Friday, December 16, 2022 | Vol. 5, No. 17, Fall 2022 Semester

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

I am happy to share remarks from this week’s All College Meeting: End of Semester Recognitions and Talent Show. As the Semanario/Weekly bids adieu for this semester, I wish everyone a peaceful holiday season and prosperous new year!

All College Meeting: End of Semester Recognitions and Talent Show

December 14, 2022

Hostos Community College Repertory Theater

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

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

 It is powerful to gather at the conclusion of a semester of significant challenges and achievements. This semester we began to transition to a more robust in person classroom and outside of the classroom intellectual and cultural activities. As always, our main concern is the safety and health of our students, faculty, staff and administration, and the continued high quality of instruction and student and academic support services. This is how we live our values at Hostos.

Throughout this academic year we continued to reach out and to keep the college community informed, as we have done since fall 2020 by means of the Hostos Weekly/Semanario Hostosiano entries about our collective work; work so many of us have shared. We know how we have organized and worked diligently and creatively on so many fronts to be supportive to our students, our academic programs and ourselves. Thank you to all those who continue to work hard to find solutions to challenging situations — from the physical space, to teaching effectiveness and successful retention of our students in our classrooms and academic support strategies, to supporting morale by means of multiple activities outside of the classroom and by so many activities to keep a robust intellectual life. This work has been supported as well by those on the ground, our generous Buildings and Grounds staff, Information Technology, Conference Center and Public Safety colleagues. Thank you. Mil gracias does not begin to express the gratitude and the pride I feel.

We celebrate this afternoon having come together as a college community for the Aspen Institute top 10 finalist visit (I know we are all keeping our fingers crossed until spring’s decision), the engaged and inclusive Strategic Planning meetings, having our Middle States Self-Study selected as one of the documents shared with colleagues at other institutions of higher education as they prepare for their own self-study process. Again, a heartfelt-bravo shout out to the intrepid and hard-working Steering Committee Leadership, superbly represented in the persons of co-Chairs Professor Nelson Nuñez- Rodríguez and Prof Kate Wolfe, the patient and talented writing contribution of Professor Catherine Lyons and the talented and thoughtful communications, data and guidance provided by Dean Babette Audant.

The work this semester for our next five-year strategic plan (2023–2028) to be completed this academic year, to take effect Fall 2023 semester has been generous. This process has engaged close to 90 students, faculty, staff and administration members in a steering committee and six mission-themed working groups, as we provide opportunities for the entire campus to participate in the process through campus-wide forums. Having just undergone the Middle States accreditation process, we are planning to be even more intentional about enhancing social justice and equity in our approach, so that all students have a fair opportunity to achieve-in higher education and in their lives.

Making retention gains will represent a major focus too; building on our innovation in developmental education, Gateway courses, cohort offerings and advisement investments. As discussed previously, our Strategic Plan (2023–2028) will extend more intentionally our horizon beyond graduation, with a strong focus on employment and transfer to help students embrace their paths forward from the time they arrive to well after they leave us. To that end, the generous support from The Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift and the seeds planted with our ongoing initiatives will go far. We celebrate early wonderful results in engagement and participation of initiatives that go from Families United in Education, Hostos Research Center’s innovations, Workforce Initiatives in non-credit to credit opportunities, Educating in Diversity programming, Nex-Gen Public Health Scholars and other 2 + 2 +2 transfer opportunities, Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus and various scholarships have strongly supported our efforts this semester and this past summer.

I know you’ve 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 earn a good living.

Administration is working diligently on bringing back cafeteria services. Right now we have sandwiches, wraps, burgers, coffee and other food items available from vending machines that are affordable and the quality is good. I have begun having lunch in the cafeteria once a week and intend to continue doing so and to break bread with students as the new semester begins and as food services begin at the end of January 2023. In conversation with many of you, I know I will run into faculty and staff using the food services as well so that we can all hear about quality and if there is a need to improve. Additionally, we need to ensure that the vendor can make serving the Hostos family financially worth their while. This is a community effort.



Academic Affairs has been exemplary in course planning, working hand in hand with Chairs and colleagues in SDEM and Administration. This will serve us well as we face budget cuts. I need not remind you, but it is best to underscore how important it is to bring up enrollment and retention, to come together in common cause to benefit our students and for our own sense of achievement and growth.

I hope you enjoyed the recent tree lighting joyful ceremony and the just so beautiful Kwanzaa ceremony. Today we initiate a new tradition for our end of year celebrations: The Talent Show. I can’t wait to celebrate the talent of our students and colleagues. We will also recognize and celebrate collaboration with the “Manos a la obra/All Hands on Deck” recognitions. Thank you, mil gracias, just so very kind of so many. Bravi!

A special thank you to all of our colleagues presenting this afternoon, and our kind student leader and College Senate leader. Thank you to the members of the President’s Office, our Cabinet, our students, our faculty and administration colleagues. 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 end of the semester and a holiday season of peace, love and hope. May the new year bring joyful opportunities to support and encourage our students and each other’s journeys.

Mil gracias y bendiciones, Daisy



Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

A BLESSING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

An Irish Prayer

Author Unknown

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

MESSAGE FROM SGA PRESIDENT LEAGHTON N. OZORIA

All College Meeting

This footpath we walk leaves many footprints. A print in time, each step a representation of value, a memory remembers all of you. No, I remember all of you. A memory stores valuable nuances of a generation and it will be admired for generations to come. Education made it here among us all to prove a point, that we are all now educated.

This Culture, the profundity is not a standalone culture. The universalism is the microcosmic writer of all our most mundane experiences in this scholastic adventure. We are together because we are the experience others want. Breathe in and learn from society for many are the hints towards our subcultures that we must define with our education.

This reality we breathe in speaks in realism, from the lobby where, who I thank for their hardwork sit, to all organizations and my start, the halls of the (SLA)Student Leadership Academy where future senators and members of the United Nations are made with much respect and due right. To a library that fills the air with knowledge like the HALC study hall which does the same. Be our leaders. Lead with each step, each speech and each breath for you are all Eugenio Maria de Hostos, a Hostos disciple.

CAIMAN CLUES

The “Caiman Clues” for the  Fall ’22 semester | Week 15

Dear Students,

Welcome to week 15! Congratulate yourself on a job well done this term, and best of luck on your final papers, projects and final exams.   

Here are the Caiman Clues: 

• Fall 2022 Final Exams – Review the finals examinations schedule to confirm an exam’s date and time. Please contact your professor if you have a concern or inquiry about the final exam information listed. Note: ESL Department exams are scheduled for December 14. 
• Wednesday, December 14 – This is the last day of weekday classes and course withdrawal with a “W” grade and deadline to complete INC grade for Winter/Spring 2022 term. 
• Check out your Final Grades on CUNYfirst – Term grades are due by December 28 and can be viewed via CUNYfirst –> Student Center –> Academic records. 

Congrats you made it through the Fall 2022 Semester! Have a wonderful holiday! 

Every week, for the Academic calendar year, read the Caiman Clues for helpful tips and reminders.

Caiman Clues —Your Hostos Helping Hand to Success

Follow our Facebook (@HostosCC), Twitter (@HostosCollege) and Instagram (@HostosCollege) for helpful hints you can use all year round.

PRESIDENT’S INITIATIVES

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

Dear Students and Colleagues,

I hope that you have had a productive and successful fall semester. I extend my best wishes to you all for a happy and healthy holiday season. I hope that during the winter break you will take time to rest, enjoy time with family and friends, and look forward to a new year of hopeful possibilities. As we come to the end of this semester, I would like to share some brief highlights on the continuing impact of the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives. This work could not have been possible without the leadership and guidance of President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, the support of the Hostos Advisory Corp members, the President’s Office team, and all the students, faculty and staff that have participated and brought these initiatives to life.

1. Families United in Education – Enrolled 14 students, all family members who are pursuing studies at Hostos and receiving access to resources including book vouchers and MetroCards, mentoring through monthly family meetings, and exposure to cultural engagement experiences.
2. Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus – Employed 25 students over the fall semester who worked across various Hostos departments and program offices. A Career Development Day was held on Oct. 17th that was facilitated by the Office of Career Services to support students’ development of career readiness skills.
3. Hostos Research Center – A new Call for Proposals for 2023 ADELANTE Research Projects was issued earlier this month to support new year-long projects that will also provide student research opportunities. The center also hosted two virtual grant writing workshops to support our faculty and staff’s grant writing efforts. Much progress has been made in the development of the new Hostos Research Center space and we anticipate opening its doors in early 2023.
4. Educating for Diversity – Two of our Spring 2022 grantees conducted fall activities including a creative writing workshop held during the LLAC Student Conference on Dec. 7th hosted by the Humanities Department, Latin American and Caribbean Studies Unit. Professor Alexandra Milsom continued to develop a student-led podcast series “Somos Hostos” that will be launched in 2023. A new Call for Educating for Diversity Applications was announced for Spring 2023 inviting students, faculty, and staff submissions. See below for links to the application and additional information.
5. Workforce Initiative – The CEWD Division awarded six continuing education students a $1,000 Ms. MacKenzie Scott Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) Scholarship to support their enrollment in a degree program at Hostos. In addition, three of our Spring 2022 ACE recipients were awarded $500 scholarships for maintaining good academic standing. Next week the scholarship awardees will be honored in a special reception hosted by the President’s Office.
6. NextGen Public Health Scholars 2+2+2 Program – After a rigorous application process, the inaugural cohort of three students that were selected was announced in late August. A special welcome reception hosted by President Cocco De Filippis was held on October 20 with participation from our partners at Columbia University School of General Studies and Mailman School of Public Health. This was a time of celebration that also provided the students with an overview of all the available resources and support they will receive through this partnership. On December 1, the students also had the opportunity to visit Columbia University to meet with staff and faculty and received a tour of the campus. We are excited for our NextGen Public Health Scholars and the new path to career development in public health and epidemiology that awaits them.
7. Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives RFP – Three new initiatives were selected through this new grant opportunity and will be piloted in 2023: Hostos Student Symposium, Caiman Direct: Virtual Student Support, and the Hostos Language Lab. 

Continuing Announcements

For anyone interested in applying to the Educating for Diversity Initiative, please note that we have extended the deadline to Tuesday, December 20! We are inviting applications from students, faculty, and staff for mini-grants to support cultural, social, and educational activities that will address the interests of our students and Hostos community members in advancing issues of social justice, racial equity, diversity and inclusion. Grants will range from $1,000 - $2,000 and submissions are welcome from any individual or group at Hostos. All proposed events/activities must occur during the Spring 2023 semester.

The Educating for Diversity application deadline is extended to Tuesday, December 20, 2022 by 11:59 p.m. Awards will be announced by January 6, 2023.



To access the Educating for Diversity application, click here (use CUNY login to access).

A Virtual Information Session was held that you can view here to learn more. Passcode: A6i&#F1E

The Hostos Research Center’s 2023 ADELANTE Call for Proposals and Application is open. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to faculty and staff seeking to develop ADELANTE (ADvancing Excellence in Liberal Arts, scieNces, Technology and Engineering) Project proposals to address research, need-based, and/or creative/transformative interventions in all disciplines including the Arts and Humanities, Behavioral and Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The application deadline is February 3, 2023.

ADELANTE 2023 Call for Proposals

ADELANTE Project Application Template

Submit ADELANTE Project Application (Use CUNY log-in to access)

For more information about the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives, please email or call Sofia Oviedo at soviedo@hostos.cuny.edu | Tel: 718-518-4309.

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT

Submitted by Dean of Academic Affairs Institutional Effectiveness,

Research, and Assessment Babette Audant, Ph.D.

Updates from the Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE) Conference

The annual MSCHE conference took place in Philadelphia last week (12/8 to 12/9) and was attended by more than 500 representatives of the institutions of higher education across the North Atlantic region and Puerto Rico. In addition to panel presentations, there were several keynote speakers.

Among the highlights:

The Standards (the six the organized Hostos Self-Study report) have undergone review and (slight) revision. The draft revision report was submitted in November 2022; all college Presidents affiliated with MSHCE will have an opportunity to vote to affirm the revisions in January 2023. Among the guiding principles, college Mission remains the lens through which institutions are to evaluate themselves, acknowledging the diverse institutions accredited by MSCHE. And, all institutions are responsible for more intentionally articulating how diversity, equity and inclusion are accounted for and advanced across the standards. This is an invitation to continue disaggregating data, particularly data about key performance indicators such as retention, course completion rates, graduation, transfer and post-graduation wages.

Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III, President Emeritus of University of Maryland, gave a raucous address about the power of universities in advancing democratic principles and empowering students of color though STEM and STEM-adjacent pathways. While he emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities in STEM, he advocated strongly for the pursuit of all liberal arts including language arts and for cultivating a love of math. And demonstrated his self-taught French throughout his address that had the audience standing and cheering several times (THOUGHTS! WORDS! ACTIONS! HABITS! CHARACTER! DESTINY!). Bottom line: roll up your sleeves and get it done. Not so far from our President Cocco De Filippis' call to action: manos a la obra!

Dr. John Lane, VP for Academic Affairs and Equity Initiatives for State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) gave a more sober address to the assembled Accreditation Liaison Officers (ALOs). He described the challenge he faces when testifying before Federal and state panels about equity initiatives: what some see as a moral imperative is seen as a divisive concept by others. When invited to elaborate, he spoke about the common ground of economic imperatives, and how that language provides the leverage for moving ahead on workforce development initiatives (for example) designed to provide socio-economic mobility to underrepresented and vulnerable populations. Ultimately, he said, though it’s slow work, getting people to embrace and embody the moral imperative of the work we do at institutions like Hostos may take time, and is work worth committing to. 

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director of Governmental and External Affairs Eric Radezky, Ph.D.

Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) Office Opens in the Bronx

This week’s update comes from the Office of Congressman Ritchie Torres.

Last month, Congressman Torres, in conjunction with New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi, announced the opening of a new Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) Office in the Bronx that will provide services to the Puerto Rican community. This is something that Congressman Torres has advocated for since his time in the New York City Council and continued to advocate for when he entered Congress in 2021.

The PRFAA office will help Puerto Ricans living in New York obtain direct services from the Government of Puerto Rico including copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, ASUME certificates, and any other forms of assistance needed from the Puerto Rican government. The office will be located at 400 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458.

The office is open, though still in the process of setting up. There is no phone number yet, but appointments can be made, and are required at this time, at www.prfaa.pr.gov/book. After booking an appointment, please bring a current photo ID to the office as proof of identity, state-issued IDs such as a driver’s license or nondriver’s license are preferred.

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Academic Affairs Identifies Its First Cohort of Faculty Participants in ACUE Professional Development

After an overwhelming response, we are pleased to share that we have a full cohort of 32 full time faculty from across the Academic Departments enrolled in the first cohort of ACUE (Associations of College and University Educators) Professional Development, "Effective Online Teaching Practices." The ACUE PD begins in January and will continue until the end of 2023. Prof. Lou Bury, Associate Professor in the English Department, will serve as the faculty facilitator. Congratulations to our first ACUE cohort! We congratulate you and thank you for your commitment to this program and for your pedagogical leadership. 

2023 Cohort Selected for CUNY Faculty Fellowship Publication Program

Academic Affairs is pleased to offer a grand congratulations to the newest Hostos members of the 2023 CUNY Faculty Fellowship Publication Program (FFPP). Assistant Professors Elizabeth Porter and Krystyna Michael, both from the English Department, and Assistant Professor Helen Chang, from Behavioral and Social Sciences, were selected to participate. Each will work on a specific research topic during the spring semester.

Progress Survey Thank you!

Academic Affairs is grateful to all faculty and advisors who participated in student progress survey initiatives this semester. Completing and following up on progress survey information takes time, energy and commitment, and none of it could happen without the contributions of everyone involved.

Additionally, many thanks to the following faculty and staff who support, plan, and help implement Succeed@Hostos initiatives:

Nursing Industry Summit

Academic Affairs is incredibly proud of the nursing students and faculty who participated in the Nursing Industry Summit which was implemented by the President’s Office in November 2022. The Hostos nursing faculty discussed the mission, nursing curriculum, and the importance of community and employer partnerships, while student nursing students shared their experiences being a part of the Hostos nursing program. The community partners and employers who participated discussed skills and knowledge that nurses need to be successful and the supports that are still needed to further diversify the nursing workforce. Academic Affairs commends all members of the campus community who presented and/or participated.

Science Week

Academic Affairs extends heart-felt thanks to Professor Maria Carmen Inda García and the Science Week planning committee and to Professor Francisco Fernández, chair of the Natural Sciences Department, for coordinating such a thoughtful program of presentations and activities led by scientific scholars and disciplinary experts and student/faculty research teams. Thank you to all the participants for sharing your passion for science and for sharing science knowledge with and among our campus community members.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

Submitted by VP of Student Development and Enrollment Management (SDEM) La Toro Yates, Ph.D.

Student Services

Enrollment for Spring 2023 is open now! Log in to your CUNYfirst account to register for classes using Schedule Builder, for navigation assistance, click here. If you need assistance, you can make an appointment with your ASAP Advisor or College Discovery Advisor or Student Success Coach. You can call Student Services at 718-518-4385.

Financial Aid Update

The 2023-2024 FAFSA & TAP applications are AVAILABLE as of October 1.

Undocu-Ally Update

On Friday, December 9, our SDEM Immigrant Success Liaisons (Fabian Wander, Director of Health and Wellness Services, and Marsha Milan-Bethel, Student Support Specialist) provided an UndocuALLY training for the Financial Aid Office staff. The goal of the training was to challenge the understanding on various immigration statuses and undocumented students and to better understand the significance of education. With 2.5 million undocumented youth in the United States, 100,000 graduate high school only 5-10% of those graduates enroll in college and only 1-3% graduate with a college degree (United We Dream, 2015). Hostos Community College is a beacon of hope for this marginalized population. Therefore, as a community we need to understand the appropriate terms, the barriers that hinder and highlight the resources available which support our immigrant student population towards earning their college degree.

For additional resources, please visit the following: Becoming an Undocually (cuny.edu)

COVID- 19 Testing Student Protocols

To ensure your continued safety, the University’s COVID-19 random testing continues to be in place. If you are selected, you will receive an email from one of the following domain names: Cleared4.org OR Cleared4work.com. Once selected, you MUST test at a CUNY test site within 14 days of receiving the email — CUNY students can get tested at any CUNY campus.

Kindly note that failure to comply within 14 days, will result in your ID being deactivated and you will not be able to attend classes or use any of the campus resources. To avoid unnecessary frustrations, once you receive the email, please make sure you comply within 14 days. 

For Hostos test site hours of operation, clickn here.

For all other CUNY test sites hours of operation, click here.

College Discovery

The College Discovery Office hosted a workshop led by Eric Rodríguez, Chair of the CUNY-Wide Mental Health Committee. The workshop was on December 8 called “Reclaim Yourself: The Importance of Self-Talk.” This workshop was created by the SEEK/CD MH Committee and was the last of a series of workshops that gave students an opportunity to engage mental health professionals around topics of mental health in an informal setting. The importance of Self Talk gives students a chance to understand the power of language and how it impacts subsequent actions toward change. The conversation allows students to understand obstacles to positive self-talk while also exploring skills to possess and process more positive thoughts.

Admissions

On Thursday, December 8, the Office of Admissions and Recruitment in collaboration with the Office of Financial Aid hosted its first Student Financials Information Session. The session, which was the first of three sessions, hosted 28 incoming freshman and transfer students for the spring 2023 semester. A Financial Aid Advisor discussed the intricacies of the Federal Application for Student Aid application process while an Admissions Advisor worked to convert participants to accept their offer of admission.

This past week, the Office of Admissions and Recruitment also participated in three recruitment outreach events including Brooklyn Frontiers HS, Lehman HS, and Pan American HS. The Office will continue to participate in high school college fairs throughout the remainder of December including the scheduling of CUNY Application Sessions and Residency Information Sessions.

Hostos Children’s Center, Inc.

All three of our classes gathered in the Children’s Center Library to hear VP Yates read aloud “Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons,” a favorite, by Eric Litwin. The children look forward to VP Yates’ monthly read-aloud visits!

On Thursday, December 8, our three and four-year-olds attended the Hostos Community College Tree Lighting Ceremony along with the Hostos community of faculty, staff, and students. The children treated us to a colorful rendition of Jingle Bells and then joined in the festivities while dancing up a storm, and jingling their handbells. Great time had by all!  

Accessibility Resource Center (ARC)

On Friday, December 8 ARC, in collaboration with the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities Hostos Chapter, Health & Wellness, SGA, and the Leadership Academy, participated in a Disability Day of Advocacy celebrating Human Rights Month. Thirty students, staff, and Faculty traveled to York College. The purpose was to gather students across CUNY to unite and stand up for equality, justice, access, and the dignity of all humans.

Scholarships

Great News! Below is information on Scholarship opportunities:

TheDream.US National Scholarship is now open! This scholarship is for highly motivated undocumented students who want nothing more than to get a college education but are unable to afford the cost. You may be eligible for our National Scholarship if you are undocumented and enrolled in a community college or university. Read more about the eligibility criteria below:

• Our scholars have what it takes to succeed in college and in life. While we consider your GPA, we place great emphasis on your commitment to community service and your demonstrated ability to overcome the barriers and challenges that undocumented students face each day.
• Our National Scholarship Award will cover your tuition and fees up to a maximum of $16,500 for an associate degree and $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree at one of our partner colleges.

You can renew the award each year, so long as you meet the continuing eligibility criteria.

Important Dates

• November 1, 2022 – Application Opened
• February 28, 2023 – Application Closes
• Late April 2023 – TheDream.US Awardees Notified

HISPANIC FEDERATION: UNDOCUMENTED STUDENT SUPPORT FUND

The Hispanic Federation seeks to empower and advance the Hispanic community, support Hispanic families, and strengthen Latino institutions through work in the areas of education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment, and the environment. Continuing its commitment to serve and support New York City’s young immigrant population, the Hispanic Federation is proud to provide support funds to aid eligible undocumented students. HF is awarding student support funds to eligible students in the form of tuition support or grocery assistance. 



Student Eligibility:

• Enrolled in at least 6 credits.
• Earned a degree from high school or obtained a GED.
• Not eligible to apply for federal financial aid.
• Falls within the 400% federal poverty guidelines.
• Attend in one of the 5 NYC boroughs. 
• Open to all undocumented students regardless of country of birth.

For more information or assistance with these and other Scholarships, contact Marina Esquilin, Scholarship Coordinator at 718-518-4166 or at mesquilin@hostos.cuny.edu.

Poem submitted by VP La Toro Yates

On Virtue

By Phillis Wheatley

O thou bright jewel in my aim I strive

To comprehend thee. Thine own words declare

Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach.

I cease to wonder, and no more attempt

Thine height t’explore, or fathom thy profound.

But, O my soul, sink not into despair,

Virtue is near thee, and with gentle hand

Would now embrace thee, hovers o’er thine head.

Fain would the heaven-born soul with her converse,

Then seek, then court her for her promised bliss …

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

Cyber Security

With the holiday season fully upon us and shopping online becomes the norm, be aware that cybercriminals are still active. Stay alert to scams and other malicious cyber activities. Below are some tips to keep in mind as you shop online:

• Protect your devices by keeping the software up-to-date. This applies to not only your phones, computers, and tablets but other electronics, toys, and even appliances. Enable automatic software updates where applicable.
• Have a unique password for each of your accounts. Having separate, complex passwords for every account helps to thwart cyberattacks.
• Make sure websites are legitimate before providing payment information and that your information is being encrypted. One indication that your information will be encrypted include a URL that begins with “https:” instead of “http:” and a padlock icon. If the padlock is closed, the information is encrypted.
• Protect your payment information by using trusted, secure Wi-Fi sources.
• If you plan to make a donation to an organization, donate on their official website only.
• Beware of emails that request personal or financial information. Legitimate businesses will not ask for this type of information through email.
• Beware of seasonal scams. Fake charity donation scams, fake ecards, fake tracking emails are common this time of year. Don’t click on links or attachments if you’re not sure of where they came from. Type the known, trusted URL into a web browser instead of clicking on the link.
• Check your credit card and bank statements regularly.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

CEWD Awarded $200,000 Grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation

CEWD was awarded an additional $200,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to support its Community Health Worker (CHW) training program. This year’s funding will be used to train two additional cohorts of CHWs and pilot a foreign language credential for CHW trainees with existing language proficiency skills. In partnership with the Office of Academic Affairs, CEWD will pilot a foreign language credential for eligible CHW students by giving them the opportunity to either take the College-Level Examination Program’s (CLEP) foreign language exam or enroll in the college’s SPA 110 Spanish for Healthcare Workers. CEWD students that successfully complete the CHW training program can earn up to nine college credits upon enrolling in the Community Health Degree Program at Hostos. Last year, CEWD was awarded a $150,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to run two cohorts of its CHW training program. 

Partnering with God’s Love We Deliver to Provide Thanksgiving Meals

Hostos staff and students volunteered to assemble and distribute special holiday meals and gift bags on Thanksgiving morning for God’s Love We Deliver, an organization that delivers meals to people who, because of their illness, are unable to prepare meals for themselves. Within three hours, 895 meals were assembled and delivered by 120 volunteer drivers and 15 on-site meal packaging volunteers to over 350 Bronx households. Since 2017, CEWD’s Melanie Garcia has coordinated this event for Hostos. The college serves as a distribution site on Thanksgiving morning and utilizes volunteers from Hostos and throughout New York City.

New Alumni Fund Available for CUNY Tuesday Gifts!

The Office of Alumni Relations is pleased to announce the Hostos Alumni Fund for Student Transfer Scholarships. The intended fund gives alumni a way to honor the impact of their Hostos degree by providing empowering support to current students who want to further their academic career at a four-year institution. If you’re an alum, consider making a year-end gift toward the Hostos Alumni Fund for Student Transfer Scholarships using this link.

Alumni Mixer

On Thursday, December 15, the Office of Alumni Relations, Office of Academic Affairs and ASAP collaborated to host an Alumni Holiday Mixer. The well-attended mixer brought faculty, staff, and alumni together for a festive evening filled opportunities to network and reconnect. During the event, Alumni Relations Manager Felix Sánchez and Dual Degree Advising Coordinator Karla Contreras recognized the alumni who contributed to the Alumni Career Talk Week conversations in November: Raziel BenRuben ’19, Stephen Darko ’16, Wendy Fernandez ’15, Aaishah Francis ’16, Isamar Garrido Rodríguez ’16, Andrey Lavrentyev ’18, Gloria Mariel Lopes Carvalho ’22, Amadou Maiga ’21, Yesside Oppenheimer ’10, Dijibrina Ouedraogo ’16, Alexandra Pisano ’20, Wilfredo Rodríguez ’01, Stanley Tineo ’11, and Avery Toledo ’12. The Office of Alumni Relations, OAA, and ASAP extend their appreciation to those who attended. To stay engaged and informed about future alumni events, follow @hostosalumni on Instagram or join the Hostos Community College Alumni group on LinkedIn. 

BRAVO NEWS

Kwanzaa Essay Contest Winners Awarded $500 Prizes

On December 8, the College held its 31st annual Kwanzaa ceremony in the Repertory Theater. Produced and planned by the Kwanzaa Committee, helmed by Professor Kristopher Burrell, the event was a rousing success and joyous welcome of the upcoming Kwanzaa holiday. Students were invited to draft essays on the significance of the holiday and Ms. Aminata Doumbia and Mr. Brian Carter were selected by the committee as recipients of the prize. Bravi!

Two Hostos Students Recognized by NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

On December 7, two Hostos Community College students, Gianna Pascal and Yonaleska Russo, received $1,000 each at the NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Holiday Awards Ceremony to honor their established track record of serving their communities. 

Pascal and Russo major in Early Childhood Education and Community Health, respectively. They are both transferring to Lehman College after graduating in Spring 2023. Read more here.

Talented! All College Meeting Talent Show Participants - December 14, 2022

Manos a la obra/All Hands-on-Deck Award Recipients - December 14, 2022

1. Kenneth Acquah, Business Office (nominated by SVP Rodríguez-Chardavoyne)
2. Prof. William Baker, Math Department (nominated by Yolima Angel)
3. Prof. Thomas Beachdel (nominated by President Cocco De Filippis)
4. Buildings and Grounds Department (nominated by President Cocco De Filippis)
5. Sarah Brennan, OAA (nominated by Provost Wang)
6. Maria Cano, College Discovery (nominated by Mierekie Blackwood)
7. Lizette Colón, Counseling Department (nominated by Mara Cano)
8. Diana Cruz, CUNYStart (nominated by Rachel Cholst, Erica Fells, Shari Seraneau, and Andrea Gabbidon-Levene)
9. Aminata Doumbia, BSU (nominated by Prof. Annemarie Flores)
10. Facilities Department (nominated by President Cocco De Filippis)
11. Jean Gentry, CDO (nominated by Latoya Jeffers)
12. Professor Ramon Gómez (nominated by Chair Nieves Angulo)
13. Claudia Hernández, DIA (nominated by VP Atkins)
14. Prof. Thelma Ithier-Sterling, Humanities Department (nominated by President Cocco De Filippis)
15. Nelson Ortiz, Conference Center (nominated by President Cocco De Filippis)
16. Sofia Oviedo, President’s Office (nominated by President Cocco De Filippis)
17. Leaghton Ozoria, SGA President (nominated by President Cocco De Filippis)
18. Chair Ana Ozuna, Humanities Department (nominated by Prof. Fiordaliza Ippolito)
19. Patricia Peña, OAA (nominated by OAA)
20. Daliz Pérez-Cabezas, CEWD (nominated by VP Fernández-Ketcham)
21. Public Safety Department, Admin/Finance (nominated by President Cocco De Filippis)
22. Rocio Rayo, Transfer Office (nominated by President Cocco De Filippis)
23. Silvia Reyes, CLIP, HALC and FYE (nominated by Dean Fabrizio)
24. Fabian Wander, Health & Wellness (nominated by President Cocco De Filippis)
25. Provost Wang, OAA (nominated by President Cocco De Filippis)

Abua Yala: Structural Origins

October 5-December 21| The Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos

Closing reception:

Wednesday, December 21 | 6:00 p.m.

Buy tickets here.

Calpulli Mexican Dance Company

Sunday, December 18 | 8 p.m.

A Cultural Journey of Navidad: A Mexican-American Christmas

Buy tickets here.

This is the last release of El Semanario Hostosiano/The Hostos Weekly for the Fall ’22 semester. We wish all readers a restful holiday season and look forward to welcoming everyone back in the spring. Have a Happy New Year!