The Diversity and Social Justice Scholarship was established in June 2020 in tribute to Maurice Gordon, a 28-year-old DCC science student and Poughkeepsie resident whose life tragically was cut short on May 23, 2020 following a routine traffic stop in New Jersey. A native of Jamaica who moved to the U.S. when he was 19, Maurice was a beloved member of our campus community. As part of the CSTEP program designed to foster academic excellence for underrepresented or economically disadvantaged students majoring in the STEM fields, the aspiring chemist had distinguished himself as smart, hard-working, friendly and caring. Curious and committed, he was excited about having been selected to participate in a research project this summer.

A virtual vigil held in Maurice's memory drew about 100 professors, advisors and fellow students whose lives had been touched by the young man with the quick wit and captivating smile. By all accounts, Maurice showed tremendous promise and was destined to accomplish great things.

The DCC community, which highly values diversity, equity and inclusion, was inspired to establish this scholarship to support deserving students like Maurice in the STEM fields. The DCC Foundation has allocated All gifts in his memory and honor are directed to the Diversity and Social Justice Scholarship at Dutchess Community College and will be awarded annually to a student from an underrepresented population studying science, technology, engineering or math.