New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr, honored Dennis Derryck, professor of nonprofit management at Milano The New School for Management and Urban Policy, and five other extraordinary leaders at the eighth annual Caribbean Heritage & Culture event.  

“During Caribbean American Heritage month, we celebrate the proud traditions of all Caribbean Americans nationwide. Here in New York we salute the achievements of Caribbean Americans who have put their unique stamp on our city,” Thompson said at the event in downtown Manhattan.
 
Thompson presented the award to Dennis Derryck citing his passionate commitment to pushing the boundaries of architecture and community development. “His innovative policies and pragmatic style have proven invaluable to nonprofit organizations throughout New York City,” Thompson said.

Derryck's leadership in community development led to the creation of the Community Development Practicum, a Milano course in partnership with Parsons.  Eight of the 10 development projects by the Practicum team have been or are now in the process of being built at a total budget of over $80 million.