Friday, December 15, 2023 | Vol. 7, No. 15 | |
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS | |
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My Dear Colleagues and Students,
I am happy to share my remarks from yesterday’s All College Meeting: End of Semester Recognitions and Talent Show. As the Semanario/Weekly bids adieu for this semester, I wish everyone a peaceful holiday season and a prosperous new year!
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All College Meeting: End of Semester Recognitions and Talent Show
Welcome Remarks
December 14, 2023
Repertory Theater
My Dear Colleagues and Students,
It is powerful to gather at the conclusion of a semester filled with 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 transform lives by means of higher education.
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 about our collective work – work so many of you have shared. Thank you for continuing to work hard to find solutions to challenging situations – from the physical space to teaching effectiveness and successful retention of our students in our classrooms and academic support strategies, to supporting morale by means of multiple activities outside of the classroom, and by so many activities to keep a robust intellectual life. This work has been supported as well by those on the ground, our generous laborers and custodians, buildings and groundspeople, 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 beginning of the implementation of our “Hostos: Elevating Justice,” our five-year strategic plan (2023-2028), and the creation of a new Academic Implementation Plan, 2024-2029.
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’s Gift: 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, Next-Gen Public Health Scholars, and other 2+2+2 transfer opportunities, Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus and scholarships now also supported by a congressional earmark championed by Congressman Richie Torres. Our CEWD division is to be congratulated for the acquisition of more than $3 million in grants and the growth of their non-credit enrollments. Academic Affairs is to be celebrated for its Title V grant and its new academic planning document. 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. Discussions continue on the potential adaptation of the PEG (Program to Eliminate Gap) by the Mayor’s Office. We have been writing and meeting with NY City Council members to explain the impact this reduction would have on Hostos and other community colleges as we engage in the process of recovery and growth. We anticipate news in mid-January or so, but it is uncertain yet. As always, we stay focused, we stay the course on our students’ success, and remain vigilant about next budgetary steps.
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 department 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 grow our tradition for end-of-year celebrations: 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, 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 our administration colleagues. As we gather as one Hostos family, I affirm, once again, our commitment to respect, diversity, inclusivity, and caring for one another. Those from all backgrounds, faiths, and religions are welcome and embraced and included in loving and respectful ways – that is Hostos. We are 100% anti-bigotry. I am proud of our diverse and inclusive community, knowing that we are all enriched and strengthened by the different backgrounds represented here at Hostos.
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
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“The Trouble with Poetry”
By Billy Collins
The trouble with poetry, I realized
as I walked along a beach one night —
cold Florida sand under my bare feet,
a show of stars in the sky —
the trouble with poetry is
that it encourages the writing of more poetry,
more guppies crowding the fish tank,
more baby rabbits
hopping out of their mothers into the dewy grass.
And how will it ever end?
unless the day finally arrives
when we have compared everything in the world
to everything else in the world,
and there is nothing left to do
but quietly close our notebooks
and sit with our hands folded on our desks.
Poetry fills me with joy
and I rise like a feather in the wind.
Poetry fills me with sorrow
and I sink like a chain flung from a bridge.
But mostly poetry fills me
with the urge to write poetry,
to sit in the dark and wait for a little flame
to appear at the tip of my pencil.
And along with that, the longing to steal,
to break into the poems of others
with a flashlight and a ski mask.
And what an unmerry band of thieves we are,
cut-purses, common shoplifters,
I thought to myself
as a cold wave swirled around my feet
and the lighthouse moved its megaphone over the sea,
which is an image I stole directly
from Lawrence Ferlinghetti —
to be perfectly honest for a moment —
the bicycling poet of San Francisco
whose little amusement park of a book
I carried in a side pocket of my uniform
up and down the treacherous halls of high school.
Collins, B. (2007). The Trouble with Poetry. In The trouble with poetry and other poems (pp. 83–84). Essay, Random House.
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MESSAGE FROM THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT DAINMA MARTINEZ | |
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Happy Friday to All!
Happy holidays also! Classes may be over, but Hostos' life still goes strong. As we come toward the end of the semester, we can all come together to reminisce about what may be the last semester for some and others continuing. As for the past few weeks, many events have been going around this month of December. We had a wonderful turnout at the Printing Club’s event. Students came to participate in creating stamps, and buttons, and even printing on shirts and tote bags. Another great event I know students came around to reflect on their concerns with life in and outside Hostos with the Community Building Circle with the NY Peace Institute.
Hostos also all came together in the C-building lobby for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. We were all thrilled by Santa, who appeared magically along with a joyful holiday singalong! The celebrations were capped off with a special visit from our lovely Hostos Children's Center scholars, who surprised us all with an arrangement of the traditional Christmas favorite, "Jingle Bells." Urban Unity graced us with a magnificent performance of “Hallelujah,” ending with the Christmas tree coming to life.
We hope that Hostos parents are able to visit the Family Empowerment Program (FEP) Winter Festival, on Wednesday, December 20, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Gym. Hostos' annual toy drive is also in action. There’s one date left to drop off toys on December 18 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. We were able to present gifts to over 100 parents and their children in 2022 because of your generosity!
I would also like to mention to students that The Hostos Library is attempting to discover the best way to assist you. Please take this little survey so that they can better understand your requirements.
I'd like to remind students once more that the SGA is supporting eighteen (18) $500 scholarships. There are six merit-based scholarships, six need-based scholarships, and six hardship awards. All scholarships are now available on the Scholarships page: Our Opportunities - Hostos Community College Scholarships (academicworks.com). There are several additional scholarships available on the website. As I often tell many students, please use the resources that Hostos has to offer since they are there for all of us. Take advantage of this opportunity!
I hope that everyone will be able to attend future events and that everyone in Hostos has a wonderful break. This is the time of year when we are especially encouraged to promote compassion and love, especially in these times. I'd like to conclude with a quote:
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." – Maya Angelou
Sincerely,
Dainma Martínez
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Weekly Tips & Reminders to Navigate Life at Hostos
Classes are now over, and it is time to get ready for finals! There is plenty of support to help you prepare and study. And if you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to enroll for next semester.
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Study Spaces to Prep for Finals: Prepare for your final exams by scheduling tutoring hours with the Hostos Academic Learning Center and the Writing Center. You can also reserve a study room in the library (A-building, 3rd floor) for group meetings here. The Student Computing Center (Computer Lab) has multiple stations and well-trained staff to guide students with technological resources and support questions in the East Academic Building, room C-595.
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Registration for Spring 2024 is Open: Watch this video on how to view your degree plan and enroll today using schedule builder.
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Winter 2024 Writing and Math Workshops: Complete your developmental math or/and writing requirements. Enroll in a FREE winter workshop using your CUNYfirst Schedule Builder. MA10, MA20, and/or EN 93 Workshops will be offered in-person and online during the winter session.
We wish you the best of luck with your final exams and a wonderful holiday season! We will be in touch in the new year with plenty of clues!
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Highlighting CUNY Policies You Should Know
Submitted by Executive Counsel and Labor Designee Eugene Sohn, Esq.
CUNY Policy on Multiple Positions
Each full-time employee is obligated to view his/her appointment to Hostos as his/her major professional commitment. Please read more about holding multiple positions within CUNY here.
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OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS | |
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Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.
Have Questions About Your Tenant Rights?
This week’s update comes from Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala’s office.
Do you owe rent? Questions about your lease? Are you in housing court? SCRIE and DRIE questions? Get free assistance with repairs, landlord harassment, evictions and referrals for free legal help.
Non-NYCHA Housing Clinic: First Thursday of every month, 105 East 116th Street, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No appointment necessary.
NYCHA Residents: First Tuesday of every month, 105 East 116th Street, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get answers on succession rights, grievance procedures, getting repairs, annual recertification, and your rights as a tenant.
To contact Deputy Speaker Ayala’s office, please call her East Harlem office at 212-828-9800 or her South Bronx office at 347-297-4922.
U.S. Department of State Resources in recognition of International Education Week 2023
In recognition of International Education Week 2023, the New York Passport Agency / Bureau of Consular Affairs at the Department of State is pleased to share the following link resources and encourages you to use or share them to promote awareness among students and faculty on how to obtain a U.S. passport and stay safe and prepared while abroad. Apply for a passport or renew your passport here. See a list of FAQs, videos on passport applications, and what to do if you have urgent travel here.
The Passport Services’ outreach campaign aims to encourage U.S. citizens seeking a passport to apply early and obtain their passport before booking international travel, whenever possible. The current processing times are seven to 10 weeks for a standard application and three to five weeks for an expedited application ($60 extra). Please note that processing times are subject to change and are updated and accessible on travel.state.gov, the State Department’s foremost resource on passport and travel information. For additional information, you may contact DOS-NY-Outreach at DOS-NY-Outreach@state.gov.
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OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY (OCD) | |
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Submitted by Chief Diversity Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and 504/ADA Coordinator Philip Oliveri, Esq.
Universal Human Rights Month
December is recognized as Universal Human Rights Month, a time for people in the United States and around the world to join together and stand up for the rights and dignity of all individuals. As stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights drafted by the United Nations in 1948 in response to the atrocities of World War II: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of [sibling]hood.”
Thus, we must remember that all human beings were born into the same world as we were and that, despite our differences, we must learn to function in this world together. Universal Human Rights Month is about acknowledging that people of different races, religions, cultures, beliefs, genders, and identities are still just that: people. As we embrace Universal Human Rights Month, let us reflect on the principles that unite us all. Let us strive for a campus that upholds dignity, equality, and justice for every individual. Together, as a college community, we can foster an environment where human rights are respected and celebrated. Together, as a college community, we can be catalysts for positive change and be champions of diversity, equity and inclusiveness. Therefore, take the time to learn about someone else’s culture or identity that is different from yours… research their history or perhaps make a new friend who is a member of a different culture or identity. You will quickly realize how similar people really are, and you will see how critical it is that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
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Submitted by Dean of Community Relations Ana García Reyes
Hostos Represented at CUNY Meeting with Cuban Delegation
Dean of Community Relations Ana García Reyes represented Hostos Community College at a meeting hosted by CUNY Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Effectiveness and Innovation Alicia Alvero, with the objective of having a dialogue with a Cuban delegation who visited the CUNY Chancellor's Office. The dialogue included bilingual conversations about past and prospective collaborations with higher education institutions in Cuba. A myriad of CUNY’s Chancellery and executive leadership attended the event, including various presidents. The Cuban delegation was composed of many executive members from the government, including Dr. Reynaldo Velázquez Zaldívar, Deputy Minister of Higher Education of Cuba.
Lower Concourse Roundtable Stakeholders Group Discussions
Dean Ana García Reyes, Assistant Dean of CEWD Peter Mertens, Governmental Affairs Director Eric Radezky, Security Chief Arnaldo Bernabe, Center for the Arts and Culture Director Felix Arocho, College Archivist and Associate Professor William Casari and Development Officer Idelsa Mendez have been representing the College at a series of roundtable discussions hosted by the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit alongside the Department of Transportation and Department of Cultural Affairs at the Bronx Terminal Market to discuss: 1) The City’s development plans in and around Mill Pond Park and the Lower Concourse between 149th Street and 161st Street, and 2) How the lower Concourse area can be made safer, easier to travel, well-marked with wayfinding, and more aesthetically uplifting. Over 65 stakeholders who have been meeting during the past two semesters are part of this dynamic group, including elected and appointed officials, community leaders, executive business leaders, and educators.
The goal of this group is to study the district areas to establish realistic blueprint plans that take into consideration climate change and future mobility challenges in the Bronx and throughout New York City. Mayor Eric Adams and members of his administration, including DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and DCLA Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, have been participating to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. With many new residential buildings, businesses, and cultural and educational sites in development, this area may become the next vibrant cultural corridor of the Bronx and a major thoroughfare for all users of the roadways.
Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice’s Bronx Community Workshop
Dean Ana Garcia Reyes and Governmental Affairs Director Eric Radezky represented the College at the Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice’s first Bronx Community Workshop, held on Wednesday, November 16th. Part of a series of meetings, the convening’s objective is to share feedback on strategies aimed at addressing key inequities experienced by underserved communities in the Bronx. The attendees shared ideas and discussed their proposed vision, goals, and effective strategies for residents. The Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice is engaging Bronx residents and organizations to gain realistic feedback on issues impacting the Bronx and institutions to help shape the future of the borough.
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OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA) | |
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Submitted by Provost and VP Shiang-Kwei Wang, Ph.D.
Congratulations Dr. Kelba Sosa
The Office of Academic Affairs would like to congratulate Dr. Kelba Sosa, Director of the Hostos Office of Grants and Research Administration, on successfully defending her dissertation from the School of Education in the Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership at St. John's University.
Her dissertation, titled "The Journey of Dominican Women as Administrative Leaders in U.S. Higher Education," reflects on and explores the experiences and challenges faced by Dominican women attaining leadership roles within the U.S. Higher Education realm.
This achievement not only signifies the completion of a rigorous academic endeavor but also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and understanding the barriers of Dominican women achieving administrative positions within the education sector and the importance of representation and mentoring within the culture.
Dr. Sosa is honored and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important topic that will hopefully inspire young Dominican women of our future. Dr. Sosa extends her "heartfelt gratitude” to President Daisy Cocco de Filippis, VP Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham, Professor Ana Ozuna, Dr. Sofia Oviedo, and Ms. Idelsa Mendez for their invaluable contributions and support to her dissertation.
“Their insight and inspiration were instrumental in shaping my research and ensuring my success. I am especially appreciative of the exemplary leadership they, as Dominican women, have demonstrated in higher education, inspiring and paving the way for future administrators and researchers."
Congratulations, Dr. Sosa!
Congratulations Yaxeny Hernandez-Ravelo
Hostos Mathematics and Computer Science Scholars program (MACSS) and Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) scholar Ms. Yaxeny Hernandez-Ravelo was among ten community college undergraduates selected for the Kaplan Leadership Program (KLP) 2023-2024 academic year. The KLP helps high-potential, low-income, and historically underrepresented community college students complete their associate's degrees and successfully transfer and go on to earn four-year bachelor's degrees at the nation's most selective colleges and universities. Learn more about it here.
Congratulations to ESL Acting I Students!
Professor Natasha Yannacañedo’s ESL Acting I students wrote and presented, US, a completely devised work exploring identity on Monday, December 11, in the Black Box Theater.
The Hostos Annual Student STEM Research Presentations and Robotics Exhibition
On November 15, 2023, the CSTEP Program, in collaboration with the CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP) and Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), hosted the Hostos Annual Student STEM Research Presentations and Robotics Exhibition. After 4 years, the STEM Research Presentation was held in person. Dean Andrea Fabrizio and Ms. Diandra Jugmohan provided welcoming remarks to an audience of over 85 faculty, staff, and students, making the event a huge success!
The program consisted of six research student panelists, moderated by Professor Yoel Rodríguez, four robotics student presenters who were mentored by Mr. Stephan Lubrun, and eleven research projects exhibited, which were mentored by multiple Hostos faculty members.
We are very proud of all of the scholars’ hard work and dedication towards conducting research. Special thanks to the Master of Ceremony, Professor Reginald Dorcely, Dr. Moise Koffi, Ms. Briseida Cortez-Rodriguez, Ms. Inocencia Nieves, Ms. Vanessa Olvera, Ms. Karin Contreras, and Mr. Jerry Rosa for assisting with the coordination of the event. We are extremely overjoyed with the support of the Hostos community.
OAA Hosted Virtual LMS Transition to Brightspace Open Forum December 11, 2023
On December 11, Dean Audant facilitated a virtual open forum for all full and part-time faculty to talk about the transition from Blackboard to Brightspace. Brightspace is the new learning management system being implemented across all CUNY campuses. More information will become available in the Blackboard organization, “Forum on Issues and Trends in Education.” The organization is self-enroll and open to all members of the faculty and staff.
UPDATE on the Transition to the new Learning Management System (LMS) Brightspace
Submitted by Mr. Carlos Guevara, Director of Educational Technology and Co-Director Center for Teaching and Learning
The CUNY LMS Transition team is rapidly preparing the new Brightspace platform. Since November 22, faculty have been able to access Brightspace to create practice sites, enabling exploration of its tools and features. Instructions for site creation are available on the LMS transition website. Initial course migration for transition groups #1 (BMCC, SLU, SPS, Hostos, John Jay, Medgar Evers, and Queens) and #2 will be done by December 15, 2023 allowing instructors to update courses for Summer 2024. Faculty in these groups have been enrolled in the “Brightspace Resource Course for Instructors,” offering self-paced training on course-building basics, and will appear in the dashboard when logging in to brightspace.cuny.edu. Starting in January, the Brightspace Basics 4-workshop series will be available for transition groups #1 and #2.
Ed Tech’s Role in the Transition to Brightspace
Our Office of Educational Technology is actively creating resources and tips to aid faculty in transitioning to Brightspace. A dedicated Brighspace Hub is in development, offering training opportunities, tips, one-on-one consultations, and other resources. This hub aims to assist faculty and students in fully utilizing our new LMS. Microlearnings featuring various resources and quick tips for preparing current course materials can also be found in this hub. Faculty members are highly encouraged to keep making their courses more accessible and clutter-free. For questions, please contact the EdTech team by email at EdTechSupport@hostos.cuny.edu, by phone at 718.319.7915, or by visiting C-559.
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STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM) | |
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Submitted by VP La Toro Yates, Ph.D.
A Message from the SDEM Vice President
As we enter this festive holiday season, it feels like the perfect time to send my warmest holiday wishes to the Hostos community. Reflecting on this year, it’s clear to see how hard the staff and faculty have worked on behalf of the students. I am so grateful to be part of Hostos – a community of learning and practice, with individuals dedicated to the educational growth of our students and to supporting each other’s endeavors.
To our students,
We wish you well on those final exams and papers. As you take a much-deserved holiday break, please reflect on the great work you have done and use the lessons learned to help prepare for the Spring 2024 semester.
I wish you a peaceful, restful break with your loved ones. May the New Year bring you peace, hope, health, and good cheer!
I look forward to a new year of success with you.
Dr. La Toro Yates
Vice President of SDEM
Hostos Veteran Affairs (HoVA)
The Office of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce the 2023 Hostos student awardees of the Joe Alicea Veterans Fund Scholarship. US Navy Veteran Jason Clarke and US Army National Guard Yassir Djossou will each receive $1,000 in support of their academic journeys.
Jason Clarke was born in New York City to immigrant parents trying to achieve the American dream. Upon graduating high school in the Caribbean, he moved back to New York to further his education. He decided to join the United States Navy and was on active duty from 2002 to 2008. During his time spent in the Navy, he achieved the rank of Hospital Corpsman third class. After being discharged, he went to work in the healthcare field as a nursing assistant. In 2022, he enrolled at Hostos to pursue his dream of being a Nurse and is currently taking his prerequisites.
Yassir Djossou was born in the Republic of Congo. In 1991, Yassir and his family were displaced due to Congo’s civil war and sought refuge in Benin. Yassir moved to the United States in 2016 at 24 years old and transferred to Hostos Community College to further his education associate in sciences, majoring in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Yassir plans to continue his education to become a medical Doctor as a Gastroenterologist. Yassir has challenged himself and played a part in making his campus better through his involvement in a leadership role as SGA Campus Affairs Commissioner and advocate for student veterans. Yassir has served in the United States Military since 2019 as an E4 CBRN Specialist.
About the Joe Alicea Veterans Fund
The Joe Alicea Veterans Fund was established in honor of Joseph “Joe” Alicea, long-time Financial Aid Director at Hostos who served the College for over 39 years. Joe Alicea was drafted into the US Army as an Infantry Individual Fire Crewman; designated Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 11-C. He distinguished himself in training on the M-14 and M-16 rifles, earning designations as a sharpshooter and expert. After completing his training, Alicea was deployed to Vietnam where he spent his second year in the Army. His awards and honors include the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal (w/2 overseas bars), and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
CUNY EDGE
Dear Hostos Students,
As we wrap up another semester, CUNY EDGE would like to extend congratulations to each of you on your hard work, resilience, and commitment to academic excellence. On behalf of the CUNY EDGE team, we want to wish you a joyful holiday season with your loved ones. May this holiday break bring you peace and rejuvenation as you prepare for all of the great opportunities to come in the new semester and new year.
Happy holidays and a wonderful new year to you all!
Best wishes,
The CUNY EDGE Team
SDEM Events
Athletics
Cheer on your classmates!
Fall 2023 Men’s & Women’s Basketball Home Games
- December 18: Prince George Community College (Women, 5 PM | Men, 7 PM)
SDEM Recurring Announcements
Enrollment is Open!
If you need assistance enrolling, contact your Coach/Advisor and schedule a meeting through Succeed@Hostos.
Transfer Services
Alumni Spotlight
Our last spotlight of this semester is Mr. Antoine Hunter. Mr Hunter was a Liberal Arts major who graduated from Hostos in 2020. Upon completion of his associate degree, he transferred to Yale University and attended the Eli Whitney Student Program, where he majored in the History of Science Medicine and Public Health.
Currently, Mr. Hunter is a Behavioral Health Associate in the Child / Adolescent Psychiatry Department at Bellevue Hospital. He is set to graduate from Yale in 2024.
For his postgraduate studies, Mr Hunter says, “I want to attend the Yale School of Nursing. I aspire to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I want to expand access to mental health services for marginalized individuals that would not have the opportunity to receive affordable, high-quality mental health services otherwise.”
“Always take risks and never allow anyone to dictate your future or determine where you are headed in life,” he shared as advice for Hostos transfer students.
Don’t forget to follow Transfer Services on Instagram here and check out our Weekly Transfer Spotlight!
Hostos One Stop
Food Pantry
If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please visit the Hostos Food Pantry. Appointments are available: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, contact Madeline Cruz at 718-518-4141 or at mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu.
A POEM TO INSPIRE OUR COMMUNITY
“Still I Rise”
By Maya Angelou
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may tread me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
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ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM) | |
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Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne
Vaccination Clinic Update and Cafeteria Vendor Search Survey
Please be advised that the vaccination clinic in the A building lobby will pause its services for the winter break starting the week of December 18. The clinic will return the week of February 6 to provide flu and Covid vaccinations.
Additionally, if you haven’t had a chance to complete the Cafeteria Vendor Search Survey, please take a couple of minutes to do so now. The survey will be up through December 18 for your feedback, which will be used in the development of the RFP for the cafeteria food vendor. We look forward to hearing from you!
Good luck with finals week, and enjoy a wonderful holiday break!
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CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD) | |
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Submitted by VP Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham, Ph.D., LCSW
The Hostos DEI Incubator Project Organizes Conference on Addressing Anti-Blackness at Hispanic-Serving Institutions
On Friday, November 3, 2023, the Hostos Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Incubator Project organized a CUNY-wide conference entitled “Addressing Anti-Blackness at Hispanic-Serving Institutions.” Seventy-eight (78) participants attended the event in person, and 13 participants streamed the keynote address online. Colleagues from Hostos, BCC, QCC, BMCC, CUNY Central, and Queens College attended the event.
The Keynote address was given by Dr. Jasmine Haywood, Strategy Director at the Lumina Foundation. The Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation that is committed to making opportunities for post-secondary learning available to all. Dr. Haywood has published a peer-reviewed scholarship that unveils how Afro-Latinx college students experience anti-Black Latino racism. Her dissertation, titled “Triple Consciousness”, focused on the racialized experiences of Afro-Latinx students. To view a recording of the keynote address, go here.
The Center for Ethnic, Racial & Religious Understanding (CERRU) at Queens College has been supporting DEI Incubator Projects across CUNY. In March 2022, a DEI Incubator Project was established at Hostos with support from the Division of Academic Affairs. A core group of four staff members and one student at Hostos chose to participate in CERRU’s year-long training program. As part of this effort, CERRU asked each campus cohort to develop an organizing project. The Hostos DEI Incubator Project identified the need to start a CUNY-wide conversation on anti-Blackness and how it manifests in academia. As the project developed, two faculty members joined the Conference Planning Committee.
Hostos DEI Incubator Project Conference Planning Committee
- Brian Carter, Hostos Student
- Andrea Gabbidon-Levene, Director, CUNY Start/Math Start
- Travaras Geter, Associate Director, College Now and CUNY Explorer
- Jacinta Patrice-George, Associate Director of Academic Affairs
- Daliz Pérez-Cabezas, Senior Advisor to the Vice President for Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development
- Dr. Kristopher Burrell, Associate Professor
- Dr. Stacey Cooper, Assistant Professor
Available Online: CEWD Course Catalog
To view our catalog, please click here. This semester we are offering a variety of occupational training and educational programs in areas such as construction, education/teaching, English for Speakers of Other Languages, GED, medical and health, and technology. As part of CEWD’s commitment to making our programs accessible to the community, scholarships and no-cost programs are available to students who qualify.
Virtual Information Sessions
To learn more about our offerings, register for a session here.
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INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA) | |
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Submitted by VP Colette Atkins
Planned Giving to Hostos
If you have thought about including Hostos in your estate planning, and would like to learn more about the many ways you can have a lasting impact on Hostos students, contact Vice President of Institutional Advancement Colette Atkins by phone at 718-518-4394 or via email at catkins@hostos.cuny.edu to discuss how you can be part of the Eugenio María de Hostos Planned Giving Society.
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Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Hostos Community
Alumni Relations Hosts a Festive Holiday Mixer
On December 14, Hostos alumni returned to their alma mater to network and socialize with former classmates, fellow alumni, and the faculty and staff who supported them through their time at Hostos. Alumni Relations extends its thanks to all those who attended and wishes everyone happy holidays.
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Transfer Pathways Initiative Highlighted on News12
Thanks to Shakti Denis from News12 for her visit last week to learn more about our Building Transfer Pathways and Pipelines Initiatives, funded by Congressman Ritchie Torres’ $1 million Community Project Funding. This groundbreaking program is propelling 16 exceptional students from Hostos toward their dream undergraduate and graduate programs at prestigious institutions such as Columbia University, City College, and Queens College. See the News12 report here.
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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.
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Fall 2023 Men's & Women's Basketball Home Games
Cheer on your classmates!
- December 18: Prince George Community College (Women, 5 PM | Men, 7 PM)
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Title: Salsa Navideña
Date | Time: Saturday, December 19 | 7:30 PM
Location: Main Theater
Description: Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, in association with Richie Bonilla Sr., presents “Salsa Navideña,” a concert for everyone who is passionate about Salsa music and wants to celebrate the holidays in style! You’ll be singing and dancing along to holiday Salsa classics and favorites, including “Asalto navideño,” the traditional holiday songs famously popularized by Héctor Lavoe, Willie Colón, and Yomo Toro. The evening will showcase three stellar singers, Frankie Morales, Sammy González, and Nayimbe La Gitana, performing with La Orquesta Salsa Navideña under the musical direction of Carlitos Padrón. Students get in for only $5! Get your tickets here.
Title: Winter Festival
Date | Time: Wednesday, December 20 | 2–7 PM
Location: Gym (C-building, third floor)
Description: The Family Empowerment Program invites you to our Winter Festival. We cordially invite you to bring your children to celebrate with us for the holiday.
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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. | |
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Past issues can be found here.
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This is the last edition of El Semanario Hostosiano / The Hostos Weekly for this year. Our next issue will come out on January 26, 2024. Wishing all readers a peaceful and restful holiday season.
Looking forward to reconnecting with you all in the new year!
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