Friday, December 5, 2025 | Vol. 11, No. 14

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

It is good to have the opportunity to write a few words of encouragement as we begin the last couple of weeks of classes and the holiday celebrations. I was delighted last week to receive a copy of the Fall 2025 Touchstone journal of the Magda Vasillov Center for Teaching and Learning. There are such riches and delights, as diverse faculty voices and interests are shared with us all. On behalf of so many, I offer words of gratitude for this gift to the Hostos family. Bravi! 

I know I am preaching to the choir when I ask you all, students, faculty and staff, to ensure that all continuing students are pre-registered for the Spring 2026 Semester. Invitations for reviews, mentoring and support for preparations for final papers and exams are shared regularly. Please do take advantage of the opportunities before you. 

This week we celebrated our common humanity and best wishes for peace and brother and sisterhood in the Tree Lighting and singing of Holiday songs, an event supported by my Office and many colleagues and friends. Gracias does not begin to express my feelings. 

In Solidarity, 

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

POEM

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT NICHELLE HEMPHILL

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Can you believe we are so close to finals? We did that!

Now let’s talk business. I am so grateful and proud to announce that SGA and MBJ are working together to combat food insecurity for students, one Friday at a time. Every Friday for the rest of the Fall semester, MBJ will provide all of the food that would normally go to waste to the student lounge for students to eat (and take some home). Not only that, but MBJ is selling cupcakes, and with each cupcake purchased, canned foods will be distributed to CUNY campuses that are either under stock or don’t have pantries. How is that for Thanksgiving? 

We have an abundance of initiatives that SGA is involved with, such as the Children’s Clothing Drive (boxes to donate are located in C-534 and C-597), events with Nurse Vasquez & Planned Parenthood, and events with the amazing Counseling Center. 

Please make sure that you take advantage of the amazing resources that this College has available, such as the pool, the art gallery, the weight room, the gym, counselors, the library, the Academic Learning Center (HALC), the Writing Center, the Student Leadership Academy, the Scholarship Office, CUNY EDGE, the Family Empowerment Program, Health and Wellness, CUNY START, MATH start, Athletics… should I continue? Join one of our 60+ clubs as well. We have origami, math, the Caiman podcast, anime, common grounds, Dreamers, the list goes on. 

Thank you for being here, thank you for trusting Hostos to start (or finish) your journey.

Have an amazing rest of the semester,

Nichelle

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

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

Apply for Educating for Diversity Grants – Deadline is December 10, 2025!

Next week is the deadline to apply for a mini-grant through the Educating for Diversity Initiative. Do not miss this opportunity to request support for an event/activity that will educate and increase awareness in our community on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion with the support of Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives. 

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to apply and submissions are welcome from any individual or group at Hostos. Mini-grants will support cultural, social, and educational activities that address the interests of Hostos students and community members. Grants will range from $500 - $2,000. Click here to apply.

To learn more, view a recording of a recent virtual Information Session here.

The Educating for Diversity application deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025.

Virtual Office Hours for 2026 ADELANTE Call for Proposals

The Hostos Research Center will be hosting a virtual Office Hours Information Session that will provide all the necessary details to apply for the 2026 ADELANTE Project Awards Call for Proposals. Faculty and staff are invited to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects that advance research, need-based, and/or creative/transformative interventions in all disciplines, and proposals that aim to conduct research on critical issues impacting the South Bronx. All proposals are expected to include students as research assistants to provide our students with mentorship and direct research experience. You do not want to miss this opportunity to apply for funding to support new or continuing research efforts.

2026 ADELANTE Call for Proposals - Office Hours

Wednesday, December 11, 2025 at 12:30 PM

Please join via Zoom here.

Meeting ID: 884 2108 5682 | Passcode: 715654

Please click here to access the 2026 ADELANTE Project Call for Proposals. The deadline for submission is February 2, 2026.

POLICY OF THE WEEK

Highlighting CUNY Policies You Should Know

Submitted by Executive Counsel and Labor Designee Eugene Sohn, Esq.

Statement on Public Order

In compliance with Chapter 191 of the laws of 1969, the Board of Trustees has adopted rules and regulations for the maintenance of public order on college campuses and other college property used for education purposes. Read the statement here.

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.



Volunteer Opportunities in NYC



Looking for volunteer opportunities? The City of New York has information on various volunteer opportunities at https://www.nycservice.org/ including food banks, community gardening and health initiatives. Opportunities vary by need and time of year, so check out the website to find out what is coming up in the near future.

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY

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.   

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Submitted by Dean Ana I. García Reyes

¡Gracias, siempre, por contar con nosotros!

The Office of Community Relations is deeply thankful to colleagues, partners and friends for the numerous invitations to participate in meaningful cultural celebrations, meetings and community forums during the month of November. Some of these included the Latino Social Work Coalition gala, the Gala de Blanco of the Organización Dominicanos Pro-Ayuda a la Niñez, a special leadership recognition evening with the Archdiocese of New York, among many other partner organizations who hosted wonderful events.

Lastly, please note that 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. 

We deeply appreciate these partners for welcoming Hostos into their spaces and for allowing us to stand alongside them in service to our communities. 

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.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

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

Paths in Law: Practicing Attorneys Share Their Journeys

Submitted by Professor Amy Ramson

On November 6, 2025, 30 Hostos students gathered to learn about the careers of two attorneys at “Paths in Law: Practicing Attorneys Share Their Journeys.” Randi L. Karmel spoke about her path from serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Kings County to her current successful practice in matrimonial and family law. Sashary Rosado discussed her journey to Harvard Law School as a daughter of Dominican parents, and her immigration law practice at Brave House, which supports young Latina women. They both offered valuable advice on preparing for law school and entering the legal profession. Thanks to Eugene Sohn, Esq. for his introductory remarks and Philip Oliveri, Esq. for attending. Special thanks to my research assistant, Steven Martinez for his dedication to making this event a success. The event was funded by Ms. Mackenzie Scott's Gift: President's Initiatives for Student Success, College Growth and Stakeholders' Engagement: ADELANTE Grants.

The COIL Workshop in November Was a Success! 

Submitted by Professor Amy Ramson 

We were delighted to host the COIL workshop, “Globalize Your Curriculum and Scholarship: A Hands-On Workshop for Faculty,” on November 7, designed to help faculty and staff readily implement COIL pedagogy while highlighting the rich academic scholarship and conference opportunities available through virtual exchange. Professor Krystyna Michael introduced COIL and the “OER COIL Starter Kit”, available on the CUNY Academic Commons: https://opencoil.commons.gc.cuny.edu/home/. Developed by Hostos Committee members, the Starter Kit represents a collaborative, multi-campus CUNY initiative led by Hostos faculty. It was created to make COIL more accessible, sustainable, and time-efficient by consolidating essential materials into one centralized, user-friendly platform. At the heart of the site is a repository of over 20 Open Educational Resource (OER) modules spanning multiple disciplines. These openly licensed materials are free to use, adapt, and share; ideal for both newcomers to COIL and experienced practitioners in global virtual exchange. Professors Helen Chang, Amy Ramson (Chair of the COIL @Hostos Committee), and Anna Ivanova demonstrated how their COIL projects have led to scholarly publications, professional presentations, and Fulbright awards, illustrating the strong connection between COIL practice and academic scholarship. Professor Karin Lundberg discussed how COIL aligns with the Hostos Strategic Plan and supports career readiness through the development of all the NACE competencies. Participants were encouraged to brainstorm ways to incorporate this innovative pedagogy into their own courses, with guidance from Committee members.

CUNY Celebrates our Newest Hostos Faculty Members

Provost Fabrizio and OAA Faculty Fellow, Professor Kris Burrell, were honored to join in the celebration of our newest faculty at CUNY's Annual Reception for New Faculty on Monday November 3, 2025 at Baruch College. Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and Interim Vice Chancellor & University Provost Alicia M. Alvero provided warm words of welcome to greet and inspire the new faculty cohort. Welcome again to Hostos' newest faculty:

Prof. Hadi Safari Katesari, Business

Prof. Carlene Martinez, Allied Health

Prof. Marina Vlahaki, English

Prof. Mariana Diaz-Wionczek, Behavioral and Social Sciences

Prof. Brisa Nunez Garcia, Humanities

Prof. John Martin Green, Education 

HRPP Office Hour

This will take place on December 11, 2025, from 1 - 2 p.m. on Zoom (Register), with the Hostos HRPP Coordinator, Dr. Antonios Varelas and the Hostos Research Integrity Officer, Dr. Yoel Rodriguez is your opportunity to get all your questions about the IRB process answered. There will be a short presentation taking you though “everything” you need to know about conducting research at CUNY, followed by an opportunity to have any questions about the process answered. Any questions can be sent to Dr. Varelas (avarelas@hostos.cuny.edu).

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by VP Althea Sterling, Ed.D.

Federal Loan Changes: What Hostos Nursing Students Need to Know

Dear Colleagues,

You may have seen news coverage about recent federal changes to student loan programs and the debate over how “professional degrees” are defined, particularly in relation to nursing. I am writing to share how these changes affect Hostos Community College and our students.

The most important point is simple: Hostos students, including those in our nursing programs, are not losing their Pell Grants or TAP because of this law. Our LPN and A.A.S. in Nursing programs remain fully eligible for federal and state grants, as well as standard undergraduate Direct Loans.

The new law focuses on loan caps for graduate and professional programs and the phase-out of Grad PLUS loans for new borrowers. A narrow group of fields—such as medicine, law, and dentistry—will qualify for higher federal loan limits under the Department of Education’s definition of “professional degree.” Graduate nursing programs are not included in that group and will instead fall under the standard graduate loan caps.

For Hostos, this means:

• In the short term, our current undergraduates, including nursing students, continue to receive federal and state grants and standard undergraduate loans.
• In the longer term, some of our graduates may find it more challenging to finance BSN, MSN, DNP, and other advanced degrees, especially if they previously would have relied on Grad PLUS or higher loan caps.

Given the role Hostos plays in educating nurses and other professionals who serve the South Bronx, we are taking proactive steps:

• Providing clear information and advising to students and faculty so that questions are answered with facts, not rumors.
• Developing financial pathway planning for students who intend to continue their education beyond Hostos.
• Exploring scholarship and partnership opportunities with the Hostos Community College Foundation and our health-care partners, with the goal of reducing financial barriers for students pursuing advanced nursing and other critical fields.

We will continue to monitor federal regulations as they are finalized and will share updates with the campus community. In the meantime, please encourage any student or colleague with questions to contact the Office of Financial Aid, where staff are ready to discuss individual situations in more detail.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and to the mission of Hostos Community College.

What the New Federal Loan Rules Mean for Hostos Nursing Students

Clarity for LPN & A.A.S. Nursing Students at Hostos Community College

Quick Take

• You are not losing Pell Grants or TAP.
• Your Hostos nursing loans are still available under current rules.
• The biggest changes affect future graduate nursing programs (MSN, DNP, etc.).

What Changed in Federal Law?

• New federal law caps loans for graduate and a small set of “professional degree” programs.
• Grad PLUS loans will phase out for new borrowers in future enrollment periods.
• Only a few fields (e.g., medicine, law, dentistry) receive higher professional-degree caps.

What Stays the Same for Hostos Nursing Right Now

• Pell Grants, TAP, and other federal/state grants remain available for eligible students.
• LPN and A.A.S. Nursing use the standard undergraduate Direct Loan limits, which did not change.
• Loan-cap debates do not remove Hostos students from government-funded grants.

Who Feels the Biggest Changes?

• Students who continue into graduate nursing (MSN, DNP, etc.) or other graduate programs.
• These students will need to fit within lower graduate loan caps instead of using Grad PLUS.
• Some may rely more on scholarships, employer tuition benefits, or private loans.

How Hostos Is Responding

• Providing clear information and advising to counter misinformation and confusion.
• Building financial pathway planning for LPN → A.A.S. → BSN → MSN/DNP.
• Exploring nursing-focused scholarships and partnerships with health-care employers.

What You Should Do Now

• If you are in LPN or A.A.S. Nursing now, keep filing FAFSA and TAP each year.
• If you plan to move on to BSN/MSN/DNP, talk with Financial Aid early to map out a plan.
• If you are worried or confused, reach out to Financial Aid to discuss your specific situation.

Contact

Director Leslie King:  LKING@hostos.cuny.edu

Associate Director Toya Pigford-Konate: TPIGFORD@hostos.cuny.edu

SDEM Staff Spotlight: Gloria Perez Rosa, Assistant Director of Admissions & Recruitment

Submitted by Rocio Rayo, Director of Transfer Services

Gloria Perez Rosa didn’t just find her way to Hostos Community College — she found herself here. Today, as Assistant Director of Admissions & Recruitment, she helps students realize that success isn’t about where you start, but about believing you can finish strong.

Breaking the Cycle: Gloria’s journey to higher education was far from traditional. After leaving high school due to family and economic challenges, she broke the cycle at 21 when she became a mother, earning her GED and enrolling at Hostos to pursue a bigger dream for herself and her daughter.

From Student to Guide: While pursuing her degree, Gloria joined the Work-Study program and began working part-time in Admissions, the same office she helps lead today, graduating from Hostos and continuing at Lehman College while inspiring students from backgrounds like her own to believe in what’s possible. “While I was navigating my educational journey, I was also being the voice for those who came from my same background. Letting them know that it is possible to be more, to be everything they ever wanted to be as a child,” she said.

Championing Community College: Gloria challenges the misconception that community colleges provide an inferior education, drawing from her own journey at Hostos and Lehman. “I actually gained more from attending a community college first. Community colleges are gems in our community that help discover great leaders in our future.”

By sharing her story with students who feel uncertain, Gloria helps them see new possibilities. 

“Showing how these institutions supported someone like me, and seeing my own growth, helps students understand the potential in the small steps along the way,” she explains.

Meeting Students Where They Are: Gloria draws on her own journey to support students, especially adult learners, by providing guidance, resources, and encouragement. “Some students just need someone to believe in them,” she says. Her message is clear: “There is a way, and we will figure it out. In the end, students will look back and be proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

That pride isn’t just something Gloria promises her students; it’s something she lives every day, helping others walk the path she once traveled herself.​​​​​​​​​​​​

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne

Supporting Our Community: SGA and MBJ Initiatives

In these uncertain times, communities across the country are stepping up to support those affected by the suspension of federal benefits — and Hostos is no exception. Alongside our campus food pantry, which continues to provide essential groceries to students, the SGA and MBJ have joined forces to expand our efforts and lend a helping hand.

Fridays Feed Us: After-Hours Meals for Students in Need

Every Friday at 3 p.m., the Student Government Association (SGA) and MBJ will be redistributing unsold meals — completely free of charge — to students who could use a little extra support. No sign-up is required; just stop by and grab a meal.

Who: All students in need

When: Fridays at 3 PM

Where: Student Lounge

Why: Because food is a right, not a privilege.

Cupcakes for a Cause

From November 10–21, MBJ and the SGA are also teaming up for Cupcakes for a Cause! For every cupcake purchased, MBJ will donate a canned or dry good to CUNY campuses that don’t have food pantries or are running low on supplies.

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.

Attend one or all CEWD History of Latin Jazz and Latin Music Seminars 

Taught by Joe Conzo Sr., a noted music historian, producer, and author of “Mambo Diablo: My Journey with Tito Puente.” During this seminar, participants will learn about the impact of Latin music pioneers and artists, as well as how this musical genre has evolved since the 1930s. Periodically, special guests are invited to speak with students.  

The seminar will meet here from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom on Saturdays:

December 6  

December 13  



Announcement 

The CEWD Fall 2025 Catalog is available. Please click here, to browse our online catalog. 

CEWD Information Sessions

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

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 12:30 PM (Virtual)  

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6 PM (In-Person)  

Saturday, Jan. 10, 11 AM (Virtual) 

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

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). 

Hostos Represented at 2025 NACE Competency Symposium

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), a membership network of organizations that bridges higher education and industry partners to prepare undergraduate students for success in today’s ever evolving workplace held the 2025 NACE Competency Symposium on November 13, 2025. Hundreds of higher education and industry professionals attended the one-day virtual symposium to learn how campuses were integrating the new NACE Competency Assessment Tool within curriculum, employment programs, and internships to evaluate students’ career readiness. Dr. Sofia Oviedo, Research Programs Director, who oversees the Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus program at Hostos was invited to speak on a panel for the opening plenary session facilitated by Dr. Niesha Taylor, Director of Career Readiness for NACE. Dr. Oviedo joined other higher education leaders to speak on our college’s commitment to fostering career readiness through student engagement in experiential learning and on-campus employment opportunities. Later in the day Dr. Oviedo and Lisanette Rosario, Director of Career Services, presented on the collaborative work undertaken to pilot the NACE Competency Assessment Tool in the Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus Program. They shared with attendees key findings from the pilot evaluation, lessons learned, and practical strategies for other campuses to use in their own programs. Congratulations to our fantastic team for elevating the important work that is carried out at Hostos to ensure our students are equipped with the career readiness skills that will help them to succeed and stand out as professionals and leaders in the workplace. 

Renowned Chef Kelvin Fernández at Hostos

The third annual Nourishing Conversations event at Hostos Community College brought celebrated private chef and two-time Forbes “Best Chef in America” honoree Kelvin Fernández to the Bronx for an evening that blended inspiration, culture, and hands-on culinary guidance. Read more here.

Alumna Dr. Paule Valery Joseph Among the CUNY 50 Under 50 Honorees

​The City University of New York has announced its “50 Under 50” alumni awards, honoring graduates whose leadership, innovation and service exemplify the transformative power of public higher education. Among these standout honorees is one of our own: Dr. Paule Valery Joseph, a Hostos Community College alumna, from the Class of 2005. Read her story here.

'Hostos Review / Revista Hostosiana' No. 21 released and available!

Congratulations to Professor Inmaculada Lara-Bonilla for the recent publication of the new issue of Hostos Review / Revista Hostosiana. Issue No. 21, “Landscapes of Humor / Parajes del humor,” brings together the work of twenty contemporary authors from the Mexico–United States borderlands, the U.S. Northeast, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Their contributions offer diverse approaches to humor and illuminate the many ways literature forges connection across languages and geographies.

The texts—published in Spanish (with English translations), English, and Spanglish—are available through the Latin American Writers Institute (LAWI) website via the open-access edition.

If any of these authors or pieces would be of interest for your courses, or if you would like to receive a desk copy of the print edition, please feel free to reach out! Prof. Lara-Bonilla (ILARABONILLA@hostos.cuny.edu) will be delighted to assist with any of these or other inquiries.

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.

ATHLETICS CALENDAR

Don’t miss these upcoming matchups in the Gymnasium!

Men’s Basketball Game

Date | Time: Saturday, December 6 | 2 PM

Location: Gymnasium

Description: Men’s Basketball vs Sullivan Community College

Basketball Double Header

Date | Time: Tuesday, December 11 | 6 PM & 8 PM

Location: Gymnasium

Description: Men’s & Women’s Basketball vs Nassau Community College

EVENTS

Title: Spanish Harlem Orchestra – “Salsa Navidad”

Date | Time: Saturday, December 6 | 8 PM

Location: Main Theater

Description: A festive holiday salsa concert featuring beloved classics and new music. Led by this Grammy-winning ensemble, the show bridges traditional and contemporary sounds.  

Title: Gaymers Against Violence

Date | Time: Monday, December 8 | 3:30 - 5 :30 PM

Location: C-390

Description: How can games help us be better at relationships? And what do we do if someone is the victim of a crime? Bring your Switch controller if you have one, and find out in our workshop with NYC Gaymers!

Title: Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

Date | Time: Tuesday, December 9 | 4 PM

Location: Repertory Theater

Description: Join us for Hostos Community College Annual Kwanzaa Ceremony, celebrating the principle of "Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility." The evening will feature a special performance of music and dance by the African dance collective Arts in Blue. A cultural and communal event for the entire family, celebrating the seven guiding principles of African Heritage. RSVP here.

Title: Code, Connect, Launch: A Tech Skills Activation Lab

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 | 5:30 PM

Hostos Cafe

Description: Women.NYC and Baddies in Tech are hosting a Skills Activation Lab at Hostos Community College. This is a hands-on event where students can build real skills in UX/UI design, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence. 

The event is ideal for students who are considering a career in tech, learning new skills, or looking for practical, experience-based workshops.

Key Highlights: Hands-on sessions: UX/UI, Cybersecurity, or AI; Real Talk Q&A with industry professionals, and Networking with women in tech

Interested students should register as soon as possible (space is limited). 

Title: Fall 2025 Peace & Poetry

Date | Time: Tuesday, December 9 | 1 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: The Office of the President and the Writing Center are delighted to announce an afternoon of Peace & Poetry that will provide an opportunity for our very own Hostos poets — students, faculty, and staff — to come together to share their favorite poem or an original creation. For the past two years, the Peace & Poetry event has generated great joy amidst dignified reflection as our community joins together in sharing poems that resonate with our lived experiences, and our hopes and dreams for the future. 

Title: Holigay Party

Date | Time: Wednesday, December 10 | 3:30 - 5:30 PM

Location: C-313 (go through the doors behind the cafeteria)

Description: Join us for cookies, hot chocolate, and presents as we celebrate community and togetherness!

Title: Behavioral and Social Sciences Department Holiday Party

Thursday, December 11 | 4 PM 

Location: A-229

Description: Join The Mind Collective for some holiday joy. Let’s wrap up this semester together, cheering our accomplishments! This event is sponsored by The Mind Collective (FKA Behavioral Sciences Club) and Prof. Mariana Díaz-Wionczek.

Title: Fall 2025 End of Semester All College Meeting

Date | Time: Thursday, December 11 | 2:30 – 5 PM

Location: Repertory Theater

Description: Come together as we reflect on the state of our College with insights from senior leadership. During this special gathering, we’ll also celebrate members of our community who embody the spirit of Hostos — those who have served with grace, dedication, and resilience — through the Manos a la Obra/All-Hands-on-Deck Awards. And to top it all off, enjoy a talent show showcasing the creativity and spirit of our community!

Hostos Alumni Mixer - Holiday Edition

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Hostos Art Gallery

Description: Join us at the Hostos Art Gallery for an unforgettable evening of celebration with fellow alumni. Reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with networking, music, and plenty of fun. Delicious appetizers and beverages will be served as we toast to the end of a great year together. Let’s celebrate the Hostos spirit in style—don’t miss out! This event offers the perfect platform to share tips, give advice, and discover exciting new events scheduled for 2026. So, come on over and let's have a fantastic time together!

RSVP here.

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.  

Past issues can be found here.