Support our campaign to rename the Options Program Fund in honor of Betty Bonczek. One hundred percent of the funds will support Options scholarships, free social gatherings, and expanded program offerings.
After we reach our campaign goal, the College of Staten Island will launch “The Betty Bonczek Options Fund”
About the Options Program for Mature Learners (also known as ‘Options’):
Options is a Continuing Education program and supportive community for lifelong learning for adults over the age of 55. Exclusively available at the College of Staten Island, Options offers ways to stay active, form meaningful relationships, and thrive in a dynamic environment virtually and on a college campus!
Why the campaign to rename the fund in honor of Betty Bonczek matters:
In 2024, we learned the devastating news of Elizabeth “Betty” Bonczek’s unexpected passing - a loss that continues to be felt deeply by those who knew her and by the community she helped build. Betty retired in 2022 as the Program Coordinator of Options, after faithfully serving Options students, instructors, and the College for about 15 years. Her presence, care, and spirit remain woven into the fabric of the program. To know Betty was to know someone who wholeheartedly gave of herself. She did far more than fulfill the responsibilities of her role—she nurtured a community. She welcomed students with warmth and patience, guiding them through registration and the scholarship process with kindness and encouragement. She supported instructors not just as colleagues, but as a friend, helping bring their ideas to life and their networks of friends and former colleagues into the program. And she brought people together as the host and caretaker of all program gatherings, creating spaces where friendships could grow and where everyone felt they belonged. Options was her home away from home. She was committed to its mission and worked tirelessly to ensure it was accessible to all adults over 55, regardless of their mobility, location, or income. Her compassion broke down barriers, and her dedication opened doors for so many. Renaming the Options fund in Betty’s honor is a tribute and promise that her legacy of generosity, inclusion, and community will continue to guide and inspire the program for years to come. Through this campaign, we hope to carry forward the spirit of care and connection that Betty gave so freely, ensuring that her impact lives on in every life the program touches.
How your support will be used:
Our priority is to award scholarships up to $70 for Options students experiencing financial hardship. Scholarship funds will go towards the cost of participation in the program. After scholarship recipients are awarded, the remaining balance of funds will support free social gatherings and expanded offerings, ensuring new and subsidized opportunities and program growth. All donors will have the opportunity to post comments after they make their donations. We encourage you to post your favorite memory of Betty as a comment.
Other ways to Make Your Gift:
By Check: Please make your check payable to CSI Foundation, Inc., note “Options Program” on the memo line, and send to:
CSI Foundation, 2800 Victory Blvd., 1A-210, Staten Island, NY 10314
By Phone: Please email foundation@csi.cuny.edu and an Institutional Advancement staff member will contact you to take your donation over the phone.
All donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated!
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