John Jay College was recently honored with a WESTY Award by The Westside Spirit – a community newspaper that is part of Straus News. The awards ceremony was held on campus at the Anya and Andrew Shiva Gallery. Now in its tenth year, the annual award salutes prominent individuals and institutions of Manhattan’s Upper West Side neighborhood. Emceed by NY1 reporter Vivian Lee, this year’s program recognized 17 West Siders from the public and private sector for their contributions to the local community. Honorees included law enforcement representatives, business owners, arts institutions, elected officials, non-profit leaders and standout residents.
In a pre-recorded message, President Jeremy Travis thanked Straus News and its president, Jeanne Straus, as he accepted the award on behalf of John Jay College.
“Over the years that John Jay has been a member of the West Side community, we have really treasured, nurtured and valued our friendships and relationships with our community partners…all of the entities that make up the spirit of the West Side. If you think about it, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we have really grown up together. The West Side is now known worldwide for being one of the most vibrant parts of our vibrant city. John Jay College is now known worldwide as a unique, powerful and important institution and our mission of educating for justice has never been more important than it is today. On behalf of the college, our students, faculty and alumni all around the world, I accept the WESTY Award,” said President Travis.
Click here to read Strauss Media coverage of the WESTY Awards.
During the ceremony, honoree Cyrus Vance, Manhattan District Attorney, spoke of the importance of better cooperation between law enforcement and communities. Among the attendees were elected officials such as State Senators Bill Perkins and Brad Hoylman; Assembly Members Linda B. Rosenthal and Daniel O’Donnell; Councilmembers Helen Rosenthal and Mark Levine; Borough President Gale Brewer; and Public Advocate Letitia James, who highlighted the contributions of the honorees as they presented each with their WESTY Award.
Over 120 West Side residents filled the Shiva Gallery to cheer on their neighbors.
