HOW ELLIS ISLAND HONORS SOCIETY IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Immigrant Student Success Center

In 2019, EIHS was the founding sponsor of the new Immigrant Student Success Center at John Jay College. The Center is a resource for all students, regardless of immigration status, providing access to the most up-to-date information about immigration laws and protocols as well as legal assistance and emergency funding resources. The Center also provides mental health, career, and educational guidance for immigrant students, helping to ensure their long-term success and contribution to American society.

EIHS’ and John Jay’s partnership began with the NYPD Detective Ramos and Liu Memorial Scholarship, created in 2014 to honor the legacy of Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, who were killed while on duty in Brooklyn. The scholarship supports current NYPD officers seeking higher education. By supporting officers who are committed to the values of community, diversity, and healing, this scholarship contributes to the future leadership of the NYPD and New York City.

Our First in Family Scholarships were created in recognition of the challenges faced by first-generation students, which often prevent them from completing their college degrees. The scholarships support John Jay College students who are the first in their family to attend college and who have demonstrated financial need. The funds provided by the First in Family Scholarships foster student success by helping to alleviate both the financial difficulties and the stress which disproportionately impact these students.

NPS Statue of Liberty – Ellis Island National Monument

EIHS contributes annually to the preservation of the Statue of Liberty - Ellis Island National Monument, ensuring this beacon of hope and freedom continues to inspire future generations of visitors.

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy destroyed the elevators on Ellis Island. EIHS funded the replacement and updating of the entire system, ensuring that wounded veterans, those with disabilities, and all who visit this historic landmark have unrestricted access to all of the Island’s amenities.

In 2014, EIHS pledged one million dollars to the Ellis Island Peopling of America Center. Opened in 2015, the museum expansion features cutting-edge multi-media exhibits which tell the story of immigration to America in the period before and after the Ellis Island processing center operated.

Chairman Nasser J. Kazeminy was a major sponsor of this project, and his personal immigrant story is featured in the Center’s video gallery. 

By supporting the Statue of Liberty - Ellis Island National Monument, EIHS ensures that all people have the opportunity to learn from the immigrant experience. Seeing the adversity and struggles overcome by immigrants fosters greater compassion and understanding in support of an integrated and prosperous America. 

COVID-19 Response

When natural disasters strike anywhere in the world, EIHS mobilizes its network of medalists to solicit support for life-saving supplies.

EIHS connects medalists with the most powerful and influential NGOs in the affected regions to strengthen our impact and provide maximum assistance to those in need.

In 2020, EIHS has worked with the Mayor’s Fund of New York City to provide hot meals and personal protective equipment to frontline workers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic at 11 of the city’s hardest hit public hospitals.

EIHS also teamed up with Dr. Mehmet Oz to celebrate Nurses Appreciation Week, and to provide meals for frontline workers in California and New York. 

EIHS donated to Americares and Feeding America to provide food to thousands of Americans hit hardest by the unprecedented rise in unemployment brought about by COVID-19.

In previous years, immediate disaster relief was also provided to Haiti, the Bahamas, Italy, and China.