals.

Rubi mentioned “I don’t think my college experience would have been as good as it was if I didn’t have him, we got to celebrate so many crucial milestones together”. As the couple continues to build their future together, their college experience holds a special place in their heart. Both remain connected with Suffolk County Community College and volunteer time when possible.

The two tied the knot in September 2023 and continue to share their love for each other, celebrating their first Valentine’s Day as a married couple.

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April 5, 2023

Congratulations Thalia Olaya, Esq. ’13

Congratulates Alumna Thalia Olaya, Esq. ’13

The Stephanie House Residential Shelter has a new Director, Thalia Olaya, who stepped into the role in January. Although this position is new for her, Thalia is well versed with The Retreat, having first started as a member of its Teen Leadership Council in 2010. Throughout her schooling and beyond, she stayed connected with the organization and discovered a passion for helping others in the process.

As a teen leader, Ms. Olaya spearheaded fundraisers, led outreach tables, and spoke at events, including at Latino Parent Nights at East Hampton High School, where she graduated. Her experience as a Teen Leader left a lasting impression.

While in college, she volunteered with the Retreat’s Legal Advocacy department learning how to help clients navigate the family court system. “Being a legal advocate really sparked my interest in law even more,” she said. “I just saw so many injustices going on.” After graduating college, she decided to go to law school and spent the year in between schools working as an administrative assistant at The Retreat’s shelter.

Following graduation from Hofstra Law, she worked for Assemblyman Fred Thiele as a legislative aide, before becoming The Retreat’s Shelter Director in January 2023. In this position, Ms. Olaya oversees general operations of Stephanie House, manages staff, and most importantly, ensures clients’ needs are being met.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to interact directly with survivors and the opportunity to hear their stories and see their resilience, it’s something that has meant a lot to me,” said Ms. Olaya. “Also the opportunity to change someone’s life and be a part of their healing process. It’s something that I love to do. It’s work that really matters. You feel like you have a purpose. There’s something bigger than just me, I’m here for the clients, I’m here to be of service in their darkest hours…it’s really a gift, and a privilege, and an honor to be able to do that every day.”

The Retreat’s emergency shelter provides housing for up to 18 adults and children. Comprehensive services are available to all residents and include counseling, legal advocacy, educational programs, and case management. Nonresidential clients, who make up the majority of Retreat clients, access all services through the East Hampton, Riverhead, and Hauppauge offices.

Source: The Retreat

Read more online at Southampton Press “East Hampton High School Alum Named Shelter Director at The Retreat” by Elizabeth Vespe

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Thalia Olaya at Suffolk County Community College Commencement from Stay on Long Island Scholarship Initiative

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Monday, June 5, 2023 – 39th Annual Suffolk Community College Foundation Golf Classic

December 23, 2021

Apply Now for Stay on Long Island Initiative Scholarships at Suffolk County Community College

Full Tuition Scholarships for Suffolk County Community College Graduating Students

The Stay on Long Island Initiative (SoLII) is a program created by Dr. Shaun L. McKay, Past President of Suffolk County Community College. It seeks to ensure that Long Island’s brightest and most talented students consider the merits of continuing their education at a Long Island-based college or university.

Scholarships

As a result of this initiative, Suffolk County Community College is working in partnership with a select group of four-year educational institutions on Long Island. This past academic year more than $1,000,000 in merit scholarships were awarded to Suffolk County Community College’s graduates. Many of these awards were for full-tuition scholarships. Other students were offered significant SoLII Merit Awards. Some of the partial awards were as large as $20,000. Awards are renewable if grades are maintained.

The Stay on Long Island Initiative (SoLII) provides full- and partial-tuition scholarships to Suffolk County Community College’s top graduates. This scholarship ensures that high achieving students from Suffolk can pursue their educational dreams locally, through scholarships offered by 10 of Long Island’s quality four-year colleges and universities.

If you have questions about SoLII, please call (631) 851-6847 or email us.

See the SoLII Brochure for more information.

Source: Suffolk County Community College