News & Events
President Fred W. Beaufait Awards Posthumous Degree
to Husband of Student Slain at WTC on September 11
President Fred W. Beaufait, right, with Marvin Anderson
Yvette Anderson would have proudly taken part in New York City Technical College's commencement exercises in early June, knowing that all the juggling of family, work, church and studying she did for 11 years as a part-time hospitality management student finally had led to a college degree.
Instead, six credits shy of her bachelor of technology degree, the 53-year-old Anderson perished in the Twin Towers at her job as a keyboard specialist with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Anderson, who also worked at a popular soul food restaurant on weekends, left behind her husband, two children and the dream of opening her own restaurant following graduation.
In recognition of her academic achievements, City Tech President Fred W. Beaufait presented her husband Marvin with her degree posthumously in a moving speech during the college's 62nd commencement exercises, which took place on June 3 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
"Orphaned at 15, Yvette was also the mother of loving children upon whom she pressed the importance of self-reliance and hard work," Beaufait said. "And for many years, the members of White Rock Baptist Church in Harlem were nourished by the feasts prepared by this joyous and generous woman, always animated by her faith.
"Marvin, how proud you would have been to be in the audience today as Yvette received her bachelor's degree," Beaufait continued, his voice choked with emotion. "Our hearts go out to you and your children and to all who knew and loved Yvette for your very great loss."
Beaufait also acknowledged two other students who perished on September 11 -- Aisha Harris and Robert McMahon -- and three alumni -- Charles J. Mauro '88, William Valcarcel '67 and Winnie (Yuk-Ping) Wong '83. Both Valcarcel and Wong also worked for the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance. Wong was one of five sisters to graduate with honors from City Tech. Mauro was an adjunct professor of hospitality management who was corporate purchasing director for Windows on the World.
Anderson's degree was one of more than 1,500 conferred by City Tech on June 3. Alumna Muriel Howard '69, president of Buffalo State College, received an honorary degree and was the featured speaker. Cheryl Sparkes, human services, delivered the Valedictory Address.
