The beauty of the Bronx was on full display at Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses for the Hostos Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic on Thursday, October 9. Just over 100 golfers spent a day in the fall sunshine, and the event helped to raise more than $175,000 to support student success at Hostos Community College.
After a barbecue lunch, more than 100 golfers hit the links—some competing to win one of our contest prizes, some just enjoying the sunshine and camaraderie. During the lively cocktail hour, lucky attendee Sara Correra Rivas took home a $500 American Express gift card from the Ball Drop contest, sponsored by Schindler Elevator Corp. (U.S.).
L-R: Idelsa Mendez, Oswaldo Rodriguez, Edwin Peña, Francis Paulino, Amauris Tineo, and José Sanchez-Kingjorn
There was a packed house for the awards dinner, emceed by Hostos Community College Foundation Board Director and Director of Community Engagement for NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Jason Caraballo. Bill Bollinger, development consultant for Maddd Equities, joined Jason to present the golf awards. The Longest Drive Contest winner was Francis Paulino from Antillana Superfood Marketplace; Closest to the Pin Contest winner was Mike Woods of Hostos Community College; the runner-up foursome was the team from Antillana Superfood Marketplace; and the Classic’s winning foursome, clinching the title for the second consecutive year, was the team from BronxCare. The top foursomes received a trophy and a complimentary foursome at Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses.
The Schindler Elevator Corporation, a long time supporter of the College, was well represented at the event
True to its mission, the Golf Outing serves as a catalyst for expanding scholarship opportunities at Hostos. Development Officer Idelsa Méndez took a moment to recognize Aufgang Architects, who recently established the Aufgang Family Scholarship for Engineering Students.
In her remarks, Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis captured the spirit of the evening, sharing “this night is about the future.” The future is indeed looking very bright for Hostos. In addition to steady enrollment and retention gains at the College, Hostos recently announced that the historic Bronx Central Post Office Building will be restored and retrofitted to serve as the College’s new Allied Health and Sciences Building. Dr. Cocco De Filippis continued, “I pinch myself when I consider all the opportunities in the Bronx...and this new building will allow us to grow, bringing those opportunities to more students.”
President Cocco De Filippis with Maddd Equities’ Jorge Madruga
The evening featured a keynote speech from Schindler Elevators Director of Modernization Alfonso Robles. Mr. Robles reflected on Schindler Elevator Corporation’s passionate commitment to education and upward mobility. “Every day, Schindler systems move 4 billion people vertically, diagonally, and horizontally...we know how to get people where they need to go, and it’s clear from the leadership and outcomes at Hostos Community College, that they do as well.” Mr. Robles, who was born and raised in the Bronx, thanked Schindler leadership for making an investment in this community and proudly announced that Schindler’s scholarship at Hostos will be awarded for the first time in the Spring 2026 semester. Also representing Schindler Elevators in the audience was Senior Vice President Michael Chatterton.
Closing out the evening program, student Ashley Walker shared how the heart-wrenching news of a cancer diagnosis catalyzed her dreams of completing the degree she began nearly 20 years ago. With her son often by her side and with the support of faculty and several scholarships, Ashley is forging the future she wants for her family. During her remarks, she extended an emotional note of gratitude to Jorge Madruga of Maddd Equities, whose annual sponsorship funds the Madruga Family Emergency Scholarships at Hostos. Mr. Madruga’s scholarship has awarded more than $150,000 since 2018.
Alumna Rosyvette Diaz, ’25 joined Institutional Advancement staff to help with the raffle and silent auction. Raffle and silent auction prizes included gift cards for local restaurants and experiences, fine wine, and luxury skincare products. The Foundation congratulates all the lucky winners who walked away with these wonderful gifts.
The Foundation extends its gratitude to all those who attended, and the many individuals and organizations who generously showed their support for Hostos students[CA1] . A heartfelt thanks to the Hostos Community College and Foundation leadership: President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Senior Vice President Esther Rodriguez-Chardavoyne, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director Colette Atkins, Board Chairperson José Sánchez-Kinghorn and Secretary Carolyn McLaughlin. Thanks to the Hostos Division of Institutional Advancement team, Development Officer Idelsa Méndez, and the Golf Outing Committee, Cira Angeles, Janet Jiménez, Jorge Madruga, and Alfonso Robles.
L-R Jorge Madruga, Idelsa Mendez, Al Robles , Janet Jimenez,, Colette Atkins, Jason Caraballo, José Sánchez-Kinghorn
Finally, thank you to the evening’s sponsors: Title Sponsor MADDD Equities; Classic Sponsors Montefiore Einstein and Schindler Elevators (U.S.); Dinner and Cocktail Sponsor BronxCare; Lunch Sponsors ABM, Amarilis Jacobo General Dentistry, Augfang Architects, Brooklyn Brokerage, Libra Group, the Katz Foundation, Oyate Group, Rosen Law, LLC, Ultimate Abstract of New York, and Unitex Healthcare Laundry Services; and Corporate Foursome Sponsors: Action Environmental Services, American Construction Testing Services, Antillana Superfood Marketplace, Armand Program & Construction Management/Hunter Roberts Construction Group, Bronx Terminal Market, GardaWorld, Lead Security Group, Mitchell Giurgola, Ponce Bank, State Farm, TellDaniel Personal Injury Lawyers, Trane Technologies; and Hole Sponsor DBI Projects.