Friday, April 4, 2025 | Vol. 10, No. 10

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

I am happy to write this morning as the first week of April comes to a close and we reflect on our own religious celebrations that have taken place and those approaching in the form of peace, rest and hope of spring break. Let there be peace in our hearts and in the world. It is a hopeful time of the year, and we move forward together here at Hostos, filled with sunlight and expectations for a generous end of the academic year. 

On March 26 we celebrated our students who have persisted and succeeded in staying the course despite so many challenges with The President’s Recognition Tea in Honor of Women’s History Month. Congratulations to our 14 honorees, see Bravo News, and a very special thank you to the generous and caring faculty and staff who support them and submitted a successful nomination. Mil gracias as well to keynote speaker Dean Andrea Fabrizio and Dean Johanna Gomez, moderator, for an excellent celebratory event. 

Hostos, if I may add, is one heart that sings in a chorus of multiple diverse voices, celebrating the commitment embraced by all to bring equity and social justice to a very deserving student population and communities. This event certainly brought another moment of affirming our embrace of multiple voices, respectfully heard, opening the doors to a better future by means of embracing our shared humanity.

Mil gracias y bendiciones, 

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

POEM

“On the Other Side of the Door”

By Jeff Moss

On the other side of the door

I can be a different me,

As smart and as brave and as funny or strong

As a person could want to be.

There’s nothing too hard for me to do,

There’s no place I can’t explore

Because everything can happen

On the other side of the door.

On the other side of the door

I don’t have to go alone.

If you come, too, we can sail tall ships

And fly where the wind has flown.

And wherever we go, it is almost sure

We’ll find what we’re looking for

Because everything can happen

On the other side of the door.

In Teaching with Fire: Poetry that Sustains the Courage to Teach (Jossey-Bass: A Wiley Imprint, 2003).

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT DAINMA MARTINEZ

Technically… We Are More Than Halfway There!

Hello, Hostos! We are almost at the end of the semester. I know many of us are feeling burned out, but remember we are all here together! We started together and we will all finish together! 

A couple of reminders:

• Remember to check your Hostos email! It’s the best way to stay updated on events, opportunities, and more. 

• Graduation is close! So as always, for those who are graduating, do a check-in with your advisor if you have not done so yet. It is important that you stay informed about your status. The Registrar's Office does this. Please email them at GRADUATIONAUDIT@hostos.cuny.edu or 718-518-6771. 

• Will you transfer? For those who are transferring, please visit Transfer Services on the first level of the D-Building (D-101) or call them at 718-518-4457. 

• Food Pantry: It is available by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact Madeline Cruz at 718-518-4141 or email mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu.  

• Get the help you need: The SGA is here for you. Do not feel the need to stay quiet or alone. There is always someone on campus to assist. We are at the SGA booth on the third floor of the C-building, by the entrance to the pedestrian bridge. If you want to lay out a plan to manage any other worries, stop by the Counseling Center at C-330. You can make an appointment here or email them at infocounseling@hostos.cuny.edu. 

• Follow us! Remember that we keep you updated through many mediums, including our own Instagram (@sgacares). 

MS. MACKENZIE SCOTT'S GIFT: PRESIDENT'S INITIATIVES

Submitted by Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D., Research Programs Director  

Events and Updates

The month of April is off to a great start with new opportunities and events that are supporting our Hostos community through the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives. Last week, 14 students were recognized at the President’s Recognition Tea in Honor of Women’s History Month for their incredible resilience and perseverance in achieving academic excellence, while facing challenges that could have discouraged them from pursuing their goals. Congratulations to all the recipients! Next week the President’s Office will recognize a new cohort of students at the President’s Recognition Barbeque in Honor of Student Resiliency. The selected students will receive this special honor from President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, and in the company of the faculty and staff that nominated them. This promises to be another inspiring show of support for our students!   

All current Hostos students interested in pursuing a career in public health and epidemiology are invited to apply to the NextGen Public Health Scholars 2+2+2 Program, which joins Hostos Community College and Columbia University in providing eligible students access to full tuition coverage, mentoring, and career development throughout their undergraduate and graduate education. Since the program’s start, seven students have been selected for this amazing program and we are now seeking two new students to begin this Fall 2025. We are inviting students that are currently enrolled at Hostos with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and on track to complete 35 or more credits this academic year to apply for consideration. Students from all majors are welcome to apply. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to jumpstart a meaningful career that will prepare the next generation of public health leaders and practitioners. 

Click here to access the application. Application deadline is May 15, 2025 (subject to change).  

An Information Session will be held with representatives from Columbia University on Thursday, April 10, from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., at the Hostos Research Center (C-130).

Contact Dr. Sofia Oviedo at soviedo@hostos.cuny.edu for more information.  

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

Submitted by AVP of Institutional Effectiveness Babette Audant, Ph.D.

Emergency Response: Sharing Knowledge, Building Community

A few weeks ago, I shared that OIERA is documenting Hostos’ responses to the emergency situation regarding anti-immigrant policies and practices implemented by the federal administration as a component of institutional effectiveness. This is an example of such a response:

On March 25, 2025, a small team of determined Hostos student leaders of the Dream Team hosted a Town Hall. The in-person event was designed to strengthen the Hostos community by sharing information about immigrant rights and the current wave of anti-immigration policies. Among the topics discussed were details about how to prepare in case one is in a “compromised” situation regarding immigration status (including and not limited to: individuals without documentation, individuals with lapsed documentation). Francisco Valcarcel, an Assistant Federal Public Defender, joined via Zoom. He specializes in complex immigration-related cases and has spent his career ensuring fair representation for immigrants facing legal challenges along the U.S.-Mexico border and currently serves in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He emphasized the “unprecedented” situation today and the speed with which laws, policies and precedents are being re-written by an executive branch (the US President) that is ruling “by the pen” and disregarding the balance of powers inscribed in the Constitution. Citing recent examples, he urged the audience to be prepared and to be aware that - at this point - it appears that only birthright citizens are “safe” from detainment and deportation. Simultaneously, he encouraged everyone to stay informed, to share information, and to be safe and to be vigilant. He was careful to emphasize that he was sharing information and not providing legal advice as each individual immigration case is distinct and often complex. 

While the audience was initially small, more students and staff joined during the event. In addition to Mr. Valcarcel, Leo Coodin from the Counseling Center spoke about the services offered, and emphasized that all interactions with the Center are confidential. Jason Libfeld, Student Leadership Coordinator, described his role as Student Advocate, entrusted to ensure students access appropriate resources and support, offering guidance on University policies and procedures and acting as an impartial advocate to resolve issues. 

In debriefing after the Town Hall, the consensus was to create regular informal spaces for ongoing conversation among students and to expand the reach to include other student groups with intersecting affinities. At a time when fear and terror are causing people to retract and withdraw, building spaces where community and solidarity can be strengthened, and that students can feel a sense of belonging and safety on campus is more important than ever and reminds us, too, of the power we have in retaining and practicing our shared humanity — actions aligned with the Hostos Mission and the college’s commitment to our students. 

SDEM — in addition to the mental-health support provided by the Counseling Center — has actively been sharing information about resource videos and events (in-person and virtual) in response to the immigration rights emergency. Many resources can be accessed via this Hostos webpage. 

Professor Victor Torres-Velez built a mobile-friendly site that hosts multilingual handouts based on video resources and a curated list of resources for our students and the broader community. 

An open invitation stands to all faculty and staff to share the link via syllabi, Brightspace and other platforms that are easily and often accessed by students. Here is the link.

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.

MTA to End MetroCard Sales at End of 2025

This week’s update comes from the MTA whose chairman announced on March 19 that, after 32 years, it’s time to say goodbye to the MetroCard.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that the final day for MetroCard sales and distribution will be December 31, 2025, as the MTA’s popular contactless tap-and-go payment system fully replaces the three-decade old swipe system. The tap-and-go payment system allows riders to pay fares directly with digital wallets, contactless credit and debit cards, and OMNY cards.

Customers who prefer to use a physical card and/or pay with cash can buy an OMNY card for $1 and load or reload their card at thousands of retail locations, online, Mobile Sales Van locations or at subway stations throughout New York City where OMNY vending machines are currently available. Rollout will be complete by the fall when all 472 subway stations will have an OMNY vending machine. Customers can check this progress online and find out whether their station features an OMNY vending machine. Retail partner locations will no longer sell MetroCards as of the Fall of 2025.

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Submitted by Dean Ana I. García Reyes

Applications Open: Study Abroad Program in the Dominican Republic

Applications are open for our Summer 2025 Professional Development and Study Abroad Program in the Dominican Republic. Interested individuals should contact Mr. Gerson Peña at gpena@hostos.cuny.edu for details.

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY

Submitted by Chief Diversity Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and 504/ADA Coordinator Philip Oliveri, Esq.

Arab American Heritage Month

Dear Hostos Community,

As we step into the month of April, we have the honor and privilege to recognize and celebrate Arab American Heritage Month, which is recognized in April. This month is a wonderful opportunity for us to honor Arab Americans' rich cultural contributions and diverse histories within our community and beyond. Throughout history, Arab Americans have played significant roles in shaping our society, contributing to various fields, including the arts, sciences, politics, and literature. Their resilience, creativity, and dedication have enriched our campus and society as a whole. This is also a time for us to reflect on the challenges and triumphs faced by Arab Americans and to reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity, equity, and respect for all cultures.  Let us unite in the spirit of unity and appreciation as we celebrate Arab American Heritage Month and continue embracing the rich diversity that makes our campus community vibrant and resilient.   

Best,

Philip

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

Submitted by Provost and VP Shiang-Kwei Wang, Ph.D.

Early Childhood Wellness Resources Event 

OAA is collaborating with the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) to hold an in person Early Childhood Wellness Resources Event for Hostos Students on May 1, 2025, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at C-building lobby. The event will connect our Hostos parents with childcare providers that Hostos parents can interview to find a match for their needs. Hostos Children’s Center provides child care services for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years of age. Hostos parents can find resources for children ages 5 and older or childcare services during evening hours or weekends for children in various ages from CPC’s Early Childhood Learning & Wellness Services.  

If you are a student parent, please complete this survey to help us tailor the event to your needs and better understand your child care requirements. 

CPC is a member of the New York City Child Care Resource Center Consortium, which is composed of four child care resource center agencies in New York City. Early Childhood Learning & Wellness Services (ECLW) is one of their programs that provides free and low-cost culturally sensitive child care resource services to children and families and is committed to improving the quality of child care services as well as providing a wide range of free technical assistance in addition to free or low-cost training and professional development opportunities for child care programs, providers and potential providers. It provides services to assist families in applying for subsidized child care and help parents find high-quality in-network family child care providers. ECLW is funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Learn more here.

COIL Symposium Coming to Hostos! 

How will Artificial Intelligence (AI) shape the workplace of the future? How can we prepare our students for this new landscape? 

You are invited to “Educating for the Future: Career Competencies for Today's World, the Role of AI in A Changing Workforce, and COIL,” a symposium on Friday, April 25, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Hostos Research Center.  

This symposium will focus on preparing our students for a workforce impacted by AI, and how, in this environment, COIL (Online Collaborative International Learning) can give our students the skills to succeed.  

We will introduce faculty to COIL, an exciting, high-impact, virtual exchange pedagogy through which professors from two cultures create activities which students, in binational teams, undertake collaboratively. An expert on COIL will present and several professors will showcase their COIL projects. We will introduce the OER COIL site resource which provides training and openly licensed materials for use when creating COIL projects.  

Next, an expert speaker will discuss how AI will transform the workplace, the competencies needed for an AI-impacted landscape, and the ways COIL prepares our students for this new paradigm. 

Lunch will be provided, during which faculty can begin planning their own COIL projects. 

To register go here. 

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by IVP Althea Sterling, Ed.D.

Celebrate Disability Awareness Month with ARC!

In honor of Disability Awareness Month, the Academic Resource Center (ARC) is excited to host two engaging and fun events that you won't want to miss!

Disability Trivia Tabling

Date | Time: Wednesday, April 9 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Location: A Atrium

Stop by and put your disability-related knowledge to the test! Join us for a fun trivia challenge where you can win exciting prizes and enjoy delicious snacks. It's a great opportunity to learn more, challenge yourself, and connect with others in celebration of Disability Awareness Month.

Movie & Trivia Fun Friday

Date | Time: Friday, April 25 | TBD

Join us for a special screening of “Inside Out 2”! After the movie, we’ll host a fun trivia game to test how well you paid attention during the film. Come enjoy snacks, good company, and a lot of laughter. It’s a perfect way to wrap up the month while learning more about disability awareness in a relaxed and entertaining way.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Health and Wellness

Your Support Hub for Health, Wellness, and More! 

The Hostos Health and Wellness Center is here to help you maintain and optimize your health and wellness while supporting you through personal, academic, and emotional challenges. Our services are free, confidential, and available to all students. Visit or contact our offices for assistance with the following: 

• Carlos L. González Counseling Center: Personal counseling, crisis support, workshops, and support groups.  

• One Stop Program: SNAP and housing assistance, free food pantry, and emergency grants.  

• Family Empowerment & Families United in Education Programs: Support for parental needs and programming for relatives attending Hostos CC together.  

• Health Services Office: Immunization inquiries, emergency first aid, and general health questions.  

• Wellness Office: Health and stress reduction workshops, fitness activities, and wellness resources.  

• Domestic Violence Program: Support for student victims and survivors of domestic violence, helping connect them with appropriate community resources.  

We are here to support you — reach out today! Call 718-518-6567 for assistance. 

Scholarships 

Scholarship Opportunities Await! 

Take the next step in your education with scholarships designed to ease your financial journey. Visit Hostos Scholarships webpage to explore and apply for opportunities that could make a difference. 

Need help or have questions about the application process? Our Scholarship Coordinators are ready to assist you: 

• Marina Esquilín (mesquilin@hostos.cuny.edu)
• Evelyn Hiciano (ehiciano@hostos.cuny.edu)  

Transfer Services

Upcoming Campus Tours: Get ready to explore your transfer options with our upcoming campus tours! Whether you’re considering CUNY, SUNY, or private institutions, this is your chance to learn more about campuses and what each has to offer.

Upcoming Tours: We will meet in front of the A Building at 9 a.m. for each in-person tour.

• FIT: Monday, April 7 | 10 AM
• John Jay: Thursday, April 24 | 10 AM
• City Tech: Thursday, May 1 | 11:30 AM | Virtual: Join the Zoom Tour

Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to learn more about your transfer options! For more information, contact Transfer Services at 718-518-4457. We hope to see you there!

Looking to transfer to a 4-year school? Have questions? 

Schedule a one-on-one appointment by filling out our intake form here.

Student Activities

Graduation Picture Ready: Don't forget to schedule your graduation photo session!

To schedule, visit Thornton Studio, select “Schedule Appt,” enter school code 08611, and choose your preferred date and time.

For graduation updates, complete this form or visit the Commencement website here.

POEMS TO INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY

“A Woman Speaks” 

By Audre Lorde 

Moon marked and touched by sun    

my magic is unwritten 

but when the sea turns back 

it will leave my shape behind.    

I seek no favor 

untouched by blood 

unrelenting as the curse of love    

permanent as my errors 

or my pride 

I do not mix 

love with pity 

nor hate with scorn 

and if you would know me 

look into the entrails of Uranus    

where the restless oceans pound. 

I do not dwell 

within my birth nor my divinities    

who am ageless and half-grown    

and still seeking 

my sisters 

witches in Dahomey 

wear me inside their coiled cloths    

as our mother did 

mourning. 

I have been woman 

for a long time 

beware my smile 

I am treacherous with old magic    

and the noon's new fury 

with all your wide futures    

promised 

I am 

woman 

and not white. 

Have lain too long

Facedown in ignorance,

Your mouths spilling words

Armed for slaughter. 

The Rock cries out to us today,

You may stand upon me,

But do not hide your face 

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne



FY 2025 Non-Marketplace Purchase Requisitions Deadline

As we prepare to end the 2025 Fiscal Year on June 30, 2025, kindly take note of the following important date. The last day to submit fully-approved and valid budget-checked Non-Marketplace Purchase Requisitions in CUNYBuy is Friday, April 11, at 5 p.m. Requisitions entered into the CUNYBuy eProcurement system after this date are subject to rejection. 

This deadline does not affect any Purchases intended to be paid from Research Foundation, Hostos Community College Foundation Funding and CUNYBuy Marketplace (Complete Books, Edge Electronics, NYSID & NYSPSP) requisitions.

NOTE: Equipment, furniture, or other items that cannot be delivered or rendered by June 30 will be processed in FY 2026. Please check and confirm with your suppliers that all goods and services will be delivered by June 30, before submitting your requisition in the system.

Timely submission of all requisitions will ensure purchases are charged to the appropriate budget categories and the college receives all goods/services that require a lead time of approximately six to eight weeks before June 30, 2025. Goods/services received by the College after June 30 cannot be charged to the FY 2024-2025 budget, as per the City of New York and CUNY’s procurement regulations. Additionally, once goods/services are received, departments must submit their Receiving Reports in a timely manner to facilitate payments to vendors. All invoices received must be forwarded to the Accounts Payable Office immediately for processing.

This is to ensure the Office of Procurement can begin year-end closing, the process of completing the financial activity for the fiscal year ending June 30, as mandated by the City of New York and CUNY. All college departments must adhere to this deadline so the Office of Procurement can complete the FY year-end process effectively and efficiently.

If you have any questions, please contact the following individuals:

Procurement: 

Margo Jerimie at x 7967 or e-mail mjerimie@hostos.cuny.edu

Budget: 

Fanny Dumancela at x 4434 or email fdumancela@hostos.cuny.edu

Accounts Payable: 

Bernard Sanders at x 6670 or email bsanders@hostos.cuny.edu 

Thank you for your kind cooperation and attention to this critical due date.

Personal Packages Policy 

As a reminder, personal packages should not be delivered to the College. While we understand that our staff and faculty may spend the majority of their day on campus, the College cannot take on the liabilities that may come with missing or damaged personal packages. Please arrange for personal deliveries to be sent to your home or another secure location. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

Submitted by Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham, Ph.D., LCSW

CEWD Awarded $865,000 Contract from The Door to Train up to 300 Out-of-School Youth in Allied Health 

CEWD was awarded a five-year subcontract from The Door to support their Train and Earn program. We will receive $173,000 per year for a total of $865,000 over five years. As part of this subcontract, CEWD will provide out-of-school youth, ages 18-24, with the following CEWD occupational training programs: Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA), Pharmacy Technician, and Dental Assistant. Upon completing the class, students will take the National Health Association exam to earn an industry-recognized CMA or Pharmacy Technician credential.  

The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) administers "Train and Earn” (formerly the Out-of-School Youth Program), a career pathways program for youth and young adults, which is funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).  CEWD has been a subcontractor for The Door’s Train and Earn program (formerly the Out-of-School Youth Program) since 2017. CEWD previously provided Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Clinical Medical Assistant training programs to over two hundred out-of-school youth. We look forward to continuing to work with The Door on this important project. 

For more information on CEWD’s workforce development programs, please contact Javier Saldana, Senior Director of Operations, at 718-664-2541 or jjsaldana@hostos.cuny.edu.  

CEWD Virtual Information Sessions

Please click here to browse our online catalog. 

To learn more about CEWD’s program offerings, please attend one of our upcoming Virtual Information Sessions.

• Saturday, April 12, 11 AM
• Wednesday, April 16, 6 PM
• Wednesday, May 7, 6 PM
• Saturday, May 10, 11 AM
• Wednesday, May 14, 6 PM
• Wednesday, June 4, 6 PM

To register for a session, go here.

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA)

Submitted by VP Colette Atkins

Hostos Celebrates $200,000 Award from Ichigo Foundation 

On March 17, Hostos Community College received a $200,000 grant from the Ichigo Foundation to expand its First Year Experience (FYE) Mentoring Program through the new Gateway to Year 2 initiative. This two-year pilot program will support up to 60 students, offering them a second chance to succeed in foundational English and math courses, with the goal of improving retention and academic progression.  

The initiative builds on the success of Hostos' enhanced FYE Mentoring Program, which has already improved retention rates by 9%. The program’s summer timing, tuition grants, incentivized check-ins, and peer mentorship model are designed to maximize student success and ensure continued academic support throughout their college journey. The Ichigo Foundation’s investment reflects a shared commitment to empowering students and improving higher education access. 

From Hostos to the Bench: Judge Sarjo Barrow Shares Insight and Encouragement with Hostos Students 

On Thursday, April 3, the Hostos Community College community had the privilege of welcoming Immigration Judge Sarjo Barrow for a special event that celebrated his inspiring journey from student to federal judge. Originally from The Gambia, Judge Barrow began his higher education at Hostos Community College before advancing to a distinguished legal career, culminating in his appointment as an immigration judge by the United States Department of Justice in 2024.  

During the event, Judge Barrow shared his personal story, reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped his path and the importance of education in overcoming barriers. Attendees were inspired by Judge Barrow’s resilience, determination, and commitment to justice, marking a memorable occasion for all. This engaging conversation was made possible through the generous support of Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives. 

BRAVO NEWS

Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Hostos Community

Make sure to check our website and follow us on social media for all updates: Instagram (@hostoscollege), Facebook (HostosCC), and LinkedIn (CUNY Hostos Community College). 

2025 President’s Recognition Tea Awardees 

We congratulate the awardees of this year’s President’s Recognition Tea in Honor of Women’s History Month. Thanks to the wonderful nominators, who serve as important mentors and colleagues for these well-deserving students:

Awardee: Marco Álvarez

Nominator: Mr. Jason Libfeld

Awardee: Lordina Asante

Nominator: Prof. Sarah Hoiland

Awardee: Franyeli Contreras

Nominator: Prof. Helen Chang

Awardee: Yajaira Guzmán

Nominator: Ms. Maria Ramos-Esperanza

Awardee: Zane Jiménez

Nominator: Prof. Heidi Bollinger

Awardee: Nino Kometiani

Nominator: Prof. Marcus Wilborn

Awardee: Shellby McGill

Nominator: Mr. Marquee Poole

Awardee: NaiAsia McGregor

Nominator: Prof. Kristen Tran

Awardee: Minerva Ramírez Sención

Nominator: SGA President Dainma Martínez

Awardee: Brandon Rivera

Nominator: Ms. Samantha Maldonado

Awardee: José Rodríguez

Nominator: Prof. Christine Choi

Awardee: Jonathan Sánchez

Nominator: Prof. Nancy Genova

Awardee: Jorge Sanz

Nominator: Prof. Ernest Ialongo

Awardee: Fatou Toure

Nominator: Prof. Teresa Gray

President Cocco De Filippis Delivers Keynote Speech at Bronx Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis served as keynote speaker of the “Women of Distinction Luncheon” hosted by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Foundation on Friday, March 28, at Villa Barone Manor in Throggs Neck. Dr. Cocco De Filippis shared words of wisdom with scholarship recipients, encouraging them to follow their dreams, cultivate a passion for reading, and the importance of remaining resilient in the face of adversity. Attendees were inspired by her words and many community and business leaders acknowledged her presence and recognized her as a Latina trailblazer and admirable example in higher education. Thank you, President, for your leadership and guidance.  

Sarah Hoiland Featured in “Women in Higher Education”

Congratulations to Professor Sarah Hoiland, who was featured on this month’s edition of “Women in Higher Education.” The article focuses on her new book, “Righteous Sisterhood: The Politics and Power of an All-Women’s Motorcycle Club.” Thanks to journalist Lois Elfman for elevating Prof. Hoiland’s work.

HOSTOS FOR EVERYONE

Free Services for the Community 

Hostos Offers Free Preventive Dental Hygiene Services to the Public

The Dental Hygiene Patient Care Facility at Hostos Community College is a teaching unit that provides high-quality dental care, primarily cleanings and dental x-rays, to the community, while adhering to the most current sterilization techniques. Several appointments will be needed and each may last three hours at a time.

For more information and scheduling, call 718-319-7943.

The appointment schedule is as follows:

Mondays: 9 AM - 1 PM and 2 - 6 PM

Wednesdays: 8 AM - 12 PM and 2:30 - 6:30 PM

Fridays: 9 AM - 1 PM and 2 - 6 PM

Location: Hostos Dental Hygiene Patient Care Facility

500 Grand Concourse, Bronx NY 10451

B-Building 

Note: The clinic does not provide restorative dental work such as fillings, implants, etc.

EVENTS

Title: BOOK PRESENTATION: "Paradise Bronx: The Life and Times of New York's Greatest Borough"

Date | Time: Wednesday, April 9 | 2 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: "Paradise Bronx" reveals the rich and tumultuous history of this amazingly various piece of our greatest city. From Jonas Bronck, who bought land from the local Native Americans, to the formerly gang-wracked South Bronx that gave birth to hip-hop, Frazier’s loving exploration is a moving tour de force about the polyglot culture that is America. Frazier shows us how the coming of the railroads and the subways drove the settling of the Bronx by various waves of immigration― Irish, Italian, Jewish (think the Grand Concourse), African American, Caribbean, Puerto Rican (J.Lo is one of the borough’s most famous citizens). The romance of the Yankees, the disaster of the Cross Bronx Expressway, the invention of rap and hip-hop, the resurgence of community as the borough’s communities learn mutual aid―all are investigated, recounted, and celebrated in Frazier’s inimitable voice.

Title: 2025 Earth Week Celebration

Date | Time: Week of April 21

Location: Multiple 

Description: Join the Natural Sciences Department for an exploration of all things Earth-related. Under “Our Planet, Our Power,” all activities will center on our role in caring for our home planet. Stay tuned for more details about teach-in activities, workshops, and the full schedule.

Title: Peace & Poetry: An Anthology

Date | Time: Tuesday, April 22 | 10 AM

Location: Hostos Research Center

Description: Join us for the presentation of “Peace & Poetry: An Anthology,” which features selected original poems recited during the Fall 2023 and 2024 Peace & Poetry events. President Daisy Cocco De Filippis will share remarks about this project along with the Editorial Team. This book is possible thanks to the generous support of Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives. 

Title: Book Presentation by Hostos Professor Emeritus Orlando Hernández

Date | Time: Tuesday, April 22 | 3:30 PM

Location: Hostos Research Center

Description: President Cocco De Filippis invites you to this book presentation to commemorate the teachings of our namesake Don Eugenio María de Hostos on the day of our College’s founding. Books will be raffled and a Q&A will follow after Professor Hernández’s lecture.

Title: Black @ Hostos: Beyond Borders: Future of Immigration in America

Date | Time: Wednesday, April 23 | 2 - 3 PM

Location: C-391

Description: This event will examine the current climate surrounding immigration in America and consider the future implications of the current administration. Guest speakers will be announced soon.

Title: Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home - Readings & Conversation

Date | Time: Wednesday, April 23 | 4 - 6 PM

Location: Hostos Research Center

Description: Join the Latin American Writers Institute, the English Club, and the Hostos Library with support from Library of America and the National Endowment for the Humanities for this wonderful Latino poetry event. This landmark Latinx poetry collection offers a wondrous journey through the passions, the ideas, and the diversity of a people redefining what it means to be American. The collection includes more than 180 poets, spanning from 17th century to today.

Title: BOOK PRESENTATION: "Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey through a Mixed American Experience"

Date | Time: Thursday, April 24 | 2 PM

Location: B-501 Lecture Hall

Description: In "Colorful Palate," author Raj Tawney shares his coming-of-age memoir as a young man born into an Indian, Puerto Rican, and Italian-American family, his struggles with understanding his own identity, and the mouthwatering flavors of the melting pot from within his own childhood kitchen. While the world outside can be cruel and unforgiving, it’s even more complicated for a mixed-race kid, unsure of his place in the world. Turning to his mother and grandmother for guidance, Tawney assists in the kitchen, providing intimate moments and candor as he listened to the tales behind each culinary delicacy and the women who perfected it. Each lovingly prepared meal offered another opportunity to learn more about his extraordinary heritage. The ability to create delicious fare with his family wasn’t just a duty for the grand ladies who raised him; it was a survival tactic for navigating new and unknown cultures, not always willing to accept them at first or even a hundredth glance. As Tawney examines both himself and his loved ones through the formative stages of his life, from boyhood through adulthood, he begins to realize, through all of the chaos and confusion, just how “American” he actually was.

Title: College-Wide Senate Meeting – April 2025

Date | Time: Thursday, April 24 | 3:30 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: “Educating for the Future: Career Competencies for Today's World, the Role of AI in A Changing Workforce, and COIL” 

Date | Time: Friday, April 25 | 10 AM - 1 PM

Location: Hostos Research Center

Description: You are invited to a Friday symposium that will focus on preparing our students for a workforce impacted by AI and how, in this environment, COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) can give our students the skills to succeed. To register, please go here. Light refreshments and lunch will be served.

Title: 2nd Hostos Community College First-Time Homebuyers Conference   

Date | Time: Saturday, April 26 | 10 AM - 4 PM 

Location: Hostos Cafe 

Description: The State of New York Mortgage Agency is coming back to Hostos for another First-time Homebuyers Conference! Come for an informative day packed with resources to help you determine if home-buying is right for you. This event is open to Hostos faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the community.  

Title: 3rd Annual Student Symposium 

Date | Time: Monday, April 28 | 9 AM - 5 PM

Location: Various 

Description: The Office of Academic Affairs invites you to the third iteration of our student symposium. Join us to learn about our students’ incredible work across disciplines. 

Title: 2025 Annual Scholarship Benefit Gala

Date | Time: Thursday, May 1 | 6 PM

Location: Glen Island Harbour Club

Description: Join the Hostos Community College Foundation for this year's Annual Scholarship Benefit Gala at Glen Island Harbor Club on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Get your tickets and learn more about the honorees here.

Title: Community Health Industry Summit

Date | Time: Thursday, May 15 | 8:30 AM - 12 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: Employers, industry leaders, and academia come together in this summit to shape dynamic, industry-relevant curricula that address workforce needs and empower students to thrive as skilled professionals in rewarding careers. This event is organized by the Hostos Community Advisory Council and the Office of the President in collaboration with Academic Affairs & Continuing Education and Workforce Development. 

Title: College-Wide Senate Meeting – May 2025

Date | Time: Thursday, May 15 | 3:30 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: 2025 Honors Convocation

Date | Time: Wednesday, May 21 | 6 - 9 PM

Location: Main Theater

Description: Join President Cocco De Filippis and the Office of Academic Affairs as our 2025 graduates receive their well-deserved academic honors and scholarships.

Title: 2025 Commencement Ceremonies

Date | Time: FIRST CEREMONY on Tuesday, May 27 at 2 PM |

SECOND CEREMONY on Wednesday, May 28 at 11 AM

Location: Main Theater

Description: Let’s celebrate this cherished moment in community with our graduates. More details about acquiring cap and gown, and tickets coming soon.

ABOUT EL SEMANARIO HOSTOSIANO / THE HOSTOS WEEKLY

El Semanario Hostosiano / The Hostos Weekly is a communication vehicle designed to unite our multiple voices as we share news about members of the Hostos family, provide updates on our projects and upcoming events, and disseminate policy that impacts our work.  

Past issues can be found here.