Friday, March 14, 2025 | Vol. 10, No. 7

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

This has been such a splendid week in terms of a break in the weather and continued growth in student and faculty presence at the College. I hope you’ve had opportunities to join some of the very powerful Women’s History Month activities and the many informative conversations provided by SDEM.

Please stay the course of engagement, working closely with one another, ensuring that this will indeed be another successful retention semester for us all.

I conclude these brief remarks by encouraging you to follow the many productive activities this semester by many of you with the support of Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift:  President’s Initiatives. Dr. Sofía Oviedo continues to share information on opportunities as well as outcomes. Stay tuned.

I wish you a productive end to the work week and a restful and enjoyable weekend.

Mil gracias y bendiciones, 

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

POEM

“A Julia de Burgos”

By Julia de Burgos

Ya las gentes murmuran que yo soy tu enemiga

porque dicen que en verso doy al mundo mi yo.

Mienten, Julia de Burgos. Mienten, Julia de Burgos.

La que se alza en mis versos no es tu voz: es mi voz

porque tú eres ropaje y la esencia soy yo; y el más

profundo abismo se tiende entre las dos.

Tú eres fria muñeca de mentira social,

y yo, viril destello de la humana verdad.

Tú, miel de cortesana hipocresías; yo no;

que en todos mis poemas desnudo el corazón.

Tú eres como tu mundo, egoísta;

yo no; que en todo me lo juego a ser lo que soy yo.

Tú eres sólo la grave señora señorona; yo no,

yo soy la vida, la fuerza, la mujer.

Tú eres de tu marido, de tu amo; yo no;

yo de nadie, o de todos, porque a todos, a

todos en mi limpio sentir y en mi pensar me doy.

Tú te rizas el pelo y te pintas; yo no;

a mí me riza el viento, a mí me pinta el sol.

Tú eres dama casera, resignada, sumisa,

atada a los prejuicios de los hombres; yo no;

que yo soy Rocinante corriendo desbocado

olfateando horizontes de justicia de Dios.

“To Julia de Burgos”

Translated by Grace Schulman

The people are saying that I am your enemy,

That in poetry I give you to the world.

They lie, Julia de Burgos. They lie, Julia de Burgos.

The voice that rises in my verses is not your voice: it is my voice;

For you are the clothing and I am the essence;

Between us lies the deepest abyss.

You are the bloodless doll of social lies

And I the virile spark of human truth;

You are the honey of courtly hypocrisy; not I–

I bare my heart in all my poems.

You, like your world, are selfish; not I–

I gamble everything to be what I am.

You are only the serious lady. Senora. Dona Julia.

Not I. I am life. I am strength. I am woman.

You belong to your husband, your master. Not I:

I belong to nobody or to all, for to all, to all

I give myself in my pure feelings and thoughts.

You curl your hair and paint your face. Not I:

I am curled by the wind, painted by the sun.

You are the lady of the house, resigned, submissive,

Tied to the bigotry of men. Not I:

I am Rocinante, bolting free, wildly

Snuffling the horizons of the justice of God.

Burgos, Julia. Originally published as “A Julia de Burgos,” Translated by Grace Schulman, The Nation, 1972.

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT DAINMA MARTINEZ

I’m Telling You… Repeat, Repeat, Repeat!

 I want to kindly remind you of some things:

• Remember to check your Hostos email! It’s the best way to stay updated on events, opportunities, and more.

• 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. 

• Will you transfer? For those who are transferring, please visit Transfer Services on the first level of the D-Building (D-101) or call them at 718-518-4457. 

• Food Pantry: It is available by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact Madeline Cruz at 718-518-4141 or email mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu. 

• Get the help you need: The SGA is here for you. Do not feel the need to stay quiet or alone. There is always someone on campus to assist. We are at the SGA booth on the third floor of the C-building, by the entrance to the pedestrian bridge. If you want to lay out a plan to manage any other worries, stop by the Counseling Center at C-330. You can make an appointment here or email them at infocounseling@hostos.cuny.edu. 



• Follow us! Remember that we keep you updated through many mediums, including our own Instagram. 

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

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

President’s Initiatives’ Events and Opportunities

This week the Hostos Research Center (HRC) hosted a special ADELANTE research presentation that featured the research conducted by Professor Thomas Beachdel in support of the book project, “I-to-I Self Portrait and Identity,” which examines the photographic self-portraiture of two important Czech photographers, Libuše Jarcovjáková and Marie Tomanova. The research focused on the self-portraits created between the 1970s and the present to determine how gender identity is expressed in the pre-and-post-Communist Czech Republic, particularly concerning the female body as a highly politicized and negotiated space. This was quite an enlightening presentation that showcased the power of artistic and self-expression at different points in history that still resonates today. The HRC looks forward to continuing the ADELANTE Research Spotlight presentations throughout the year to engage the Hostos community in learning about the impactful research conducted by faculty, staff, and students to advance new knowledge and interventions across all disciplines.   

Next week, the HRC will be hosting a special Black @ Hostos event with Dr. Brenda M. Greene, Professor of English and Executive Director Emeritus of the Center for Black Literature at CUNY Medgar Evers College. Dr. Greene will present about “Sustaining Black and Latino Studies at CUNY in a Climate of Banned Books and Censorship,” which promises to be an engaging and powerful presentation that will draw on her extensive experience and leadership as a CUNY educator, scholar, and literary activist. All are welcome to this wonderful event on Tuesday, March 18, from 2 – 3 p.m. in the HRC.

There is still time for faculty and staff to submit student nominations for the second President’s Student Recognition event that will honor up to 15 students who have demonstrated persistence and resiliency in achieving their academic goals while overcoming significant challenges.

Nominations for consideration for the President’s Recognition Barbeque in Honor of Student Resiliency must be received by March 28, 2025, by 11:59 PM. To nominate a student, please complete the nomination form here.

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

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

Institutional Space: Inviting Inquiry and Interrogation, Part I 

The spaces we move through, occupy, and co-produce are rarely interrogated when we discuss and evaluate institutional effectiveness in higher education beyond technical questions about air quality, building safety, classroom capacity, and other compliance-related concerns. Making space a central focus of inquiry invites us to consider the politics and powers that shaped and continue to shape our campus. Space disciplines and norms our relations to one another in myriad ways; space also welcomes, soothes, and creates new relational possibilities. Space is not accidental, although it is often taken for granted. 

Last semester, I sent an email to ~ 20 staff and faculty, an invitation to share their thoughts about how, as embodied subjects who move, work, and breathe in space, shape and are shaped by space at Hostos. I promised responses would remain anonymous, and emphasized that responses could be less “actionable” and more “exploratory.” In the pursuit of equity and inclusion, justice and diversity, the goal was to open a line of inquiry about the physical spaces we inhabit and the places we build. 

Very generously, nearly 75% of the 20 responded. Many noted that students are taking space/making place, whether along the bridge between the A- and C-buildings, on the C-building’s couches, or in the student club offices, some of which, including the eSports Club appear to be at occupancy 24/7. The C-building’s flag-filled atrium was cited as a favorite place, and more than one noted that the atrium bears an uncanny resemblance to Foucault’s panopticon, designed for (perceived) constant surveillance of all its inhabitants. One respondent noted that interrogating and, when indicated, altering space is a holistic strategy for retention of students, as well as staff and faculty. Another cited the spaces listed above, and wondered about designating more student lounges as well as calling for more in-person, analog interactions even when technology/digitization is at the core of a discipline. A respondent suggested that student clubs might temporarily occupy empty classrooms to host a kind of “room-to-room” end-of-semester showcase of what they’d accomplished or, during finals, that empty classrooms could be used to hold pop-up workshop spaces for relaxation exercises or other forms of respite. Finally, a respondent wondered if the set up of many/most classrooms – with desks in rows facing a podium at the front – was consistent with the pedagogical strategies faculty are encouraged and want to use to engage students in class. 

The responses were rich, thoughtful, and suggested that the experimental prompt had opened a sluice. The above was a sampling. There were, for example, numerous comments related to food, and the power of food spaces to create and sustain community, as well as observations about the spaces that surround Hostos. While nearly absent from the literature about higher education, and the lines of inquiry taken up by institutional effectiveness, there are conversations we can have, amongst ourselves, and as a broader community, about our spaces, and how they are (re-)produced through daily use, and how they might be intentionally integrated with strategic planning. 

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.



Do You Qualify for the Fair Fares MetroCard Program? 

Fair Fares NYC is a City program created to help New Yorkers with low incomes manage their transportation costs. Using the Fair Fares NYC MetroCard, eligible New York City residents receive a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares. Pay-per-Ride, weekly unlimited, and monthly unlimited options are all available. Fair Fares can also provide 50% off MTA Access-A-Ride paratransit trips. Because Access-A-Ride customers do not use a MetroCard their discount is applied automatically to their Access-A-Ride trips once their Fair Fares and Access-A-Ride accounts are linked.

To qualify you must be between the ages of 18 and 64, live in New York City, meet income limits (see website), and not receive a discounted MetroCard from any other New York City program.

Visit the Fair Fares website to check your eligibility, create an account and apply.

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.

Ramadan

Dear Hostos Community,

As we enter the month of Ramadan, I extend warm greetings to all members of our diverse campus community who observe this sacred time. Ramadan holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide, marked by fasting from dawn until sunset, increased prayer, and acts of charity. It is a time of spiritual reflection and communal solidarity. In recognizing Ramadan, we affirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all community members feel valued and respected. Let us embrace Ramadan's values of compassion, empathy, and generosity. Let us be mindful of our Muslim colleagues and classmates, offering them support and understanding as they observe this important time. As we come together to celebrate our diversity and shared humanity, may this Ramadan be a source of blessing, peace, and joy for all.  

Best,

Philip

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

Submitted by Director Ivano Leoncavallo

Logo Consistency

Esteemed Colleagues,

The pride we all take in Hostos Community College is palpable, and the noble work that is done here daily by the faculty, staff, and students to educate and uplift underserved communities in the South Bronx has earned the College a reputation as a mission-driven institution dedicated to justice and equity. Our values and our work are a part of the Hostos brand, as is the legacy of our namesake, Eugenio María de Hostos. And another key part of the Hostos brand is our visual identity, with our logo figuring prominently in that category. It is like the banner that represents our mission, our values and our work. And, as such, it is to be protected and cherished.

Naturally, in the course of doing our daily work, we apply the Hostos logo to a multitude of things, from webpages, flyers, posters, lecterns, email signatures, documents, merchandise, etc. And in the application of so many logos on numerous projects with looming deadlines, it is tempting to simply copy/paste a logo from an existing asset and reuse it, rather than sourcing an original logo file from a dedicated source, such as the Hostos Logos and Marks page on the website. 

However, the logos being copy/pasted have often been compressed through email or other applications, and the image quality is degraded and the brand colors altered. Over time, this results in the unchecked propagation of logos that are not in the correct brand colors. Please see the illustration here, showing the correct logo and color palette, alongside off-brand logos pulled from the website and a shared internal document.

There is a noticeable softening of the image, and a marked difference in the colors of the blue Hostos logotype and the colors of the sun logomark. This is the visual equivalent of spelling our name as “Hastes” instead of “Hostos”, or of displaying an American flag with orange stripes. 

These off-brand logos have proliferated unchecked over time and are now everywhere, in both printed and digital forms. In fact, they have become so pervasive that there appears to be a general misconception that they are interchangeable. However, per the published Hostos Brand Guidelines, they are logo violations. So, in an effort to maintain brand consistency and integrity, we need to apply the same rigor to our brand management that we do to the other aspects of our daily work. That will require that we collectively begin weeding out all the incorrect logos wherever they might appear and replace them with logos freshly sourced from the website or a local archive of logos downloaded from the site to your computers. We also need to refrain from recycling logos as we generate new documents, digital assets, or printed materials for events and marketing. It will likely take a while, but if we approach it with our Hostos “manos a la obra” spirit, we will eventually have a consistent brand to represent the College.

My hope in raising awareness about this issue is to inspire the College community to be more vigilant about the use of the correct logo and help preserve the integrity of our visual identity. This will better reflect the seriousness with which we take our work as an institution and the self-respect and pride we share in the Hostos brand.

I thank you all for your attention to this matter and urge you to reach out with any questions or concerns at ileoncavallo@hostos.cuny.edu.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

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

The Faculty Leadership and Innovation Fellows Program 

This program aims to increase CUNY’s faculty pipeline so that they are prepared to thrive in an academic leadership role at the University. The program offers faculty the opportunity to explore this path and expand their academic leadership and administrative skills through an immersive experience. The fellowship also provides faculty experience with the daily demands, expectations, and responsibilities of executive leadership positions in the CUNY system. Go to the application here. Applications are due April 7, 2025.

Teaching Through Research: Models in Undergraduate Research   

The 2025 Summer Institute aims to support full-time faculty members seeking to create, develop, or expand opportunities for active research-based learning practices in their courses. Pedagogical strategies such as course-based undergraduate research experience, research in the classroom, inquiry-based learning, experiential learning, and project-based learning are all high-impact active learning practices that can lead to successful student outcomes. Applicants from all disciplines are welcome; interest in dialogue across disciplines is welcomed.  Applications are due April 7, 2025. Go here for more information.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by IVP Althea Sterling, Ed.D.

Athletics Basketball Teams’ Success… LET’S GO CAIMANS!

The Hostos Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams have demonstrated amazing talent, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout this season, earning numerous accolades and contributing to a legacy of excellence in CUNY athletics. We are proud of all the players and coaches for their hard work, and we look forward to seeing what next season brings!

The Women’s team had an exceptional season, finishing with an outstanding 26-1 record. Their hard work and perseverance paid off as they were ranked #4 in the NJCAA DIII National Poll, securing the title of CUNY Conference Champions and Region XV Champions. This victory marks the team's eighth consecutive CUNY Conference Championship, showcasing their continued excellence year after year.

On top of that, in a thrilling display of dominance and determination, they also clinched the 2025 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 15/Northeast District Women's Basketball Championship with a statement victory over Monroe-Bronx! With this triumph, the Caimans secured their first Region 15 title since 2020 and, for the first time since 2022, punched their ticket back to the NJCAA National Tournament in Rochester, Minnesota. Take a look at NY1's report about the road to Nationals. Thanks to reporter Roger Clark for visiting us and learning more about the wonderful team!

Notable Individual Awards:

• Daja White: Recognized as Player of the Year in both the CUNYAC and Region 15 awards. Learn more about Daja here!
• Jozai Vásquez: Named to the Sportsmanship Team.
• Dwight Shaw: Honored as Co-Coach of the Year in the CUNYAC and Coach of the Year for Region 15.

Region 15 Tournament Achievements:

• Daja White also earned Tournament Most Valuable Player honors.
• Sandra Asamoah was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Also, Chyna Bryant is in the spotlight! Check out Hostos' Instagram here to see how she’s making an impact!

The Men’s squad had a phenomenal year, finishing with a 26-5 record and earning a #14 ranking in the NJCAA DIII National Poll. Their dedication on the court led to a CUNY Conference Championship, marking the 2nd in a row and 3rd in the last 4 years. The team's victory continues to cement their place as a dominant force in CUNYAC basketball.

Individual Honors:

• Tyrese Conway: Named CUNY Player of the Year and selected for the First Team.
• Harry Bonilla: As Rookie of the Year and a member of the First Team.
• Eric Erskine: Recognized on the Sportsmanship Team.
• Marquee Poole was awarded Coach of the Year.

Region 15 Awards and Achievements:

• Tyrese Conway was named Region 15 Player of the Year.
• Harry Bonilla earned Second Team All-Region honors and a Region 15 All-Tournament Team spot.
• Justice Carrington received Honorable Mention All-Region.
• Eric Erskine was named to the Sportsmanship Team.

Student Leadership Academy

Emerging Leaders Conference

On February 21, the CUNY Council of Student Life Directors sponsored the 2025 CUNY Emerging Leaders Conference. This annual conference seeks to challenge current and future CUNY student leaders to be intentional with their work within their campus and community.

This year’s conference took place at Guttman Community College and brought together 90 passionate CUNY students for a day of leadership development, skill building and networking. The conference provided all attendees with a keynote presentation and breakout workshops throughout the day. 

Six Hostos student leaders from the Hostos Student Leadership Academy attended the event and represented the College well. 

The Emerging Leaders Conference is organized yearly at CUNY by the CUNY Council of Student Life Directors and sponsored by the CUNY Central Office of Student Affairs.

National Character and Leadership Symposium

From February 19th to February 22nd, two students, Ángel Peralta and Cynthia Bongo Remadji from the Hostos Student Leadership Academy and the Hostos Student Government Association, with their Advisor, Student Leadership Coordinator Jason Libfeld, attended the 32nd Annual National Character and Leadership Symposium at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is the 8th time since 2016 that Hostos has sent students to this prestigious conference, where they are hosted in the dormitories by cadets studying at the Academy, and they have the experience of learning what it is like to study and be a student at a military academy.

This year’s leadership conference focused on the concepts of “Examining the Warrior Ethos.” With an array of distinguished speakers, the students and staff members participated in more than a dozen lectures, workshops, and plenaries with speakers from across leadership communities, with vast knowledge and experiences, to help them to hone and further their leadership skills. “NCLS connects participants with powerful speakers from all walks of life, in presentations and discussion sessions throughout the year, to encourage reflection and motivate personal action.”

Each of the students, who had never been to Colorado before marveled at the Rocky Mountains as well as the rich tapestry of experiences, communities and commitment to the service of the country and the world exhibited and expressed by all of the participants, speakers and guests.

Hostos Community College is the only school in the City University of New York that participates in this prestigious conference and does so because of its connection to the military academies with respect to the Honor Oath, that was established here at Hostos as one of the guiding principles for the establishment of a Student Leadership Academy in 2006-2007.

For more information about the conference and to view some of the content, please go here.

Counseling Center

Don’t miss out on the great events we have created for you!

Let’s Get Digital! A Cyber Safety Awareness Event

Date | Time: Thursday, March 20 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM

Where: C-391

Come have fun and learn about gender-based violence in the online world through an exciting game of Jeopardy! Discover how to identify the signs of online abuse, prevent it, and protect yourself and your loved ones. This session will be facilitated by Leah Stone, LMSW, and Brittany Chambers from the “Enough is Enough” program. Gift cards will be awarded to the winning team! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and have fun!

Demystifying the World of Trafficking: A Game of Taboo

Date: Thursday, April 3 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM

Where: FDR

Join us for an interactive game of Taboo, presented in collaboration with the “Enough is Enough” program and the Breaking the Silence Club. Learn about human trafficking, its warning signs, and how you can support safety in your community. The session will be facilitated by Leah Stone, LMSW, Brittany Chambers from the “Enough is Enough” program, and Tiffany Pringle, LMSW, from the Bronx DA's office. Gift cards will be awarded to the winning team, and food will be provided! Don't miss out on this important and engaging event!

Health and Wellness

Wellness Wednesdays Meditation

Date | Time: Every Wednesday until April 30 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Where: C-152 [Dance Studio]

Take a break and join us for Wellness Meditation on Wednesdays! Meditation is a great way to reduce stress, boost focus and memory, improve your mood, and lower blood pressure – all in just a few minutes! FREE to all students! No registration needed. All equipment is provided. Just bring yourself and a Hostos ID. Don’t forget to sign in when you arrive!

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.

Family Empowerment Program: Chat and Chew Series

How to Raise an Emotionally Healthy Child

Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025

Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Description: Ensuring our children are confident, secure and emotionally intelligent

Money, Money, Money - Financial Wellness

Date: Thursday, April 3rd

Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Description: What you need to know about financial aid, available scholarships, writing effective personal statements. How to manage your finances.

Sugar Impact

Date: Thursday, May 1st

Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Description: Everything you need to know about sugar and its impact on you and your family’s health.

Register here for these workshops! 

For more information contact Christeen Francis, at 718-518-4474 or email chfrancis@hostos.cuny.edu. 

Financial Aid

Have you applied for FAFSA? TAP?

You can apply for aid by filling out the FAFSA. Once your FAFSA application is submitted, New York State residents attending NYS campuses can link directly to the TAP application. Our financial aid team is here to guide you through the application process. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 718-518-6555.

Scholarships

Unlock Your Future: Scholarship Opportunities Await! 

The path to your dreams just got a little easier! Don’t miss out on valuable scholarship opportunities that can help make your educational journey smoother and more affordable. Visit Hostos Scholarships to explore and apply. 

Have questions or need a helping hand with your application? Reach out to our Scholarship Coordinators: Marina Esquilin (mesquilin@hostos.cuny.edu) or Evelyn Hiciano (ehiciano@hostos.cuny.edu). 

Student Activities

Graduation Picture Ready: Don't forget to schedule your graduation photo session!

The next sessions will take place in late March (25, 26, 27 and 28) followed by additional sessions in April and May. Students can schedule an appointment by visiting the photographer’s website. selecting “Schedule Appt”, entering school code 08611 and then choosing the date and time that is most convenient. Students can sign up to receive additional graduation updates (about ordering graduation rings, requesting letters for employers, requesting letters to invite relatives from other countries, etc.) by visiting this website and filling out the form.

For additional information about Commencement, including instructions for how to apply for graduation, please visit the Commencement website at www.hostos.cuny.edu/commencement. 

Transfer Services

We are open on Saturdays! 

Thinking about transferring to a four-year college or university? We’ve got you covered! Stop by during our tabling events or walk-in hours for expert guidance on your transfer application. We’ll be there to support you every step of the way!

Transfer Fair

Our largest event of the semester is happening on Thursday, March 18 from 1 - 3 p.m. in the C-building’s first floor. Come by to ask questions, get informed, and take the next step toward your future. Don’t miss out; it’s all about your next big move!

Spring 2025 at Hostos Transfer Services Weekly Activities

Transfer Tabling

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

Walk-in Hours 

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | C-590 (10 a.m. - 7 p.m.)

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

Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Contact Transfer Services to receive a link (rrayo@hostos.cuny.edu or samantha.maldonadogarcia40@login.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

“Phenomenal Woman”

By Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   

But when I start to tell them,

They think I’m telling lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,   

The stride of my step,   

The curl of my lips.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,   

That’s me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,   

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.   

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.   

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,   

And the flash of my teeth,   

The swing in my waist,   

And the joy in my feet.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered   

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,   

They say they still can’t see.   

I say,

It’s in the arch of my back,   

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed.   

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.   

When you see me passing,

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,   

The bend of my hair,   

the palm of my hand,   

The need for my care.   

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Source: The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou (Random House Inc., 1994)

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne



Guide for Work Order Requests

With March now upon us, many of our year-end events are being planned. Many of these celebratory events will require the services of our amazing Facilities and Custodial staff.  Please use the guide below to request facility services.

• For emergency situations, please call Public Safety (x6888) or 911.

• For immediate or urgent needs, please call the relevant extension only to report the following conditions or needs; do not create a work order. 

• For Non-Urgent Work Order Requests, designated individuals in each division or department are authorized to submit a Facilities Work Order request in the Archibus system. Per CUNY Central’s policy, only these designees can submit a work order through Archibus. Please speak with the designated individual in your department regarding submitting your service needs.

*Be aware that no new designees can be added to Archibus unless a designee needs to be replaced.

All non-emergency requests for service must be submitted through the work order system. Use the Facilities Work Order System to request non-urgent repair, cleaning, and maintenance tasks such as light bulb replacement, moving furniture, shelving installation, painting, or floor restoration. The work order system organizes tasks for each member of the Campus Operations staff, so please do not make service requests to individual members of the engineering, maintenance, or custodial staff.

**Please note that Campus Operations does not provide furniture assembly services; assembly services must be procured from the furniture vendor.

Campus Operations is more than happy to help the college community. Please do your best to provide advance notice so they can provide you with the best service possible.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

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

CEWD Receives a $505,320 Grant from CUNY Central to Create the Office of College Transition and Alternative Programs (CTAP)

CEWD was awarded a two-year grant of $505,320 from CUNY Central’s Workforce Development Initiative’s Future of Work Centers grant program to support the creation of the Hostos Office of College Transition and Alternative Programs (CTAP). CTAP will report to the Division of Academic Affairs and serve as a hub for the college’s credit for prior learning efforts (CPL), including 1) working with faculty to identify new CPL opportunities; 2) providing students with accurate instructions on accessing crosswalks between degree and non-credit programs; 3) assisting students transitioning from CEWD to a degree program; and 4) managing cross-divisional collaboration around workforce development.

In addition to funding two CTAP staff positions, the grant provides funding for the creation of the Hostos CEWD College Success Scholarship, which will award $20,000 in scholarships in year one and $40,000 in scholarships in year two to CEWD alumni who transitioned to a degree program and have made progress towards completing their degree requirements. For the Spring 2024 semester, 24 students applied, and we anticipate that 21 students will be awarded a scholarship.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Sam Byrd at sbyrd@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, March 15, 11 AM
• Wednesday, March 19, 6 PM
• Wednesday, April 2, 6 PM
• Saturday, April 12, 11 AM
• Wednesday, April 16, 6 PM
• Wednesday, May 7, 6 PM

To register for a session, go here.

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA)

Submitted by VP Colette Atkins

First Year Seminar Liberal Arts Career Talk Panel

On Thursday, March 13, the Office of Alumni Relations and the First Year Seminar and Capstone Unit hosted a career talk panel. Panelists spanned over two decades of experience and illustrated the endless career diversity available through a liberal arts degree.

Stephanie Olivera de Ajarujo ’24 leveraged the freedom of the degree path to set herself up for the career in nursing she wanted while also allowing her to pursue other passions, like writing. Stephanie published her debut book in October and works as a St. Peter’s Healthcare System patient care technician. Pablo Carela’s ’20 love of philosophy and humanities inspires him as a teacher and mentor as he shares his passion for martial arts with students. Lissette Jourdain-Torres ’02 brought her Hostos story full circle and now serves students directly as a staff member.

Each panelist shared how Hostos set them on a path toward their dreams. Thank you to our panelists, faculty, staff, and students who attended.

Join the Alumni Speakers Bureau

The Hostos Community College Alumni Speakers Bureau is a powerful initiative to bridge the gap between our students and the professional world. Inviting accomplished alumni to share their journeys, challenges, and successes provides students with firsthand insight into career paths, real-world applications of their education, and inspiration to achieve their goals. 

Why is the Alumni Speakers Bureau important? 

Empowering Role Models: 

• Alumni offer relatable success stories, showing students what is possible with determination and the education they receive at Hostos. 

Career Insights: 

• Alumni provide valuable perspectives on industry trends, skills in demand, and strategies for professional growth. 

Community Building: 

• This initiative strengthens the connection between students, faculty, and alumni, fostering a sense of pride and belonging within the Hostos community. 

The Impact: 

• Students gain clarity about their aspirations and are motivated by hearing from those who’ve walked a similar path. 
• Alumni leave a lasting impression by sharing practical advice, mentorship, and encouragement. 
• Faculty enhance classroom learning by integrating real-world experiences into their curriculum. 

If you would like to feature an alumni speaker in your classroom, department event, or special program, we are here to assist you in coordinating these impactful sessions. Together, we can create meaningful experiences that inspire and guide our students. 

Feel free to reach out to me for more information or to schedule a session: Felix O. Sánchez, Alumni Relations Manager, 718-518-4180, fsanchez@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). 

Student Marco Álvarez Wins Prestigious Award at Eastern Sociological Society Conference

Hostos Community College is proud to announce that Marco Álvarez, a Behavioral Sciences student in the Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts concentration, has won first place in his session at the prestigious Eastern Sociological Society (ESS) Undergraduate Poster Session in Boston, Massachusetts, held from March 6 to 9. Alvarez’s award-winning poster, “Shattered Bonds: A Historical and Sociological Analysis of Child Welfare in the United States,” examines the systemic inequalities within the child welfare system, tracing their historical roots and exploring their impact on marginalized communities today. His work combined an in-depth literature review, weaving personal narratives and compelling visuals that brought his research to life. We’re proud of you, Marco! Learn more here.

Six Hostos Students Participate in 2025 Model NYS Senate Project in Albany

On Saturday, March 9, a dynamic delegation from Hostos Community College proudly represented the school at the 2025 SOMOS Inc. New York Conference in Albany. The City University of New York (CUNY), in partnership with the New York State Assembly and Senate Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force, hosted its annual Model NYS Senate Project as part of the conference’s events. Students nominated by the presidents of each CUNY campus engaged in a robust mock debate on the Senate floor, bringing their lived experiences and leadership skills to the heart of state government. The six students were Tyler Woods, Amy Estrada Cortés, Yajaira Guzmán, Giavanna Pérez, Tori Vick, and Dainma Martínez. See more 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: 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: Sustaining Black and Latino Studies at CUNY in a Climate of Banned Books and Censorship With Dr. Brenda M. Greene

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

Location: Hostos Research Center

Description: President Cocco De Filippis will welcome Dr. Brenda Greene, Founder and Executive Director Emeritus of the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, who will address the urgent threat of book bans and censorship—and discuss how sustaining Black and Latino studies at CUNY is more critical than ever to preserve our voices, stories, and collective truths.

Title: College-Wide Senate Meeting – March 2025

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

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: Women's Empowerment Brunch: What is Your Legacy?

Date | Time: Thursday, March 27 | 12 - 2 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: We are surrounded by outstanding women who are leaders in business, government, education, healthcare and more. This event will ask an esteemed panel of women to consider their leadership legacy—what is the world they want to create for the next generation, and how are they uplifting other women to realize that vision? All are welcome for this brunch and panel discussion, moderated by Development Officer Idelsa Mendez. Professors are encouraged to promote this event to students to identify mentorship opportunities. This event is sponsored by Ms. MacKenzie Scott's Gift: President's Initiatives.

Title: Transgender Day of Visibility 

Date | Time: Monday, March 31 | 3:30 - 5 PM

Location: A-Atrium

Description: Celebrate Trans Day of Visibility with pizza, music, and solidarity! Wear pink or light blue to show your pride or allyship and show off your lewks with a step and shoot!

Title: Spring 2025 Kindergarten Fair

Date | Time: Wednesday, April 2 | 9 - 11 AM

Location: Children’s Center

Description: Come and meet representatives from various NYC public and charter schools. Please note that if your child was born in 2020 and lives in New York City, they are eligible to attend kindergarten in Fall 2025! See you then!

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. This event is sponsored by Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiative.

Title: Spring Job Fair

Date | Time: Thursday, April 3 | 1 - 4 PM

Location: Hostos Gym

Description: Meet employees who can guide you to exciting career paths. You must register by March 25 here.

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 founding. 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: “Educating for the Future: Career Competencies for Today's World, the Role of AI in A Changing Workforce, and COIL” 

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

Location: Hostos Research Center

Description: You are invited to a Friday symposium that will focus on preparing our students for a workforce impacted by AI and how, in this environment, COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) can give our students the skills to succeed. To register, please go here. Light refreshments and lunch will be served.

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 TODAY!

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. Deadline for applications is TODAY! You can present a project, paper, performance, or poster from Fall 2024 or Spring 2025. Please direct any questions to Dean Andrea Fabrizio 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.