Friday, April 17, 2026 | Vol. 12, No. 10

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

This is a note to welcome you back from spring break, as we prepare for the final several weeks of the semester.  Thank you for your continued work and support of one another and our students.  I'd like to share my remarks for the Transgender Day of Visibility event:

Welcome to Hostos Community College. It is with deep pride that I greet you today as we gather in celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility—a moment that calls us not only to recognize the brilliance and resilience of our transgender community, but also to reaffirm our shared commitment to justice, dignity, and inclusion. We are honored to open our doors to our distinguished guests and allies, including the Bronx Borough President’s Office and Destination Tomorrow, whose urgent and meaningful work strengthens the fabric of our communities.

I am also delighted to be joined by our City Councilmember Justin Sanchez. Their support, along with that of other elected officials, is critically important to the trans community. It is a sign that we are moving past the days when the trans community was marginalized in New York and that we are one step closer to equality.

At Hostos, we believe in education as a pathway to empowerment, among other things, and today’s gathering reflects that belief in action: a space where voices are uplifted, identities are affirmed, and solidarity is made visible. I thank each of you for being here, for your advocacy, and for standing together in the spirit of equity and love.

Mil gracias y bendiciones,

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

POEM

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

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

President’s Initiatives Events and Opportunities 

It is wonderful to welcome all students, faculty, and staff back after spring break, and hope that it was a restorative time of reflection and renewal. This week was marked by beautiful celebrations honoring our students. The President’s Student Recognition Barbecue in Honor of Student Resiliency honored 14 students whose commitment to achieving their academic goals was undeterred by the myriad challenges they have faced. It was a true joy to see the bonds that our students and their nominators have forged, which provided positive learning and mentorship experiences. The President’s Office also held a lovely reception in honor of the students awarded the MacKenzie Scott Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) scholarships for the 2025 – 2026 academic year. Several scholarship recipients were in attendance and had the opportunity to meet with President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Vice President Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham, Dean Katia Gonzalez, and Dr. Samuel Byrd, who shared inspiring and encouraging words and presented them with a certificate and book. The students were all very appreciative of the scholarship and the incredible support they received at Hostos.  

The application cycle for the 2026-27 NextGen Public Health Scholars 2+2+2 Program is now open to students interested in pursuing a career in public health, with a minimum GPA of 3.2, and on track to graduate next Spring/Summer 2027. The scholarship program provides selected students seeking to make a difference as a public health professional with full financial support, mentorship, and career development guidance to complete their studies at Hostos and pursue their bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Columbia University. Click here for the application. The deadline to apply is May 15, 2026. 

Peace & Poetry Returns for Spring 2026! 

This spring, the Office of the President and the Writing Center are delighted to bring back Peace & Poetry for our Hostos poets to share their original poetry or one authored by their favorite poet. All are invited to join in the celebration of National Poetry Month on Wednesday, April 29, in the Hostos Research Center from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. This date also coincides with the anniversary of the College’s founding, so it will be a dual celebration as our community comes together to share inspirational poetry and reflect on the College’s enduring legacy to provide education for all who seek it. 

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT

Submitted by AVP Babette Audant, Ph.D.



Expanding our Definition of First-Year Experience: Pre-Matriculation CUNY Start

Implementation of a comprehensive First-Year Experience (FYE) is the first commitment under the first goal of the Hostos strategic plan: Elevating Justice. FYE is broadly recognized as a national best practice. It is an accountability framework that names key contributors to student success, depends on intentional cross-divisional communication and coordination, and tracks outcomes expected to correlate to institutional investments and efforts. From initial outreach through admission, enrollment, financial aid case management, advisement, academic planning, career exploration, transfer mapping, engagement with peer mentors, tutors and campus resources, etc, the goal is to ensure students’ needs are assessed and addressed. That students know to ask for help and know where to access help. That students feel a sense of belonging through interactions with peers, mentors, faculty, and staff. In addition to what the students experience, Hostos faculty from all disciplines who teach First Year Seminar and degree “Gateway” courses” participate in training on engaging first year students and imparting foundational “college success” skills. Staff and faculty are more proactively informed of upcoming dates (i.e. enrollment periods, filing for financial aid) and other resources to share with students. This commitment to supporting students’ strong start is essential, particularly for first-gen college students and for students who come from racialized, marginalized communities like the South Bronx. 

First-Year Experience is typically defined as beginning when students (typically first-time, sometimes only full-time freshmen) first enroll in college. There may be a Summer Bridge component, like the one offered at Hostos. Orientation and onboarding events aim to engage all new students and, in addition, to welcome and celebrate them. Other FYE components include First-Year Seminar, intrusive advisement (especially in the first semester), Gateway completion, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress. 

Pre-matriculation programs are typically not considered part of First Year Experience because students enrolled in Hostos CUNYStart (~150 students/semester) and CUNY Language Immersion Program, or CLIP (~200 students/semester), have deferred enrollment to strengthen their academic proficiency. Based on an analysis of the CUNYStart model and its outcomes, and as OIERA develops an FYE dashboard, I propose that CUNYStart can be considered a part of FYE. (CLIP and other resources for English Language Learners will be addressed in the future): 

Students whose proficiency scores in English and/or math are below a specified level are identified early and given the opportunity to meet with a CUNYStart advisor before enrollment. Some opt to enroll in math and English Gateway courses, which include supplemental academic resources. Others choose full-time (25 hours/week) or part-time (12.5 hours/week) CUNYStart programs. Instructional strategies help students improve their proficiency: for example, Hostos’ overall proficiency gains were the highest among CUNY’s four MathStart programs (76% compared to an average of 67%), and among the fa25 cohort,  67% of MathStart students passed and met the CUNY proficiency milestone and 80% of EnglishStart students passed and met the CUNY proficiency milestone. Start provides advisement through case management: three advisors serve ~150 students, with one dedicated to evening students. Instructors and advisors coordinate communication, and advisors work proactively with Director Madelyn Nieves to connect students with campus resources, walking them over in person as appropriate. Matriculation planning is integrated from Day 1 and Start works closely with ASAP to ensure sustained support and access to financial and advisement resources. If a student needs to leave the program after all options have been explored, advisors schedule exit interviews to plan for the students’ return. 

The “JumpStart” pilot invites MathStart students to enroll in a 3-credit course. Hostos’ success with this pilot (with high participation rates and the highest completion rate in the credit-bearing course - 80%! - among the four participation campuses) caught the University Provost’s attention and Hostos will receive funding to pilot an English Start/JumpStart next year. Moreover, while CUNYStart completers at Hostos matriculate into the college at a ~70-75% rate (on par with our first term retention among FTFs), among Hostos JumpStart completers, the matriculation rate is 88% (compared to 82% across the four participating campuses). 

To summarize: while CUNYStart is a pre-matriculation program, it is highly effective at engaging and retaining students, and at introducing them to and inviting them to practice college success strategies. Start’s case management model supports high completion rates among the most academically vulnerable students, with many achieving proficiency, meaning they enroll in math without SI and English without additional supports, saving them time and building their confidence. JumpStart provides students in Start with an opportunity to begin earning credit, and many sustain that momentum by matriculating, and - in the case of the Sp25 JumpStart cohort - enrolling for the Su25 term. While credit accumulation is typically lower after Year 1 for students who begin in CUNYStart, they have achieved several First-Year Experience milestones, including academic proficiency and a sense of belonging, which are the foundations of college success.

POLICY OF THE WEEK

Highlighting CUNY Policies You Should Know

Submitted by Executive Counsel and Labor Designee Eugene Sohn, Esq.

CUNY Computer Use Policy

CUNY’s computer resources are dedicated to the support of the University’s mission of education, research, and public service. In furtherance of this mission, CUNY respects, upholds, and endeavors to safeguard the principles of academic freedom, freedom of expression, and freedom of inquiry. Read the entire policy here.

EXTERNAL AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.

This June: Primary Day and Early Voting in NYC Elections

June 23 is primary day in New York City and will feature candidates running for Governor of New York, State Senate and State Assembly seats, and New York members of the House of Representatives. There will also be early voting from June 13 to June 21. 

To find your poll site, please visit the Board of Elections website and use the look-up tool on the home page. Please note that your early voting site and your primary day poll site might be different. Other useful tools on the Board of Elections site include a way to check if you are registered to vote, the application to register if you are not, and an FAQ page about elections and voter registration in New York City. 

First-time voters can still register to vote in the primary until June 13th. You may only vote in the party primary of the party you are registered in. It is, unfortunately, too late for anyone already registered to change their party registration in time for the primary; the deadline passed in February.

Exercise your right to vote on primary day or in early voting!

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY

Submitted by Associate Director Stephanie Oliviero



Arab American Heritage Month

As we step into April, we have the honor and privilege of recognizing and celebrating Arab American Heritage Month. This month is a wonderful opportunity for us to honor Arab Americans' rich cultural contributions and diverse histories within our community and beyond. Throughout history, Arab Americans have played significant roles in shaping our society, contributing to various fields, including the arts, sciences, politics, and literature. Their resilience, creativity, and dedication have enriched our campus and society as a whole. This is also a time for us to reflect on the challenges and triumphs faced by Arab Americans and to reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity, equity, and respect for all cultures. Let us unite in the spirit of unity and appreciation as we celebrate Arab American Heritage Month and continue embracing the rich diversity that makes our campus community vibrant and resilient.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Submitted by Dean Ana I. García Reyes

Updates

In March 2026, the Office of Community Relations expanded engagement citywide, with a strong focus on the Bronx, home to many Hostos students. We are deeply grateful to all our community partners and stakeholders for warmly welcoming Hostos to their events and celebrations.

In honor of Women’s History Month and other cultural observances, we proudly represented the College at 17 external events, celebrating and uplifting women leaders across the city. We thank all elected officials, organizations, and institutions, including NYS Assembly Member George Alvarez, Emprendedoras Latinas USA, Lincoln Hospital, NAICA, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa, NYC Comptroller Mark Levine, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, CUNY leadership, El Diario La Prensa, Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Congressman Ritchie Torres, Presbyterian Hospital, NMIC, and Catholic Charities. Thanks for their invitations and continued partnership!

Community Relations also remains actively engaged in planning the Summer Hostos Professional Development and Study Abroad Program, while continuing outreach and collaboration with NYC Department of Eudcation (DOE) principals and teachers. Mr. Gerson Peña and Dean García Reyes are currently reviewing program applications.

In coordination with NYC DOE administrators, Dean García Reyes is also leading the planning of this year’s Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) workshops, which align with New York State’s required professional development training for teachers.

Applications for the program remain open. For additional information, please contact Mr. Gerson Peña at GPena@hostos.cuny.edu. 

CUNY CAP & GOWN SURVEY

Submitted by 2026 Commencement Committee

Are you graduating in Spring 2026? Take the CUNY Cap & Gown Survey!

The CUNY Cap & Gown Spring Graduation Survey is now open and is an important step in your Graduation Checklist.

This survey gives graduating students the opportunity to share their valuable experiences and other areas important to student success. Your feedback will inform decision-making throughout the university. All responses are voluntary and held in strict confidence.

How to access the CUNY Cap and Gown Survey:

• Log into CUNYfirst
• select STUDENT CENTER
• select TASKS and HOLDs
• select GRADUATION SURVEY
• select “CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE SURVEY”
• On the last page, click “Submit”
• *You’ll know it is complete when it no longer appears on your graduation checklist
• CUNY Cap and Gown Graduation Survey Instructions

Note: Students will have access to the survey once their CUNYfirst degree checkout status is reflected as any of the below:

• In Review
• Pending
• Awarded

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

Submitted by Provost and Academic Affairs VP Andrea Fabrizio, Ph.D.

A Long Journey Called Home

Submitted by Dr. Anne Rounds, English Department

On Friday, March 20, poet, pianist, and Hostos professor of English Anne Lovering Rounds launched "A Long Journey Called Home," a solo piano program and coming-of-age story, in a performance at Third Street Music School Settlement, the oldest community music school in the United States. The first half of this program revisits the past, offering canonical classical repertoire from childhood and formative years at the instrument. The second half features thornier work that became emotionally and technically available in adulthood, ending with Missy Mazzoli's cathartic 2022 work, "Forgiveness Machine." Through performance and creative program notes, Professor Rounds' recital tells the story of growing up musically and invites listeners to join a journey still unfolding. Those in attendance at Friday's launch performance included several Hostos students currently enrolled in English 111 and faculty members from across CUNY. Professor Rounds' next performance of "A Long Journey Called Home" will take place on Sunday, April 26, at 4 PM, at Christ and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on the Upper West Side. It is free and open to the public. A full program, including notes by Professor Rounds, is published and available on Manifold, CUNY's open-source platform for research and creative work. 

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by VP Althea Sterling, Ed.D.

Children's Center

Chances for Children Enters Fourth Year of Partnering with the Children’s Center 

The Chances for Children (CFC) Program is a clinical intervention specifically designed to address the unique relational, emotional, and developmental needs of young children ages 0 –5 and their caregivers. Dyadic (parent and child together) services are provided through individualized parent/caregiver–child sessions held for 1 hour each week for a duration determined by individual family needs and clinical progress. The goals of the services are:

• To expand and improve the parent/caregiver’s parenting style 
• To strengthen the child-caregiver bond 
• To offer developmental and reflective parenting guidance 
• To screen for developmental and social-emotional challenges  

Once a child is enrolled in the Children’s Center, a parent may be referred to CFC to work with a master’s-level clinical social worker once a week at the Children’s Center. Teachers and administrators from the Center collaborate to identify the families who might benefit most from working with CFC. 

The program has been incredibly successful. Although there are only six referral spots available, the program has consistently been full, operating on an open-enrollment basis. Chances for Children is a non-profit organization that provides its services to Hostos Community College for no cost.  We hope to continue our partnership for many years to come! 

Counseling Services

The Hostos Community College Counseling Center and Health & Wellness, in collaboration with Professor Alida Camacho, will be participating in this year’s Bronx Denim Day March.

Denim Day is an international campaign that raises awareness about sexual violence and supports survivors. Since 2016, Hostos Community College has commemorated this important day by engaging students, faculty, and staff in meaningful efforts centered on awareness, advocacy, and community action.

Students from Professor Camacho’s class will create powerful art pieces using denim as a symbol of solidarity with survivors of sexual violence. These works will be displayed during the march on April 23 at Lou Gehrig Plaza.

This collaboration highlights the importance of awareness, advocacy, and community support in standing with survivors and promoting a culture of respect and accountability.

For additional information, please contact Fabián Wander, LCSW, Director of the Counseling Center and Health & Wellness, at (718) 518-6567 or via email: fwander@hostos.cuny.edu.

Student Leadership Academy

CDI Integration & Practice in Student Leadership Development

The SGA/SLA Annual SOAR Retreat at YMCA Camp Bernie offers student leaders a unique opportunity to step outside their urban environment and immerse themselves in a rural camp setting where nature creates the ideal atmosphere for the principles of the Constructive Dialogue Initiative (CDI) — curiosity, active listening, perspective taking, respect, and collaborative problem solving — to flourish. Throughout the retreat, students participate in team building training, high and low ropes courses, a climbing wall, a scavenger hunt, and shared outdoor challenges that require them to apply CDI by communicating clearly, supporting one another, and remaining open to diverse perspectives as they work toward common goals. Communal meals and shared lodging reinforce the CDI emphasis on mutual respect and relationship building, giving students space to practice understanding of one another’s experiences and leadership styles. Evenings around the campfire — with s’mores, storytelling, and reflection — create psychological safety and deepen trust, helping students internalize the habits of empathetic leadership. The retreat’s natural environment not only offers a refreshing contrast to the pace and noise of city life but also enhances students’ ability to slow down, listen actively, reflect thoughtfully, and engage in authentic dialogue. Together, these experiences transform the SOAR Retreat into a meaningful CDI-centered journey where students strengthen their leadership skills, deepen their sense of community, and discover new confidence navigating challenges collaboratively.

SLA Spring Workshop Series

The Student Leadership Academy invites you to an engaging series of workshops designed to strengthen your voice, confidence, and impact. Each session offers practical tools to help you grow as a leader in your academic, professional, and personal life.

From Story to Action: Becoming the Leader You Already Are

April 17, 2026 | Brian Rashid

Discover how your experiences shape your leadership and identify one clear step to create change.

Fighting the Inner Impostor: Identifying the 5 Stages of Impostor Syndrome May 1, 2026 | Marz Bishop

Recognize and overcome impostor syndrome while building confidence and a growth mindset.

Personal Finances: Setting You Up for Financial Success

May 15, 2026 | Gretcher Hernandez

Gain practical skills in budgeting, credit, saving, and long-term financial planning.

For more information, please contact Jason Libfeld at (718) 518-6541. Go to @hostossla on Instagram for more specifics. 

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne

Information Technology Security Notice: Suspicious Activity and Account Lockouts

This message is to help you understand what to do if your email account is ever security‑flagged.

Why Accounts Get Locked

When suspicious activity is detected, accounts are security‑flagged and temporarily locked.

This is a cautionary protective measure to prevent unauthorized access.

In most cases, this activity is triggered when users click links in emails that appear to come from Hostos or CUNY users but are sent from external email addresses.

These messages often link to fake files, websites, or forms that are designed to look legitimate.

What Users Should Do to Stay Safe

Please take the following precautions:

• Verify the sender’s email address and confirm it is from Hostos or CUNY
• Never forward suspicious emails to others
• Be cautious of emails urging immediate action
• Check whether links lead to external websites (by placing your mouse on the link but not clicking on it)
• Review your account settings (including CUNYfirst) for any changes you did not make
• Review Outlook inbox rules and remove any you did not create

If You Suspect Unauthorized Activity

• Contact the Help Desk immediately
• Provide screenshots, if available
• Share your contact information
• Be prepared for a brief video call and to present a Hostos ID to verify your identity

If Your Account Is Locked

The required steps to restore access are listed here on the Cyber Security Awareness site. Important: Steps listed on the webpage must be completed in the order listed. Skipping steps or completing them out of sequence may cause delays or require additional account resets.

We strongly recommend bookmarking this page.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep our systems secure.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

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

Certificate Earners Matriculate at Hostos, Matriculated Students Complete CEWD Industry-Recognized Credentials 

During the academic year 2025-2026 sixty-two (62) CEWD students matriculated at Hostos (33 in the Fall and 29 in the Spring semesters). Most students, twenty-five (25), enrolled in AA Liberal Arts, while eight (8) enrolled in AAS Radiologic Technology; seven (7) in AS Business Management; seven (7) in the LPN program; four (4) in AA Criminal Justice; with other students enrolled in: AS Science, AAS Early Childhood Education, AS Computer Science, AAS Aging & Health Studies, AAS Paralegal, AAS Dental Hygiene, AAS Accounting, AAS Office Technology and AS Liberal Arts.  Most of the students began in CEWD Allied Health certificate courses (31), while others completed Adult Learning Center basic education courses (24) and the rest courses such as construction, business, and teacher certification courses. Of the 62 students, seven (7) received credit for prior learning (CPL).  

This adds to our continued efforts to establish various entry points for students at Hostos. Since 2018 we have identified 640 CEWD Alumni who have matriculated at Hostos. To date, 260 are continuing students while 237 have graduated.  

To date, over 200 Hostos degree students have enrolled and completed a CEWD certificate course.  Some of our more popular CEWD courses that degree students take are the Community Health Worker certificate, Certified Nursing Assistant, and teaching certifications required by the Department of Education.

Con Edison and Hostos CEWD Energy Efficiency and Clean Technology Training (87.5 hours) 

This is a newly added course with funding from Con Edison. This no-cost program includes Your Role in the Green Environment modules from National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER), a provider of industry-recognized training and certifications for the construction workforce. 

Core - Introduction to Basic Construction Skills (72.5 hours): 

• Basics in safety 
• Using hand and power tools 
• Materials handling 
• Employability skills 

Your Role in the Green Environment (15 hours): 

• How to measure your carbon footprint and reduce it 
• How buildings affect the green environment 
• How green building rating systems work 

Incentives: 

•  NCCER textbooks 
•  PPE for construction work 
•  $50 gift card 
•  Industry-recognized NCCER credentials 

For more information, contact Hurriya Ali at sali@hostos.cuny.edu or 718-319-7986 or complete the inquiry form: https://qrco.de/ConEdHostosCleanTechnology. 

Read and Learn More about the History of Continuing Ed and Workforce Development in CUNY!

“Expanding CUNY’s Mission: The History and Scope of Continuing Education” is an exhibit that has gathered 181 documents to trace the history of CUNY’s Division of Adult and Continuing Education at the Central Office from its creation in 1984 in the Office of Academic Affairs through a 36-year evolution. That office, working closely with campus ACE programs, built a host of successful and lasting programs that continue to serve hundreds of thousands of students and has brought significant change to CUNY and New York City. Take a look here.

Join us at a Special Research Presentation about “Expanding CUNY’s Mission” with John Mogulescu and Bonne August

When:

May 11, 2026

10 a.m.  – 12:00pm

Where:

Hostos Research Center (C-130)

450 Grand Concourse



View the CEWD Spring 2026 Catalog 

Go here for the catalog.

CEWD Virtual Information Sessions

May  

Wednesday, May 6, 6 PM (In-Person)  

Saturday, May 9, 11 AM (Virtual)  

Wednesday, May 20, 12:30 PM (Virtual)  

June  

Wednesday, June 3, 6 PM (In-Person)  

Saturday, June 6, 11 AM (Virtual)  

Wednesday, June 17, 12:30 PM (Virtual)  

To register for a session, go here.   

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA)

Submitted by VP Julie Gafney, Ph.D.

Accepting Submissions for the Alumni Newsletter: Volume 2

Volume 2 of the Hostos Community College Alumni Newsletter is still accepting contributions! This volume will be published on April 30, 2026, and we invite alumni to contribute their voices. Share your story through original articles, reflections, professional updates, creative pieces, or cultural commentary and help highlight the talent and experiences that shape the Hostos alumni community. Submissions are due today, Friday, April 17, 2026, and contributors may also upload a profile photo to appear with their work.

Submission Form

Discounted Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Tickets Available for the 2026 Scholarship Benefit

Faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to join us at the 2026 Hostos Community College Foundation Scholarship Benefit on April 30 for a special discounted rate of $350. The Scholarship Benefit is a celebration of Hostos students and the community that helps them thrive; we hope you will join colleagues and supporters for this special evening honoring student success.

Discounted tickets can only be purchased with this link: Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Discount

VP of Institutional Advancement to Host Weekly Office Hours

Do you have an idea to improve the student experience at Hostos? Stop by VP Julie Gafney’s office between 3–4 p.m. on Wednesdays to discuss your ideas and learn about the grant-seeking process! Please note: all ideas are welcome, but not all are fundable. Strong concepts will have a clear alignment with broader institutional priorities as outlined in the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan.



Opportunity of the Week

To keep the Hostos community informed of available funding opportunities, the Division of Institutional Advancement will be using El Semanario to share weekly updates on relevant requests for proposals (RFPs) from foundations and organizations whose giving areas align with the College’s mission. If you believe you have a program that fits the description, contact Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager Kelsey Hillebrand at khillebrand@hostos.cuny.edu. Research grants, indicated in bold*, must pursue funding through the Research Foundation of CUNY (RF CUNY). This is not intended to be an exhaustive list, so please continue to search Pivot and GrantForward for additional opportunities related to your specific domains.

Area:  Art Exhibitions—Indigenous American and American Arts

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

Funding: Awards vary. Floor: $75,000

More information: American Art Grant Categories - Henry Luce Foundation

BRAVO NEWS

Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Hostos Community

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop on all things Hostos!

Kudos to Professor Diaz-Wionczek!

Shoutout to Psychology Professor Mariana Diaz-Wionczek for publishing “From Fellowship to Field: How Well-being by Design Shaped Alma in the Bronx” with the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. The piece highlights the co-design work with caregivers from the Hostos Children’s Center and the project's trajectory, supported by the IDEAS and ADELANTE grants. Read the publication here.

CEWD Receives $200K Award in Partnership with LaGuardia CC

Congrats to CEWD for receiving an award from the New York Community Trust to continue funding the Recovery Hub in collaboration with LaGuardia Community College. The total award is $400,000, with $200,000 allocated to each partner. The program will prepare unemployed New Yorkers for jobs in 

high-demand sectors.

Congratulations to Our Students Recognized at the President’s BBQ in Honor of Student Resilience

Maryanne Akhile

Nominator: Santa Arocho

Giselle Bermudez

Nominator: Prof. Anamaría Flores

Regina Galley

Nominator: Prof. Kathleen Ronca

Nadine James-Lobel

Nominator: Prof. Tram Nguyen

Troi Hall

Nominator: Prof. Kristopher Burrell

Shanique A. James

Nominator: Prof. Marcella Bencivenni

Clinton Otuaney

Nominator: Prof. Cynthia Jones

Fouad Oukpedjo

Nominator: Prof. J.C. Williams

Jillian Pacheco

Nominator: Edwin Diaz

Adelis Pineda

Nominator: Dr. Diana Cruz

Nikita Pinnix

Nominator: Prof. Mariana Diaz

Guillersy Rosario

Nominator: Edwin Diaz

Akoli Sessi

Nominators: Jason Libfeld and Yamilka Santana

Daniel Yilpala

Nominator: Prof. Marcus Wilborn

We are proud of you! Read the full story about the event here.

Congressman Ritchie Torres Invests $700K in Hostos Library Renovations

Congressman Ritchie Torres joined Hostos Community College President Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis, students, faculty, and staff on Tuesday, April 7, in the College’s A-Atrium to celebrate a $700,000 federal investment in renovations to the Hostos Library. Read more here.

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: FIRST SHOW THIS MORNING! Calpulli Mexican Dance Company: Monarcas

Date | Time: Friday, April 17 | 10:30 AM and Sunday, April 19 | 3 PM

Location: Main Theater

Description: A breathtaking dance journey where the monarch butterfly’s migration mirrors the courage, hope, and resilience of Mexicans whose lives move between Mexico and the United States. Get tickets for the morning show on April 17 here. For the April 19 show, go here.

Title: Transgender Day of Visibility Open Mic

Date | Time: Friday, April 17 | 12:30 PM

Location: Writing Center (C-596A)

Description: Celebrate trans lives and share your talents at this open mic in the Writing Center! Bring personal poems, literature, songs — or read from some that we'll provide to you! A light lunch will be served.

Title: Lunch & Learn: Building Positive Relationships

Date | Time: Monday, April 20 | 3:30 - 5 PM

Location: C-391

Description: Organized by the LGBTQIA+ Council, this event will teach attendees how to build consent and positivity in relationships. The interactive workshop will be led by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene! Lunch and prizes will be provided.

Title: Earth Week Celebration: Our Power, Our Planet

Date | Time: Week of April 20

Location: Multiple Locations on Campus

Description: Join the Natural Sciences Departments in celebrating our Earth. There will be research presentations, teach-ins, and panels to engage in conversation about preserving our home planet. The main event will be on Wednesday, April 22, at the HRC. The event will begin with opening remarks from leaders of Hostos Community College, including President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Provost Andrea Fabrizio, and the Natural Sciences Department, followed by a keynote by Dr. Neal Phillip of Bronx Community College on global learning and planetary change. It will also feature a presentation by Paramita Sen, also of Bronx Community College, on student-led research mapping urban air inequality in Mumbai and Delhi.

Title: Meet the Social Sciences Faculty!

Date | Time: Tuesday, April 21 | 2 - 3:15 PM

Location: Zoom

Description: Students will learn about the Liberal Arts Options hosted by the Social Sciences Unit, scholarship opportunities through the social sciences, as well as career pathways through the liberal arts and social sciences. They will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to faculty. 

Title: “The Niceties” by Eleanor Burgess, Produced and Directed by Professor Ángel Morales

Date | Time: From Wednesday, April 22 at 2 PM until Friday, May 1 at 7 PM

Location: Black Box Theater

Description: In Eleanor Burgess' play, a brilliant Black student dares challenge her white professor's version of American history — what begins as a polite discussion quickly erupts into an urgent debate over race, history, and power. Admission is free. To reserve your seats, call the Box Office at 718-518-4455 (Monday–Friday, 10 am–5 pm), email hostoscenter@gmail.com, or visit the Box Office in person (Monday–Friday, 1 pm–4 pm). This production is sponsored by Hostos Community College, the Office of Academic Affairs, the Hostos Student Association, and the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, with funds from the Coalition of Theaters of Color.



Title: 4th Annual Student Symposium

Date | Time: Tuesday, April 28 | 9 AM - 5 PM

Location: Various Locations 

Description: This event brings together examples of undergraduate research in STEM; essays, poems, and short stories; visual arts; performing arts; capstone assignments; honors projects; field work; and more. 

Title: Spring 2026 Peace & Poetry

Date | Time: Wednesday, April 29 | 10 AM

Location: Hostos Research Center

Description: Join us during April National Poetry Month, to share and read your original poem, or one by a poet that you enjoy, that elevates peace and community-building. We will be welcoming poets Kay Poema and Dara Kalima, who will share their powerful words with the Hostos community.

Title: Hostos Community College Foundation Annual Scholarship Benefit

Date | Time: Thursday, April 30 | 6 PM

Location: The Surf Club on the Sound

Description: The 2026 Scholarship Benefit will bring our community together to celebrate student achievement, recognize outstanding leaders, and raise funds for scholarships that inspire persistence. Join us as we honor Hostos’ legacy of opportunity and champion the future of our students. More info here.

Title: Arts Industry Summit

Date | Time: Thursday, May 7 | 9 AM - 12 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: President Cocco De Filippis and Community Advisory Council Chair Elías Alcántara, along with the Office of Academic Affairs and community industry leaders, are proud to host another wonderful industry summit that will connect our students with the job opportunities they deserve and explore how to improve the curriculum to better prepare them. More info coming soon.

Title: Research Presentation: “Expanding CUNY’s Mission: The History and Scope of Continuing Education”

Date | Time: Monday, May 11 | 10 AM - 12 PM

Location: Hostos Research Center

Description: John Mogulescu and Bonne August will talk about “Expanding CUNY’s Mission: The History and Scope of Continuing Education,” an exhibit that has gathered 181 documents to trace the history of CUNY’s Division of Adult and Continuing Education at the Central Office from its creation in 1984 in the Office of Academic Affairs through a 36-year evolution. That office, working closely with campus ACE programs, built a host of successful and lasting programs that continue to serve hundreds of thousands of students and has brought significant change to CUNY and New York City. Take a look here.

Title: Lavender Graduation Ceremony

Date | Time: Friday, May 15 | 3 - 5 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: Celebrate your graduation with your chosen family and the Hostos LGBTQIA+ Council. Lavender Graduation ceremonies are celebrated throughout the country for students who are not always able to be out to their families. Students will receive a rainbow graduation stole to wear at the main ceremony, and a certificate with their chosen name. 

Title: CUNY Start: Spring Alumni Exchange

Date | Time: Tuesday, May 19 | 1:30 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: The CUNY Start: Spring Alumni Exchange will bring together current students and alumni to share experiences, build connections, and celebrate their journeys. We will also be working in collaboration with some of our campus partners for student resources. 

Title: Honors Convocation

Date | Time: Wednesday, May 20 | 6 PM

Location: Main Theater

Description: Join President Cocco De Filippis and the Office of Academic Affairs as our 2026 graduates receive their well-deserved academic honors and scholarships.

Title: 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

Date | Time: Tuesday, May 26 at 11 AM & Wednesday, May 27 at 11 AM

Location: Main Theater

Description: Let’s celebrate one of the most cherished milestones of our College! More information here.

Title: Hostos Alumni Homecoming 2026

Date | Time: Saturday, September 26 | TBD

Location: Hostos Community College

Description: The Office of Alumni Relations is pleased to revive the beloved Hostos Homecoming tradition. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, September 26. The full-day event will feature a range of activities—from family fun to professional development and networking opportunities. Details will be announced in the coming weeks, but you won’t want to miss out. Tickets will be available soon, and the early-bird suggested donation for general admission will start at $25 through June 30. After June 30, the price will increase to $50. Register here.

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.