A Message from the President

Dear Colleagues & Supporters:  


As we kick off the fall semester, I’m thrilled to share some exciting updates from the Guttman community. The energy and enthusiasm around campus are truly inspiring as faculty, staff and students dive into programming that celebrates Latinx heritage. We are proud to be recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution and to embrace the rich diversity of our community. 


In preparation for the semester, we hosted an intensive six-day training for students, focusing on leadership values and encouraging open dialogue on socio-political topics. This initiative is part of our commitment to creating an inclusive environment that fosters respectful conversations and promotes equity, diversity and belonging—core tenets of our strategic plan


In line with our University and campus values, we are dedicated to fostering ongoing dialogues that connect our community, as we have done over the past year through various programs. We will not accept hate of any kind but will instead view our differences as opportunities for unity that is strengthened by diversity of every kind. 


I encourage you to immerse yourself in the Guttman vibe this semester! Explore our exciting programming, employee spotlights and other themes that embody what it means to be #GuttmanProud. 


Finally, I invite you to watch a recap of our accomplishments from last year below.


Sincerely,

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

Fall 2024 State of the College

Guttman State of the College Fall 2024

President Adds Perspective

Discussion with Arva Rice, President & CEO of New York City Urban League

President Johnson and Executive Chief of Staff Rosslyn Knight attended a meeting on 8/29 that centered on partnerships to promote internship opportunities for Guttman students and workforce solutions for the Urban League's participants. 

Guttman Hosts Leadership in Academia Professionals

On 9/19, a delegation of Israeli higher education professionals sponsored by Leadership in Academia visited for the second year in a row with Guttman leaders, faculty, staff and students to learn about Guttman’s model, our advising approach and transfer support, and unique experiential learning opportunities. 

Jamaica Ex-Soldiers Association Gala Keynote

Invited by the New York chapter of the Jamaica Ex-Soldiers Association, Dr. Johnson delivered the keynote, “A Call to Service,” for their 14th annual gala on 9/21 and was joined by JP Morgan Chase Vice President Karen Forrest and Jamaica Ex-Soldiers Association Chapter President Mark Parkinson.

Dr. Johnson Joins Civic Preparedness Board

Joining the consortium of College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, Dr. Johnson aligns with 100 other presidents in the crucial task of developing students' ability to communicate respectfully, engage in productive dialogue and deepen their civic preparedness. 

College Hosts Digital Equity Event on Campus

With Guttman as the host site, President Johnson participated in a panel alongside NYC leaders in the education and technology industries 9/24 for Schneps Media's and Spectrum Communications' dialogue, “Broadband, Access and Equity: Bridging the Digital Divide in New York.” 

Dr. Johnson Facilitates Roundtable Discussion

On 9/25, President Johnson addressed fellow members of New York City Hall Committee of the Whole, Kings of the Round Table, underscoring the significance of servant leadership, integrity, and perseverance despite the inevitable differences in opinion all leaders face.

Strategic Plan in Focus at State of the College Meeting

Utilizing data that shows growth and progress toward the College’s goals in its six-year Guttman Forward 2028 strategic plan, Dr. Johnson and members of the leadership team explored data and priorities with Guttman faculty and staff on 9/27. After a day’s hard work, the community reconvened at Bryant Park Hotel to kick off the new academic year!

Campus News

Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Kicking off on 9/12 with a vibrant celebration of culture, music and unity, the Guttman community celebrated the rich traditions of Latin America through drawing with Dominican-born illustrator Fanesha Fabre, delicious comida and a showcase of student talent. The theme of all of the events “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” was coordinated by Assistant Director of Student Life Danny Cordova.

Business Fast-Track: Guttman-Baruch Partnership

Business students who want a clear, smooth path to Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business can now join the Guttman-Baruch Business Academy in Fall 2024.

“Guttman Business majors will be able to participate in cross-campus, co-curricular activities, including panels, clubs and networking events. They will also gain access to Bridge to Baruch (B2B), a program created to support transfer students in the early development of career skills and success,” explained Professor of Economics and Business Administration Sebastien Buttet, who leads the initiative. 


Through career guidance, advisement and community-building, the pipeline program is designed for Guttman Business Administration majors with 24 or fewer earned credits as they complete their degree. Grizzlies participating in the Academy program have access to peer mentoring from current Baruch students and career and social networking events. Graduating with a minimum 2.5 GPA unlocks guaranteed acceptance into Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business. The Academy is also open to students in other majors who have fewer than 15 earned credits and are willing to change their major to Business Administration A.A. for the next term.

Mentored Undergraduate Research Program Recruiting Scholars 

Once again, Guttman was awarded support to continue the CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP) for the new academic year. Since 2014, the program provides funded laboratory experiences for associate degree students over a one-year period with the goal of the program to encourage undergraduate participation in authentic research across all departments and to increase persistence in STEM disciplines. Students receive a $5,000 stipend, and the program provides up to $1,000 in research expenses per project.


Guttman has offered more than 110 students the opportunity to engage in mentored, hands-on research through CRSP, with many contributing as co-authors to peer-reviewed publications. In addition, CRSP has provided Grizzlies with the chance to attend professional conferences and visit research sites, enhancing their academic and professional development. The program hopes to support 9-10 students this year, per the College’s CRSP director, Dr. Chulsung Kim.

Award-Winning Faculty Member Promotes Green Chemistry 

Ask any student who's taken a class with Dr. Jihyun (Ji) Kim, and they'll know that "green" is good chemistry. Kim's commitment to sustainability is the catalyst for her teaching, her research and her service. She is a tireless scholar and gifted educator whose application of green chemistry principles and active, community-based pedagogy reaps positive academic and civic outcomes for her students. Find out more about this initiative.

Strengthening our Partnership with the Amadou Diallo Foundation  

Liberal Arts major Marc-Aurele Eboa Ebongue and Business Administration major Mohamed Bella Kamara have received the Amadou Diallo Memorial Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year. Guttman is just one of two CUNY schools, along with Bronx Community College, that has a partnership with the Amadou Diallo Foundation (ADF). Initially, partial tuition scholarships were offered to Guttman students in 2019, and the ADF deepened the program for the 2023-24 academic year by covering full tuition and all fees. 


Since the death of her son in 1999, Mrs. Kadiatou Diallo and the trustees of the ADF have dedicated themselves to promoting racial healing and positive community interaction with law enforcement as well as supporting scholarships to help students complete their college degrees. Learn more about this partnership.

CAMPUS HAPPENINGS

Voting Matters

With Guttman’s focus on furthering social and racial justice, democracy takes action in and alongside the curriculum! The Office of Student Life and the Abilities Club sponsored a Presidential Candidates Debate Watch on 9/10.

On 9/17, National Voter Registration Day, Student Government President Sabrina Qi, Director of Student Life Drew Bennett, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Courtney Stevenson, and Senior Advisor for Partnerships, Alumni Engagement and Development Robert Pagan facilitated a town hall and panel of engaged experts. Together, they explored key issues and the impact of the youth vote.

Panelists included: Ny Whitaker, founder & chief strategist at Project NYNE Productions, Keisha Sutton James; deputy president, Manhattan Borough; Charles F. Johnson II, Esq., community board 10; and Dr. Barbara Kairson, president, New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women, Inc. 

This summer, students in Dr. Diane Barrett’s American Government and Politics class were joined by State Senator Liz Kreuger, who offered insight into city, state and federal levels and answered questions about her district, legislation, and responsibilities. Read more about the senator's visit.

There’s a “We” in Teams

Grizzlies joined CUNY’s Coalition for Students with Disabilities at Citi Field on 9/4, hosted by the Abilities Club and Student Life, to watch the Mets beat the Red Sox, 8-3. A week later, Guttman sports enthusiasts arrived via charter bus at Met Life Stadium on 9/14 for the 3rd annual HBCU Classic, featuring Morehouse vs. Howard.

Doors Open to the World

“You Belong” is the message Guttman’s Immigrant Student Success liaisons Dana LePage, Sarina Harty and Jessica Portilla conveyed to students with Dr. Cynthia Carvajal, CUNY director of Undocumented & Immigrant Student Programs, at the 9/27 orientation for recently admitted undocumented students.

They’ve Got What It Takes

The Connect Center, with the help of Student Government Association leaders and Guttman Counseling and Wellness, made school supplies available this month to students who were unable to secure them. Guttman community members and friends stocked the shelves through in-kind and monetary donations. Make a donation to the Connect Center.

The Connect Center is holding a "No Student Left Out in the Cold" winter coat drive 10/16-12/6 for students in need. For details and to participate, please contact ConnectCenter@guttman.cuny.edu.

FACULTY NEWS

Congratulations to Dr. Karla Fuller, professor of Biology, who has been appointed interim dean of faculty.

Dr. Anya Spector's and Guttman ‘19 alumna Farah Reynoso’s exploratory study “Self-Care Pedagogy in the Undergraduate Curriculum: A Post Pandemic Faculty Survey was published in the Journal of Human Services. Spector will also be presenting her research at the upcoming NISOD Fall Virtual Conference on “Educating the Next Generation of Human Services Providers Through a Cross-Sectoral Multidisciplinary Partnership.”

Psychology professor Dr. April Burns was named among City College’s Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership inaugural cohort of Social Mobility Lab research grantees for which she received $10,000 to conduct her research on first-generation graduates and the dynamics of their family and friend inter-relationships.

ALUMNI FEATURE

Looking Back & Planning Ahead with Miguelissa Martinez, Class of '16

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