Friday, January 31, 2025 | Vol. 10, No. 1

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

Welcome to the Spring 2025 semester. It is so encouraging to see you all back on campus, with the hope and energy that new beginnings invite. Thank you, everyone, for working closely on ensuring proper class placement and spending time reviewing syllabi and asking questions, as needed. There is a lot of support available so please do avail yourself of services.

2025 begins in a very auspicious manner. The U.S. Department of Education announced on January 8 that Hostos Community College, a CUNY school in the South Bronx, is the winner of the inaugural Postsecondary Success Recognition Program (PSRP) award. The College is one of only six institutions chosen from hundreds of eligible colleges throughout the country to receive this recognition. According to Nasser Paydar, Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education, Hostos was selected because its work “is a shining example of the transformative power of higher education, especially for underserved students.”

During discussions throughout the semester and our Executive Cabinet retreat, we reflected as a group: How does culture and context inform our work at Hostos situated as we are in the South Bronx, in the place we proudly occupy on the Grand Concourse, situated in the midst of the nation’s poorest congressional district? Here are some of our thoughts, as we welcome any feedback you’d like to offer.

Hostos is a proud member of the City University of New York, critical urban infrastructure that advances equity throughout the five boroughs. We take seriously our role as public servants committed to serving our students and supporting their academic and career pathways in the South Bronx. Our strategic priorities, identified by six working groups, comprised of nearly 100 faculty and staff, articulate our mission in relation to today’s realities. Given a shared commitment to advancing equity as justice, Hostos’ strategic priorities align closely with the Chancellor’s and the CUNY Strategic Roadmap. That this alignment is a holistic one speaks to a deeply understood shared responsibility to our city and the students we serve.

We are also, at Hostos, an anchor institution in a broader geography of resistance. Looking out the window, there is new construction in every direction, redefining this corner of the South Bronx. As developers, “incentivized” by tax exemptions and other gifts of public funding, radically change the skyline around us, students come to Hostos, seeking the credentials that provide them with opportunities to earn family-sustaining wages. Their daily trajectories to campus inscribe individual geographies of resistance against the insecurities (food, housing, child care, employment), degradation (environmental, health) and obligations that stand in the way of their prioritizing education — maps of determination and of insistence that their value, their worth be realized.

At the core of this resistance is love. The warmth and humanity that is communicated through daily interactions with staff and faculty are among the qualities that define Hostos. Our students feel love, they return seeking it when challenges arise at four-year partner institutions, and we continue supporting their success. Love is expressed by faculty and staff in a post-Covid embrace of systems, processes and clarity of roles in the name of equity. Love of institution and of purpose is a palpable driver in learning to better integrate data with decision-making, with reviewing past practices to ensure we anticipate barriers in advance and do not hold up our students for whom time is money. 

Love produces spaces at Hostos, spaces in which our students see other possible narratives, other futures in the faces and experiences of faculty, staff and leadership who are — like our students — majority minority, majority female, largely immigrant and first generation, often English language learners. We cannot discount the importance of these spaces of love in which our students form their own intersectional identities as scholars, as professionals, as citizens in a democratic society armed with empowering frameworks that name their histories, their experiences and their embodied realities. 

When we speak to the culture of Hostos and how it drives and defines our work, this is the culture to which we refer. How has it changed? It has become sharper, more impatient, less parochial and increasingly strategic. Why? Because the world around us demands more of us and because staff and faculty come to Hostos ready to roll up their sleeves. If our students see themselves in us, we, too, see ourselves in our students. To honor them and our own roots, we do not accept the status quo or stop resisting the forces that drove our founders to claim our place where we stand today.

Mil gracias y bendiciones, 

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

POEM

“Ode to My Socks”

By Pablo Neruda

Maru Mori brought me

a pair

of socks

which she knitted herself

with her sheepherder’s hands,

two socks as soft

as rabbits.

I slipped my feet

into them

as though into

two

cases

knitted

with threads of

twilight

and goatskin.

Violent socks,

my feet were

two fish made

of wool,

two long sharks

sea-blue, shot

through

by one golden thread,

two immense blackbirds,

two cannons:

my feet

were honored

in this way

by

these

heavenly

socks.

They were

so handsome

for the first time

my feet seemed to me

unacceptable

like two decrepit

firemen, firemen

unworthy

of that woven

fire,

of those glowing

socks.

Nevertheless

I resisted

the sharp temptation

to save them somewhere

as schoolboys

keep

fireflies,

as learned men

collect

sacred texts,

I resisted

the mad impulse

to put them

into a golden

cage

and each day give them

birdseed

and pieces of pink melon.

Like explorers

in the jungle who hand

over the very rare

green deer

to the spit

and eat it

with remorse,

I stretched out

my feet

and pulled on

the magnificent

socks

and then my shoes.

The moral

of my ode is this:

beauty is twice

beauty

and what is good is doubly

good

when it is a matter of two socks

made of wool

in winter.

"Ode to My Socks" from Neruda & Vallejo: Selected Poems, by Pablo Neruda and translated by Robert Bly (Boston: Beacon Press, 1993).

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT DAINMA MARTINEZ

Well, We’re Back in Session!

Welcome back, everyone, to a new spring semester! We at SGA hope everyone was able to somewhat enjoy the winter break. Even through these blistering cold times, we at Hostos still strive to distribute our warmth! SGA would also love to welcome the new spring semester students to campus: WELCOME TO HOSTOS! 

As spring rolls in, so do events. Stay up to date with us via our social media, especially Instagram (@sgahostos). You can also take a look at our website here.

As we start the new semester, SGA will be having its annual Welcome Munchies! We will be handing out hot chocolate and snacks to help you stay active! We will be handing out supplies while they last, including pencils, pens and notepads. We strive to keep you prepared for this semester!

On another note, congratulations,Hostos! We’re so proud to know that we have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with the first-ever Postsecondary Success Recognition Program award! Huge congratulations to President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, the amazing faculty and staff, and, of course, the hardworking students who make Hostos shine. This is what dedication and resilience look like. Well done!

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 call 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. 

Let’s carry forward the resilience and determination that defines our Hostos community. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence, support one another, and achieve greatness. Remember, the Student Government Association is here to ensure your journey is successful and memorable. Stay engaged, take advantage of the resources available, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Let’s make this spring semester one to remember. Welcome back, and here’s to a fantastic year ahead! 

I would like to end by sharing a motto that I frequently use: “We are all trees, and we are meant to grow. Branches do not interfere with each other but grow around and with each other.” Let’s keep that present!

Sincerely,

Dainma Martinez

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

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

Dear Students and Colleagues,

It is wonderful to start a new year at Hostos and welcome you to the Spring 2025 semester! I hope that you enjoyed the holidays spending time with family and friends and took time to rest and recharge over the winter break. This semester I look forward to sharing with you updates on the progress of Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives, and announcements of upcoming events and new opportunities. There is much to look forward with the launch of the new Hostos Research Center Scholars (HRC) Program that will provide our students with mentored research opportunities; the announcement of the new Educating for Diversity Initiative Spring 2025 grantees that will provide the Hostos community with a wide array of learning and community-building experiences; and the President’s Student Recognition events, which will be inviting faculty and staff to submit nominations of stellar students that have excelled in their studies while facing significant challenges.

I also want to extend a reminder that the deadline for the Hostos Research Center and Committee on Sponsored Programs and Grants (HRC-CSPG) Call for 2025 ADELANTE Project Proposals is Monday, February 10, 2025. It is my hope that faculty/staff that are seeking funding for projects that advance research, need-based, creative/transformative interventions will get their applications in soon. The ADELANTE grants also provide our students with the opportunity to engage in faculty-led research as research assistants. Please click here to access the 2025 ADELANTE Project Call for Proposals. The deadline for submission is February 10, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.

It is my hope that you will all have a productive and rewarding spring semester and have the opportunity to participate in the various events and activities that will be sponsored through Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sofía Oviedo

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

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

Mirror to our Mission: Committing to Optimism and to Our Inheritance



Martin Luther King, Jr. held up a mirror to this country’s ugliest truths: while our founding was based on a declaration of equal rights for all, past and present realities contradicted these revolutionary visions. Dr. King dared to dream, dared us to dream of a world in which we — together — dared to do the work it would take to achieve a more equal union. And he did not stop there: towards the end of his life, calls for equality became demands for equity in employment, housing, education. 

Equity requires restructuring, which requires dismantling what currently exists, by taking apart the interstitial tissues that hold together what is familiar. It requires bold imagination, and an understanding that what is “normal” may be replaced by the strange. This work enrages some, and renders even those who stand to benefit disoriented. It’s work we’re committed to at Hostos: it’s at the core of our Mission and it’s woven into the fabric of our Strategic Plan. 

Given the political/societal/cultural shifts articulated by the elections in November, and formally inaugurated on MLK Day, here are three thoughts on facing threats to this country’s founding principles and defining institutions — and continuing the work of advancing equity as justice at Hostos and for the communities we serve, support and constitute: 

1) Lean into law, policy and precedent: However imperfectly laws and policies may have been applied in the past, now is a time for knowing how our rights are defined, and understanding the protections afforded us by the legal system. This includes the rights of undocumented and DACA students and their families.  

2) Strategically shapeshift: The words we use, the ways in which we frame our work will likely change. While it’s not our intention, how we describe efforts to identify and challenge outcomes gaps, and how we talk about initiatives to achieve greater equity, justice, inclusion and diversity. Within OIERA, for example, beyond compliance requirements, how reports are designed is a choice, and numbers are agnostic though they tell stories that are not. 

3) Dream big: We always have at Hostos — residents of the South Bronx dreamed big and refused to be told their dreams were impossible. Their fight is baked into our modus operandi. Being audacious is not fantastical; it does mean pushing beyond what is prescribed, or expected. Two examples: On a small scale, as per a request from the President, OIERA is working on a longitudinal view of English Language Learners’ (ELLs) outcomes at Hostos because there is no University to draw from. For now, we are limiting the definition of ELLs to students enrolled in ESL; longer term, we’d like to expand that to more broadly define, and explore the relationship between English language skills acquisition and retention, time to degree, graduation, et al. On a larger scale, funders are often interested in supporting existing models, as it increases chances their investments will yield positive change. Recently, we proposed a model to funders that included a second set of budget numbers that reflected students’ cost of living. They couldn't fund this ask, yet agreed to discuss the “full cost” with their Board, changing the narrative about the cost of investing in change. 

Dreaming big is an institutional and personal commitment to facing challenges with radical, practical optimism and fiery joy. It’s an institutional strategy reflected in our (measurable) effectiveness. And it’s a power we will draw on out of respect for institutional history, and our insistence that we narrate our own stories in the South Bronx. 

POLICY OF THE WEEK

Highlighting CUNY Policies You Should Know

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

CUNY Conflict of Interest Policy

It is the policy of the University that all of its activities shall be conducted in accordance with the highest standards of integrity and ethics and in a manner that will not reflect or appear to reflect adversely on the credibility, objectivity, or fairness of the University, its leadership, faculty or staff. Read more about it here. 

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.

Free Legal Services for Veterans and their Families

This week’s updates come from the office of New York City Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala. Her office, in partnership with lawyers from the Veteran Advocacy Project, will offer two free legal services sessions for veterans and their family members on topics including housing, access to healthcare, family law, public benefits, military discharges and VA claims.

The services will be available on the following dates and times:

East Harlem Office

Thursday, February 13

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

105 East 116th Street, New York, NY

South Bronx Office

Friday, February 21

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

214 Saint Ann’s Avenue, Bronx, NY

Appointments are required. Please call 646-602-5680.

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Submitted by Dean Ana I. García Reyes

A Heartfelt “Thank You”! 

We are grateful to our partners, colleagues, friends and supporters for making the Hostos Office of Community Relations part of your community forums and celebrations!

We want to thank, the following organizations who hosted and welcomed us to their fantastic events, and meetings over the past few weeks: 

• Governor Kathy Hochul special announcement convening on cost of living in New York State, held on December 9.
• Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson Chanuka & Menorah Lighting Ceremony, held at Bronx Borough Hall on December 26.
• Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia Holiday Community Gathering, held on December 27.
• Councilman Rafael Salamanca Holiday Community Celebration, held on December 12 at Maestros Catering Hall.
• Thank you as well to Dr. Juan Tapia Mendoza for donating funds to support our students via scholarships.
• Gracias to our esteemed FCNY Executive Vice President, Dr. Aldrin R. Bonilla for the grant to support the Professional Development & Study Abroad Program Exchange initiative to support NYC DOE teachers.
• Thank you to NYC DOE Principal Yecenia Delarosa Cardona and NYC DOE Director Gilberto Garcia for the ongoing support of the Professional Development & Study Abroad Program.
• Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York Christmas gatherings.



Thank you for making us part of your endeavors. These engagements underscore our active role in fostering partnerships, cultural exchanges, network and advocacy initiatives that benefit our wonderful students, the college and the broader community.

Please note that 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.

Lunar New Year

As we have embarked on the festivities of the Lunar New Year, which began on January 29, I extend my warmest wishes to each member of our diverse and vibrant campus community. This special occasion holds immense cultural significance for many, marking the beginning of a new lunar cycle and symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and good fortune. May the Year of the Snake bring you and your loved ones joy, health, and success in all of your endeavors. Let us take this opportunity to appreciate the rich traditions and customs that make our community unique… fostering tolerance, understanding, and unity among us. Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Lunar New Year!     

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

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

Prof. Ramson is featured for her work with COIL on CUNY EdCast

Congratulations to Professor Amy Ramson from the Public Policy and Law Unit in the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department, who recently appeared on CUNY TV's EdCast hosted by Professor Linda Hirsch from the Hostos English Department. Prof. Ramson appeared with two other CUNY Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) coordinators to discuss this exciting innovative pedagogy. The conversation included information about the origins of COIL, its benefits for faculty and students, its alignment with CUNY priorities including recruitment and retention, and their Aspen Institute, “Global Scholars Achieving Success” grant, which involved 14 Hostos faculty and impacted over 300 Hostos students. Videos of student voices were shown including Hostos student Tara Randall who graduated with a PPL major and is currently a student at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

“EdCast Global Minds: Learning without Borders through COIL” was taped on January 6, 2025 and airs on Spectrum and Optimum #75, Verizon FiOS #30, RCN #77, WNYE Antenna 25.3 at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4 at 7 p.m.

Watch the show here. 

Spring 2025 First Year Experience Launches

Over 500 students were invited to participate in New Student Orientation on Saturday, January 18. During orientation, students had opportunities to meet with advisors, coaches, careers advisors, and financial aid advisors. They learned about campus programs, offices, and resources and became more familiar with campus while touring campus buildings. On Wednesday, January 22, students were offered a second opportunity to get ‘Ready for the First Day’ of classes by getting their Hostos ID cards, claiming email, learning more about their major and possible careers, and financial aid.

Thanks to a host of campus leaders who supported and made the January First Year Experience (FYE) events possible: Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Shiang-Kwei Wang, Interim Vice President Althea Sterling, Dean Andrea Fabrizio, Dr. Silvia Reyes, Chrystal Joseph, Marina Cruz Esquilin, Paola Veras, Erika Monje Gonzalez, Jason Montoya, Nicole Fabara, Karla Contreras, Dr. Lissette Jourdain-Torres, Tania Leipold, Sarah Brennan, Elizabeth Quinones-Diaz, Lisanette Rosario, Dr. Charles Drago, Dr. Linda Hirsch, Dr. AJ Stachelek, Dr. Yana He, Eileen Guzman-Will, Mariela Roman, Dr. Dilwar Grewal, Guru Sanjeev, Jaime Murillo, Wilda Gutierrez, and Anabel Diaz.

FYE Navigate Communication Campaign

All new students with no prior college experience are part of the pilot FYE 2025 Navigate communication campaign. The communication campaign sends automated messages that nudge students to be proactive about their academic, personal, and professional development. A combination of emails and text messages will be sent from December 2024 through May 2025. Message content of the campaign falls into the following themes: welcome and getting ready before the first day of classes (December/January); getting settled with classes and advisors (February); getting involved and taking advantage of campus resources and services (March); preparing for end of term and register for next terms (April and May). Thanks to the leadership of Provost Shiang-Kwei Wang, Dean Andrea Fabrizio, Ms. Sarah Brennan, Professor Tram Nguyen, and Dr. Yana He for their guidance, contributions, and commitment to designing this pilot.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by IVP Althea Sterling, Ed.D.

A Message from IVP Sterling

Welcome to the Spring 2025 Semester – Your Support Network is Here for You!

Dear Students,

Welcome to the Spring 2025 semester! We wish you a successful start and are here to support you every step of the way at Hostos.

Our team is committed to helping you make the most of your time on campus. We encourage you to take advantage of the many resources available, including Counseling, Health and Wellness, One Stop, and the newly opened Women’s Center. These services are designed to help you reach your full potential and thrive.

The Hostos experience goes beyond academics — it’s about exploring new ideas, and connecting with diverse cultures. We’re excited to be part of your journey and look forward to supporting you throughout the semester.

Sincerely,

Dr. Althea Sterling

Children’s Center

The Children’s Center is now enrolling for the Spring and Summer 2025 semesters! Student-parents can enroll children ages six months to five years. Funding is available to help with the cost for student-parents. If space permits, faculty and staff may also enroll their children, with fees based on a sliding scale.

Don’t miss this opportunity to secure a spot for your child! Please reach out to Program & Family Coordinator Paulina Martinez for more information at 718-518-4209 or pmartinez@hostos.cuny.edu. 

Financial Aid Office

Have you applied for FAFSA? TAP?

There is still time to apply for 2024-2025 TAP by filling out the FAFSA. Once submitted, New York State residents attending NYS campuses can link directly to the TAP application.

Work Study Initiative: No money left behind! 

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is campus-based employment offered to students based on financial aid eligibility. Students can work a maximum of 20 hours a week and currently earn $16.00 an hour. Students are encouraged to review their financial aid package and contact the Financial Aid office to confirm eligibility.

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

Student Activities

Welcome Days Spring 2025 – Join Us for Exciting Events!

The Office of Student Activities is excited to kick off the Spring 2025 semester with a series of welcoming events:

• Club Registration: Monday, January 27 - Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in Room C-371. Open to both returning and new clubs.

• SGA Vacancy Applications: Tuesday, January 28 - Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in Room C-371.

• Voter Registration Drive: Tuesday, January 28, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the SGA Counter.

• Connect Day: Tuesday, January 28, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the S.G.A. Counter. Follow Hostos and Student Activities on social media.

• Graduation Updates Sign-Up Table: Thursday, January 30, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the SGA Counter.

• Welcome Munchies: Thursday, January 30 and Friday, January 31, at the SGA Counter. Hours will be announced on Instagram @sgahostos.

We look forward to seeing you at these events!

POEMS TO INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY

"A Happy New Year"

By Anonymous

"A happy new year" it will be — if it's new:

New visions of all that is noble and true,

New powers for service, new knowledge of God,

New zeal for the ways that the heroes have trod,

New comforts, new courage, new graces, new joys,

New peace where the evil assails or annoys,

New friendship, new helpers, new faith and new love,

New treasures on earth and new treasures above,

New wisdom, new glory, new health, and new cheer,

Nothing old, all things new, in the happy new year!

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne

B-Building 3rd Floor Renovation

Welcome back to a new Spring semester! As our students and faculty begin their classes, our Campus Planning, Campus Operations, and Health and Safety Operations offices are also beginning a new project. The third floor of the B-Building (500 Grand Concourse) is undergoing a complete renovation. Back in November and December, Campus Planning and Campus Operations oversaw the move of all faculty and staff from the third floor to swing spaces in the A-Building. (Students looking for the Behavioral and Social Sciences department should now go to Room A-221 in the A-Building). In late December to early January, with the third floor no longer occupied, Campus Operations, IT, and Public Safety cleared the floor of equipment, furniture, and refuse so the contractors could begin the renovation. One of the three elevators in the B-Building has been taken offline to be used by the contractors only.

The first part of the project will be asbestos abatement, which is estimated to begin in late January. Notices of the upcoming abatement work are posted in the B-Building. The entire third floor will be sealed off to everyone except the contractors working on the abatement and renovation. The Office of Health and Safety Operations will provide regular updates to the College community as this work progresses.

Once asbestos abatement is completed, demolition will then begin. Demolition is expected to take approximately two months. The buildout can then proceed. We look forward to updating you as we proceed through the various phases of the construction process.

With this renovation, the College is excited to provide our students, faculty, and staff with a modernized space with better flow, new smart classrooms, and rejuvenated offices and furniture for faculty and staff.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

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

CEWD’s Spring 2025 Catalog is Available

Hostos CEWD is committed to making our programs accessible to the community by providing tuition-based programming, scholarships, and no-cost programs for students who qualify. Below you will find a link to our Spring 2025 catalog, so you can learn more about our upcoming occupational training and educational programs.

Please click here, to browse our online catalog. Below are a few of CEWD’s no-cost programs that are still enrolling students. You’ll find information on these programs on pg. 4 in our catalog:

• NYC Accelerated Workforce Recovery Hub
• Certified Billing and Coding Specialist
• Community Health Worker Certificate Program
• CUNY Fatherhood Academy
• Home Health Aide Certificate Training and English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
• The Adult Learning Center’s GED and ESL Course

CEWD Virtual Information Sessions

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

• Wednesday, February 5, 6 PM
• 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

Gerstner Philanthropies Pledges $300,000 to support Helping Hands at Hostos

We are pleased to announce that Gerstner Philanthropies has pledged $300,000 over two years to support Hostos students through its Helping Hands Fund. Helping Hands gives up to $3,000 to help students address a one-time financial emergency that might affect their academic success. This is the College’s third and largest grant from Gerstner Philanthropies to date, and the College is grateful for this ongoing partnership, which has supported more than 110 students so far. The Helping Hands program is managed by Hostos One Stop. For more information about the program, contact Madeline Cruz at mcruz@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). 

Professor Sarah Hoiland Publishes Book

Sociology Professor Sarah Hoiland’s new book takes readers on a ride into the little-known world of an all-women’s motorcycle club. Titled “Righteous Sisterhood: The Politics and Power of an All-Women's Motorcycle Club,” the insightful ethnography provides a fascinating look into a womanist space within a male-dominated subculture and delves into their complex gender, political and power dynamics. Shared through the unique perspective of a women’s motorcycle club (MC), Hoiland’s new work sheds light onto the members’ quests for sisterhood, community and immortality through the club, and looks at why some ultimately leave or, in some cases, are exiled. Learn more about the book and where to get a copy here.

Hostos Represented at HICE 23rd Annual Conference

A contingent of Hostos faculty and staff including Dr. Nieves Angulo, Prof. Reginald Dorcely, Dr. Anna Ivanova, Dr. Moise Koffi, Dr. Yoel Rodriguez, Dr. Antonios Varelas, and Dr. Sofia Oviedo attended the 23rd Annual Hawaii Conference on Education held from January 4 – 7, 2025. The conference brought together over 1,000 academics and professionals across all educational levels and programs to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration and sharing of educational knowledge and best practices from across the country and the world. The Hostos team had poster presentations which featured the groundbreaking and innovative Hostos interventions including the Hostos Engineering Academic Talent (HEAT) Scholarship Program: Lessons Learned Five Years Later; the SPARC Model: Strengthening Physics Achievement via Research and Collaboration; research on Predicting Retention and Graduation Rates in Mathematics and Computer Science for Undergraduate Students, and poster presentations that showcased the work of the Hostos Research Center and Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus. Congratulations to all the presenters for sharing the advancements that are making a difference for our students’ academic success and making Hostos stand out as a beacon of educational excellence.

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: All-College Meeting

Date | Time: Thursday, February 6 | 2 - 3:30 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: Confronting the Stigma: Film and Mental Health Fair

Date | Time: Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 3 - 8 PM

Location: C-Building  (450 Grand Concourse)

Description: Save the date for “Confronting the Stigma,” a film presentation, panel discussion, and wellness resources fair. Presented by Bilal World Entertainment, in partnership with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Tau Chi Sigma Chapter, and sponsored by Hostos Community College. 

Title: Morning Performance: Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration

Date | Time: Tuesday, February 11 | 11 AM

Location: Main Theater

Description: Celebrate a spectacular Lunar New Year with Hostos Center and the acclaimed Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company in this special daytime performance perfect for students, faculty, and staff! Get tickets here.

Title: Pride Prom/Valentine’s Day Celebration

Date | Time: Thursday, February 13 | TBD

Location: Hostos Art Gallery

Title: Afternoon Performance: Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration

Date | Time: Sunday, February 16 | 3 PM

Location: Main Theater

Description: Celebrate the Year of the Snake with the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company at Hostos Center! Experience a vibrant fusion of ancient Chinese traditions and contemporary movement. In 2025, we welcome the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and resilience. A family-friendly event for all. Tickets here. 

Title: Roots & Rebirth: Dominican Women in Art

Date | Time: Tuesday, Feb 18 – Wednesday, April 16

Location: Hostos Art Gallery

Description: This new exhibition brings together the work of Dominican women artists deeply connected to their history and traditions, offering a fresh vision and perspective on their culture. Works highlight creative processes, rooted in cultural heritage, while embracing contemporary art practices, reflecting the evolving identity of Dominican women — both on the island and in the diaspora. More information coming soon. 

Title: College-Wide Senate Meeting – February 2025

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

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

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: C-391 & A-Atrium

Description: Join the Office of the President and Community Relations for a celebration of Dominican heritage. More details coming soon.

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

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

Location: C-391

Description: Save the date and join President Cocco De Filippis for this important conversation. More details coming soon.

Title: Bachatarengue Dominicano

Date | Time: Fri, Feb 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! More information soon. 

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: 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: 3rd Annual Student Symposium

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

Location: Various 

Description: The Office of Academic Affairs invites you to the third iteration of our student symposium. Learn about our students’ work and engage in conversation about the benefits of research in current times. More details coming soon. 

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 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.