Senator Funke Names Dr. Alice Holloway Young as 2018 Woman of Distinction for the 55th Senate District

Senator Funke announced that Dr. Alice Holloway Young is this year’s 2018 Woman of Distinction. Dr. Young is a founder of Monroe Community College and one of the first African American teachers in the Rochester City School District. The Women of Distinction program honors exceptional women from across New York State who are making significant contributions in the community every day. Dr. Young will join other nominees at a reception in Albany this evening.  

“Dr. Alice Young’s body of work in education has influenced generations of learning through the Rochester City School District and Monroe Community College.  Her commitment to continually building people up through education continues to live on through students today and I’m proud to shine a state light on her accomplishments,” said Senator Funke.  

Dr. Young was born on September 29, 1923 in Warren County, North Carolina. She received a bachelor’s degree from Bennett College and a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in education supervision and administration from the University of Rochester. She joined the Rochester City School District in 1952 where she held numerous roles as an educator for the next four decades.

She was one of the district’s first African American teachers; the only African American reading specialist in the district; the first African American vice-principal and principal of elementary schools; and the first Title I Director. She also wrote and supervised the district’s first integration programs, including the Urban Suburban program, which continues to grow to this day.

Just as significant is Dr. Young’s role as a founder of Monroe Community College. Named as a trustee in 1961, she served as chair of trustees from 1978-1998. Her 20-year tenure earned her recognition as the longest-serving trustee among New York State community colleges. The Alice H. Young Teaching Internship for Ethnic Minority Graduate students and The Alice Holloway Young Society for Charitable Giving are both named in her honor.

Monroe Community College President Dr. Anne Kress: “Dr. Young has dedicated her life to education, as a teacher, a principal, a trustee, and a mentor.  Her vision for and commitment to building a community college that provides access and opportunity in Monroe County has had an extraordinary impact. Over half a million students have passed through our halls and classrooms at MCC, and because of Dr. Young’s inspiring leadership and her belief in the power of learning, their lives and our community have been transformed. She is a true woman of distinction.

The Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony will take place in Hearing Room B, Room 120 of the Legislative Office Building in Albany tonight at 5:30 p.m. To nominate someone for the 2019 program, please submit a biography (250 words or less) with a current address and contact information. Submissions should be sent to Senator Funke’s District Office at 230 Packetts Landing, Fairport, NY 14450.