A Message from the President

Dear Friends & Supporters,

As we conclude the month of February, we reflect on the legacies of countless historical figures who have shaped innovations in art, music, literature, philosophy, and beyond. The Guttman community continues to be immersed in discussions centered on social justice themes that both empower our students and spark a renewed commitment to advocacy. 

In this edition of our newsletter, we share the experiences of our faculty, staff, and students, including dynamic campus leaders, who are laser-focused on strategies that advance enrollment and retention. We also highlight and celebrate programs that have brought our campus together, reinforcing our mission and core values. We were inspired this month by an engaging panel that included Council Member Yusef Salaam (District 9), Mrs. Kadiatou Diallo, and many other influential figures.  

Our students took center stage in their journey to Albany, NY, where, with the University Student Senate CUNY, they advocated for increased funding to support university and campus priorities. 

Guttman continues to grow as a vibrant community, dedicated to ensuring that all students can achieve their dreams. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Larry D. Johnson, Jr. ("Dr. J")

Guttman at the Capitol 

Dr. Larry Johnson and Dr. Rosslyn Knight attended the 54th Annual Legislative Conference held by the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislators in Albany on 2/14-15. They were joined by Student Government Association President Sabrina Qi, fellow University Student Senate delegates and Peer Leaders Kayla Gowins, Jonathan Erazo and Norberys Cano. Said SGA Senator Gowins: “I engaged with policymakers, advocated for students, and connected with leaders who shared similar backgrounds. Networking reinforced the importance of collective advocacy.” On 2/26, Guttman again headed upstate for New York’s Higher Education Action Day, advocating for the needs of CUNY students.

President Named Among New York Black Leaders 

In honor of Black History Month, PoliticsNY.com and amNY Metro presented their 2025 Black Power Players list. Included among community and business leaders, Dr. Larry Johnson was named as an individual “driving positive change and shaping the future of the city and state.”

Discussing the Power of Community with NationSwell

In collaboration with Guttman, NationSwell hosted a salon on The Power of Community on the evening of 2/26 to support social impact leaders in enacting meaningful change within their communities. “By leveraging the collective strength, insights and resources of communities, we can tackle intricate social challenges in a more effective and sustainable manner,” said Dr. Johnson.

A Conversation on Policing, Racial Justice and Healing 

Community leaders gathered at the CUNY@Amazon space on the evening of 2/6 in dialogue with participants to address racial justice with a call for continued action. Co-sponsored by Guttman and NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch, Dr. Larry Johnson, Guttman Community College President welcomed those gathered and introduced keynoter Mrs. Kadiatou Diallo, a generous supporter of the College through scholarships from the Amadou Diallo Foundation. Moderator Andrew Bennet, Guttman director of Student Life, facilitated the discussion with special guests: Christopher Alexander, NAACP executive director; Yusef Salaam, District 9 council member; Ny Whitaker, executive director, W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy; and Graham Weatherspoon, retired detective and Amadou Diallo Foundation board member. 

“The conversation underscored the need for continuity in fighting for systemic change and accountability, highlighting the resilience and leadership that drive progress in our communities. Justice requires everyone to stay engaged and committed,” noted Bennett. “The speakers emphasized that knowledge is power—stay informed. Vote. And pray, regardless of your religious affiliation (or lack thereof),” he summarized, adding, “And they stressed that ‘prayer and action must go hand in hand.’”

Showcasing Student Exemplars in the Arts 

Among the many courses offered during Guttman’s unique “Fall 2 semester,” comprising classes offered in January and February, are numerous opportunities for students to gain one of CUNY’s Flexible Common Core Requirements in Creative Expression.  

Offered since the College opened its doors, “The Arts in New York City” introduces students to the incredible range of artistic forms, venues, media, and movements that the city generates. To develop critical visual literacy skills, Professor Lori Ungemah’s s ART 200 students Edgar Reyes Alonso and Aleeyah Quinones experimented with concepts like color theory and contrast.

Practicing analysis, interpretation and appreciation, students in Professors Anna Grevenitis’ and Stephanie Guyet’s classes studied creative works on display at The Met and El Museo del Barrio.

Read more and see additional student artwork.

Black Excellence: The Contributions of African Americans in Workforce Development 

This month’s heritage theme prompted the Guttman community to reflect on the multivalent, centuries-spanning history of Black American labor, resilience, ingenuity and activism that have advanced our nation’s multifaceted workforce. Through a calendar of activities offering inquiry, dialogue and joyful celebration, Grizzlies took time to remember the past and plan for a thriving future. Shoutout to the planning committee representing Student Life, Academic Affairs, Student Conduct and Community Standards, and Student Government. Read more.

Guttman Hosts CUNY-wide Emerging Leaders Conference 

In concert with the CUNY Council of Student Life Directors, Associate Student Life Director Danny Cordova coordinated the logistics of welcoming almost 100 student leaders and the council for a 2/21 conference entitled “The Power Within: Unlocking Your Leadership Potential.” Hayden M. Greene, Brooklyn photographer, podcaster and author keynoted the event. This event serves as a platform for aspiring student leaders to develop the skills, knowledge and mindset necessary to tackle today's pressing challenges and foster positive change on their campuses and the CUNY community.

Guttman Community Connects

The College held its first Guttman Community Connects event on 2/28. In addition to members of local organizations and industry, attendees included the Office of Senator Liz Krueger, the Office of the Mayor, Council Member Gale Brewer, DCAS Commissioner Luis Molina and members of the NYPD. Participants received an overview of the Guttman academic model and the holistic supports provided by the College. Student leaders participated in a panel discussion sharing their experiences at Guttman.

College Holds Fourth Winter Bridge and Convocation

A warm welcome to Guttman’s newest Grizzlies! 60 first-time, first-year students registered for this year’s Bridge Program week prior to the start of the Spring 2025 semester. On campus and online, Bridge helps students understand academic expectations, identify their learning strengths and challenges, practice goal setting, learn about campus resources and feel part of the College community. Bridge began on 2/5 and completed on 2/28 with an action-packed Spring Convocation featuring live music, a spoken word artist, traditional pinning ceremony, campus club fair, resource scavenger hunt and lunch.

Class and Club Host NYC Council Member Powers

Culminating their experience in AMST 203: Civic Engagement in a Global Society, Professor Michelle Bialeck’s class met with New York City Council District 4 Council Member Keith Powers on 2/25 at the invitation of student Beatrix Johnson, president of Guttman’s Stonewall Club. “It was inspiring to see that politicians care about their constituents. Even if most students do not live in Keith Powers' district, we all still go to college and learn here," said B. Johnson.

Guttman Leaders and Alumna Meet at Justice Academy Summit 

While attending the annual CUNY Justice Academy Summit at John Jay College of Criminal Justice on 2/5, President Larry Johnson and Provost Paul Reifenheiser were greeted by Guttman alumna and John Jay transfer student Itzel Altamar Reyes. See Itzel's Transfer Highlight below!

Taking Care of Business: Prepping Resumes and Internships  

The Center for Career Preparation and Partnerships (CCPP) held the Business Administration Internship Boot Camp on 2/7, 2/14, 2/21 and 2/28 for 14 students. Students registered for BUSI 243 were required to attend all bootcamps to prepare for their business internships. On 2/13, CCPP with Women of GRIT co-sponsored a "L.O.V.E. Your Resume" event over lunch with expert tips for students to launch their resumes with confidence and professionalism while tailoring them to their dream jobs.

Dr. Rosslyn Knight, vice president of strategy and chief of staff, has been elected to a three-year term to serve as an advisory member of the College Board Middle States Regional Council, linking the accrediting board and its regional member institutions.

Dr. Ria Banerjee, professor of English, presented "Bored Soldiers and Queer Choices in Woolf’s Transnational London" at Columbia University’s Women and Society Seminar on 1/27.  

At SUNY’s conference, “Public Good U: Strengthening the Case for Public Higher Education,” Dr. Marcus Allen, political science professor, joined by CUNY Senior Fellow for Strategic Initiatives and Student Success Nicola Blake and colleagues from Kingsborough Community College, discussed “Equitable Civic Mobility in the CUNY Community Colleges: models that empower & sustain democracy” on 2/7. On 2/8 Dr. Douglas Medina, assistant professor of political science, delivered his study of “CUNY as a Public Good.”

In WalletHub's “Most & Least Educated States in America (2025)” 2/10 article, Dr. Molly Makris, professor of Urban Studies, was asked as an expert commentator to weigh in on education policy as part of a broader economic development strategy.

$10,000 from CUNY MicroCredentials to advance the Science of Reading (SoR) was awarded to Dr. Lori Ungemah, Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, to better support faculty in student literacy development by incorporating evidence-based critical reading strategies in their subject areas.

A Little Luck and a Lot of Hard Work: Kayla Peña, Guttman Class of 2020

Guttman alumna Kayla Pena overcame the challenges of pandemic-era education, taking opportunities that came her way and creating opportunities for others.

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