Nasau Community College Mourns the Loss
of Former Student Hazel Dukes

March 13, Garden City, NY – Nassau Community College mourns the loss of former student Hazel Dukes, beloved Civil Right activist, who attended NCC from Summer 1968 through Fall 1971.

“Hazel Dukes spent much of her life as a fierce advocate for Civil Rights, from education and housing to economic development,” said Dr. Maria Conzatti, Chief Administrative Officer at Nassau Community College. “As a member of the NCC community, we mourn her passing and honor her legacy today and every day.”

Hazel N. Dukes, who passed away on March 1 at the age of 92, was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. She was an influential American civil rights leader and advocate who dedicated much of her life to fighting for social justice and equality. Dukes was particularly known for her long-standing work with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where she served in various leadership roles, including National President from 1989-1992. Throughout her career, Dukes was a tireless advocate for racial equality, economic justice, and educational opportunities for marginalized communities. She worked on numerous local, state, and national initiatives to combat systemic racism, promote voter registration, and address police brutality. Active in other organizations and initiatives, Dukes served on various boards and councils dedicated to civic engagement and equality.

The NCC community honors the memory of civil rights icon Hazel Dukes.

About Nassau Community College
Nassau Community College, a campus of the State University of New York, provides a comprehensive public college experience designed to prepare students to start, and continue, their successful journey through higher education. Serving over 17,000 full-time and part-time students annually, NCC offers over 70 associate degree programs and 25 certificate programs. Through on-campus and online offerings, the College educates local and international students and boasts over 163,000 alumni. Situated on 225 acres in Garden City, Long Island, the college grounds reside in historic Nassau County, one of the most desirable locations to live in the United States and an epicenter for business and careers. Since 1959, NCC has earned a nationwide reputation for academic excellence and ease of transferability to four-year schools. 

Media Contact:  Brett Spielberg | brett.spielberg@ncc.edu | (516) 572.9634
ncc.edu/newsreleases

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