CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2025! 🎓

May 25-31, 2025

Lehman Weekly

College Events, Updates, and Extras

A graduate is embraced outside of the PAC

Photo of the Week

Graduates proudly crossed the stage–with friends and family there to cheer them on–during the 57th Annual Commencement Exercises at Lehman College! 🎉 ❤️

(Photo by Brian Hatton)

Ceremony Snapshots

See graduate ceremony snapshots

Check out undergraduate ceremony snapshots

Take a look at some of the amazing mortarboard designs

(Photos by Mildred Perez, Janel Martinez, and Brian Hatton)

Reply to this email to share yours!

Quoted at Commencement

Contreras with arm outstretched at podium

“If the world expects you to go to the back and stay quiet, go to the front and speak with purpose.”

Cristina Contreras '95, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln

Alumna and Honorary Degree Recipient

“Remember that we, the proud alumni of Lehman, are much more than scholars; we are hope wrapped in a degree.”

Julia Rampersad '25, Graduate Speaker

Undergraduate student speaker speaks into microphone

“For many of us, this degree is more than a diploma. It’s proof that we can overcome, proof that we can rise, and proof that we can build the future we once only dreamed of.”

Felix Santos '25, Undergraduate Speaker

Lehman Memories

From an internship with a beloved faculty member to a surprise 18th birthday party, members of the class of 2025 share their most memorable moments

Lehman in the News

Associate Professor Eileen Markey (Journalism and Media Studies) examines how Trump’s housing cuts and anti-immigrant policies threaten low-income families and public housing stability for The Nation

Associate Professor Alexander Núñez-Torres (Finance, Information Systems & Economics) explains cryptocurrency and its value on Univision

Associate Professor Jason Noble (Music) will conduct the New York premiere of Associate Professor Jennifer Jolley’s (Music) “Dune Aurora” at Carnegie Hall as part of the WorldStrides Middle School Honors Performance on June 27

Associate Professor Sean Stein Smith (Accounting) is one of ten accounting professionals under 40 being honored by the New York State Society of CPAs

Alumni Headlines

Javier A. Hernández, MSE '09 discusses the critical role academia and civil society can play in decolonizing Puerto Rico

NYC Mayoral Candidate Dr. Selma Bartholomew, '91 (Math and Physics) discusses her vision and goals in a recent Q&A with Amsterdam News

Erin Reik, MAT '20 talks with Norwood News about leading the vibrant and diverse music program at P.S./M.S. 95 and inspiring students through music from around the world

CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Director Ramona Hernández, '79 (Latin American History) talks about the second generation of Dominicans in Spain and their unique experiences in Diario Libre

MEET LEHMAN'S

2025 Teachers of the Year

Lehman's Teacher of the Year Celia Cunanan-Cruz and Adjunct Teacher of the Year Michael Gulino share what this award means to them

Monday's the Day!

Starting Monday, June 2, 2025, all courses will be taught using Brightspace, CUNY’s new Learning Management System (LMS)

Explore trainings, office hours, bootcamps, FAQs, and more

Events and Opportunities

Stock image of hand writing next to computer

Faculty: Find Your Partner in Writing Accountability

Whether you're revising an article, pulling together a grant, or just trying to get started on something new, the Summer 2025 Virtual Writing Retreat could be just what you need June 3-5

Bring Your Family and Get Creative

Experience an inquiry-based inclusive family tour of Lehman's Public Art Collection at Inclusive Family Program: Create a Collage June 8

Celebrate Together and Support Lehman

Attend a celebratory garden party and fundraiser like no other at Spring Fling! June 11

Click here for the full calendar of events

Scene on Campus

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Front and Center

Trusted Advice: City University of New York Board of Trustees member Mayra Linares-Garcia thanked all who contributed to the graduates' success and encouraged the class of 2025 to be bold! (Photo by Brian Hatton)

Volunteers in polo shirts with Lehman logos

Thanks to You! Staff, faculty, and student volunteers helped make the undergraduate event possible. (Photo by Mildred Perez)

Faculty Fanfare: Lehman faculty celebrated along with the graduates at both ceremonies. In the photo, Lecturer Jennifer MacKenzie, Associate Professor Eileen Markey, and Associate Professor Nicholas Boston took a quick selfie under the undergraduate ceremony faculty tent. (Journalism and Media Studies)

Nice Work: Vice President for Student Affairs Jermaine Wright congratulated students at the graduate ceremony. (Photo by Brian Hatton)

Science Grads: Chemistry, Anthropology, and Biological Sciences faculty and students gathered for a post-Commencement party. (Photo c/o Patricia Gonzalez Periche)

Before the Ceremony: Lehman's campus was as beautiful as ever during Commencement week. (Photo collage by Margaret Ibasco, goose family under tree by Martha Lerski)