"Campus Update" is a weekly e-newsletter published by LaGuardia's Division of Communications and External Affairs to provide news and information to the college community.

The Division of Communications and External Affairs offers various additional resources to help you share news with the campus, including an event calendar, photography, graphic design, and more.

NEWS

Amazin’ Mets Foundation Awards $30,000 in Scholarships to LaGuardia Students  

The Amazin’ Mets Foundation, led by philanthropist and Mets Owner Alex Cohen, has awarded $30,000 in scholarships to LaGuardia students for the 2025–26 academic year. The funds will help cover tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. Administered by the LaGuardia Community College Foundation, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation Scholarship Fund provides $1,000–$1,500 per semester to 13 full-time students maintaining GPAs of 3.0 or higher. The initiative was made possible thanks to the support of New York Mets fans through an online fundraising campaign and a generous donation from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to the Amazin’ Mets Foundation for supporting our students,” said Jay Golan, Executive Director of the LaGuardia Community College Foundation. On Wednesday, October 15, Jane Son, Head of Foundation & Community Engagement for the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, visited LaGuardia to meet with six of the 2025 Amazin’ Mets Scholars and share her personal journey and insights with President’s Society students. Pictured above (left to right): Sonam “Kusang” Sherpa (Accounting), Malgorzata Kasinska (New Media Technology), Alcides Egusquiza Godoy (Business Administration), Jane Son, Kalyan Bhattarai (Civil Engineering), Daniel Campozano (Human Services: Mental Health), and Laxman Bahadur Tamang (Paralegal Studies). Read more

Women’s Forum of New York Awards Scholarships to LaGuardia Students Nataly Briones and Tamoy Bloomfield 

Nataly Briones, a Human Services: Mental Health student, and Tamoy Bloomfield, a Paralegal Studies student, have been selected as recipients of the Women’s Forum of New York Scholarship, each receiving a $10,000 award in recognition of their academic excellence, leadership, and resilience. They were honored at an awards ceremony on October 8. Since 1987, the Women’s Forum Education Fund Award has “recognized and supported extraordinary women over the age of 25, who have overcome extreme adversity to resume their education.” Briones is an ASAP student and CREAR (College Readiness, Achievement and Retention) Futuros mentor, supporting 15 first-year students through weekly one-on-one and group sessions. Bloomfield is a 2025-26 President’s Society Ambassador, a Civic Fellow—an on-campus role supporting LaGuardia’s government affairs team, and a student representative on the College Senate where she serves on the Executive Committee. She is president and founder of The Law Society Pre-Law League. Read more about Nataly Briones and Tamoy Bloomfield here

Nearly 800 Students Attend Fall 2025 Transfer Fair

This year's Fall Transfer Fair was the largest in the event's history—a total of 787 students signed into the event, where they could network with representatives from more than 40 CUNY, SUNY and private institutions and learn more about the transfer process. Coordinated by LaGuardia's Transfer Engagement Initiative, the Transfer Fair is an opportunity for students to connect with admissions staff at four-year colleges and learn more about their options after LaGuardia. The Transfer Engagement Initiative also organizes several other transfer events; please direct your students to this webpage to learn more about different events they can attend this semester to prepare for the transfer process.

Students Network with Employers at Fall 2025 Job and Internship Fair

Yesterday, students had the opportunity to network with employers from all around the New York City area at the Fall 2025 Job and Internship Fair. The fair was designed to introduce current students, recent graduates, and alumni to 50+ employers who are actively recruiting for internships and job opportunities. A selection of employers who attended yesterday include: Bank of America, Bond Vet, FDNY, NYC Football Club, NYC Health+ Hospital, Micron Technologies, M&R Hotel Management, Port Authority of NY & NJ, RadNet, and Sunnyside Community Services. Prior to the fair, students had the opportunity to attend a series of pop-ups to prepare for the fair and pick up free professional clothing donated to LaGuardia CARES and the Center for Career and Professional Development throughout the month of October.

LaGuardia Community Celebrates Día de Muertos and Halloween  

LaGuardia students, faculty, staff, and neighbors enjoyed a week's worth of Día de Muertos and Halloween festivities, beginning Friday, October 24 and wrapping up yesterday. Events included the Fourth Annual Día de Muertos event hosted by Casa de las Américas and a Halloween celebration on the LaGuardia Community Greenway (29th Street between 47th and Skillman Avenues). At the Greenway event, attendees participated in a Halloween contest, followed by brief remarks from President Kenneth Adams and Assembly Member Claire Valdez. The Greenway event was hosted in partnership with NYC DOT’s Trick-or-Streets initiative.

Theater Program Presents Bryna Turner’s At the Wedding, November 19–23 

The LaGuardia Community College Theater Program, Humanities Department, and LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) present Bryna Turner’s At the Wedding, with five performances—including a free dress rehearsal—running from November 19 and November 23. Staged in LPAC’s Little Theater, the production features students from LaGuardia’s Theater program under the direction of Theater Professor James Ryan (JR) Caldwell. At the Wedding is a hilarious 75-minute dramedy about loneliness, estrangement, and a slow-burn romance with what it means to be in love—and to be alive. Through main character Carlo's painful yet humorous journey, Turner explores the raw ache of heartbreak and the complexities of queer identity in spaces not designed for her. Performances are: Wednesday, November 19: Open Dress Rehearsal at 5 p.m. (Free; reserve here); Thursday, November 20: 7 p.m.; Friday, November 21: 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 22: 7 p.m.; Sunday, November 23: 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person for general admission and $8 per person for students. Each ticket includes a $2 convenience fee. Purchase tickets here

Chancellor Announces CUNY Beyond at State of the University Address

CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez delivered his annual State of the University Address yesterday, where he unveiled CUNY Beyond, a comprehensive plan to prepare students across the University for success in their careers. CUNY Beyond is a new approach to integrating career connections into every aspect of an undergrad’s journey. CUNY is committed to ensuring that more students graduating with their degrees can quickly launch careers of their choosing with competitive salaries. The initiative features five pillars that will enable students to launch and advance in fulfilling careers. All 19 undergraduate CUNY campuses will implement this new career success strategy from July 2025 through May 2030, with the goal of connecting 180,000 New Yorkers to careers by 2030. Learn more here, or watch a recording of the chancellor's address here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Students Encouraged to Enter T-Shirt Design Contest

LaGuardia students are encouraged to enter a T-shirt design contest centered around the catchphrase "LaGuardia: Built for Love." Designs should reflect the pride, diversity, and spirit of the LaGuardia community. Submissions will be accepted through November 21; students, faculty, and staff will be invited to vote on their favorite designs. The top three winners will receive the following prizes:


  • First Place: $50 gift card, LaGuardia goodie bag, and design placed on a T-shirt
  • Second Place: $25 gift card and LaGuardia goodie bag
  • Third Place: $15 gift card and LaGuardia goodie bag


For more information and to submit a design, students can visit this webpage.


Faculty & Staff invited to Lunch with the President 

Faculty and staff are invited to RSVP for Lunch with President Kenneth Adams, as part of an on-going series of meet ups with the community. There is no formal agenda, just a chance to catch up and share your LaGuardia story with the President. Please RSVP; space is limited.  


  • Faculty: Wednesday, November 5 at 12 p.m. 
  • Staff: Wednesday, November 19 at 1 p.m. 

Reminder of LaGuardia CARES Services

If you know a student in need of food, LaGuardia CARES can help. The on-campus food pantry is open Monday through Friday in Room C-235, where students can receive free groceries. If students have other unmet needs, please encourage them to visit LaGuardia CARES' webpage to apply for emergency assistance. CARES is here to help ensure students have the resources they need. Donations are also accepted. For more information, call (718) 483-5135 or email LaGuardiaCARES@lagcc.cuny.edu.

Request a Business Card from the Division of Communications and External Affairs 

Do you need a business card? LaGuardia is no longer using an external vendor to print business cards—instead, business cards are now being printed in-house at the Print Shop. If you’d like a business card, please contact your department or division administrator to place an order through the Division of Communications and External Affairs’ (CEA) Project Request Form. CEA will create a LaGuardia-branded business card for you and send it to the Print Shop for printing.

Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Hub Presents "How to be an Ally 101" 

On November 5 from 2 to 3 p.m. in Room E-500, the Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Hub will host a workshop on what it means to be an LGBTQIA+ ally. The workshop will inform attendees on CUNY policies to protect LGBTQIA+ individuals. It will also feature LaGuardia resources available to LGBTQIA+ students and allies. For questions or special accommodations, those interested in the workshop can reach out to the Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Hub at womencenter@lagcc.cuny.edu.  

Join the Black Empowerment Summit Planning Committee 

Help organize the upcoming Black Empowerment Summit in spring 2026 by joining the Planning Committee. Committee members help shape the summit theme, sessions, and speakers; coordinate logistics, marketing, and day-of support; and collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to make the event a success. Committee members will attend scheduled meetings and participate in at least one sub-committee. We’d love for you to join us! Contact Rachel Romain at rcharles@lagcc.cuny.edu by Friday, November 14 to sign up. 

Hunger Banquet and Food Day Fair to Take Place November 5

The LaGuardia community is invited to attend the Seventh Annual Hunger Banquet, where students will explore global food insecurity and food justice through guided discussion and role play. This immersive event challenges participants to consider the inequalities in food access both locally and around the world. Lunch will be served to the first 100 attendees. Following the banquet, the Food Day Fair will celebrate community, wellness, and sustainability with hands-on activities and educational booths from programs across the college. Light snacks will be available as you connect with peers, explore food-focused initiatives, and learn how to take action on and off campus. For more information, contact Cynthia Vazquez at cvazquez@lagcc.cuny.edu.

Sign Up to Add a Professional Headshot to Your Faculty Profile 

LaGuardia’s Communications and External Affairs Division is hosting a series of “Photo Days” for faculty and staff who need to update their professional headshots! Your headshot can be used for a variety of purposes and adds a personal touch to your Faculty Profile on the LaGuardia website. Book your timeslot here for one of the following dates: 


  • November 11 
  • December 9 


For more information contact Anastasia Figuera, photographer, Ext. 7471. 

GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY

Queens Residents Invited to Virtual Information Session on Community Boards, hosted by the Office of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards  

In January 2026, the Queens Borough President will open applications for Community Boards. If you are interested in getting involved and making a difference in your neighborhood, join this presentation on topics such as:  


  • What is a Community Board: Roles and Responsibilities 
  • Composition of a Community Board: Appointed Members and Hired Staff 
  • What a typical Community Board looks like 
  • How to Apply  
  • Q&A 


Below are the details to attend the workshop:


  • Date: November 13, 2025 
  • Time: 8:05 to 8:35 p.m. 
  • Location: Zoom (Meeting ID: 818 0135 9321; Passcode: 826416) 


LaGuardia Community College Attends LIC Summit & Gala at the Museum of the Moving Image 

On Wednesday, October 22, the Long Island Partnership hosted its annual LIC Summit at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens. More than 300 professionals, leaders, and members of the community gathered for a networking event and keynote panel to discuss the future of Long Island City. Among the main subjects were the local housing crisis and the recently released OneLIC Neighborhood Plan. At the event, Luda Spajic, from the External Affairs Department, had an excellent opportunity to network with numerous local organizations to forge new relationships and strengthen the current ones. 


Pictured above: Donovan Richards Jr., Queens Borough President, and Luda Spajic, LaGuardia Community College Community Relations 

LAGUARDIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

LaGuardia Performing Arts Center Invites Playwrights and Theater-Makers to Apply for the 2026 Rough Draft Festival 

The LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Rough Draft Festival, which will run from March 9–21, 2026. For over two decades, the festival has championed bold, original voices shaping the future of theater. Playwrights and theater-makers are invited to submit works-in-progress for development and public presentation at LPAC––one of New York City’s most dynamic incubators for new performance. Selected artists receive up to ten hours of rehearsal space prior to technical rehearsals, along with seven hours of tech time with LPAC’s professional crew. Each project will be awarded a development budget of up to $3,000, determined in consultation with LPAC staff. Artists will also benefit from marketing and press support, full venue services (including front-of-house and box-office staff), and a public presentation in LPAC’s professional performance spaces. Applications are open through November 20, 2025. Learn more about the festival and how to apply here

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

LaGuardia Physical Therapist Assistant Students and Alumni Attend Workshop with LIU's Doctorate of Physical Therapy Students

On October 22, Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) students and graduates joined former PTA Professor Debra Engel and Long Island University Professor Peggy Lynam and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy Students (DPT) for an interactive and collaborative workshop. The workshop aimed to expand students' understanding of a PTA's role, to facilitate collegial conversation, and enhance the importance of the DPT/PTA team. During the debrief, the DPT students stated that they more clearly understood the knowledge of the PTA students and were impressed at the depth of the skillset required of a PTA.

Twelfth Philosophy, Science, and Religion Forum to Feature Wesleyan Scholar  

The 12th Philosophy, Science, and Religion Forum will take place on Thursday, November 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., featuring Dr. Mary-Jane Rubenstein, Dean of the Social Sciences and Professor of Religion and Science & Technology Studies at Wesleyan University. Dr. Rubenstein will deliver a talk titled “The World at the End of the World: Colonial and Counter-Colonial Fantasies of Outer Space.” The event, organized in collaboration with the Natural Sciences Department, highlights an ongoing commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue. Advance registration is required; registrants will receive a confirmation email with access details. Faculty are encouraged to share the link with students interested in exploring the intersections of philosophy, science, and religion. 

BASTA and LaGuardia Renew Partnership

In 2024, LaGuardia was selected as one of BASTA's Code2Career university partners; the partnership has been renewed for the second year. BASTA is a nonprofit that aims to close the employment gap for first-generation students through rigorous career-prep programs that directly support students in securing great jobs and internships. "Together, we’re opening doors for emerging tech talent and equipping students with the tools and experience to thrive in the industry," the BASTA team said in a LinkedIn post announcing this year's university partners.

Brightspace Training Available 

A full schedule of ongoing Brightspace training can be found here. For technical questions, reach out to Brightspace Support:  


  • Office: B-127 (first floor of the B-Building)  
  • Phone: (718) 482-6121  
  • Email: LMS-support@lagcc.cuny.edu 
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  


For more information and general questions, visit LaGuardia's Brightspace webpage or continue to reach out to the transition team at BrightspaceTeam@lagcc.cuny.edu

ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

Registration Opens November 4, Remind Your Students 

Students can begin registering for Spring 2026 classes on November 4. Please remind your students to log into CUNYfirst to make sure they do not have any registration holds. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to determine what courses they should take in the upcoming semester and learn how any registration holds can be cleared ahead of registration. A select group of students will have access to priority registration on Friday, October 31; these students will be notified directly via email and text. All other students will be able to register from November 4 to March 3.

Virtual Office Available on Fridays

Students looking for enrollment services support can now access virtual office hours every Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Virtual One Stop takes place on Zoom and allows students to drop in and meet with staff from the following offices:


  • Admissions
  • International Student Services
  • Registrar
  • Student Financial Services
  • Student Information Center
  • Transfer Credit Evaluation
  • Testing

LIBRARY NEWS

Updates from LaGuardia’s Library

  • Need to get some writing done? Like to write with other people? Join us at the Library for 500 Words of Writing.  
  • Did you know the Library offers credit courses? Take our 1-credit LRC103- Internet Research Strategies or our 3-credit LBN105-InfoCity: Informed Citizens in the Information Age. Find out more information about these exciting research classes
  • Check out the Library’s Book of the Week
  • Our next MoneyBoss workshop, “Planning for College Transfer,” will be on Monday, November 10, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. It will be in-person, in room E-111. Register here


HUMAN RESOURCES

Health Insurance Open Enrollment 

The entire month of November is the open enrollment period for your health insurance. This is the only opportunity you will have to switch to another provider, add or drop dependents, and waive coverage for the 2026 calendar year. Use this form to make any changes, and while you’re at it, update your beneficiary form. Documents must be submitted to the Benefits Team Dropbox

Meet with a TIAA Financial Consultant about Retirement   


Register for a one-on-one session with a TIAA Financial Consultant to discuss your retirement planning on the following dates: 


  • Monday, November 3, 2025 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – E Building, E-407 
  • Monday, November 24, 2025 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – E Building, E-407 
  • Monday, December 8, 2025 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – E Building, E-407 


Register here.

LaGuardia Seeks to Fill Open Faculty and Staff Positions    

Current faculty and staff are welcome to share the openings below with individuals who they believe may be a good fit for the role or apply for the positions themselves. For all LaGuardia openings, visit Employment Opportunities



DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DoIT)

Cybersecurity Awareness Training Now Live on Brightspace 

The 2025–26 LaGuardia Community College Cybersecurity Awareness Training course is now available on Brightspace. All faculty and staff must complete this mandatory, annual 40-minute training by April 1, 2026 to strengthen our cybersecurity defenses, and safeguard your own and university data. If you have any questions, contact Maritza Acero at macero@lagcc.cuny.edu

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month Week 4: Recognize and Report Scams  

Phishing and online scams remain among the most common ways criminals try to steal personal data or gain account access. Here are some tips to help spot scams and react accordingly:


  • Be cautious with emails, texts, and messages asking for sensitive information. 
  • Check sender details, hover over links before clicking, and watch for spelling or grammar errors. 
  • Don’t download attachments or click links. 
  • Scammers send phishing texts about fake refunds, etc., to steal personal information. 
  • Don’t reply, call phone numbers, click on links, or forward it. 
  • Delete it immediately. 
  • Block the sender. 
  • Report email phishing attempts: Use the “Report Phishing” button in Outlook or forward to LAG SPAM


If you’ve received a suspicious email, please forward it to LAG SPAM. Don’t forward it to any LAG Information Technology distribution list, other group lists, or employees, including DoIT personnel. 


Our emails and supporting information are available from the National Cyber Security Awareness Month page on the CUNY web site. For more information, refer to your IT Update email dated October 28. If you have any questions, please contact LaGuardia’s Information Security Manager Maritza Acero at informationsecurity@lagcc.cuny.edu

LAGUARDIA IN THE HEADLINES

COMMUNITY COLLEGE DAILY: ⁠The Amazin’ Mets Foundation, led by philanthropist and Mets Owner Alex Cohen, has awarded $30,000 in scholarships to LaGuardia students for the 2025–26 academic year. The Amazin’ Mets Foundation Scholarship Fund is administered by the LaGuardia Community College Foundation. 

EVENTS

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"Campus Update" is produced and published by the Communications and External Affairs Division. Faculty and staff who wish to submit items for publication can email CampusUpdate@lagcc.cuny.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Tuesday to be considered for publication on Thursday.