Friday, September 29, 2023 | Vol. 7, No. 6

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

As we close another wonderful week at the College, I share with you my remarks from the recent Stated Meeting of the College. Thank you for all you continue to do on behalf of our students.

Stated Meeting of the College

September 27, 2023, 3:30 PM

Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, CUNY

Welcome Remarks- Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., President

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

I am delighted to be with you as we come together at the beginning of an academic year that raises expectations of another opportunity for significant achievements. We continue marking the celebration of our 55th year anniversary. I am grateful for the contributions of all, and this afternoon, in particular, it promises to be very informative. We all certainly expect your comments and suggestions at the end of the presentations by College Senate Chair Ialongo, SGA Senator Jammeh, and members of the President’s Cabinet. Mil gracias, Executive Chief of Staff Kreymer, for your dynamic moderation of this meeting.   

Let me begin by indicating our commitment to our mission as we affirm the pillars of our mission:

• Provide access to higher education.
• Serve as a community resource.
• Celebrate diversity and multiculturalism.
• Facilitate socio-economic mobility.
• Develop linguistic, mathematical, technological, and critical thinking proficiencies.
• Foster intellectual growth and lifelong learning.

This academic year, we will continue to reach out and keep the College community informed, as we have done since Fall 2020 by means of the Hostos Weekly / El Semanario Hostosiano entries about our collective work— work so many of us have shared. This work has been supported as well by those on the ground, our generous laborers and custodians, Conference Center, Institutional Technology, and Public Safety colleagues. Thank you, mil gracias, does not begin to express the gratitude and the pride I feel.

You will hear this afternoon, once again, about our Strategic Plan, 2023-2028, the product of so many in working groups and a steering committee and of multiple consultations College-wide and with smaller constituent groups. Dean Audant has been a strong supporter of this collective work and has also provided, with her team, an assessment framework that will guide our continued engagement in supporting our goals as we continue to move forward together, manos a la obra, toward our aspirational goals. Let me affirm, once again, that I am most proud of how the plan balances supporting students intellectually and practically.

The opening of the Hostos Research Center and the multiple initiatives supported by Ms. MacKenzie Scott's Gift: President’s Initiatives, supported by the work of so many, with the dynamic duo combination in leadership by Dr. Sofia Oviedo and Professor Yoel Rodríguez, is opening of doors to research opportunities for our students and faculty. The impact of receiving a $1 million dollar congressional earmark in support of our students’ transfer opportunities is already being felt and will be celebrated on October 4. Congratulations to Provost Wang and colleagues in OAA on a Title V grant, to be managed by Dean Fabrizio, as we look forward to participating and to witnessing how far they will go in years to come to support academic initiatives. More recently, we celebrated a $1.5 million award from Borough President Vanessa Gibson’s Office to renovate the kitchen in our Student Café.

What can I say about the valiant, generous, and successful efforts of SDEM under the leadership of VP La Toro Yates and his team, in collaboration with Provost Wang and OAA and Academic Chairs. Budgets are grim, and yet SVP Rodríguez-Chardavoyne and her team, working collaboratively with all, have managed to keep us solvent and balanced. The enrollment and retention gains, supported by all, again, “manos a la obra” at every level, are important markers of our continued forward movement to a successful future. You will hear more details shortly. Non-credit to credit continues to move forward as we also grow the number of opportunities to support our communities via non-credit, free-of-charge opportunities. Our Division of Institutional Advancement continues to move forward in fundraising gains. So very proud of my team, of all of us, working together with support from our magnificent Student Government Association, their energy, intelligence, and participation in the conducting of supportive initiatives such as Constitution Day. Bravi tutti!

I know you heard me say this before, but it is worth repeating that my particular passion, a passion I share with many colleagues at Hostos, is giving students the opportunity to pursue a liberal arts foundation while also articulating career pathways that lead to jobs and careers that help our students. We are on our way with more vigor than ever. I applaud you all!

As always, I close my remarks by reflecting on Pablo Neruda’s Nobel Laureate speech: his understanding of the connection we have with others and the responsibility we have to one another as we try to move forward as human beings in this life’s journey. Here is a brief excerpt from Neruda’s speech, words some of you have heard me read many times before:

All paths lead to the same goal; to convey to others what we are…

but in this dance or in this song, there are fulfilled the most ancient

rites of our conscience in the awareness of being human and of

believing in a common destiny. 

I wish us all a rewarding new academic year with love and hope. As we continue our aspirational work, may your path bring joyful opportunities to support and encourage our students and each other’s journeys.

Mil gracias y bendiciones,

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President



SHARING A FAVORITE POEM

“Poetry”

By Pablo Neruda

And it was at that age . . . poetry arrived

in search of me. I don't know, I don't know where

it came from, from winter or a river.

I don't know how or when,

no, they were not voices, they were not

words, not silence,

but from a street it called me,

from the branches of night,

abruptly from the others,

among raging fires

or returning alone,

there it was, without a face,

and it touched me.

I didn't know what to say, my mouth

had no way

with names,

my eyes were blind.

Something knocked in my soul,

fever or forgotten wings,

and I made my own way,

deciphering

that fire,

and I wrote the first, faint line,

faint, without substance, pure

nonsense,

pure wisdom

of someone who knows nothing;

and suddenly I saw

the heavens

unfastened

and open,

planets,

palpitating plantations,

the darkness perforated,

riddled

with arrows, fire, and flowers,

the overpowering night, the universe.

And I, tiny being,

drunk with the great starry

void,

likeness, image of

mystery,

felt myself a pure part

of the abyss.

I wheeled with the stars.

My heart broke loose with the wind.

Translated by A.S. Kline.



“Poesía”

By Pablo Neruda

Y fue a esa edad... Llegó la poesía

a buscarme. No sé, no sé de dónde

salió, de invierno o río.

No sé cómo ni cuándo,

no, no eran voces, no eran

palabras, ni silencio,

pero desde una calle me llamaba,

desde las ramas de la noche,

de pronto entre los otros,

entre fuegos violentos

o regresando solo,

allí estaba sin rostro

y me tocaba.

Yo no sabía qué decir, mi boca

no sabía

nombrar,

mis ojos eran ciegos,

y algo golpeaba en mi alma,

fiebre o alas perdidas,

y me fui haciendo solo,

descifrando

aquella quemadura,

y escribí la primera línea vaga,

vaga, sin cuerpo, pura

tontería,

pura sabiduría

del que no sabe nada,

y vi de pronto

el cielo

desgranado

y abierto,

planetas,

plantaciones palpitantes,

la sombra perforada,

acribillada

por flechas, fuego y flores,

la noche arrolladora, el universo.

Y yo, mínimo ser,

ebrio del gran vacío

constelado,

a semejanza, a imagen

del misterio,

me sentí parte pura

del abismo,

rodé con las estrellas,

mi corazón se desató en el viento.

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT KATHY DISLA

CAIMAN CLUES

Weekly Tips & Reminders to Navigate Life at Hostos

Welcome to Week 6! Enjoy the activities and celebrations taking place this week.  

Here are your Clues:

• Communication is Key: Meet with your instructor to discuss your grades, areas of improvement, and how to meet your upcoming deadlines. Faculty are willing and ready to help you stay on track.  

• Wednesday Wellness: On Wednesdays, we unwind. Relax with yoga from 5 to 6 p.m. in C-152. Yoga mats are provided, but feel free to supply your own. Or get crafty in the A-Atrium (near the piano) from 3 – 5 p.m. and make a scarf, coaster, or headband at the Crafty Fall Outlet.  

• Grab & Go: Visit the One Stop Food Pantry in the Savoy Building, D-101, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. to grab a healthy snack between classes. 

• Friday Celebrations! Join us today for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of the College’s new advisement center, located at 429 Grand Concourse. The ceremony will be immediately followed by the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Management’s (SDEM) Fall-Fest BBQ at the Gym (C-building, third floor) from 12–3 p.m. Stop by, grab a bite, capture memories in the photo booth, and make some art.



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

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

Dear Students and Colleagues,

I am delighted to announce a new series of Community-Building Circles being held this fall as part of the Hostos Campus Climate Initiative. Last spring, the Campus Climate Initiative held a number of engaging activities such as the Silent Agreements workshop series, Interfaith Symposium, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility training, and our Black at Hostos series, which provided new learning opportunities and strategies for strengthening our campus community. This fall’s Community-Building Circles will be facilitated by the New York Peace Institute, an experienced provider of restorative justice services to community organizations. All students, faculty and staff are invited to participate. The circles will provide a safe space for sharing our views about building a community at Hostos that supports and honors all of our diverse identities and experiences. Facilitators from the New York Peace Institute will guide us through each community-building session to help us explore ways to strengthen our community and build a greater sense of belonging for all. The first session was held this week, but there are two more sessions coming up on October 24 and November 14 from 3– 5 p.m.

Register here to attend.

Also, a reminder that departments and students that are interested in participating in Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus can apply using one of the application links provided below. Students are eligible to apply if they are currently enrolled as part-time/full-time students and have minimum GPAs of 2.7. Please note these opportunities are available to students regardless of immigration or financial aid status.

Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus 2023-24 Department Application (use CUNYfirst login)

Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus 2023-24 Student Application (use CUNYfirst login)

Sincerely,

Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D.



INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

Submitted by Dean Babette Audant, Ph.D.

Spotlight on Socio-economic Mobility

Socio-economic mobility is the movement of individuals between one or more social or economic classes (often discussed as “quintiles”). Community colleges and higher education institutions, more generally, drive socio-economic mobility for racially and ethnically underrepresented minorities (URM). Hostos achieves this by supporting skills attainment, degree completion, transfer, and sustainable job placement that pays a living wage.

Hostos makes a positive impact on the earning power of our graduates, for those who seek employment after graduation and those who transfer and continue their academic pathway elsewhere. On average (see table below), Hostos graduates are earning ~45K three years post-graduation – and these data include those students who have transferred to a senior college. We cannot rest, however. While living wage has been defined numerous ways, the MIT Living Wage Calculator proposes a formula that helps put our work in perspective (for an individual without children in New York County, living wage = $54K) to what is a baseline, and what must be a target.

In addition to growing enrollment and programs in high-demand, high-wage fields, including computer science, education, and allied health, honoring our commitment to socio-economic mobility can also mean helping students access and make meaningful use of every dollar of financial aid they are eligible for. Increasing FAFSA and TAP application rates is just one strategy; so is flexible, responsive scheduling that allows students to sustain academic momentum (multiple modalities, Late Start, summer session, etc.). Negotiating transfer agreements with senior colleges that integrate career preparation is yet another.

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.

New Options for Student Loan Debt Relief

At the end of June, the Supreme Court struck down President Biden’s plan to cancel up to $20k in federal student loan debt for 43 million people. But there are still opportunities to have some or all of your student debt canceled.

There are four types of income-driven repayment plans that you may be eligible for if you have federal student loans:

1) Saving on A Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan (formerly the REPAYE Plan)

2) Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan (PAYE Plan)

3) Income-Based Repayment Plan (IBR Plan). With this plan, your payments could be as low as

    $0/month, depending on your income.

4) Income-contingent Repayment Plan (ICR Plan)

You can figure out which of these plans is best for you by using this loan simulator.

The SAVE Plan is new and replaces the old Revised Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan (REPAYE Plan). It makes sure that no borrower who makes less than $15 an hour will have to make any student loan payments. It will also make sure that interest doesn't pile up and increase your debt amount and that your spouse's income can't be used to drive up your payment amount.

Learn more about the SAVE Plan here. 

If you have any questions about these items, please email Dr. Radezky at eradezkey@hostos.cuny.edu.

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY (OCD)

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

Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course for Both Employees (E-SPARC) and Students (SPARC)

All employees and students are required to complete the Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course (“E-SPARC” for employees and “SPARC” for students).  These are web-based training programs developed by the State University of New York in partnership with the City University of New York to satisfy the New York State requirement that every college must adopt a comprehensive orientation and ongoing education campaign to educate students and employees about sexual misconduct, including domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, and sexual violence. These training programs educate students and employees about various topics relating to sexual misconduct and harassment.

Please refer to the following links for instructions on how to access the training programs:

E-SPARC (Employees) - Hostos Community College (cuny.edu)

SPARC (Students) - Hostos Community College (cuny.edu)

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

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

Forum on Issues and Trends in Education Discusses Generative AI Technology

Provost Wang and the OAA Deans Andrea Fabrizio and Babette Audant convened 40 faculty and staff for the first Forum on Issues and Trends in Education (FITE) event, “Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI): Impact on Education.” The presentation, led by Provost Wang, included an overview of the technical operations of AI, strengths and limitations of AI technology, existing AI tools, best practices for student engagement, strategies to encourage authenticity in student work and discourage academic dishonesty, pedagogical strategies for integrating AI tools in learning environments, and strategies for evaluating student work in light of widespread use of AI tools. The materials presented and supplementary resources will be housed in the Blackboard organization named “Forum on Issues and Teaching in Education”. All faculty and staff are welcome to self-enroll in the organization, which provides announcements, resources, and discussion board threads. The FITE initiative will offer open discussions throughout the academic year and all members of the campus are welcome to participate.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by VP La Toro Yates, Ph.D.

SDEM Barbeque: TODAY!

Friday, September 29, 2023

Did somebody say BBQ? Rain or shine, SDEM will host its annual Welcome BBQ today at the Gym (C-building, third floor) from 12 – 3 p.m.  Let’s enjoy the company with laughter, community support, and reunions. See you all there!

SDEM Important Events

Health and Wellness

Join the Wellness Office for “Keep Calm and Carry Yarn” to experience the health benefits of crocheting. Come and create a warm, cozy scarf or other small project at the A-Atrium, every Wednesday through December 6 from 3–4 p.m. Free to all Hostos students. Materials are provided while supplies last.

Counseling Center 

“Relationship Jeopardy”

Wednesday, October 18

Time: 3–5 PM

Room: C-391

Own Your Power Event: Collaboration with the Bronx DA’s office and Kingsbridge Health under the Enough is Enough initiative. 

“Candid Conversations: The South Asian Community Speaks”

Tuesday, October 24

Time: 3–5 PM

Room: FDR

Let’s break the stigma towards mental health and talk about being a college student, adjusting to new environments, managing cultural expectations, and personal goals.

“Hostos Family Feud”

Wednesday, November 15

Time: 3–5 PM

Room: C-391

There will be a stress reduction activity using questions related to self-care, mental health, and music for staff and students.

“Stress Reduction in Practice”

Wednesday, November 29

Time: 3–4:30 PM

Room: FDR

This is a skill-based workshop to support students during and in preparation for finals and the holidays.

Feel free to sign up for any of our offerings using this link or visit us on the Hostos Website Calendar.

CUNY EDGE

“One-Stop Services and Benefits”

When: Thursday, October 12, 2023

Time: 3:30 PM

Learn more here.

“Seminar Series: Resume Writing and Interviewing Tips”

When: Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023

Time: 3:30 PM

More details coming soon.

Hostos One Stop

Food Pantry

If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please visit the Hostos Food Pantry. Appointments are available: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, contact Madeline Cruz at 718-518-4141 or at mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu.

Grab & Go: Quick Bites between Classes

If you find yourself wanting or needing a snack in between classes, come visit the Grab & Go at the Food Pantry. Visit us at the Savoy Building, D-101, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Scholarship Opportunities

There are scholarships available, just waiting for you to apply! Click here for more information. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, contact the Scholarship Office Coordinator, Marina Esquilin, at mesquilin@hostos.cuny.edu or calling 718-518-4166.

Transfer Services 

Get help during our transfer tabling or Walk-in Wednesdays, during our virtual application hour and tabling sessions, or come to C–512 (Tuesdays) for support with your application.

Virtual Transfer Application Hour

Every Tuesday, 12 – 1 PM

Zoom here. 

Transfer Talks at C-512

Every Tuesday, 2 – 3 PM 

Walk-in Wednesdays

Every Wednesday, 9 AM – 5 PM

Tabling A-Atrium

Every Thursday, 11 AM – 1 PM   

Don’t forget to follow Transfer Services on Instagram here.

Every week, there will be admissions officers from various four-year institutions here to answer questions — along with our talented transfer coordinator and peer mentors. We have some four-year CUNYs visiting, and Fredonia, PACE, Fordham, and Albany. 

Contact transferservices@hostos.cuny.edu for the full semester schedule.  

Save the date for our TRANSFER FAIR on October 19! 

A POEM TO INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY

“Dawn in New York”

Claudy McKay

The Dawn! The Dawn! The crimson-tinted, comes

Out of the low still skies, over the hills,

Manhattan's roofs and spires and cheerless domes!

The Dawn! My spirit to its spirit thrills.

Almost the mighty city is asleep,

No pushing crowd, no tramping, tramping feet.

But here and there a few cars groaning creep

Along, above, and underneath the street,

Bearing their strangely-ghostly burdens by,

The women and the men of garish nights,

Their eyes wine-weakened and their clothes awry,

Grotesques beneath the strong electric lights.

The shadows wane. The Dawn comes to New York.

And I go darkly-rebel to my work.

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne

Budget Allocation Basics

While the academic year began with the start of the fall semester on August 25, the fiscal year began much earlier, on July 1. Budget Director Fanny Dumancela has been busy working with Hostos’ budget allocation, preparing division allocations, and drafting the College’s financial plan. While the budget process is posted on the Budget Office web page, we understand that the user community may have more questions about the budget beyond the process and process deadlines. Below is a brief summary of responses to some questions that have come across the Budget Office’s desk. As additional questions come in, responses will be put out in El Semanario as well as the Budget Office web page.

What is the fiscal year?

CUNY’s fiscal year is the period from July 1 of the current calendar year to June 30 of the next calendar year. It’s the period in which the University operates and reports its financial activities.

What is the College budget allocation?

Hostos receives tax levy funding from the University to cover the costs of operating the college. Tax levy funds are a combination of monies from the state, city, and tuition collected by the University. These funds pay for operating expenses — PS and OTPS expenses. PS (Personal Services) expenses are faculty and staff salaries; OTPS (Other Than Personal Services) expenses are all other expenditures.

How are division and department allocations determined?

The Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance and the budget director have discussions with each division vice president in the spring when the College’s preliminary fiscal year budget is announced. Division budget allocations are derived from prior year expenditures as the base allocation. The vice presidents then determine departmental allocations as they see fit. The departments must prepare and submit their spending plan to their division head. Once the plans are approved, the financial systems are updated. Funds are then disbursed by the budget director to the respective departments in alignment with their spending plan.

What happens to the unexpended portion of a departmental budget at the end of the year? Can those funds be rolled over and made available for use in the next fiscal year?

Unexpended tax levy funds are NOT rolled over at the end of the fiscal year. Departments with budget concerns should request a meeting with the budget director. Department liaisons can view their departmental OTPS budget allocations and encumbrances throughout the year in the budget system.

All purchases made with tax levy funds in a fiscal year must be received by June 30 of that fiscal year. Items delivered after June 30 will be charged to next year’s budget. Please ensure that all purchases are made in accordance with College and purchasing deadlines.

If I receive a grant/award, how do those funds get allocated to my department and when can I start spending those funds?

If you receive a grant/award, the first thing that you should do is inform your department or division head and the budget office. You should provide the budget office with a copy of the award letter and a spending plan so the budget can be allocated appropriately upon receipt of the funds. Spending of the award monies depends on the timing of when the award is actually funded.



CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

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

CEWD hosted the Bronx Reentry Community Forum at Hostos

On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, CEWD hosted “I’m Home…What’s Next,” a reentry forum and resource fair focusing on health, employment, housing, and mental health services for formerly incarcerated New Yorkers reentering the community. Thirty-seven (37) individuals attended the forum. CEWD partnered with Bronx Community Solutions, Center for Employment Opportunities, Peer Alliance Recovery Center (PARC Bronx), and Reentry Anonymous (RA) to host the day-long event. CEWD hosts the Bronx Reentry Community Forum annually. Since 2015, more than 200 individuals have attended the forum.

For over 15 years, CEWD has been partnering with community-based organizations that serve currently and formerly incarcerated New Yorkers to provide adult basic education and occupational training to their participants. Since 2007, we have received $1.3 million in funding to support this community and have served 12,000 individuals.

Virtual Information Sessions

To learn more about CEWD’s program offerings, please register for a session here.



INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA)

Submitted by VP Colette Atkins

Planned Giving to Hostos

If you have thought about including Hostos in your estate planning and would like to learn more about the many ways you can have a lasting impact on Hostos students, contact VP Colette Atkins by phone at 718-518-4394 or via email at catkins@hostos.cuny.edu to discuss how you can be part of the Eugenio María de Hostos Planned Giving Society.

CUNY Tuesday Giving Site Opens on Monday!

Giving season is upon us, and the Division of Institutional Advancement encourages you to make a gift to Hostos between October 16 and November 28, the global day of giving. Remember that there is no longer a payroll deduction option, so we encourage you to set up your gift or pledge on our website or contact Development Officer Idelsa Méndez by phone at 718-518-4341 or via email at imendez@hostos.cuny.edu.

This year, we are requesting that donors support one of three priority areas: the new Experiential Learning Fund, a regranting program that will provide support for study abroad projects, site visits, and other experiential learning opportunities; the Circle of 100 Emergency Fund, which provides up to $500 to students with an urgent financial burden; and BTSA, which provides up to $500 of tuition relief or financial aid for a student nearing graduation.

BRAVO NEWS

Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Hostos Community

Hostos HERO HS Graduate Passes NCLEX–RN

Class of 2023 HERO High School Alumni Justin Rosa just passed his NCLEX–RN exam! The test is required for nursing graduates to successfully be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the U.S. and Canada. Justin completed his associate degree at Hostos at the same time he was finishing his high school education. He will soon be employed at Montefiore Hospital. Congratulations, Justin! We’re so very proud of you!

Congratulations, CTL, on Most Recent Publication!

We extend warm congratulations to the Hostos Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) for the publication of their 17th edition of the Reflections newsletter. Your work in advancing the mission of high-quality higher education does not go unnoticed. Here’s to many more newsletters and projects! To read the number, please go here. 

Congratulations to our Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Scholars!

We’re proud of three students, Estela Espino, Renata Tedaldi, and Stephanie Oliveira de Araújo, who just became Hispanic Serving Institution Scholars of the American Heart Association. They are the only three awardees from New York. Please receive our warmest congratulations!

HOSTOS IN THE NEWS

We're thrilled to share some exciting updates on our media relations efforts! 

First, a big congratulations to Hostos student Elizabeth Soto, who recently made an appearance on CBS News. She was interviewed during her participation in the Hostos Annual Fall Wellness Festival, discussing the pressing need for more Latina physicians in New York City. To catch the full story, you can click here. 

Additionally, our inaugural event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which focused on the Jewish diaspora in the Dominican Republic, received coverage on BronxTimes. To learn more about this engaging event, read the article here. These recent media features underscore our commitment to promoting important issues and events within our community.

Lastly, our Constitutional Day celebration with NYS Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado was featured in CUNY Weekly, the University-wide newsletter.



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: Angel “Papote” Alvarado y Grupo Esencia in Concert

Date | Time: Saturday, September 30 | 7:30 PM

Location: Main Theater

Description: In their Hostos Center debut, Ángel “Papote” Alvarado y el Grupo Esencia will celebrate 25 years of performing and recording their dynamic style of hard-hitting, danceable Bomba, Plena and Salsa. These Latin Grammy nominees released their seventh album, "El tren de la sabrosura," in 2022 to high praise and recognition, winning the prestigious "Best Album of the Year" from Puerto Rico's Fundación Nacional para La Cultura Popular. Joining them is special guest artist Héctor “Pichie” Pérez — the Bronx-born “sonero” and 30-year lead singer of La Sonora Ponceña. This culturally rich evening will resonate with fans — young and old — of contemporary Bomba, Plena, Salsa and Afro-Caribbean music. Get tickets here.

Title: Immigration Talk: Rights and Protections

Date | Time: Wednesday, October 4 | 3:30 – 5 PM

Location: B-501

Description: Join Michael Eatroff, Senior Staff Attorney in NYLAG’s Immigrant Protection Unit – Office of New Americans, for an informative talk in which he will provide information about immigrant rights, programs, and protections potentially available to Hostos students, families, and community members. 

Title: Camino a Mictlán Dia de los Muertos Art Installation & Ofrenda

Date: Oct. 4 – Nov. 3 | Tuesday–Friday from 12–6 PM and Saturdays during the month of October only

Location: Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos 

Description: Camino a Mictlán will give the Bronx an authentic experience of el diá de los Muertos — Day of the Dead. Each fall across Mexico, streets become filled with vibrant colors, skull-painted faces, and ceremonial “ofrenda” altars filled with flowers, candles, and photographs of deceased loved ones. The exhibit features traditional altars and large-scale sculptures. The gallery is free and open to the public every Tues-Fri from 12-6 p.m., with Saturdays also open during the month of October.

Title: Journal Launch of Latin American Writers Institute (LAWI)

Date | Time: Thursday, October 12 | 5:30 PM

Location: Zoom to be provided

Description: The Hostos Latin American Writers Institute (LAWI) will celebrate the launch of Hostos Review / Revista Hostosiana’s 19th issue, titled “Hacia una cartografía medioambiental de Sudamérica/ Towards an Environmental Cartography of South America.” There will be an in-person launch event at Instituto Cervantes (211 E. 49th St, New York, NY 10017) on Wednesday, October 11, at 6 p.m.

Title: Neo Afro Diasporic Festival presents: Lectures, Dance Workshop, and Concert

Date | Time: Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14 | Time details below. 

Locations: Longwood Art Gallery, Hostos Dance Studio, and Hostos Main Theater

Description: Neo Afro Diasporic Festival presents: features a series of performative and educational events where a collective of women from Puerto Rico, Peru, Colombia, Honduras, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Africa will teach their respective cultural dances and share a final performance that will takes us on a journey to Africa. The first event will be two lectures and a performance in the Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos on Friday, October 13 at 5:30 p.m.; the next day there will be a dance workshop in the Hostos dance studio from 12-5:15 p.m. and a culminating performance in the Main Theater at 7 p.m.

Title: Panel “¡Ser intelectual hoy! Arte y sociedad”

Date | Time: Tuesday, October 17 | 3 – 5 PM

Location: Longwood Art Gallery

Description: Hostos President Cocco De Filippis, Author Chiqui Vicioso, Professor Humberto Ballesteros, and Professor Inmaculada Lara Bonilla will engage in conversation about their recent publications and research. This is a bilingual event (English-Spanish).

Title: Italian Heritage Month | Exploring Italian-American Identity: Screening of 'As Good as Bread' with Dr. Elisabetta Sanino D’Amanda

Date | Time: Thursday, October 19 | 1:30 PM – 3 PM

Location: Zoom

Description: Join Dr. Elisabetta Sanino D’Amanda, Principal Lecturer of Italian and Coordinator of the Italian Studies Program at Rochester Institute of Technology, for the screening of “As Good as Bread” (2008). This film investigates the history of Rochester’s Italian-American community, the second-largest in New York. This event will shed light on Italian-Americans and their identity in the country. Leading the discussion will be Allied Health Sciences Chair, Professor Charles Drago and York College colleague, Dr. Donna M. Chirico, who is also Resident Faculty at the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute and Chair of the Italian American Faculty and Staff Advisory Council.

Title: Financial Wellness Seminar Series

Date: Wednesday, October 25 | Follow the link in the description for time details. 

Location: Virtual Events

Description: These upcoming virtual sessions from the Office of Alumni Relations will feature distinguished speakers, including Melody Maisonet ’17, Pedro Rivera ’15, and Hostos ASAP Coordinator Siddique Mohamed. Their expertise will provide invaluable guidance as you navigate the complexities of personal financial management.  We cordially invite you to participate in our upcoming virtual sessions to learn about budgeting, long-term planning, and investing. Register for one or more sessions here.

Title: “Homeward” Staged Reading 

Date | Time: Thursday, October 26 | 12:30 PM and 7 PM and Friday, October 27 | 7 PM 

Location: Repertory Theater

Description: Since Vietnam, Rufus Jefferson has felt lost, PTSD crippling his interactions with those he loves. Everyone, including his beloved wife and best friend, thinks a near-death experience in war caused his recurring trauma. For most of his life, he keeps secret how his white commanding officer's actions, resulting in Rufus’ less-than-honorable discharge, traumatized him and why he doesn’t tell anyone the truth. It’s not until his daughter convinces him to testify to his story and fight the “bad paper” symbolizing his dishonor that he finds his way home. Ticket information to follow.

Title: Student Leadership Academy Alumni Reunion

Date | Time: Thursday, November 2 | 6 PM

Location: A-Atrium

Description: Get ready for our first Student Leadership Academy Alumni Reunion, which promises to be amazing. Kindly mark your calendars, and RSVP using this link.  

Title: Veterans Day Alumni Celebration

Date | Time: Tuesday, November 7 | 3 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: Save the date for this celebration in which we will honor those alumni who have bravely served our nation!

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.