Friday, October 3, 2025 | Vol. 11, No. 6

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

As I write these brief words for the sixth Semanario of Fall 2025, I smile as I consider how much work has already taken place, and how many gatherings we have enjoyed. Midterms are practically here. Despite challenges, we continue to move forward embracing our own humanity and celebrating who we are as we work with hope and joy.

We are still celebrating activities for Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, Italian Heritage and holidays honoring the Jewish holidays. That is just this month for the Hostos family.  I give a special thank you to all of our colleagues for continued diligence and for the smiles that greet me and all who come to visit.

Enjoy the weekend as we prepare for the second half of the term, student and academic support activities and advisement and pre-registration for winter and spring sessions. That being said, for those of you who are close to graduation: it is essential that thoughtful planning and advisement take place. Also, if you intend to continue your studies in a baccalaureate institution, please make every effort to apply early, by December, in particular to those competitive, need-blind institutions.

Mil gracias y bendiciones, 

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

POEM

“Tanto gentile e tanto onesta pare”

By Dante Alighieri 

Tanto gentile e tanto onesta pare

la donna mia quand’ella alturi Saluda,

ch’ogne lingua deven tremando muta,

e li occhi no l ardiscon di guardare.

Ella si va, sentendosi laudare,

benignamente d’umitla vestuta;

e par che sia una cosa venuta

da cielo in terra a miracol mostrare.

Mostrasi si piacente a chi la mira,

che da per li occhi una dolcezza al core,

che  n’tender no la puo chi no la prova:

e par che de la sua labia si mova

un spirit soave pien d’amore,

che va dicendo a l’anima: Sospira.

“So gentle and so honest appears”

So gentle and so honest appears

my lady when she greets others

that every tongue, trembling, becomes mute,

and eyes dare not look at her.

She goes hearing herself praised,

benevolently clothed in humility,

and seems a thing come down

from heaven to earth to reveal miraculousness.

She appears so pleasing to whoever beholds her

that she sends through the eyes a sweetness to the heart,

which no one understands who does not feel it:

and it seems that from her lips moves

a spirit, soothing and full of love,

that goes saying to the soul: Sigh.

Alighieri, Dante,  Vita Nuova, University of Notre Dame (c) 1995 Notre Dame, Indiana reprinted in 2002, 2007, 2011.pp 110-113

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT NICHELLE HEMPHILL

From Orientation to Organization: A Student Leader’s Journey at Hostos

When I first stood before a room of new students at orientation, I wasn’t just welcoming them — I was inviting them into a movement. A movement of belonging, of voice, of purpose.

Orientation is more than a schedule of events. It’s a threshold. For me, it marked the shift from being a student to becoming a leader. I saw the power of storytelling, the impact of representation, and the urgency of organizing for change.

As Student Government President, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about trust. It’s about listening to the quiet voices, amplifying the bold ones, and creating space for all to rise. From planning campus-wide events to advocating for mental health resources, every action is rooted in community care.

Organization means:

• Turning ideas into initiatives.

• Building coalitions across clubs and classrooms.

• Navigating challenges with integrity and grit.

• Celebrating culture, resilience, and student brilliance.

I carry my Community Health Worker training into every meeting. I bring Black feminist thought into every speech. I lead with empathy, strategy, and a deep belief that Hostos students are not just future leaders — we’re leading now.

To my peers: If you felt inspired at orientation, let that spark grow. Join a club. Start a campaign. Speak up. Organize. Because the future of Hostos is not just in the hands of the administration; it’s in ours.

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

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



Hostos Research Center Hosts New October Events

The Hostos Research Center (HRC) will be hosting two events next week that all members of the Hostos community are invited to attend. On Tuesday, October 7, at 3 p.m. please join us for a special artist presentation in honor of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with Hostos Family. The Puerto Rican artist Kayleen Berry, daughter of Hostos Public Safety Officer, Raul De Jesus, will be joining us to share her artistic trajectory from her beginnings in the Bronx to her studies in California, and her current practice that is based in New York and Puerto Rico. Ecological research is integral to Berry’s artistic creations that examine the relationship between humans and the natural world. This will be a wonderful opportunity for all interested in learning how Berry has infused science and art to create important reflections on our world today.

On Wednesday, October 8, at 12:30 p.m., the HRC will host its Fall Open House which will provide vital information on the initiatives being implemented this academic year. Come and learn about the ADELANTE and IDEAS grant opportunities for faculty and staff seeking funding to advance their research and development of new projects, and the HRC Scholars Program, a new initiative that provides mentored research opportunities to students in collaboration with Hostos faculty and mentors from the CUNY Graduate Center. We will also be launching the HRC Colloquium Series, a new seminar series featuring presentations from ADELANTE and IDEAS grantees. This will be a dynamic showcase of the incredible work that past and current grantees have carried out with the support of Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives.

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

Submitted by Assistant Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness Babette Audant, Ph.D.

Retention: A Story with Multiple Facets

The cautiously exciting news is that Year 1 retention has improved significantly (~10%). 

More specifically, as of September 25th, 59.7% of the Fall 2024 cohort of first-time full-time freshmen (FTFTF) continued to enroll in classes in Fall 2025. To compare, the Fall 2022 FTFTF cohort Year 1 retention was 57% and the Fall 2023 FTFTF cohort Year 1 retention was 54.1%. This means that for every 10 first-time full-time freshmen who enrolled at Hostos in Fall 2024, six students returned in Fall 2025, and that four students stopped out. 

Retention is a notoriously stubborn metric, especially for institutions like Hostos where >75% of our students come from households reporting less than $30K annual income, and who face major obstacles to success including housing and food insecurity, childcare responsibilities, financial responsibilities, mental and physical health concerns. Students return to Hostos when the competing priorities of their lives allow time and space for college, and when we communicate that the opportunity costs of attending college are worth it, and we help students build a sense of belonging at Hostos. 

We can attribute retention gains to college-wide efforts to deliver a comprehensive First Year Experience (FYE), which includes initiatives and practices including: Summer Bridge, early and more frequent advising, FYE peer mentors, significantly improved Gateway completion rates (early successes communicate a sense of belonging), career development and academic planning, proactive award of gap funding, early referrals to support services like counseling, child care and the food pantry. The whole is more than the sum of its parts: the delivery of FYE’s multiple components depends on cross-divisional collaboration that anticipates students’ needs and responds quickly to emergent needs. 

While it’s gratifying to see effort and intention reflected in positive metrics, retention gains were not universal when OIERA disaggregated the data by gender and race/ethnicity. 

*All data used in this table are preliminary. 

Hostos’ “retention gap,” a metric used CUNY-wide and nationally to measure the difference between female and male student retention, has grown from <4 percentage points to 9.4 percentage points, or 17%. The work for this year, then, is two-fold: sustain and strengthen retention for all students regardless of whether they are full-time, part-time, male, female or non-binary (only 3 of the 8 Fall 2024 FTFTF identifying as non-binary returned in Fall 2025), of any race/ethnicity or background. And, to look at the male students who didn’t return as well as those who did, to identify experiences or qualities that may help us understand how to improve retention among male students specifically. Higher education has become a predominantly female space, and there are many reasons to celebrate the impact on female socio-economic mobility and our intellectual and professional contributions. That said, our commitment to equity demands that we not accept national trends as a fait accompli, but rather as a challenge we can best. 

POLICY OF THE WEEK

Highlighting CUNY Policies You Should Know

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



Statement on Public Order

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

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Submitted by Dean Ana I. García Reyes

With Gratitude to Our Community Partners

Over the past weeks, Hostos Community College has been warmly welcomed into community spaces that celebrate culture, justice, education, and service. We are deeply thankful to our partners for inviting us to share in these meaningful moments.

• On September 19, we joined the Dominican Bar Association’s 22nd Annual Scholarship Gala. Our sincere thanks to DBA President Dorian Rojas and the Association for the warm welcome, and congratulations on hosting a successful evening filled with members of the judiciary and community stakeholders dedicated to advancing opportunities for students.

• On September 22, the Filarmónica de Santo Domingo performed at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, hosted by the Ministerio de Cultura, Ministerio de la Presidencia, and the Consulado de la República Dominicana de New York. We are grateful for the opportunity to host such a beautiful concert, which brought together dignitaries, elected officials, and community members in celebration of art and culture.

• On September 24, we were welcomed by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York at their executive offices, where we met new Executive Director Dr. Antonio Fernández. We thank Catholic Charities for sharing their vision and commitment to serving those in need with dignity through programs in immigration, housing, food distribution, and more.

• On September 25, the closing reunion of the Hostos Professional Development & Study Abroad Program to the Dominican Republic was held at Gregorio Luperón High School. We extend our deepest thanks to the principals, teachers, students, community leaders, and elected officials who joined us in celebrating this 39-year-old program. The event highlighted the lasting impact of cultural exchange and reaffirmed the shared commitment to advancing education across New York City schools. Read more here.

We thank each of these partners for welcoming Hostos into their spaces and for allowing us to stand alongside them in service to our communities. These moments remind us that Hostos is strongest when we walk together — with educators, leaders, and neighbors — toward a brighter and more inclusive future.

Lastly, please note that applications for the Summer 2026 Professional Development & Study Abroad Program are now open. To register, or for additional information please email Mr. Gerson Peña at GPENA@hostos.cuny.edu.

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.

Fall Festival in St. Mary’s Park This Saturday; MASA Opportunities – Resources and Current Offerings

This week’s updates come from the Office of Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, including a Fall Festival this Saturday and an upcoming event held by MASA, also known as the Mexican American Students’ Alliance.  For more information about MASA’s services, please email info@masany.org or visit their website.

Fall Festival at St. Mary’s Park, Saturday October 4, 12 to 4 p.m.

Deputy Speaker Ayala and the New York City Parks Department invite you to a family-friendly afternoon in the park with games, sports, fall-themed crafts and more.  St. Mary’s Park is located at Saint Ann’s Avenue and East 146th Street in the Bronx.  This event is free and open to the public —all are welcome!

MASA Opportunities and Resources

Abriendo Puertas Parenting Course in Spanish 

Bronx Only - Interested parents should fill out this form.

A 10 session Parenting Course (five-week course) in Spanish that is culturally relevant and honors parents as leaders and their child’s first and most important teacher, promoting school readiness, family well-being, and advocacy.

Immigration Support Services 

Citywide - People interested should fill out this form.

Masa can help support community members as they navigate the immigration process and apply for immigration applications Pro Se (under the supervision of immigration attorneys), refer them to legal services providers that can provide a free consultation (not representation) to help them navigate next steps, support families with loved ones currently detained by ICE, translation (of documents needed for their legal cases) and interpretation services, as well as supporting immigrants navigating social service systems. 

Masa After School Program (K-8th) - Looking for Volunteer Tutors 

Citywide - 16+ individuals interested should fill out this form.

Masa is looking for in-person volunteer tutors to support our K- 8th grade After-School Program. Help inspire our next generation of community leaders! Just 2-4 hours a week will go a long way in helping children of immigrants succeed academically, socially, and emotionally! 

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY

Submitted by Chief Diversity Officer Philip Oliveri, Esq.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

This October, we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), an annual month-long commemoration to bring awareness to domestic violence (DV) and gender-based violence (GBV). Awareness is one of the greatest tools we have in interrupting domestic and gender-based violence. This month, Hostos is highlighting the following to raise awareness about domestic and gender-based violence on our campus, Purple Thursday, which happens on Thursday, October 23. 

On this day, the community wears purple to raise awareness for domestic and gender-based violence. Participants are encouraged to wear purple and post their pictures on social media using the hashtags #DVAM2024 #ENDGBV #NYOPDV #DVAM. 

Additionally, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) provides services to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. More information may be found on their website at Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence | Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (ny.gov).

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

Submitted by Director Ivano Leoncavallo

Vote for the New Hostos Cafeteria Name

The Hostos cafeteria is getting a new name, and the choice is in YOUR hands!

We’ve narrowed it down to two great options, and now it’s time for our community to decide. This is your opportunity to shape a piece of campus life and help us choose a name that represents us.

Cast your vote here!

Voting is quick, open to all, and an important way to make your voice heard. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this special moment!

Voting closes on Friday, October 10.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

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

The Office of Grant & Research Administration Supports Faculty in New PSC-CUNY Grant Cycle

Kelba Sosa, Grant Office Director

Prof. Nelson Nuñez Rodríguez, OAA Faculty Fellow



The Office of Grant & Research Administration (OGRA) reaffirms its commitment to supporting faculty scholarship by promoting the new cycle of PSC-CUNY grant applications. This year, the program introduces important changes to the application structure. Two award types will be available: Track 1: Up to $7,000 (85% of program funding) and Track 2: Up to $15,000 (15% of program funding). In addition, CUNY is piloting the Post Tenure Reassigned Time initiative. This pilot provides course release(s) for tenured Assistant and Associate Professors to engage in meritorious research, scholarly, and creative activities. The Pilot shares the same objectives and will enable the same types of faculty research projects as the PSC-CUNY Research Awards program. As in previous years, OGRA will support faculty through technical workshops on narrative development, budgeting, and budget justification. It will also prepare faculty for post-award processes, including navigating the Research Foundation webpage, managing budgets, and addressing unforeseen challenges during project implementation. Through these efforts, OGRA underscores its commitment to fostering a culture of research and creativity that enriches faculty engagement and strengthens Hostos’s intellectual vitality.

Navigate Trainings on Alerts and Referrals

Hostos Navigate Task Force

Student support offices in both Academic Affairs and Student Development and Enrollment Management are participating in workshops about how to raise and respond to alerts and referrals processed through Navigate. Additionally, program directors are discussing and making decisions about how their offices will respond to receiving alerts and referrals processed in Navigate. In this way, the staff are preparing and strengthening our communication network to support the influx of alerts and referrals that will be raised in Navigate when faculty are onboarded and trained to use the system more fully. Academic alerts are mainly raised by faculty, while kudos and referrals are primarily raised by both faculty and staff. Cases are opened and notifications are sent to staff when alerts, kudos, or referrals are raised. After a case opens, the assigned staff member(s) makes calls, sends emails or text messages, or may talk to the student about the information received in the alert or referral. These efforts are being implemented to help us improve student persistence, retention and graduation. All faculty and staff interested in joining the trainings during the Fall 2025 semester should contact us at navigate@hostos.cuny.edu for more information.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by VP Althea Sterling, Ed.D.

A Message from the Vice President

I hope your semester is going well and that you’ve found your rhythm both inside and outside the classroom. With midterms approaching, now is a good time to start planning your courses for Spring 2026. Be sure to connect with your advisor to stay on track of your academic and career goals.

For students, faculty and staff, who may be affected by recent immigration policy changes, CUNY’s Immigration Assistance Project (CIAP) offers free legal resources and confidential emergency support. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone, help is here when you need it.

Remember, we are here to support your success every step of the way. If you ever need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out or stop by our offices.

Wishing you a productive and healthy semester ahead!

Admissions and Recruitment

We’re thrilled to share that Hostos Community College’s Open House is coming up on Tuesday, November 11, and we’d love for you to join us for the resource fair portion of the event. Additionally, we will reach out again to invite speakers for breakout sessions and mock classroom presentations for our prospective students/guests.

Date: Tuesday, November 11

Time: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Location: East Academic Complex (Building C), Gymnasium

Mark your calendar — more details to follow. Please share with your academic and administrative colleagues.

For inquiries, email Interim Associate Dean/Director of Admissions and Recruitment, Carlos Rivera at carivera@hostos.cuny.edu.   

Transfer Services

Tales from the Campus Tours

Taking a campus tour and connecting with Transfer Services can make all the difference in your journey. It’s not just about seeing the campus — it’s about feeling the energy, meeting current students, and imagining your future there.



Here’s what students had to say after their tour at Lehman last month:

•  "I always knew I wanted to study Health Care Administration, but after today’s tour, I’m heading to the Transfer Lab to apply to Lehman!"
• "The tour was awesome, I’m definitely going to Lehman!"
• "It was a great experience!"
• "I love it here!"

Ready to take the next step? 

Connect with Transfer Services today!



Athletics and Recreation Events

Stay connected with Hostos Athletics keep up with the latest game schedules, and team updates. Visit the Hostos Athletic Department website regularly for real-time information: https://hostosathletics.com.

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne

CUNY Policy Regarding Open Access Computers, Printers, and Copiers



The CUNY Office of Computing and Information Services (CIS) has provided important clarification regarding having open access computers and/or providing use of open access computers, printers, and copiers on campus.  

Per CUNY policy, access to CUNY computers, networks, and systems is limited to individuals with an active CUNY status. This means that non-active personnel, including retirees, alumni, and members of the general public, may not be granted access to these resources.

Please note that alumni who are currently employed by CUNY are considered active and may continue to use these systems as usual.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a secure and compliant IT environment.  

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

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

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

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

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

October 11

October 18  

October 25  

November 1  

November 15  

November 22  

December 6  

December 13  



Announcement 

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

CEWD Information Sessions

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

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 12:30 PM (Virtual)  

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 12:30 PM (Virtual)  

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

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6 PM (In-Person)  

Saturday, Jan. 10, 11 AM (Virtual) 

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

Still Recruiting Students for CEWD’s No-Cost Community Health Worker Training Program 

CEWD is currently enrolling students in our no-cost Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program. The CHW training program prepares students to provide effective community outreach, build trust with communities, support connections to care and support services, and contribute to the overall health and well-being of their communities. 

Students that enroll in CEWD’s CHW program receive textbooks, assistance with transportation (if needed), and a stipend upon completing each module in the training program. In addition, students that successfully complete the CHW Training Program may be eligible to obtain credit for prior learning that can be applied to their college transcript when they enroll in a Hostos degree program. CHW students can earn up to nine (9) academic credits towards an A.S. degree in Community Health or an A.A.S. in Aging & Health Studies at Hostos. 

To learn more about the CHW program, please contact Jaunia Clarke at jclarke@hostos.cuny.edu.

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA)

Submitted by VP Colette Atkins

Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic is Next Week—October 9!

We can’t wait to gather with you for the Hostos Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic on October 9 at Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses! Whether you’ll be joining us on the course or at the evening cocktail hour and awards dinner, it promises to be a memorable day of camaraderie and celebration. Reserve your spot at www.hostosgolfouting.com. Every contribution helps provide emergency scholarships and vital support services that empower our students and strengthen the mission of Hostos.



Hostos Alumni Faculty and Staff Directory Updates

Strengthening the Hostos alum network starts with you! If you are a Hostos grad who works at the College, please complete this form or reach out to Alumni Relations Manager Felix Sanchez at fsanchez@hostos.cuny.edu to confirm your contact information.

BRAVO NEWS

Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Hostos Community

Make sure to check our website and follow us on social media for all updates: Instagram (@hostoscollege), Facebook (HostosCC), and LinkedIn (CUNY Hostos Community College). 

Hostos Inaugurates New Interfaith Room

On October 1, 2025, Hostos Community College held the ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Interfaith Room (Building A, Room 130), a dedicated space designed to honor the diversity of our community and support multiple faith traditions. The gathering was marked by reflection, unity, and gratitude, with special thanks to Councilmember Eric Dinowitz for joining us on this important occasion. The Interfaith Room will serve as a welcoming space for the Hostos family to come together to honor, to mourn, and to celebrate in community. 



A Celebration of Care and Culture for Bronx Families at Hostos

On a sunny Sunday afternoon on September 28 in the Bronx, the Hostos Community College’s C-building was transformed into a vibrant festival of music, health, and community spirit for the Hostos-Somos Community Care Fest. Read 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.

ATHLETICS CALENDAR

Volleyball Home Games

Saturday, Oct. 4 | 12 PM

Location: Gym

Opponent: LaGuardia Community College 

Thursday, Oct. 9 | 6 PM

Location: Gym

Opponent: Kingsborough Community College

EVENTS

Title: Hispanic Heritage Month | A Conversation with Artist Kayleen Berry: How Ecological Inquiries Shape Art Today

Date | Time: Tuesday, October 7 | 3 PM

Location: Hostos Research Center (C-130)

Description: The Office of the President invites all members of the Hostos community to a special artist presentation with Kayleen Berry, a Puerto Rican artist originally from the Bronx, and a member of the Hostos family, who will be sharing how ecological research informs her artistic practice. RSVP here.

Title: Hostos Research Center Open House

Date | Time: Wednesday, October 8 | 12:30 - 2 PM

Location: Hostos Research Center (C-130)

Description: The HRC invites all to the October 2025 Open House to learn about the new Hostos Research Center Scholars initiative for students and ADELANTE grants for research development. Special research presentations will be featured. Refreshments will be provided! For more information, please contact Dr. Sofia Oviedo, Research Programs Director, at soviedo@hostos.cuny.edu.   

Title: “Tuya Siempre, Julita” by Roberto Ramos Perea (Two Functions)

Date | Time: Wednesday, October 8 | 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM

Location: Hostos Repertory Theater 

Description: Much has been said about Julia de Burgos, her poetry and her tragic life. However, history continues to surprise us with new findings about her lovers and her struggle to become what she eventually was and continues to be, the greatest Puerto Rican national poet in our entire history. Get your ticket and don't miss the secret love life between these two poets... Julia de Burgos and Luis Llorens Torres, caressing each other to the rhythm of the waves of the sea and plagiarizing each other's verses. Contact the Box Office for tickets at 718-518-4455. More here.

Title: 19th Annual Hostos Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic 

Date | Time: Thursday, October 9 | 10 AM - Registration; 11 AM - Lunch;  

12 PM - Tee off;  5:30 PM - Cocktail Reception  

Location: Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses 

Description: Get your tickets today for the 19th Annual Hostos Community College Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic on October 9. Join for the whole day at the scenic Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses or just for the cocktail hour and awards dinner. All proceeds support emergency scholarships for Hostos students. To purchase tickets and see photos from last year, visit www.hostosgolfouting.com. 

Title: Italian American Heritage Month | “The Italian Immigrant Experience in the United States” with Professor Marcella Bencivenni

Date | Time: Wednesday, October 15 | 3 PM

Location: Zoom (To be shared soon)

Description: Join President Cocco De Filippis for our Italian Heritage Month event, “The Italian Immigrant Experience in the United States.” The occasion will feature a talk honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Italian Americans by History Professor Marcella Bencivenni. Moderated by Dr. Charles Drago, Chair of Allied Health, the program will include greetings from College leadership and a thoughtful conversation.

Title: October 2025: College-wide Senate Meeting

Date | Time: Thursday, October 16 | 3:30 - 5 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

Date | Time: October 17 | 7 PM

Location: Repertory Theater

Description: As part of the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Initiative, this free concert series brings world-class performances of chamber music — including works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Elgar — directly to the Bronx community.

Title: Book Reading with Dr. Robert Scott

Date | Time: Wednesday, October 22 | 11 AM 

Location: Hostos Research Center (C-130)

Description: Dr. Robert A. Scott, President Emeritus of Adelphi University, will be presenting his new book, “Letters to Students: What It Means to Be a College Graduate.” This event is open to all Hostos students, faculty, and staff.

Title: Full Circle Souljahs

Date | Time: October 25 | 8 PM

Location: Repertory Theater

Description: Bronx dance legends Kwikstep and Rokafella reunite for a groundbreaking hip-hop choreography performance, blending street dance traditions with deep cultural roots and honoring the Bronx origins of the art form.  

Title: Puerto Rican Heritage Month | Julia Vive

Date | Time: Wednesday, November 5 | 2 - 3 PM

Location: Repertory Theater

Description: Join us for a special viewing of the documentary, “Julia Vive,” honoring Puerto Rico’s national poet, Julia de Burgos. The film combines fictional vignettes with archival footage and academic interviews, and explores her life, activism, and posthumous fame in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and New York.  

Title: Fall 2025 Industry Summit: Arts Administration and the Digital Arts 

Date | Time: Thursday, November 13 | 9 AM - 12 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: Thinking of launching a career in the arts? Join Hostos Community College for this fall’s industry summit! Speakers will deliver valuable information on exploring careers, curriculum innovations, and opportunities for networking and collaboration in the arts administration and digital arts fields. More details coming soon.

Title: Danza Fiesta – Annual South Bronx Folk Festival

Date | Time: November 15 | 3 PM

Location: Main Theater

Description: A vibrant festival celebrating Puerto Rican and South Bronx folk traditions, featuring music, dance, and cultural performances in the heart of the community. 

Title: November 2025: College-wide Senate Meeting

Date | Time: Thursday, November 20 | 3:30 - 5 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Date | Time: Tuesday, December 2 | 3 - 4:30 PM

Location: C-building Lobby

Description: The Office of the President is pleased to invite you to our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The holiday magic will unfold with a heartwarming program filled with music, joy, and camaraderie. 

Title: Spanish Harlem Orchestra – “Salsa Navidad”

Date | Time: December 6 | 8 PM

Location: Main Theater

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

Title: December 2025: College-wide Senate Meeting

Date | Time: Thursday, December 20 | 3:30 - 5 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Title: Papo Vázquez – “Holiday Jazz & Latin Jazz Parranda”

Date | Time: December 21 | 3 PM

Location: Main Theater

Description: Grammy-nominated and NEA Master Artist Papo Vázquez celebrates the holiday season with parranda music and Latin jazz–influenced holiday songs — a warm, inclusive celebration perfect for families.

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.