Delores Quintyne – civil rights pioneer, community activist, and trailblazer – was honored on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 where Conklin Hall was rededicated as Delores Y Quintyne Hall. This was the first major on-campus event since the start of the pandemic over one year ago with over 100 people in attendance.
The energy was high and you could feel the power of this woman and what the Quintyne family embodies. The amount of people Delores has touched in her lifetime is incalculable and it was evident as person after person who are closest to her spoke about Delores with fondness and how she mentored each one of them.
The event was hosted by Farmingdale State College President, John S. Nader and prominent speakers included:
- Dolores “Dee” Thompson, Former President, NAACP - Huntington
- Harry Good, Board of Trustee Advisor for Central State University
- Madeline Quintyne-McConney, Commissioner, Town of Babylon Department of Human Services
- Patricia Hill Williams, Farmingdale State College Council Chair
- Keith Hayward, Senior Pastor for Bethel A.M.E. Church
- Rich Schaffer, Babylon Town Supervisor
- Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Executive
- Valerie Dent, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, State University of New York
When speaking with Delores, she prides herself in how advocacy work has always been close to her heart. She was raised, and has raised her family, that if you are able to, you should reach down your hand and bring someone else up with you as you are moving up the ladder. Delores was unable to attend in person, and in lieu recorded her remarks which were played over the loudspeaker. What a moment to hear Delores’ voice and to see everyone listening intently to her inspiring words of wisdom.
She closed her remarks with two pieces of advice, “Stay Focused. Keep on Keeping On.”
For more information on Delores Y. Quintyne and the rededication of Conklin Hall, read the full press release.
For more photos from the event, visit the FSC Flickr.