Friday, December 12, 2025 | Vol. 11, No. 15

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

I am happy to share yesterday’s All College meeting remarks. As I write the last message for Fall 2025 Semanario, I reflect on the Hostos family’s kindness and good work, and offer a sincere mil gracias y bendiciones.

Have a restful holiday season as you welcome a hopeful new year.

Welcome Remarks 

All-College Meeting, December 11, 2025, Hostos Community College

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., President

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

It is powerful to gather at the conclusion of a semester of significant challenges and achievements. This semester we enjoyed a much more robust in person experience in the classroom, and outside of the classroom activities that made us embrace one another as brothers and sisters on a journey to continue to transform lives by means of higher education. We also celebrated the addition of 558 Grand Concourse, the Old Post Office, a historical building, to provide new classrooms and labs for students in Nursing and Radiologic Technology and the Natural Sciences.

Throughout this academic year we continued to reach out and to keep the college community informed, as we have done since Fall 2020 in the Hostos Weekly/Semanario Hostosiano’s entries which cover our collective work; a work so many of us share. Thank you for continuing to work hard to find solutions to challenging situations that range from our facilities to teaching effectiveness and the successful retention of our students in our classrooms and academic support strategies, as well as for supporting morale through multiple activities outside of the classroom and through so many efforts that help maintain a robust intellectual life. This work has been supported as well by those on the ground, our generous maintainers and custodians, Institutional Technology and Public Safety colleagues. Thank you, mil gracias, does not begin to express the gratitude and the pride I feel.

We celebrate this afternoon the ongoing work of our third year of our Hostos: Elevating Justice, our five-year strategic plan (2023-2028).

Enrollment is growing, supported by a growth in our retention numbers. Thank you and please continue to create new efforts and strategies. Our retention gains represent a major focus as we build on our innovations in developmental education, Gateway courses, cohort offerings and advisement investments.

The generous support and diligence of the Hostos Advisory Corps for the MacKenzie Scott Gift’s: President’s Initiatives have brought life to research, transfer programs and multiple activities at Hostos. We celebrate powerful results in engagement and participation in initiatives that go from Families United in Education, Hostos Research Center’s innovations, workforce initiatives in non-credit to credit opportunities, Educating for Diversity programming. Our administration continues to keep us in the black, although uncertainty looms over potential budget cuts as we come to the close of this academic semester with significant engagement in OAA and increased fundraising in DIA.

I know you heard me say this before but it is worth repeating that my particular passion, a passion I share with many colleagues at Hostos, is giving students the opportunity to pursue a liberal arts foundation while also articulating career pathways that lead to jobs and careers that help our students earn a good living.

Academic Affairs has been exemplary in course planning, working hand-in-hand with chairs and colleagues in SDEM and Administration in scheduling classes that support the needs of our students. Bravi, and please continue to focus on scheduling that enhances programs’ completion.

I hope you enjoyed the joyful tree-lighting ceremony and the just-so-beautiful Kwanzaa ceremony. Today we continue to celebrate our traditions for end-of-year celebrations with the talent show. I can’t wait to celebrate the talent of our students and colleagues. We will also recognize and celebrate generosity in our collaborations with the “Manos a la obra/All Hands on Deck” recognitions. Thank you, mil gracias, just so very much for the kindness of so many. Bravi!

A special thank you to all of our colleagues presenting this afternoon, and our kind student leader and College Senate leader. Thank you to the members of the President’s Office, our Cabinet, our students, our faculty and administration colleagues. As always, I close my remarks by reflecting on Pablo Neruda’s Nobel Laureate speech: his understanding of the connection we have with others and the responsibility we have to one another, as we try to move forward as human beings in this life’s journey. Here is a brief excerpt from Neruda’s speech, words some of you have heard me read many times before:

All paths lead to the same goal; to convey to others what we are…

but in this dance or in this song, there are fulfilled the most ancient

rites of our conscience in the awareness of being human and of

believing in a common destiny.

I wish us all a rewarding end of the semester and a holiday season of peace, love and hope. May the new year bring joyful opportunities to support and encourage our students and each other’s journeys.

Mil gracias y bendiciones,

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

POEM

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

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

Dear Students and Colleagues,

I hope that this has been a productive and engaging semester as we head into the final weeks and the end of the year. The Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives have progressed well in providing several opportunities to support student success through scholarships and experiential learning. The Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) Scholarship has supported new and continuing students with financial support to help them enroll and complete an associate’s degree at Hostos. Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus provided on-campus job opportunities to 17 students this semester supporting their academic growth, financial stability, and professional development. New job opportunities are available for the spring semester and interested students can apply here. Three new President’s Initiatives were awarded funding: ONLN PALS (Peer Assistant Learning Scholars) provides online students with peer mentors to enhance their learning experience and access to resources; “See It, Believe It, Achieve It” and the “Transfer and Career Pathways in Latinx, Latin American, and Caribbean Studies (LLAC)” will build stronger transfer pathways to help students envision and plan for their academic and professional futures.

The Hostos Research Center (HRC) continues to make important strides in advancing faculty and staff-led research across all disciplines and fostering student research mentorship. My colleagues, Professor Yoel Rodríguez, Professor Antonios Varelas, and I have had our article detailing the development and impact of the HRC recently published in the Journal of Research Administration that you can read here. In addition, a new cohort of 15 students was selected to participate in the new HRC Scholars Program, which is engaging them in research experiences mentored by Hostos faculty and CUNY Graduate Center doctoral students. The HRC has also hosted many special events and research presentations such as the Hispanic Heritage Month Artist Presentation with Kayleen Berry, the “Letters to Students” book presentation with Dr. Robert Scott, and the HRC Colloquium Series, among others.

Looking toward the new year, I am hopeful for the new events promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, which will be sponsored in Spring 2026 through the Educating for Diversity Initiative. The new 2026 ADELANTE Project Awards Call for Proposals, administered by the HRC, will fund new research across a variety of disciplines and provide our students with first-hand research experience. Please click here to access the application template and online submission portal. The deadline for submission is February 2, 2026.

I am extremely grateful to all of you for your support and participation in the various initiatives and events sponsored by the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift, and look forward to working with you in the new year alongside President Daisy Cocco De Filippis and my colleagues from the Hostos Advisory Corps as the President’s Initiatives continue to provide these amazing opportunities. My best wishes to you and your families for a happy and healthy holiday season!

Sincerely,

Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D.

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

Submitted by Assistant Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness Babette Audant, Ph.D.

First Year Experience and the Potential Impact of “Degree” Gateway Courses

Implementation of a “comprehensive and integrated First Year Experience (FYE) program for all Hostos students” is the first strategy of the first goal of our 2023-28 Strategic Plan: Elevating Justice. FYE is an accountability framework for coordinating cross-divisional efforts across the College to ensure students are supported, guided and welcomed from Day 1. Students initially experience First Year Experience as a series of events and related milestones that create a sense of belonging including New Student Orientation, Summer Bridge, academic advisement, campus tours and tabling events. First Year Experience also includes communication campaigns, many coordinated through Navigate, to help students access resources and proactively address obstacles to their success, as well as inviting them to take part in campus events. 

Curriculum is a key delivery strategy for comprehensive and integrated FYE. The most direct FYE curricular intervention is the First Year Seminar (FYS). As described in the Hostos catalog, FYS introduces first-year students to “the academic experiences of college life while providing them with an integrated approach to developing the study skills and habits of mind they will need to succeed in college. Students will practice academic survival and success strategies such as time-management and note-taking. Students will read, write and discuss academic content both formally and informally and will use multi-media approaches to deepening their understanding of course material. The Seminar fosters critical inquiry, collaborative learning and community building. Students will become familiar with the College's many resources and support services and will participate in a library workshop designed to foster information literacy.” Only the Liberal Arts AA degree requires FYS, although the course is open to all students. Increasing the number of FYS sections has vastly increased the number of students enrolled in FYS from 136 (Fa24) to 259 (Fa25). Since at least some students put off taking FYS until they approach graduation, an optimistic estimate is that 20% of Fa25 first-time freshmen (FTF) enrolled in FYS. 

Recognizing the relatively higher first-semester retention and GPAs correlated to FYS completion, OAA sought to expand the reach of FYS by inviting faculty to integrate elements of FYS into “degree” Gateway courses (required courses in a degree/major that students typically take in their first semester or first year). In Summer 2025, four pairs of faculty worked with the guidance of Professor and FYS Faculty Coordinator Natasha Yannacanedo to identify appropriate FYS elements and engagement strategies for integration. The Business Department faculty identified two degree Gateway courses, and two faculty pairs: BUS100 (Riley & Gyan) and ACC100 (Mojica & Xu); other faculty pairs represented Early Childhood Education and Community Health. While assessment of the FYS integration is in development (Assistant Professor Crystal Xu and Lecturer Mayra, Sp26), student access to FYS elements through these alternative strategies can be measured. For example, in Fa25, 92 students enrolled in ACC100 and 199 enrolled in BUS100. While these are duplicated counts, and not all students were FTF, degree Gateway courses have the potential of significantly expanding first-time freshmen access to key elements of First Year Seminar, and potentially multiplying the correlated outcomes gains of First Year Seminar for all new students at Hostos. The next wave of FYS integration will be in Summer 2026, with the goal of integrating First Year Seminar components into degree Gateway courses across all majors. 

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY

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

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is landmark legislation that profoundly reshaped our nation and continues to impact our community. Title VI and its regulations require that colleges and universities receiving federal financial assistance provide all students with a school environment free from discrimination, or harassment, based on race, color, or national origin. This right extends to discrimination or harassment based on shared ancestry or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics or citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity. This means that students have a right to be free from ethnic or racial slurs, harassment for how they dress or speak, and from any stereotypes based on actual or perceived shared ancestral or ethnic characteristics. Hostos stands firmly against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and discrimination of any form, including retaliation, on our campus. Hostos is proud of its diversity and is committed to maintaining and fostering an educational environment free from all discrimination. The safety of students, faculty, and staff is paramount, and an inclusive campus environment is essential to our success as an institution of higher learning. We invite you to watch a video that explores Title VI and how it applies to our community here.

Thank you for your continued commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion on our campus. 

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Submitted by Dean Ana I. García Reyes

Study Abroad Program to the Dominican Republic Accepting Applications

Applications for the Summer 2026 Professional Development & Study Abroad Program in the Dominican Republic continue to be open. To register, or for additional information, please email Mr. Gerson Peña at GPENA@hostos.cuny.edu. 

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

Submitted by Director Ivano Leoncavallo

Event Listings on Website Calendar

Dear Colleagues,

To ensure that the Hostos website calendar reflects the full range of activities taking place across the College, we kindly ask for your support in sharing all upcoming events with us. Our goal is to be as comprehensive and timely as possible, and your submissions play an essential role in helping us achieve that.

To submit an event, please send all relevant details at least two weeks prior to the event date. This advance notice allows us to post your information in a timely manner and ensures greater visibility for your program, meeting, or activity.

When submitting an event, please include the following information:

• Event Title
• Date and Time
• Location
• Event Description
• RSVP and Any Additional Details (if applicable, please include the link, email, form, flyer, photo, or instructions required)

Please email all event submissions to:

ileoncavallo@hostos.cuny.edu

wburgos-matos@hostos.cuny.edu

We look forward to assisting you and helping highlight the important work happening throughout the Hostos community. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and continued partnership.

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND EDTECH

Submitted by AVP Dilawar Grewal and EdTech Director Carlos Guevara

Information Technology Responsibilities

Information technology responsibilities at Hostos are shared between the IT department, Educational Technology Department, and CUNY CIS.

For a quick reference, faculty and staff support is split between IT and Ed Tech as follows:

Faculty and Staff Support

• All academic applications are supported by EdTech. However, licenses and updates for approved applications belong with IT.

• While IT is responsible for all hardware in smart classrooms, the responsibility for providing training on use of hardware or software and resolving software issues lies with EdTech.

• Support for existing pedagogical tools is provided by EdTech. Installation of such approved tools is done by IT, provided all security concerns are addressed and appropriate licensing acquired. Freeware (without prior assessment and approval) and unlicensed software is not permitted by CUNY.

• Copilot: Administrative use is under IT purview and academic use under EdTech. Licenses are maintained, acquired, and allocated by IT.

• Evaluation of Academic Software is managed jointly by EdTech and IT. Non-academic software evaluation & approval is by IT.

Student Support

• NAVIGATE – OAA

• BRIGHTSPACE – EdTech

• APPS – EdTech for use of teaching and learning; example: Zoom, Teams; everything else is supported by IT

• IT manages all infrastructure, installation of software, ID and MFA management, lab computers, WiFi, and printing. IT also has a Laptop Loaner program for students. IT does not touch personal devices such as phones, tablets and personal laptops.

IT DOES NOT SUPPORT

• Personal devices

• Non-CUNY/Hostos tagged machines

• Freeware or software without licenses

• Non-CUNY Students

CURRENT HOURS

• EdTech – Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Information Technology (Service Desk, SCC, CTSC)

• Service Desk (SD): Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

• Student Computing Center (SCC): Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

• Classroom Technology Support Center (CTSCC) (no user support/mostly hardware issues):     Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. and Sat & Sun 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

CONTACT INFO:

EdTech

Phone (718) 518-4444

Location: C-559

IT (Information Technology) - Service Desk

Phone (718) 518-6646

Location: B-420

IT (Information Technology) - Student Computing Center (SCC)  

Phone (718) 518-6502

Location: C-595

IT (Information Technology) - Classroom Technology Support Center (CTSCC)

Phone (718) 518-6523

Location: C-513

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

Submitted by Provost and VP Andrea Fabrizio, Ph.D.

Supplemental Instruction in English Courses

Submitted by Dr. Elizabeth Porter, Director of Writing Center

Each semester, the Hostos Writing Center places tutors into multiple sections of Gateway English courses (ENG 110, 100, and 10) to support student learning as part of the Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program. This semester, there is an exceptionally dedicated cohort.  Tutors have taken the initiative to build community in their classrooms and support the class through offering mini lessons during class sessions, reinforcing information related to the learning objectives for their courses. They model notetaking, participate in class discussions, and serve as an example to the class, while bridging communication between the professor and the students. Thank you to English Department Faculty Advisers, Profs. Alison Lowenstein and Thomas Barber, for their ongoing mentorship and support.  

2026 Student Symposium: A Common Intellectual Experience Bringing All Students Together

The Office of Academic Affairs announces the celebration of the Spring 2026 Annual Student Symposium on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Applications to present are due March 2, 2026. Students and mentors may submit proposals using the link below. This common intellectual experience is made possible through the support of Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives, and provides a unique open forum for students from all disciplines, as well as parents, faculty, and staff, to come together and share their creative work, assignment results, and progress from undergraduate research in both oral presentation and poster formats.

This event brings together examples of undergraduate research in STEM; essays, poems, and short stories; visual arts; performing arts; capstone assignments; honors projects; field work; and more. For many students, this opportunity represents their first oral presentation outside regular class activities. The poster sessions, demonstrations, and guest speaker presentations create a venue to celebrate academic progress while connecting different knowledge areas and reinforcing students’ confidence in academic settings.

Symposium submission link here. 

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by VP Althea Sterling, Ed.D.

A Message from Vice President Sterling

Congratulations! We’ve reached the end of the semester — and you made it!

I want to take a moment to recognize your hard work, resilience, and dedication. This semester brought its own set of challenges, but with every challenge came opportunities — opportunities to think differently, to innovate, and to expand possibilities.

You stayed committed to your learning and personal growth, and you also remained engaged in the vibrant events and activities that brought our campus community to life. Walking through the C-Building, the energy and level of engagement were truly palpable. It was a pleasure to meet some of you — whether stopping in the hallway to chat with club officers and members or hearing firsthand how you’re doing. 

The cafeteria continues to be the heartbeat of our campus — a vibrant space where students come together to share a meal, connect, and build lasting friendships. These everyday moments remind us that college is also about creating a sense of belonging and community.

The SGA Booth added even more energy to the area. It was always buzzing with activity, thanks to our dedicated student leaders who consistently showed up, engaged with peers, and made their presence felt. Their commitment has helped foster an environment where student voices are heard and celebrated.

As we navigated the broader challenges facing higher education, Hostos remained steadfast in its mission and identity: to ensure that every student feels supported and empowered. While I couldn’t attend every student-run event, I was thrilled to participate in the Comic Book Day activity. Folks were dressed as super heroes and it reminded me that each of us can be a hero in the spaces we occupy — through perseverance, kindness, and courage.

This semester has been truly rewarding, and I hope it has been just as meaningful for you. As you prepare for your final exams, remember to take care of yourself — rest, recharge, and prioritize your well-being. If you need support, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the resources available to you.

As we approach the holiday season — a time for celebration and connection with family and friends — I want to acknowledge that not everyone feels that sense of connection. If you ever need someone to talk to, please remember that our Counseling Center is here for you.

Congratulations on reaching this important milestone! You’ve worked hard, and you’ve earned it. We look forward to welcoming you back in the Spring semester, so be sure to register soon.

Wishing you the very best on your finals and a joyful holiday season!

Student Resources

Here are some resources available to support you during finals and beyond:

Counseling Services – Support for mental health, stress management, and personal well-being.

One Stop Center – Assistance with academic advising, registration, and administrative needs.

Tutoring Services – Academic support and guidance to help you succeed in your courses.

CUNY EDGE

Happy Holidays from the CUNY EDGE Program! 

As we wrap up another incredible semester, the CUNY EDGE team wants to extend our warmest wishes to all of our students. We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished this year — your hard work, resilience, and dedication truly inspire us. 

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. We look forward to supporting you in the new year and helping you continue to grow, achieve your goals, and take on new opportunities. 

Wishing you a safe, relaxing, and happy holiday season! 

- The CUNY EDGE Program 

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne

B Building Brick Façade Restoration Project Update

As announced in the advisory emailed on November 13, preparations for the upcoming B Building Brick Façade Restoration Project are now underway. A sidewalk shed has been installed to ensure the safety of pedestrians and building occupants throughout the construction period.

During the third week of November, inspections of the B Building’s north, west, and east exterior façades were completed to confirm compliance with Department of Buildings regulations in advance of the scheduled repair work.

A general contractor has been engaged to remove the existing brick façade on the south wall of the B Building and install a new one. Demolition is expected to begin in December, with new brick installation scheduled to start in the spring 2026 semester.

With the sidewalk shed installation complete, scaffolding will be erected next to provide safe exterior access for construction crews.

There will be no impact on building access or daily operations during this or any future phase of the project. All entrances and exits will remain open. We appreciate the college community’s understanding and cooperation as we work to enhance and preserve our campus facilities.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

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

CEWD Highlights FY 2024-25

As we reflect on the last academic year, we are grateful for all the successes achieved because they reflect our commitment to helping students reach their academic and career goals. See CEWD highlights from FY 2024-25 here.

CEWD Information Sessions

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

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6 PM (In-Person)  

Saturday, Jan. 10, 11 AM (Virtual) 

To register for a session, visit https://tinyurl.com/HostosCEWD.

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA)

Submitted by VP Colette Atkins

Thank You for Supporting CUNYTuesday!

We are deeply grateful to everyone who made our recent CUNYTuesday Campaign such a meaningful success. Thanks to the generosity of our faculty, staff, student leaders, alumni, and donors, we raised more than $58,000 (and counting!) to support vital student resources — from emergency scholarships and the campus food pantry to arts programming and transfer scholarships.

We extend a special thank you to the Student Government Association for their $900 gift, whose commitment reflects the spirit of unity and care that defines our community. Thanks also to supporters like the New York Yankees, the Feiner Family, and Professor Cynthia Jones for their generous gifts, and to the team at TIAA for designating their $5,000 award to our Food Pantry. Every gift, no matter the size, helps affirm our mission — empowering and nurturing hope for students.

Several users reported issues trying to make a gift through the Google Chrome browser. These issues should be resolved, but if you experienced these issues and need help making your gift, please contact Development Officer Idelsa Méndez at imendez@hostos.cuny.edu.

Read more about it here.

The Howard Gilman Foundation Makes an Unprecedented $250,000 Gift to the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture

The Howard Gilman Foundation (HGF) has been an ardent supporter of Hostos’ Center for the Arts & Culture since 2018, giving nearly $750,000 to enhance the Hostos community’s access to world-class performing arts. These funds have helped the Center increase its programming and provide free access for Hostos students to most performances.

This year, in addition to a generous $150,000 operating support grant, HGF awarded the Center a $100,000 artistic reserve fund. This artistic reserve fund is the first of its kind for the HCAC, and it is intended to increase the Center’s ability to showcase top talents from around the world. The HCAC is grateful to HGF for their partnership and for this transformative gift.

Call for Submission to the Hostos Alumni Newsletter

We are excited to announce the launch of the very first Hostos Community College Alumni Newsletter, debuting in January 2026 and published every three months! This initiative will not only highlight important news and updates — it will also feature the voices, stories, and creativity of our incredible alumni community.

We invite you to become a collaborator by submitting original content on topics that matter most to you and our community. To get started, simply complete our submission form and upload your content for review. You will also have the option to include a profile picture to be featured alongside your work.

Let's make this newsletter a powerful reflection of the diversity, talent, and impact of Hostos alumni. Together, we will continue to inspire, inform, and strengthen the Hostos legacy.

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). 

Congratulations to Professor Inmaculada Lara Bonilla!

Inmaculada Lara Bonilla, Humanities Professor and Chief Editor of the Hostos Review, has been named co-editor of the Women’s Studies Quarterly journal, managed by The Feminist Press at the CUNY Graduate Center. For three years, she will be serving in the position along with Grisel Y. Acosta, Bronx Community College Professor. We wish Dr. Lara Bonilla all the best!

Student Leaders Raise Funds for Food Pantry

Hostos Student Government Association (SGA) President Nichelle Hemphill, who was selected to be the face of Hostos’ CUNYTuesday Campaign, and her fellow SGA leaders pooled together their resources and made a collective $900 CUNYTuesday gift toward Hostos’ food pantry. Read more about it here.

Hostos Research Center’s Impact and Influence on Grantsmanship Featured in New Article

The Hostos Research Center (HRC) Steering Committee members, Dr. Sofia Oviedo, Professor Yoel Rodríguez, and Professor Antonios Varelas are pleased to announce that their new article, “Building a Culture of Grantsmanship at an Urban Community College Via Internal Funding Opportunities” will be published in the Fall 2025 issue of the Journal of Research Administration and is available to read here. The HRC Steering Committee is thrilled to share with the Hostos and wider research community how the HRC is making important strides in advancing faculty and staff research and grants development that fosters educational innovations, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and student research engagement. Dr. Oviedo shared, “My colleagues and I are extremely proud of the vital work that is supported through the Hostos Research Center’s grants that build on the expert knowledge, dedication, and creativity of Hostos faculty and staff. The HRC also gives our students access to professional research opportunities to enhance their educational experience and promote student success. We are very grateful to the vision and leadership of President Cocco De Filippis, the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift, and the ongoing support from the Committee on Sponsored Programs and Grants. We look forward to strengthening the HRC’s capacity-building efforts to foster grantsmanship that will yield new and increased funding for years to come.” Congratulations to the HRC Steering Committee on this wonderful accomplishment and their continued efforts through the HRC to elevate the Hostos mission to foster intellectual growth, lifelong learning, and socio-economic mobility.

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: December 2025: College-wide Senate Meeting

Date | Time: Thursday, December 20 | 3:30 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: Papo Vázquez – “Holiday Jazz & Latin Jazz Parranda”

Date | Time: Sunday, December 21 | 3 PM

Location: Main Theater

Description: Grammy-nominated and NEA Master Artist Papo Vázquez celebrates the holiday season with parranda music and Latin jazz–influenced holiday songs — a warm, inclusive celebration perfect for families.

Title: Kwanzaa Regeneration Celebration

Date | Time: Sunday, December 28 | 3 PM

Location: Main Theater

Description: Join us for an uplifting performance featuring Forces of Nature Dance Theatre under the leadership of critically acclaimed choreographer Abdel Salaam. This will be a joyous celebration of Kwanzaa through dance from across the African Diaspora, music and spoken word, honoring the principles of Kwanzaa, family, community and culture. Get tickets here.

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.  

This is the last issue of Semanario for Fall 2025. We will resume the publication in Spring 2026. Thank you for reading and being a part of our dear community.

Past issues can be found here.