Honoring a legacy of leadership: MVCC plans event to celebrate the life of Sandy Cummings, raise funds for a scholarship in her name

Sandy Cummings — beloved MVCC alumna and employee — was a positive force in the lives of countless students throughout her long career in Student Engagement at Mohawk Valley Community College. For 38 years, Sandy poured her heart into MVCC, focusing on enhancing the student experience and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement and leadership development. Whether working alongside Student Congress leaders to amplify student voices or guiding the Student Leadership Academy and numerous clubs, Sandy believed deeply in empowering students to lead with confidence and purpose.

This October, the College community will come together to celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring impact of Sandy, who passed away in January. Livin’ on a Legacy: The Sandy Cummings Memorial Leadership Benefitwill be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at MVCC’s Utica Campus. Admission is $20, with proceeds supporting the MVCC Foundation’s Sandy Cummings Student Engagement Scholarship. The long-term goal is to build an endowed fund to ensure her spirit of engagement and mentorship continues to inspire generations to come.

The scholarship, established by Sandy’s family, friends, alumni, and colleagues, will be awarded to students who exemplify the qualities she valued most: outstanding leadership, campus involvement, and a commitment to making a positive impact. The scholarship celebrates Sandy’s passion for student success, as well as her famous phrase: “Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.”

This special evening will honor Sandy’s memory while supporting a cause she believed in deeply: empowering students to lead and succeed. It promises to be a lively, heartfelt celebration infused with her love of Bon Jovi. Highlights include:

• Live music by Bon Giovi, a Bon Jovi tribute band from Syracuse, N.Y., at 7 p.m.
• Themed photo booth with ’80s rock props and Sandy-inspired quotes
• Signature ’80s-inspired mocktails
• Raffle prizes and more

For more information about the event, contact the MVCC Events Office at 315-731-5721 or boxoffice@mvcc.edu. To make a donation to the Sandy Cummings Student Engagement Scholarship Fund, contact the MVCC Foundation at 315-792-5555.