Friday, March 7, 2025 | Vol. 10, No. 6

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

Tomorrow, March 8,  we celebrate International Women's Day. Let me begin by wishing you a very beautiful day.  We have been celebrating and will be celebrating different activities throughout the month, so please join us.  As a reminder, Hostos, as part of CUNY, does not use race in our admissions process. All cultural and club activities are open to all our students and colleagues. 

On February 18 the "Countdown to Commencement" began.  It was a lovely Hostos moment.  Colorful cupcakes, coffee and treats were served in the A-Atrium for an hour as a reminder to all of us to take time to mentor our students about applying for graduation. Thank you all for doing just that at this very timely moment in the semester.

Diversity celebrations continue.  Please be sure to put in your calendar the dates shared in announcements.  Hostos is a place to respect, honor and embrace all our brothers and sisters in our common humanity.

With midterms on our heels, dear students, stay focused on your studies.  If you need help it is readily available.  Please avail yourselves of all the support you might need.

Mil gracias y bendiciones, 

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

POEM

“Meditación en el umbral” 

By Rosario Castellanos

No, no es la solución

tirarse bajo un tren como la Ana de Tolstoy

ni apurar el arsénico de Madame Bovary

ni aguardar en los páramos de Ávila la visita

del ángel con venablo

antes de liarse el manto a la cabeza

y comenzar a actuar.

Ni concluir las leyes geométricas, contando

las vigas de la celda de castigo

como lo hizo Sor Juana. No es la solución

escribir, mientras llegan las visitas,

en la sala de estar de la familia Austen

ni encerrarse en el ático

de alguna residencia de la Nueva Inglaterra

y soñar, con la Biblia de los Dickinson,

debajo de una almohada de soltera.

Debe haber otro modo que no se llame Safo

ni Mesalina ni María Egipciaca

ni Magdalena ni Clemencia Isaura.

Otro modo de ser humano y libre.

Otro modo de ser.

“Meditation on the Threshold”

By Rosario Castellanos

No, it is not the answer, to throw yourself

under a train like Tolstoy’s Anna,

nor hastening Madame Bovary’s arsenic

nor waiting for the angel with the javelin

to reach the parapets of Avila

before you tie the veil to your head

and begin to act.

Nor intuiting the laws of geometry,

counting the beams in your cell

like Sor Juana. The answer is not

to write while visitors arrive

in the Austen living room

nor to lock yourself in the attic

of some New England house

and dream, the Dickinson family Bible

beneath your spinster’s pillow.

There must be some other way whose name is not Sappho

or Mesalina or Mary of Egypt

or Magdalene or Clemencia Isaura

Another way to be free and human.

Another way to be.

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT DAINMA MARTINEZ

It’s Friday, Friday! Gotta Get Down on Friday!

February was filled with many special moments! Among those: the LGBTQIA+ Valentine’s Day Prom, which many of us – including faculty! – joined, and the SGA Valentine’s Day Candy Bag Pickup! I loved seeing you all in your best prom outfits. None disappointed! I want to take this opportunity to thank my SGA colleagues for their service that evening handing out candy bags and stickers. This act of giving exemplifies the compassionate embrace we offer to each other at Hostos. Now it’s time for March, another month with great things coming your way. 

With that said, 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. Please follow us here and stay up to date with events and important announcements for the student body.

In other news, SGA Vice President Cynthia Bongo and I traveled to Albany for Caucus Weekend. While there, we attended several workshops, including a key session on the People’s Budget. During this workshop, we received important updates on Budget and Revenue, Housing, Climate Action, Health and Mental Hygiene, Education and Higher Education. A significant discussion emerged around our mission for Free Tuition and Free CUNY MetroCards, as well as the benefits of providing Emergency Contraception on college campuses. Additional updates covered Human Services, Labor, Economic Development, Transportation—where the topic of Free CUNY MetroCards was revisited—Civil Rights, and Criminal Justice. We were also provided with booklets on Agency and Action, which are available online here. Beyond the workshops, Caucus Weekend offered valuable networking opportunities. Connecting with both new and familiar faces helped strengthen important bonds for Hostos.



I would like to sign off with a poem by Crystal Foy to honor Women’s History Month:

There is a woman who always keeps her head up high. 

Her eyes sparkle like a bright star in the sky. 

She has the stamina, beauty, and courage that one would admire, 

Even the love and happiness one inspires. 

She is a woman that one can always count on, 

And a woman that sees no wrong. 

Her beauty shines from the inside out, 

It flows like a journey down a long route. 

Her smile shines beautifully like the sun rising over the horizon, 

And her intelligence, wisdom, and hard work are not surprising. 

She is a genuinely caring woman 

Who goes the extra mile to help one in need or broken hearted, 

And throughout all of her hard work, 

No one ever sees her fall apart.

Thank you,

Dainma

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

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

President’s Initiatives Opportunities and Updates

This spring is a particularly eventful season for the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives, which are generating many wonderful opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to connect with one another. The Educating for Diversity Initiative is supporting several activities in support of Women’s History Month. On March 4, the Division of Institutional Advancement hosted the Women in Philanthropy panel, featuring fundraisers and grant makers that shared with students their experiences in this creative field that is integral to supporting the work of nonprofit organizations. On March 26, Professor Elizabeth Porter and faculty from the Women’s and Gender Studies Council will present a special program, “Education and Inspiration During Women’s History Month,” which will include a presentation on intersectional feminist history as well as guidance for participating in social change. This event will be held at the Hostos Research Center. 

Faculty and staff are invited to submit student nominations for the President’s Student Recognition Events. Each special event will honor up to 15 students that have demonstrated persistence and resiliency in achieving their academic goals while overcoming significant challenges. The deadline for nominations for the President’s Recognition Tea in Honor of Women’s History Month is next Thursday, March 13. This is an incredible opportunity to recognize students that have overcome adversity and remained steadfast in their educational pursuits. 

Nominations for consideration for the President’s Recognition Tea in Honor of Women’s History Month must be received by March 13, 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.

Preliminary Data about English Language Learners (ELLs) enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses 

One of OIERA’s commitments is to disaggregate data in ways that allows us to learn about the experiences of different student groups at Hostos over time. Often, these data help us understand student trajectories, including time to degree, and help us discover how sub cohorts might differ from Hostos students in aggregate and how these differences might inform outreach, advisement, and support. Among these sub-cohorts are students who enter Hostos as English Language Learners (ELLs) and enroll in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. (We also serve ELLs through CLIP - the CUNY Language Immersion Program - a prematriculation program). 

After identifying the cohorts based on initial enrollment in ESL courses, OIERA was able to track students’ retention and demographic data. Three-year (or 150% rate) graduation rates are only available for the fall 2021 cohort thus far. 

Since the pandemic, ESL enrollment has slowly increased to pre-pandemic rates, if not headcount. (In comparison, in the 1990s and early 2000s, ~30% of Hostos students were entering as ELLs.) The change is consistent with the growing numbers of first generation and 1.5 generation students coming to Hostos (versus students who were born outside of the United States). 

Retention rates for students enrolled in ESL courses are higher than retention of students overall (from 2 to 15 percentage points). Considering the additional semesters ELLs spend developing college-ready English competencies, the three year graduation rate of 13.5% (compared to 16% for the Fall 21 cohort overall) speaks to ELL students’ persistence. 

Demographically, ELLs enrolled in ESL courses lean more female (~80%) than the total student population (~70%); they are also slightly older - nearly 50% are over 25 years of age, versus ~40% of total student population. Regarding ethnicity and race, ELLs enrolled in ESL courses at Hostos are consistent with the students who attend Hostos: slightly more than 50% report they are Hispanic and slightly under 40% report they are Black. 

Why do we do this work? Beyond intellectual curiosity (which is itself motivation for doing institutional research), these kinds of analyses provide us with a baseline for accountability. From this report based on three years’ of data, there is a strong suggestion that students enrolled in ESL are retained at higher rates than students overall. The program’s structure is cohorted, which is often correlated with strong retention, and, there is a clear value/benefit for students who seek to develop English language competencies. The faculty’s pedagogical strategies and culture of care and inclusion also contribute to strong retention. 

The baseline data also suggests, as does qualitative data about students enrolled in ESL, that the high rate of female students is correlated with a high rate of students interested in applying to Hostos’ competitive clinical allied health programs. There is an opportunity to talk to students early about alternative academic and career pathways, particularly those in which their multilingual competencies are a valued skill (i.e. education, translation and interpretation, media/communications, academia). Lastly, baseline data, including graduation rates, provide us with a framework for goal setting and evaluation of trends. 

Students place their trust in us, as well as time and money. By learning to identify cohorts of students whose experiences are qualitatively different in distinct ways, we can use the quantitative evaluations to inform how better to support their aspirations. 

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.



NYC Free Tax Prep

This week’s update comes from the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), which has started its NYC Free Tax Prep program. The IRS began accepting tax returns on January 27, and DCWP wants to make sure all eligible New Yorkers use the NYC Free Tax Prep.

New Yorkers who earned $93,000 or less in 2024 may be eligible to file their taxes for free with an IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer. Visit the DCWP website NYC Free Tax Prep to find out more.

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.

Women’s History Month

As we usher in the month of March, we also embrace the celebration of Women’s History Month. It is a time for us to reflect upon and honor the invaluable contributions of women throughout American history. From leaders and activists to educators and artists, women have played a critical and vital role in shaping the fabric of our society.  Despite facing adversity and discrimination, women have enriched every aspect of our lives through their achievements, resilience, and determination. This month, let us take the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the exceptional women who paved the way for progress and equality. Let us also acknowledge the ongoing struggle for gender equity and continue to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

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.

Census Data Update

Mr. David Primak, Registrar and Enrollment Director

OAA is pleased to announce that our preliminary census enrollment data for Spring 2025 compared favorably to Spring 2024 by 6.7%. While we experienced a 21.8% decline in first-time freshmen, this was more than offset by a 13.2% increase in transfer, 11.5% increase in readmit, and 6.1% increase in continuing student enrollment. These are positive trends that we are optimistic will continue for our next enrollment cycle.

Dr. Manukyan is Awarded with a $10,000 Research Foundation Grant

Academic Affairs is pleased to congratulate Dr. Anna Manukyan, Associate Professor, in the Natural Sciences Department, for being awarded with a $10,000 CUNY Research in the Classroom grant from the Research Foundation. Her project entitled “Building Career-Ready Skills in Undergraduate Chemistry: A Research-Integrated Approach” aims to transform General Chemistry II, a laboratory course, into a research-driven learning environment integrating authentic discovery-based research into the undergraduate curriculum. The project will replace standalone experiments with a unified approach to research. Students will use a combination of virtual reality, experimentation, computation, and data analysis to investigate the leukemia virus. Students will develop teamwork and communication skills, research skills, and improve their own perceptions of scientific research, and real-world scientific challenges. By combining authentic research with skill development, this initiative equips students with scientific writing, problem-solving, and data interpretation expertise. Congratulations, Professor Manukyan!

Faculty Release Time Requests are Due in OAA by March 21

Release Time is a time period allotted to a faculty member for administrative or research and scholarship activities. It allows faculty to dedicate significant portions of their work hours to activities beyond teaching, such as conducting research or taking on leadership roles within the college, which are crucial for advancing knowledge, maintaining academic quality, and contributing to the overall success of the college, while still receiving compensation for their work. Each semester full-time faculty must work with their chairpersons in planning their workload for the next semester. All faculty members whose administrative or research roles require release time must submit a request to their department chairperson for review and approval. All release time requests approved by the department chair must also be approved by Provost Wang. All release time forms need to be received in OAA (Mariela Roman) by March 21, 2025.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by IVP Althea Sterling, Ed.D.

Student Activities

Commencement is Less than 100 Days Away!

The College’s grand event – Commencement – is quickly approaching and preparations are underway to ensure that students are well-informed about all the necessary steps.  Senior pictures began the week of February 24 and will continue on a monthly basis.  

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, please visit the Commencement website at www.hostos.cuny.edu/commencement.

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). 

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.

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. 

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

“You Came, Too” 

By Nikki Giovanni

I came to the crowd seeking friends

I came to the crowd seeking love

I came to the crowd for understanding

I found you

I came to the crowd to weep

I came to the crowd to laugh

You dried my tears

You shared my happiness

I went from the crowd seeking you

I went from the crowd seeking me

I went from the crowd forever

You came, too

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne





Help Keep Pests and Rodents Away

With February behind us, we can start looking forward to spring temperatures. But with the warmer days and all of the construction occurring around and on the Hostos campus, we will see more pests and rodents emerge. Our Environmental Health and Safety Officer Marya Shuksta reminds us of how we can help reduce their presence in our campus spaces, and what to do if we do see them.

A very important thing to keep in mind is that we need to eliminate any food and nesting sources for rodents. This includes not only garbage left behind but also tiny spills and crumbs one may not notice are there, so we need to be diligent about not leaving any such treats around. That way, the rodents will have no choice but to go for the bait/traps set up by the exterminator. If you happen to notice any spills/messes left behind, please notify facilities immediately so that they can address the issue right away. Below are some additional measures we can take in order to prevent pest sightings on campus:

• Store food in air tight containers and keep them in the fridge. Rodents have a remarkable sense of smell and can identify food even in tightly wrapped plastic or Ziploc bags. 

• All appliances such as toasters, ovens, stoves, microwaves and refrigerators should be cleaned daily. 

• Garbage should be removed at least once daily. 

• Be mindful of paper and cardboard boxes as well; rodents use these items for nesting. 



• Notify facilities of any sightings of pests or pest droppings.

Our pest control protocol includes weekly servicing by an exterminator (every Thursday). Whenever we receive a pest concern or sighting, the exterminator is notified and makes sure to service the affected space.

The exterminator does not use a spray; instead, they use tamper resistant bait stations which are never placed in open areas. Placement of bait stations depends on what the exterminator observes at the time of inspection and is unique to each situation, but can be behind shelves, under radiators, etc. The inspection also includes identifying any holes and patching them up. For large holes, Facilities is notified to close them off.

Please keep the recommendations in mind, and with your help, we can make it a less attractive campus for pests and rodents.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

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

CEWD Awarded a $213,000 Contract from the Osborne Association to Provide Occupational Training to Justice-Involved New Yorkers

The Osborne Association, Inc. has awarded CEWD a $213,000 contract to provide construction and building site safety training to justice-involved New Yorkers. CEWD has a long-standing collaboration with the Osborne Association. To date, CEWD has provided thirty (30) cohorts with occupational training while in New York City Department of Corrections custody, both in the Bronx and on Rikers Island.

In September 2024, twenty (20) justice-involved New Yorkers completed thirty (30) hours of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training and ten (10) hours of the Department of Building’s mandated Site Safety Training (SST). We look forward to continuing to work with Osborne to deliver high-quality occupational training programs.

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

Alumni Brothers Publish a Children’s Book

On Thursday, February 27, the Carlos, Elias, Esteban, and Josue Advincola—fondly referred to as the Advincola brothers—returned to their alma mater to present their newly published children’s book, “Lucy la Chihuahua arrives to Nueva York.” In a panel moderated by Alumni Relations Manager Felix Sanchez ’02 and alumna Tameka Ridley ’19, the brothers shared about their writing process and how their late mother’s experiences as an immigrant helped shape the story of "Lucy la Chihuahua."

Each brother brings a unique talent to their family enterprise—Josue is the writer, Carlos illustrates, Esteban, Carlos, and Josue work together on multi-media platforms for their storytelling, and Elias manages the business. Above all, this event highlighted the strength we can derive from our family, and that with strong connections, even a tragic loss can create something beautiful and joyful. Thank you to the Advincola brothers for always sharing their success with Hostos, to Tameka Ridley for sharing her love of literature, and to the faculty, staff, and students who attended for their excellent questions and engagement.

Purchase a copy of "Lucy la Chihuahua Arrives in Nueva York" here and check out their promotional video here. In addition to Lucy, the brothers have several additional projects in production. You can follow their work by following the Advincola Network on YouTube and Instagram.

Women in Philanthropy Panel Engages Granting Partners and Students

On Tuesday March 4, the Women in Philanthropy Career Exploration Panel and Vision Planning Workshop convened leaders from international nonprofits and several of Hostos’ philanthropic partners. Panelists shared about how their work provides personal and career fulfillment, then in small group breakout sessions, students practiced interview preparation, considered how their academic planning could propel their careers, and learned more about what it takes to build a nonprofit from the ground up.

The Division of Institutional Advancement would like to thank our panelists and the faculty, staff, and students who attended this fun, informative event. This event was sponsored by Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives; our gratitude extends to the committee for supporting this event. Read more about it here.

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). 

The Hostos Caimans Women’s Basketball Team Claim Region 15 Championship, Moving on to National Tournament in Rochester, Minnesota

In a thrilling display of dominance and determination, the No. 4 nationally ranked Hostos Caimans Women’s Basketball Team has 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. And all this comes on the heels of a stunning winning streak in which the women's team made history this year as the only team ever to secure eight consecutive titles in CUNY’s history. Read more here.

Hostos Alumna and NextGen Public Health Scholar Receives Special Honor at Columbia

Hostos alumna, Andrea Vásquez Guillén ’23, a member of the first cohort selected to participate in the NextGen Public Health Scholars 2+2+2 Program, conducted in partnership with Columbia University, was inducted into Columbia’s School of General Studies Honor Society at a special ceremony held on February 24, 2025. This is an incredible honor bestowed upon students in their junior/senior year who have achieved exceptional academic excellence. At the induction ceremony, Andrea was presented with a certificate of recognition and celebrated along with her peers who also received this distinction. Hostos is extremely proud of Andrea’s accomplishments during her trajectory at Columbia University as she continues to advance her studies in public health. We applaud and support her success! 

Elyas Obad Receives NYS 2024-25 Vanguard Award

Big shoutout to our Early Education student, Elyas Obad, for winning the New York State 2024-2025 Vanguard Award! This prestigious honor recognizes excellence in Career and Technical Education as a non-traditional gender student. Nontraditional occupations are defined as any occupation in which one gender comprises less than 25% of the employment within that field. We also celebrate Quendel Williams from our Nursing Department, who was a semi-finalist. Congrats, Elyas and Quendel!

Development Officer Idelsa Méndez Receives Award for Uplifting Community Work

On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Idelsa Méndez, the dedicated Development Officer at Hostos Community College and proud alumna, received a prestigious recognition at the "Duarte Honors: Reconociendo Los Nuestros." Named after the founder of the Dominican Republic, Juan Pablo Duarte, who led the fight for the country’s independence, the award is presented by the Dominican-American Network of Young Professionals (DANYP), a Hands On New York, Inc. initiative. This much-anticipated annual event commemorates Dominican heritage and celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of Dominican professionals in their respective fields and communities. Read full story 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: First Year Seminar Liberal Arts Alumni Panel 

Date | Time: Thursday, March 13 | 10:30 AM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room 

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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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 employers 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: 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 MARCH 14!

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 to present is extended to March 14. 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.