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Long Island City, NY—December 14, 2012—Cecilia Briones, a LaGuardia Community College Foundation board director who has played an instrumental role in the College’s fundraising efforts, was honored at the Association for Fundraising Professionals 15th Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon November 19.

At the awards luncheon, held at the Plaza Hotel and attended by some 250 guests including actor Cheyenne Jackson, who was the featured speaker, Ms. Briones, the foundation’s treasurer was among 12 honorees who were nominated by their organizations.

“Cecilia is not only being honored for her commitment to the Foundation’s mission and her work as treasurer,” said Dr. Gail O. Mellow, president of LaGuardia Community College, “but for reaching out to her colleagues where she works, to garner support for scholarship funding and for mentoring many of our students.”

One of those students, Luis Lei, a 2010 graduate, was there to see Ms. Briones receive her award. “Seeing Cecilia being honored and recognized for her work was simply wonderful,” said Luis, who went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Sarah Lawrence University and has returned to LaGuardia as a President’s Honors Alumni Fellow. “She has been an amazing and relentless supporter in my professional and academic development. With her help I finished my college education, and now I am back at LaGuardia collaborating with her to extend the same opportunities I had to other students.”

In a letter to Dr. Mellow, a humble Ms. Briones thanked her and the Foundation for the nomination. “I feel honored to work with you, the board members and your staff,” she said. “The students are my inspiration. It is my commitment to continue working as hard as possible to reach our goals.”

Ms. Briones is director in the Wealth Management Division of UBS AG serving Latin American clients. She has had an extensive career in the wealth management business working with Latin American countries at Marine Midland Bank, ABN Amro N.V. and Merrill Lynch.

The Association for Fundraising Professionals represents nearly 31,000 members in more than 200 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs.

National Philanthropy Day, first held in 1986, recognizes the great contributions of philanthropy — and those people active in the philanthropic community — to the enrichment of our world. Last year, more than 100 AFP chapters held NPD events and activities across North America.

LaGuardia Community College located in Long Island City, Queens, was founded in 1971 as a bold experiment in opening the doors of higher education to all, and we proudly carry forward that legacy today. LaGuardia educates students through over 50 degree, certificate and continuing education programs, providing an inspiring place for students to achieve their dreams. Upon graduation, LaGuardia students’ lives are transformed as family income increases 17%, and students transfer to four-year colleges at three times the national average. Part of the City University of New York (CUNY), LaGuardia is a nationally recognized leader among community colleges for boundary-breaking success educating underserved students. At LaGuardia we imagine new ideas, create new curriculum and pioneer programs to make our community and our country stronger. Visit www.laguardia.edu to learn more.