For Nicholas Shannon ’03, Executive Director for the St. Luke’s Cornwall Health System Foundation, commitment to the Greater Newburgh community is both a personal passion and a professional mission.
As a proud Mount Saint Mary College alumnus leading the philanthropic arm supporting local healthcare, Shannon has dedicated his career to ensuring that vital resources, care, and civic leadership remain anchored right in the Hudson Valley.
Shannon’s undergraduate years at the Mount instilled in him an understanding that higher education extends far beyond the four walls of a classroom. For him, the college fostered an enduring sense of responsibility toward the surrounding community.
“The Mount shaped me into a well-rounded student who graduated with more than just an education,” said Shannon. “It prepared me to be a civic leader who cares about our community and wants to help the next generation thrive.”
When reflecting on his college journey, Shannon credits practical, real-world experiences as the catalyst for his professional growth. For current students looking toward their own futures, Shannon emphasizes experiential learning: “Take advantage of the Mount’s internship program,” he advised. “That was a phenomenal resource for me. I had great experiences, two great internships, and I found out what I wanted to do professionally.”
Working closely alongside hospital leadership, Shannon witnesses firsthand the caliber of professionals the Mount produces across various disciplines – particularly in patient care.
He sees that same preparedness reflected in his own career trajectory: “I know when I left the Mount, I was a confident and ready student. And here at Montefiore St. Luke’s, we have seen those same results from other Mount grads.”
Located just down the road from the Mount campus, the hospital and college share a deep-rooted commitment to elevating the City of Newburgh through education, volunteerism, and accessible healthcare.
“Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall and the Mount have a shared mission of caring for our community," Shannon explained. “We serve a very underserved population here in Newburgh, and together we want to really rise above. And we’re doing that – from the education that individuals receive at the Mount, to the care we give at the hospital.”
Today, Shannon remains an active advocate for the college, committed to ensuring that future generations of students experience the same mentorship and opportunities he received.
“My experience at the Mount was second to none,” he said. “Now I want to help continue the college’s legacy – for myself, for fellow alumni, and for current and future students.”