Friday, February 21, 2025 | Vol. 10, No. 4

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

We are moving forward, making steady progress in multiple ways. The good news this week is that census numbers indicate that our enrollments are up 6.7%, exceeding our 5% target. This is great to hear, as we are encouraged to double our efforts to retain even higher numbers and to work with our students. Please stay in touch and learn from our students about the support they need to continue a journey that is about social justice and bright futures, and to support their persistence.

Please continue to work with our students to ensure their success. Provide guidance about our multiple support offices and confirm that tutoring is regularly provided as needed.

I wish you continued joy, hope and satisfaction in this semester’s journey of teaching and learning, advising and guidance of our deserving students.

Mil gracias y bendiciones, 

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

POEM

"The Negro Speaks of Rivers"

By Langston Hughes

I’ve known rivers:

I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.

I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.

I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.

I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I’ve seen its muddy bosom

turn all golden in the sunset.

I’ve known rivers:

Ancient, dusky rivers.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

Langston Hughes, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" from The Collected Works of Langston Hughes. Copyright © 2002 by Langston Hughes.

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT DAINMA MARTINEZ

My Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I kindly want to remind you of very important things!

Remember to check your Hostos email! It’s the best way to stay updated on events, opportunities, and more. If you’re having trouble with your email, visit the Computer Lab in C-595 or IT in B-420 for assistance. Also, don’t miss out on the Navigate 360 app, our new go-to source for campus announcements and updates. Head to your app store and download Navigate 360 today!

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

For those who are transferring, please visit Transfer Services on the first level of the D-Building (D-101) or call them at 718-518-4319. 

Another great resource is the food pantry, available by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact Madeline Cruz at 718-518-4141 or email: mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu. 

Sincerely,

Dainma

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

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

New NextGen Public Health Scholars 2+2+2 Cohort

The new NextGen Public Health Scholars 2+2+2 Program cohort has been selected. Congratulations to Deneisha Noble and Anjanet Thomas, who will begin their academic journey this spring to fulfill their dreams of becoming public health professionals. Both students have strong academic backgrounds, high levels of integrity and perseverance, and are deeply committed to advancing public health efforts that will make a difference in promoting the health and well-being of underserved communities. In Fall 2025, they will transfer to the Columbia University School of General Studies where they will join our current cohort of students that are enrolled there. This is a well-deserved achievement for both our students.

Ms. MacKenzie Scott ACE Spring 2025 Scholarships Awarded

The Ms. MacKenzie Scott Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) Scholarship, an initiative that is implemented in partnership with the Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division, has been awarded to seven students who completed a continuing education program and enrolled in a Hostos degree program. Four newly enrolled students will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their enrollment and transition into a degree program, and three previously enrolled students have been awarded a $500 scholarship. Congratulations to the new Spring 2025 Ms. MacKenzie Scott ACE Scholarship recipients: Estelle Boukari, Jean Lewis, Keisy Nuñez, Erika Rosario, Rosa Serrata, Mignasha Thomas, and Lucie Zongo. In addition, students from previous cohorts who achieved/maintained a 3.0 GPA or better last semester have been awarded a renewal scholarship of $500. All these students are to be commended for their persistence in pursuing academic excellence. The support of Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift will help them reach their educational goals.

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

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

Retention, Graduation and the Power of Student Persistence

Nationally, the three-year, or 150%, graduation rate measures community college success. For the cohort of first-time freshmen who enrolled at Hostos in Fall 2019, the three-year graduation rate is 20.4%. Across CUNY community colleges, the three-year graduation rate for the Fall 2019 cohort is 25.2%, and nationally, it was approximately 30% at two-year public institutions, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Hostos’ three-year graduation rate includes 8.4% of students in the Fall 2019 cohort who graduated in two years or a 100% rate. From this perspective, we have room for improvement compared to our CUNY community college peers and nationally. 

We also know that Hostos students often interrupt their education due to financial pressures and other obstacles to completion, and even our four-year, or 200%, graduation rate is still behind that of CUNY community colleges (again for the Fall 2019 cohort): CC average is 35.8%, Hostos is 26.3%. This is not surprising because many of our degrees have average times to degree (or TTD) longer than four years (including Nursing AAS and Engineering AS degrees). So, we looked at eight-year graduation rates, prompted by the USDOE Postsecondary Success Recognition Program’s citation of our 52% eight-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time freshmen (which in the USDOE’s case included graduates of other colleges), and Hostos has had stronger outcomes than our CUNY community college peers. A comparison of five-year graduation rates showed a similar pattern.

The five-year and eight-year graduation rates of first-time full-time + part-time freshmen who started at and graduated from Hostos, compared to the average five-year and eight-year graduation rates for first-time full-time + part-time freshmen at CUNY’s community colleges, demonstrates something about Hostos students’ persistence and perseverance, and of our ability to provide sustained support to our students. For the cohort of first-time full-time + part-time freshmen who started in Fall 2015: 

What does this mean? The data indicate not just deferred educational goals but deferred completion. It helps to explain why less than 15% of Hostos graduates complete a bachelor’s degree in six years, even though more than 70% of graduates transfer to baccalaureate granting institutions. It means we’re effective — more effective – than our CUNY peer institutions in serving students who take alternative paths to completion. It means it’s on us to keep in touch, to (continue to) use the technologies we have, and to keep a line of communication open during the year or two or more when students may stop out or sustain their enrollment at three credits a semester. It also means students don’t give up on their aspirations; they stick to the long game and don’t give up on Hostos. And it is a clear call to us to continue developing strategies to accelerate time to degree by one or more semesters for students who need degrees to achieve socio-economic mobility. 

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.

NYC Housing Connect: Affordable Housing Lotteries

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Housing Development Corporation (HDC) create affordable housing opportunities for many household income levels and sizes. The buildings are privately owned but HPD and HDC provide monitoring and oversight.

NYC Housing Connect is the portal to find and apply for these affordable rental and homeownership opportunities across the five boroughs of New York City. Find out more about Housing Connect and how to submit an affordable housing application on their About page.

Visit NYC Housing Connect to register, sign up for email alerts, access a list of frequently asked questions, and find and apply for affordable housing opportunities. 

One current opportunity is Grand Concourse Apartments located at 2017 Grand Concourse accepting applications until March 14. Click here to see other current lottery listings available on NYC Housing Connect.

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Submitted by Dean Ana I. García Reyes

Applications Open: Study Abroad Program in the Dominican Republic

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

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY

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

Dominican American Heritage Month

As we celebrate Dominican American Heritage Month from January 21 to February 27, which aligns with the anniversary of the Dominican Republic's independence on February 27, we honor Dominican Americans' rich cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions to our society. Dominican Americans have played a vital role in shaping our communities and strengthening our nation, from arts and music to business, education, technology, and public service. This month is an opportunity to recognize the deep cultural ties between the Dominican Republic and the United States, New York State, and New York City. We celebrate the achievements of Dominican American leaders and reflect on the values of perseverance, family, and community central to Dominican culture.   

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

Submitted by Director Ivano Leoncavallo

New Email Signature Layout 

Hello Staff and Faculty,

On behalf of the President, I am pleased to share with you a new email signature layout and logo lockup (available here) that features the College's most recent award: The U.S. Department of Education's first-ever Postsecondary Success Recognition Program. Hostos was one of only 6 colleges in the US to receive this distinction. You can read more about it here and here.

The use of this new signature is not mandatory but is highly encouraged. It will not only be a collective expression of pride in our College and its most recent national recognition, but will also help to unify our branding and make it more consistent.

To update your signature in Outlook, please do the following:

• Go here, download the logo and save it in your preferred location (e.g., Desktop or Downloads).
• Open View Settings under the View tab at the top of Outlook.
• Click on "Account"
• Select "Signatures"
• Edit or create your new signature and insert the logo PNG from your desktop or downloads folder to the bottom of your contact info, as below.
• Right click on the PNG and select "Add Alt Text" from the menu that pops up. This is to make it ADA compliant.
• Paste the following text into the box that opens up:

Hostos Community College logo.

Winner of the U.S. Department of Education's first-ever Postsecondary Success Recognition Program.

U.S.D.O.E. P.S.R.P. winner's badge.

At Hostos, our prestige lies in welcoming all students and lifting them up.

Save new signature and select for use in new emails and responses 

For detailed instructions on the use of Alt Text, you can watch this video.

Please share this email signature with your teams and encourage them to adopt the new format. And, of course, feel free to reach out with any questions.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

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

Three Faculty Awarded to Integrate AI Assignments into Pathways Courses

Academic Affairs congratulates Professors Tanvir Prince (Math), Nelson Núñez-Rodríguez (Natural Sciences), and Christine Choi (English) who are being awarded funding for their proposals submitted to the “Next-Gen Learning: Integrate AI, Civic Engagement, or Sustainability into Pathways Initiative.” They are taking a leap to research and embracing AI in Pathways courses and will help our students use AI ethically and responsibly. For English 111, Professor Choi will help students understand the ethical implications of using AI to complete literature assignments and identify the limitations of using AI in literary analysis and interpretation. In Environmental 110, Professor Núñez-Rodríguez will explore the evolving political climate in the U.S. and its impact on climate change management, the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. In Math 310, Professor Prince will engage students in applying multiple integrals to analyze temperature distributions and heat flow in the Earth's atmosphere and oceans. Kudos to our faculty, who are keeping our students updated on developing trends in education!

CUNY Language Immersion Program Instructor Publication & Invitation to be a guest lecturer in Indonesia

Congratulations to Dr. Marshella Lie, CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP) Instructor, and Tunyn Sanchez, a student in her ESL level 1 class, for their publication in The Literacy Review, Volume 23. The book publication will be celebrated at NYU’s Kimmel Center in May 2025. This is the fifth time Prof. Lie’s and her students’ work has been published in the Literacy Review.

Dr. Lie will also be part of the CUNY Indonesia Program in Summer 2025 as a guest lecturer to the University of Muhammadiyah Purwokerto. The CUNY Indonesia Program was established in 2022 and has been organized by CLIP instructors and other CUNY Professors to share their expertise and knowledge in various academic fields, including English as a Second Language, English as a Foreign Language, and language acquisition

The Hostos Academic Learning Center and Educational Technology AI Collaboration

In December, Dr. Lissette Jourdain, Director of Hostos Academic Learning Center (HALC), Ana Marjanovic, LMS Administrator and Instructional Designer from the Office of Educational Technology (EdTech), along with Pablo Neihusser, mathematics tutor and Dennise Feliz, biology tutor at HALC presented their innovative research project, "Transforming STEM Tutoring with ChatGPT" at the CUNY IT Conference held at John Jay College. The presentation highlighted their collaboration on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into STEM tutoring services, showcasing the role of AI in strengthening tutoring in STEM.

The project focused on researching the use of AI, specifically the use of ChatGPT, in engaging and providing a personalized tutoring experience to address unique students’ needs. During the presentation, tutors shared their findings and offered detailed insights of how AI can be customized to support individual students’ needs.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by IVP Althea Sterling, Ed.D.

Admissions and Recruitment

Non-Degree Application Configuration

The Office of Admissions and Recruitment is making significant strides in configuring a new online non-degree application designed to modernize and streamline enrollment. Inspired by the CUNY freshman and transfer online application, this new application will replace the outdated paper version. It will allow students to seamlessly apply, submit their academic records, and request courses of interest for non-degree study within a user-friendly platform.

The office aims to eliminate common barriers associated with paper applications, such as mailing delays and manual processing errors, by moving to an online system. This transition is expected to make the enrollment process more efficient and accessible, particularly for students who may have previously faced application challenges. The online application will provide a smoother, more intuitive experience, ensuring that all students can easily navigate the process and pursue their educational goals regardless of their background or location. This initiative underscores the office's commitment to enhancing accessibility and supporting the diverse needs of our student population.

Caiman Direct

Caiman Direct at Hostos Community College, operated by the Office of Admissions and Recruitment, provides a valuable virtual platform for prospective and current students. Through Zoom, students can easily connect with an admissions advisor to inquire about the CUNY application process, seek guidance on readmitting to Hostos after a brief break, or address any other enrollment-centered questions.

This fall, the Office is excited to expand Caiman Direct's services to include other SDEM units, further enhancing student support and resources. This initiative underscores Hostos Community College's commitment to accessibility and student success, ensuring that all students have the tools to navigate their educational journey effectively. The Hostos community can access the Caiman Direct Virtual Office. Go here for more information.

Children’s Center 

The Children’s Center is now enrolling for Spring and Summer 2025! Student-parents can enroll children ages six months to five years, with funding available to help with costs. Faculty and staff may also enroll their children if space permits, with fees on a sliding scale. Secure a spot today! For more information, contact Paulina Martínez at 718-518-4209 or pmartinez@hostos.cuny.edu. 

Accessibility Resource Center 

The Accessibility Resource Center provides academic support and accommodations to Hostos' student population with disabilities or medical conditions. In addition to classroom and campus accommodations, students can use our private, accessible computer lab, participate in workshops, and be trained in Assistive Technologies.

To learn more about services provided by ARC or to request an Initial Intake Appointment, visit linktr.ee/accessibilityresourcecenter.

CUNY EDGE

In collaboration with the Family Empowerment Program, CUNY EDGE hosted an in-person workshop to support student parents. The workshop, titled “How to Be More Productive,” took place yesterday, February 20, in the FDR Room from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This engaging session gave student parents practical tools to manage their time more effectively, balance academic responsibilities with parenting duties, and improve overall productivity. In addition to learning valuable strategies, participants had the chance to connect, share personal experiences, and exchange helpful resources that could make their journey smoother.

A special thanks to all who attended and made this event a success. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate and support our student parents in the future!

Financial Aid

Great news! The 2025–26 FAFSA® Form is Now Available! 

Completing the FAFSA is the first step to applying for financial aid. Once your FAFSA application is submitted, New York State residents attending NYS campuses can link directly to the TAP application. Don’t delay — apply today to secure your financial aid!

For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 718-518-6555.

Health and Wellness

One Stop Fresh Food Produce Distribution 

In collaboration with CUNY/NYC Council and B&Y Catering, the Hostos One Stop Program proudly offers students access to fresh, nutritious food. To support our students’ well-being, we will distribute 70 fresh produce boxes every other Wednesday at noon in the Savoy Building:

• March 12, 19, 26 
• April 2, 9, 30 
• May 7 

Students may participate every other week during the eight-week distribution period from March 12 - May 7.

For questions or more information, please contact Ms. Madeline Cruz at mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu or Ms. Rossini Pérez at rperez@hostos.cuny.edu.

Transfer Services

First Snack’ N Apps!

Kick off your transfer journey with us at our first “Snack ‘N Apps” of the semester next Tuesday! Enjoy free snacks while our Transfer Team guides the application process, answers your questions, and shares tips for a smooth transition.

Date | Time | Location: February 25 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | C-390

This is an excellent opportunity to get one-on-one advice, whether you’re just considering transferring or are ready to submit your application. You can also visit us during our tabling or walk-in hours for additional support in completing your transfer application and navigating every step of your transfer journey.

Spring 2025 at Hostos Transfer Services Weekly Activities:

Transfer Tabling

Every Tuesday, 1 - 3 p.m. | A-Atrium

Walk-in Hours 

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | C-590

Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | D-101A 

Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Contact Transfer Services to receive link (transferservices@hostos.cuny.edu) 

Virtual Walk-in Hours

Every Wednesday, 10 a.m. to noon | Zoom 

To schedule a one-on-one appointment for personalized support, fill out our intake form here. 

POEMS TO INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY

“I Dream A World”

By Langston Hughes

I dream a world where man

No other man will scorn,

Where love will bless the earth

And peace its paths adorn

I dream a world where all

Will know sweet freedom's way,

Where greed no longer saps the soul

Nor avarice blights our day.

A world I dream where black or white,

Whatever race you be,

Will share the bounties of the earth

And every man is free,

Where wretchedness will hang its head

And joy, like a pearl,

Attends the needs of all mankind-

Of such I dream, my world!

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne





Prepare for Upcoming Purchase Requisition Deadlines

While we are only mid-February, please remember that the deadline for submitting purchase requisitions will be before we know it. In the last fiscal year, the deadline to submit fully-approved and valid budget-checked Non-Marketplace Purchase Requisitions in CUNYBuy was in early April. If you are aware of upcoming purchases that need quotes or other preparatory action, act on them sooner rather than later. Those deadlines arrive faster than we expect.

As another reminder, equipment, furniture, or other items that cannot be delivered or rendered by June 30, 2025, cannot be charged to the FY 2024-2025 budget, per the City of New York and CUNY’s procurement regulations. Please check and confirm with your suppliers that all goods and services will be delivered by June 30, 2025, before submitting your requisition in the system. Additionally, once goods/services are received, departments must submit their Receiving Reports in a timely manner to facilitate payments to vendors. All invoices received must be forwarded to the Accounts Payable Office immediately for processing.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

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

CEWD Awarded $323,769 Contract from Phipps Neighborhoods, Inc. to Support the Career Network Program in Allied Health

To date, CEWD has completed its 35th cohort of the Career Network Program in Allied Health, which provides career development to young adults ages 18-26 to help them secure healthcare-related employment and/or education credentials. CEWD has been collaborating with Phipps Neighborhoods, Inc. and the Montefiore Health System to provide participants with career exploration and experiential instruction based on their interests. In October 2024, 25 students completed CEWD’s three-week Careers in Healthcare Seminars, which provides information about our certificate programs and the post-secondary education opportunities available at Hostos. Participants are then placed into a seven-week Phipps Internship at Montefiore Medical Center.

In addition, 20 Career Network alumni enrolled in CEWD’s Patient Care Technician (PCT), Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA), or Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Certification programs. Upon completing the class, students will take the National Health Association (NHA) exam to earn an industry-recognized PCT, MAA or CMA credential. This effort is part of the $323,769 contract Phipps Neighborhoods, Inc. awarded CEWD to support our Career Network Program in Allied Health. We look forward to continuing to work with Phipps on this important project.

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

CEWD Virtual Information Sessions

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

• Saturday, February 22, 11 AM
• Wednesday, March 19, 6 PM
• Saturday, March 15, 11 AM
• Saturday, April 18, 11 AM
• Wednesday, May 5, 6 PM

To register for a session, go here.

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA)

Submitted by VP Colette Atkins

New Endowed Scholarship from Former Hostos leader Dolly Martínez

Dolly Martínez may serve at the highest levels of CUNY leadership as the Chief of Staff to Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and Associate Vice Chancellor for the Executive Office. Still, she has never forgotten her Hostos roots. After years of showing her continued love for Hostos students through her frequent support of events, Dolly decided to make a lasting impact by creating an endowed scholarship. The scholarship will be available to students starting this spring semester, and the gift will receive a 25% current use match. Please visit the scholarship website for information on the application.

In her decade at Hostos, Ms. Martínez worked closely with the College’s executive team to provide senior-level support and ensure adherence to college policies and procedures. In addition to providing leadership and direction to the Office of the President, she helped manage high-level projects initiated by the president and the college community, and she supervised operations including the Office of Public Safety, the Office of Communications, the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment, and the College’s conference center.

DIA thanks Dolly for being a steadfast champion for our students. To learn more about creating a named scholarship or endowment, please contact Development Officer Idelsa Méndez at imendez@hostos.cuny.edu or VP Atkins at catkins@hostos.cuny.edu.

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). 

Inaugural Pride Prom Celebrates Joy and LGBTQIA+ Students

Given the times we live in, when expressions of diversity are under attack, Hostos Community College remains steadfast in providing safe spaces for our diverse student population. This commitment was fully displayed on Thursday, February 13, during the Hostos LGBTQIA+ Council's inaugural "Celebrate Love: Pride + Valentine's Prom," a night filled with joy, community, and unapologetic self-expression. Read more about it here.

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: This is Ecuador!

Date | Time: Saturday, February 22 | 7:30 PM

Location: Hostos Repertory Theater

Description: Join us on a journey through the fascinating evolution of Ecuadorian cultures, from the pre-Hispanic era to the dynamic blend of indigenous, European, and African influences that define the country's unique heritage. Presented in collaboration with the Ecuadorian American Cultural Center. Tickets here.

Title: Dominican Heritage Month Celebration & Panels 

Date | Time: Tuesday, February 25 | 9 AM - 5 PM

Location: Hostos Research Center & Hostos Art Gallery

Description: Join the Offices of the President and Community Relations for a celebration of Dominican heritage. Experts in humanities, education, culture, business, youth services, and more will come together for panels and roundtables that will shed light on the state of the Dominican community today from different perspectives. Please join us in dialogue as we celebrate the Dominican community and imagine a brighter future for its success. There will be an award ceremony to honor Dominican trailblazers at lunchtime. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

Title: Black @ Hostos: Affirmative Action & Current Climate in Higher Ed

Date | Time: Wednesday, February 26 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Location: C-391

Description: In June 2023, the Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action in college admissions, ending a practice that allowed institutions to consider race in the selection process. This decision has had far-reaching implications for diversity in higher education and the workforce. Join us for a timely discussion on what this ruling means for students, faculty, and institutions moving forward. Our Chief Diversity Officer, Philip Oliveri, will be in conversation with Mavis Hall, a seasoned higher education professional with extensive experience in human resources, student affairs, diversity, and operations management, who has previously served as University Director in the Office of Special Programs at CUNY Central and as Chief Diversity Officer at Queensborough Community College.

Title: Alumni Book Presentation: La Chihuahua 

Date | Time: Thursday, February 27 | 11 AM - 1 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room 

Description: Hostos alumni the Advincola brothers present a book they wrote collaboratively in honor of their mother.  

Title: Bachatarengue Dominicano

Date | Time: Friday, February 28 | 7:30 PM

Location: Hostos Repertory Theater

Description: Hostos Center is thrilled to present an evening of Bachata and Merengue to celebrate Dominican Heritage Month. Bachata and Merengue are two of the Dominican Republic’s most beloved musical genres. Artists include Monchy Capricho, Richie Cepeda, Leonardo Paniagua, Eddy Eddy and more! Tickets here. 

Title: Women in Philanthropy Career Exploration Panel and Workshop 

Date | Time: Tuesday, March 4 | 3 - 5 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room and Hostos Women’s Center 

Description: A panel of nonprofit and philanthropy professionals will discuss how they find purpose, fulfillment, and professional mobility through lesser-seen roles in nonprofit work. Students who are considering a future in nonprofit work are encouraged to attend. Discover careers you might not know about and gain valuable insight from professionals in the field about the skills and proficiencies you’ll need to succeed.  

Title: First Year Seminar Liberal Arts Alumni Panel 

Date | Time: Thursday, March 13 | 1 - 3 PM 

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room 

Description: A panel of Hostos alumni will discuss the opportunities they found through their liberal arts degrees. More details soon.

Title: CALL FOR PRESENTERS: Bronx EdTech Showcase 

Date | Time: Sunday, March 16 (deadline to submit presentation proposals)

Location: Lehman College

Description: Join Hostos EdTech at Lehman College for the 2025 Showcase, “Human-AI Synergy: Shaping Education to Promote Digital Equity and Inclusion.” At this time, the organizers are looking for presenters. Learn more about the opportunity and submit your application here.

Title: Black @ Hostos: Black Women Writers as Literary Activists With Dr. Brenda M. Greene

Date | Time: Tuesday, March 18 | 2 - 3 PM

Location: C-391

Description: President Cocco De Filippis will welcome Dr. Brenda Greene, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, who will present the book she edited, “The African Presence and Influence on the Cultures of the Americas.” Join us for a thrilling conversation!

Title: College-Wide Senate Meeting – March 2025

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

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: Transgender Day of Visibility 

Date | Time: Monday, March 31 | TBD

Location: A-Atrium

Title: From Hostos to the Bench: Honoring Judge Sarjo Barrow’s Journey   

Date | Time: Thursday, April 3 | 11 AM - 1 PM

Location: Hostos Art Gallery 

Description: Originally from Gambia, Immigration Judge Sarjo Barrow began his higher education in the U.S. at Hostos Community College. He was appointed in 2024 as an immigration judge by the United States Department of Justice. The Honorable Sarjo Barrow will discuss his journey to this distinguished position. 

Title: Book Presentation by Hostos Professor Emeritus Orlando Hernández

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

Location: Hostos Research Center

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

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

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

Location: C-391

Title: College-Wide Senate Meeting – April 2025

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

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: Collaborative Online International Teaching (COIL) Symposium

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

Location: Hostos Research Center

Description: You are invited to “Educating for the Future: Career Competencies for Today's World, the Role of AI in A Changing Workforce, and COIL.” This symposium will focus on preparing our students for a workforce impacted by AI, and how, in this environment, COIL (Online Collaborative International Learning) can give our students the skills to succeed. To register, please go here. Registration will be capped at 200 participants.

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

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

Location: Hostos Cafe 

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

Title: 3rd Annual Student Symposium | APPLICATIONS DUE IN MARCH!

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

Location: Various 

Description: The Office of Academic Affairs invites you to the third iteration of our student symposium. Applications to present are open until Monday, March 3. You can present a project, paper, performance, or poster from Fall 2024 or Spring 2025. Ask questions to afabrizio@hostos.cuny.edu.

Title: 2025 Annual Scholarship Benefit Gala

Date | Time: Thursday, May 1 | 6 PM

Location: Glen Island Harbour Club

Description: Join the Hostos Community College Foundation for this year's Annual Scholarship Benefit Gala at Glen Island Harbor Club on Thursday, May 1, 2025. More details coming soon.

Title: College-Wide Senate Meeting – May 2025

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

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: 2025 Honors Convocation

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

Location: Main Theater

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

Title: 2025 Commencement Ceremonies

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

SECOND CEREMONY on Wednesday, May 28 at 11 AM

Location: Main Theater

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

ABOUT EL SEMANARIO HOSTOSIANO / THE HOSTOS WEEKLY

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

Past issues can be found here.