The College of Staten Island welcomed supporters, community leaders, and alumni for an inspiring evening of philanthropy and celebration at its annual Spring into Giving benefit on April 23 at Above on Staten Island, highlighting the transformative power of education and community partnership.
Held as one of the institution’s premier fundraising events, the gala brought together a wide community united in support of student success and institutional advancement. The evening opened with cocktails and photos celebrating the three keynote honorees: Donna Gerstle, JD, Director and Principal Investigator of the Staten Island Breast Cancer Research Initiative; the Carl Vincent Bini Memorial Fund, represented by Chairman and President Massimo DiDonna; and Peabody-winning journalist-, Geraldo Rivera.
Cheryl Adolph, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and the CSI Foundation, welcomed guests and underscored the importance of continued philanthropic investment in the College’s mission. Foundation President Hon. Michael Cusick followed with remarks reinforcing the critical role donors and community advocates play in shaping opportunities for CSI students.
In his address, CSI President Timothy G. Lynch, Ph.D., described the College as “a bridge to success,” emphasizing its commitment to access, excellence, and upward mobility.
“The College’s legacy is powerful,” he said. “It is a story of access and opportunity—of a college that has transformed lives, strengthened families, and helped this borough thrive. But what makes this moment so exciting is not just our history. It’s our momentum, and it happens because of the strength of our faculty, the dedication of our staff, and the support of a community that believes in this mission.”
The program also featured a powerful student perspective from Biology major Angelina Colamarino, whose personal story illustrated the real-world impact of donor support on academic achievement and future aspirations.
A central highlight of the evening was the presentation of the President’s Medals, recognizing the guests of honor and their histories of community advocacy, service, and leadership.
Following the awards ceremony, attendees enjoyed dining and dancing, along with a lively slate of fundraising activities. Guests participated in raffles, silent auctions, and prize drawings featuring experiences ranging from cultural outings and culinary packages to travel getaways and exclusive entertainment opportunities, all contributing to the evening’s fundraising success.
The gala not only honored distinguished community partners but also reinforced CSI’s ongoing commitment to expanding educational access and opportunity. Proceeds from the event will directly support scholarships, academic programs, and student-centered initiatives that empower the next generation of leaders.
For more on the event, see coverage from the Staten Island Advance: https://www.silive.com/news/2026/04/college-of-staten-islands-spring-into-giving-honors-community-advocates.html
See the full photo gallery of the event below:
