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September 15 to October 15 is recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month, and Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community College is proud to be a part of the rich history of Hispanic and Latinx Americans in New York City. The College honors the leaders who fought to create an institution that provides accessible higher education to all New Yorkers, regardless of their origins. And Hostos has worked to achieve that vision; our diverse student body now represents more than 120 nationalities and speaks more than 50 languages.
The College’s very existence reflects the resilience of this community, and for more than 56 years, Hostos has served as a springboard for thousands of remarkable individuals. This newsletter highlights the many exciting developments at Hostos, particularly the significant contributions of Hispanic and Latinx leaders—including a visit from the President of the Dominican Republic! Together, we celebrate this vibrant community and its enduring impact on our institution and beyond.
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#CUNYTuesday Giving Season Begins November 1! | This Giving Tuesday, join us in celebrating the transformative power of education at Hostos! The official International Day of Giving, dubbed #CUNYTesuday at all 25 CUNY schools, is December 3. Between November 1 and December 31, we invite you to make a difference by supporting scholarships, programs, and initiatives that empower our diverse student body. Every gift, big or small, helps us create opportunities and foster success for future leaders. Stay tuned for more details on how you can contribute and be part of this impactful day of giving! Together, let's uplift our CUNY community! | |
Please save the date for the Office of Alumni Relations’ Laugh-a-ThON! Join us Thursday, November 14 at 6:00 p.m. at the brand new SoBro Gardens for a night of fun, fellowship, and fundraising. Grab your tickets now, bring your friends, and get ready to turn laughs into opportunities! Appetizers will be provided, and each ticket holder will receive one complimentary beverage. Parking is just $10. Get your tickets and learn more here. | |
Save the Date to Honor Beloved Community Icon
Elba Cabrera
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Please save Nov. 21 for an event remembering the life and service of Bronx arts activist and Hostos Community College Foundation Board founding member Elba Cabrera. A short reception will be held in the Hostos Art Gallery at 5:00 p.m., followed by a procession to the A-building Atrium for the unveiling of a new Wall of Champions by Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.
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A Dominican Financier and His Long-time Friend
Hope to Set Example with $1 Million Endowed Gift
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Hostos Community College (HCC) is pleased to announce the creation of the $1 million Aspira Capital Management and Wright Foundation Endowed Scholarship for Students Pursuing Degrees in STEM. This scholarship, established as a collaboration between the managing partner of Aspira Capital Management, Benny Lorenzo, and his longtime friend and business partner Peter A. Wright, will fund countless scholarships of $1,500 to $7,000 each for qualified students in their penultimate semester of Hostos’ Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs––year after year––in perpetuity.
For his part, Mr. Lorenzo hopes this scholarship will inspire those who value social justice, and particularly other philanthropic-minded Latinos, to give generously to the Hostos community to help close the opportunity gap in our community and our society.
The gift was celebrated at an intimate reception in the Hostos Art Gallery on October 17. Read more about the historic gift and the reception here: Hostos Launches $1 Million STEM Scholarship to Empower Future Leaders in the Bronx - Hostos Community College (cuny.edu) At the reception, CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez announced that CUNY would direct a portion of New York State funds to provide a 25% match of $250,000 for the Scholarship.
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The Southpole Foundation Celebrates 20 years of Giving to CUNY by Expanding Scholarship to Hostos | |
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On September 16, CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez joined representatives from the Southpole Foundation at CUNY Central offices to mark Southpole Foundation's 20-year contributions totaling nearly $1 million in scholarships for CUNY community college students. At the event, the Foundation announced the expansion of its scholarship program, including a $20,000 gift to Hostos Community College!
Founded by Korean American entrepreneur David Khym, the Foundation has already supported four CUNY schools with $20,000 each for the 2024-25 academic year: Borough of Manhattan Community College, Kingsborough Community College, LaGuardia Community College, and Queensborough Community College.
The College is grateful to the Southpole Foundation for this generous support, which will create a scholarship fund for international students.
Read more about the Southpole Foundation and the event here.
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Golf Outing Inspires a Generous October Matching Gift | This year’s Golf Outing Classic happened to coincide with Title Sponsor Jorge Madruga's birthday. When we surprised him with a cake, he chose to mark the occasion by surprising us with an additional $15,000 matching gift! Through October 31, any gift to the Foundation will be matched dollar for dollar up to $15,000. Thank you to Mr. Madruga and the Madruga Foundation Inc. for your generosity! To make a gift, visit www.GivetoHostos.com. | |
Hostos’ 18th Annual Golf Outing Classic
Raises More Than $132,000
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On Thursday, Sept. 26 the Hostos Community College Foundation Golf Outing Classic brought together more than 100 community leaders for a lovely day on the green. The Classic returned to the scenic Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses where revelers enjoyed a beautiful fall day and showed their support for Hostos students. On behalf of the Foundation, thank you to all who attended or sponsored the event. A special thank you is extended to the Division of Institutional Advancement staff, the Golf Outing Committee, the Foundation Board, and our generous Title and Classic sponsors, MADDD Equities, Schindler Elevator Corp. (U.S.), and Montefiore Einstein. See more pictures from the event at www.HostosGolfouting.com. | |
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Our foundation and corporate partners help us to create impactful programs and scholarship opportunities.
Since our last newsletter, the Foundation has received the following grants:
- $20,000 from the Southpole Foundation to create scholarships for international students.
The Foundation is grateful for this impactful support.
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The Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture News | |
HCAC Hosts President
Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic
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On September 25, the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture hosted a visit from Luis Abinader, the President of the Dominican Republic. During his remarks, he discussed the significance of education and cultural exchange between the Dominican Republic and the Dominican diaspora in the U.S. Abinader highlighted the role of Hostos Community College in supporting Dominican culture and education, reinforcing the importance of such institutions in fostering community connections and cultural pride.
Read more about his visit here.
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Calpulli Mexican Dance Company presents "Día de Muertos"
Saturday, Oct 26 | 8:00 p.m. | SOLD OUT
Sunday, Oct 27 | 3:00 p.m. | Tickets
Wednesday, Oct 30 | 2:30 p.m.* | Free Admission | Register Here
Hostos Main Theater
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In this spectacular production, the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company explores a love story that spans the boundary between the living and the departed. A loving couple falls victim to treachery and is separated, seemingly forever. The young woman enters Mictlán - the underworld of Aztec mythology - where the mesmerizing Catrina reigns as queen. Folkloric and classical music mix with vibrant dances, colorful costumes, makeup and beautiful set pieces to relate this story of love. Free tickets are available for Hostos students, faculty, and staff with a valid ID.
*Special 50-minute performance for students and daytime groups
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Fabiola Méndez in "Flora Campesina"
Saturday, Nov 2 | 8:00 p.m.
Hostos Repertory Theater
| Fabiola Méndez, the Boston Music Awards 2023 Latin Artist of the Year, blends folk, Afro-Caribbean, and jazz musical stylings to create a sound all her own on the ten-string Puerto Rican cuatro. Fabiola and her band present new and original music from their latest release, Flora Campesina, merging traditional Puerto Rican sounds and folklore with upbeat grooves and contemporary influences. Get your tickets here. | |
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The Hostos Community College Alumni Spotlight series highlights the remarkable impact that our graduates have on our communities. These insightful and personal accounts from our alumni affirm that the potential of our students knows no bounds, thanks to the transformative power of education and the supportive environment provided by Hostos. We took a short break from creating new stories, but we will be back soon with more incredible alumni! Read past stories at www.hostosalumni.com.
If you are or know a former student we should interview for our spotlight, reach out to Alumni Relations Manager Felix Sánchez at fsanchez@hostos.cuny.edu.
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Hostos Alumna Publishes Children’s Book Inspired by Her Life | |
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On Tuesday, October 8, the College welcomed back alumna Stephanie Oliveira de Araújo ’24, who recently published her debut children’s book, “Wherever You Go Bloom.” In her journey from student to published writer, Stephanie attributes much of her success to the invaluable education she received at Hostos. Her work explores the themes of resilience, identity, and growth, which have shaped the author's life throughout her childhood in rural Brazil and later in the Bronx. The book began as a capstone project in her final semesters at Hostos, but she was so inspired by the positive feedback she received at a student symposium that she decided to complete her vision with AI-generated illustrations and self-publish. You can learn more about the event here, and purchase a copy of Stephanie’s beautiful book here.
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Alumna Ischia Bravo
Recognized Among Power Women of the Bronx
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The Honorable Ischia Bravo ’09 serves as the12th County Clerk/Commissioner of Jurors of Bronx County—the first Latina to assume this role in the office’s 109-year existence. A recipient of Hostos’ Alma Matters Awards and CUNY’s 50 Under 50, she has recently been recognized by Schneps Media as a 2024 Power Woman of the Bronx. Bravo receives this honor alongside more than 40 remarkable leaders, including Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis. Congratulations to Ms. Bravo and Mme. President!
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The Cynthia Jones Beloved Community Scholarship | |
Lecturer Cynthia Jones has been a fixture at Hostos since 1980, and she has been giving back to students any way she can all along. In 2022, she decided to create her own scholarship, but she did not want it to be just about a student’s academic achievement or financial need. She hopes that the Beloved Community Scholarship, which awards students based on their commitment to showing love and service, will inspire students to consider how they can foster kindness and respect in their communities.
So far, eight students have received $500 awards to help them afford books, tuition, and other school-related expenses. This year’s recipients come from Peru, The Bronx, and the Dominican Republic, and they demonstrate love in their communities through internships at local non-profits and on-campus services. One recipient reflected on the shared benefit that comes from giving back to the campus community, “I share knowledge with my classmates about how the school can help them in so many ways. We receive students who are parents, who need financial support, or who are struggling in classes. We aren’t always what they need...but we always refer them to other offices in the school and help them navigate the website. I like doing this because, like them, I had people who helped me and showed me kindness when I started.”
Scholarships, like this one, foster compassion and generosity among students. If you would like to learn more about creating a scholarship with unique criteria, contact Development Officer Idelsa Méndez at imendez@hostos.cuny.edu or 718-518-4341.
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Thank you to our wonderful
Golf Outing Sponsors:
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