Rafe Reginald “Reggie” Ellison Memorial Scholarship

Rafe Reginald “Reggie” Ellison, III was a proud Monroe Community College (MCC) alumnus, Army veteran, and lifelong public servant who dedicated his life to community development and mentoring the next generation. He inspired those around him with deep compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to helping others—especially those who, like him, had overcome adversity.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Reggie used the GI Bill to attend MCC, graduating in 1997 before earning degrees from the University at Buffalo and Princeton University. He served in several federal agencies and later founded a real estate development firm rooted in fairness and opportunity. Throughout his life, Reggie remained a tireless advocate for education—especially for students from Rochester’s city schools.

In 2022, Reggie returned to MCC to deliver the commencement address, where he reminded graduates that their stories and struggles matter—and that their future holds promise. He established the V. Sumati Devadutt Award for Academic Excellence at MCC in honor of his beloved professor, and now, his friends and family have created the Rafe Reginald “Reggie” Ellison Memorial Scholarship to carry on his legacy.

You can carry forward Reggie’s deep belief in people’s potential by making a gift to one—or both—of these scholarships:

Rafe Reginald “Reggie” Ellison Memorial Scholarship
V. Sumati Devadutt Award for Academic Excellence

Please make your memorial gift online at www.monroecc.edu or Give Now.

If you wish to make a gift by phone or check, please send to: MCC Foundation, 1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623 or call 585.685.6020.

The Rafe Reginald “Reggie” Ellison Memorial Scholarship was established in 2025 by Friends of Reggie: Ron Ashford, V. Sumati Devadutt, Rodney Harrell, Hope Neighbor, and Anthony Noble.