Friday, April 19, 2024 | Vol. 8, No. 12

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

The week began with celebrating persistence and resilience with a barbeque celebrating 16 students and their faculty nominators. Please see Bravo News below for the full list of recipients. As I write these brief remarks, the Hostos family is preparing for spring break, a time to catch our breaths and catch up with our work, if any is pending, as we enjoy the full realization of spring.

This past week, our students’ engagement with their studies and faculty and mentors shined as 102 students presented their research projects. Outstanding! Civic engagement was celebrated with a beautifying the campus initiative led by our SGA. See them in action here. It just does not get better. We also attended a number of activities that focused our attention on embracing a diverse and hopeful world. It was a week about knowledge, civic engagement of community, respect and understanding of one another, of how much we have in common and of understanding our differences.

As we resume classes, finish and hand in papers, and prepare for final exams after a week of restoration, I remind my dear students to focus on successful completion. Please reach out to your faculty and advisors, and continue to access all the support services available to you.



Mil gracias y bendiciones, 



Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President

A POEM

"The Student" 

By Billy Collins 

My poetry instruction book,

which I bought at an outdoor stall along the river,

contains many rules

about what to avoid and what to follow.

More than two people in a poem

is a crowd, is one.

Mention what clothes you are wearing

as you compose, is another.

Avoid the word vortex

the word velvety and the word cicada.

When at a loss for an ending,

have some brown hens standing in the rain.

Never admit that you revise.

And--always keep your poem in one season.

I try to be mindful,

but in these last days of summer

whenever I look up from my page

and see a burn-mark of yellow leaves,

I think of the icy winds

that will soon be knifing through my jacket.

Collins, Billy "The Student" from The Trouble With Poetry and Other Poems. New York: Random House, 2005. Page 51.

A POEM MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT DAINMA MARTINEZ

Spring Is Springing!

Hostos, the weather has been shining on us! We at SGA hope that spring has been as inspiring for you as it has been for us. So many events have been happening these past weeks before spring break: we held our second annual Multi-Faith Symposium. Students, professors, and staff gathered to share and learn about the different kinds of spiritual expression on our campus; local religious leaders from our community joined us to discuss their experiences in bridging gaps and promoting common goals.

Thank you to everyone who came to volunteer for the SGA Beautification Clean Up Project. We know that as time goes on the flowers will bloom just as we are blooming with ourselves and as you are willing to dream big and never give up your dreams. Embrace your potential and trust in your journey, confident that you have the ability to achieve any goal you desire. This month is the perfect opportunity to experience the time of your life. There are endless possibilities awaiting you. May you discover endless joy, excitement, and unforgettable memories as you embark on new journeys and beyond.

As graduation approaches, many more events are on the way! One grand event that I know many will be excited about is Spirit Week! Monday through Friday will have a different theme, from Twin Day to Hostos Spirit Day, so keep an eye out for flyers.

There are only a few more days left until graduation, so keep an eye on your status. The Registrar's Office can help. Please email them at GRADUATIONAUDIT@hostos.cuny.edu or (718) 518-6771.

For those who are transferring, please visit Transfer Services on the first level of the D-Building (D-101) or call them at (718) 518-4319.

Another great resource to use is the food pantry, available by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact Madeline Cruz at (718) 518-4141 or email: mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu.

I would also like to end by saying thank you to everyone on campus. Thank you for all that everyone here contributes to Hostos' life. We will all continue to grow together.

Sincerely,

Dainma

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

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

Hostos Research Center Announces First Mini-Conference and Awardee Celebration

The Hostos Research Center and Committee on Sponsored Programs and Grants (HRC-CSPG) are pleased to announce the inaugural Hostos Research Center Mini-Conference and Awardee Celebration on Tuesday, May 14. The HRC Mini Conference will engage our Hostos community in learning about the advances in research made by our faculty, staff, and students. The half-day conference program is scheduled from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and will feature an ADELANTE/IDEAS awardees panel presentation, a special keynote from an invited speaker, a panel presentation with ADELANTE student researchers, and a poster exhibit. This will be a wonderful way to cap off another productive year of research conducted by the HRC ADELANTE/IDEAS awardees, whose innovative and transformative interventions continue to elevate Hostos to new educational heights and provide our students with incredible learning opportunities that will advance their academic and professional development. All members of the Hostos community are invited to attend.

Students Invited to Apply for NextGen Public Health Scholars 2+2+2 Program

All current Hostos students interested in pursuing a career in public health and epidemiology are invited to apply to the NextGen Public Health Scholars 2+2+2 Program, which joins Hostos Community College and Columbia University in providing eligible students access to full tuition coverage, mentoring, and career development throughout their undergraduate and graduate education. Now in its third year, this amazing program seeks to identify a new cohort to begin this Fall 2024. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to jumpstart a meaningful career that addresses the public health needs of our most vulnerable communities.

Click here to access the application. Use CUNYFirst email and password to access. Deadline to apply is May 15.

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH, AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

Submitted by Dean Babette Audant, Ph.D.

Graduation Rate and Decreasing Equity Gaps

As part of regular analyses of student outcomes, OIERA recently took a deeper dive into enrollment, retention, and graduation data. Starting with the Fall 2018 first-time freshmen (FTF) cohort, we compared their demographic composition (race/ethnicity, age and gender) to the Fa18 students who graduated in three years (150%). Though there were differences, none were statistically significant except for the female:male completion gap, a historically consistent gap across the United States. The good news is that the gap decreases over the next two cohorts (Fa19 and Fa20 first time freshmen). The more sobering news is that the three-year graduation rate decreased over these three years (Fa18 FTF = 21.1% ; Fa19 FTF = 20.4% ; Fa20 FTF = 19.2%). OAA and SDEM are collaborating on several initiatives to reverse these trends, the most significant being a comprehensive First Year Experience framework (details available in the coming months).

When we looked at degree-level key performance indicators to get a sense of where male student outcomes were stronger than average, we focused on degrees in which male students are overrepresented. Among these are the Engineering joint dual degree programs, Digital Design & Animation (DDA), Game Design and Accounting. These programs all feature at least one, if not more, of three qualities: strong cohort supports and identity, faculty mentoring (formal and informal), and clear, high-wage/high-skill career and academic pathways. Also, the majority of these degrees have an average Time To Degree (TTD) among its graduates under four years (i.e. Chemical Engineering = 3.4 years; Mechanical Engineering = 3.1 years; DDA = 3.5 years; Game Design = 3.5 years), whereas the Hostos average TTD among graduates is 4.5 years.

Degree programs vary in their structure, learning goals, and post-graduation pathways to further education and careers. The impact of best practices can inform curricular and program revision in ways appropriate to disciplinary norms and industry expectations. ​

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Submitted by Director Eric Radezky, Ph.D.





NYC Housing Connect: Affordable Housing Lotteries

NYC Housing Connect is a portal for New Yorkers to find and apply for affordable rental and homeownership opportunities across the five boroughs of New York City. Find out more about NYC Housing Connect here.

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Housing Development Corporation (HDC) create affordable housing opportunities for many household income levels and sizes. The buildings are privately owned. HPD and HDC have a monitoring and oversight role.

Visit NYC Housing Connect to register, sign up for email alerts, access a list of frequently asked questions, and find and apply for affordable housing opportunities. Click here to see the current lottery listings available on NYC Housing Connect.

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY (OCD)

Submitted by Chief Diversity Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and 504/ADA Coordinator Philip Oliveri, Esq.

Diversity Month

Dear Hostos Community,

As we champion the vibrant spirit of inclusivity and diversity that defines our campus, I am delighted to recognize the arrival of Diversity Month this April. Diversity Month takes place in April every year and was initiated in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity of the world around us. It is a time to recognize and understand our differences, be they gender, race, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, and other aspects while honoring the common essence of humanity. By appreciating our similarities and differences, the month aims to get people to seek a deeper understanding of others, regardless of who they are, what they are, or how they live. 

This is a time for us to come together as a community and celebrate the medley of cultures, perspectives, and identities that make our campus truly remarkable. At Hostos, we believe that diversity is a core value that enriches our environment. By embracing diversity, we foster empathy and creativity, which are essential for success in today’s global society. I encourage each of you to participate in the many events planned these last few weeks of the semester that promote inclusivity and raise awareness of the diverse communities surrounding us. Let us take these opportunities to celebrate our differences, build bridges across cultures and reaffirm our commitment to creating a campus where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered.      

Warm regards,

Phil Oliveri  

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

Submitted by Provost and VP Shiang-Kwei Wang, Ph.D.

HEAT and NextGen Engineering Scholars

Submitted by Professor Yoel Rodríguez

OAA is delighted to celebrate the achievements of our HEAT and NextGen Engineering Scholars.

José A. Keppis, HEAT and NextGen Engineering Scholar, recently was awarded the 2024 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Scholarship and published an article in LaGuardia's “Ad Astra Journal” dedicated to CRSP. 

Sor Bello Meléndez, HEAT and NextGen Engineering Scholar, was also awarded the 2024 NOAA Scholarship. 

John Santana, HEAT and NextGen Engineering Scholar, ​was recently awarded the Aerospace Mentorship Program (AMP) at Caltech – California Institute of Technology for Summer 2024.

We’re proud of you!

Student Enrollment Ice Cream Fiesta!

The Office of Academic Affairs, ASAP, and SSCU are excited to announce our Early Enrollment Ice Cream Fiesta! This event is designed to encourage more students to complete their summer and fall enrollments on campus conveniently.

Date: May 8, 2024

Time: 12 – 3 PM

Location: Outside the Advisement Building (429 Grand Concourse), near Evelina Antonetty Playground

Here’s how it works:

1. Students who complete their summer and fall enrollments and show their schedule to an advisor on campus on May 8 can receive an ice cream voucher from their advising unit (i.e., ASAP, Coaching Unit, College Discovery, CUNY Start/Math Start, etc).

2. Students redeem their vouchers on May 8 with the Mr. Softee ice cream truck parked outside the Advisement Building.

3. No vouchers will be distributed prior to or after May 8. 

For more information, contact us at oaa@hostos.cuny.edu. Let’s make enrollment sweet! We look forward to seeing you there!

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by VP La Toro Yates, Ph.D.

Message from VP Yates

On behalf of the SDEM family, we wish you a very happy and relaxing spring break. You have worked hard this semester, and you certainly deserve a break from classes!

I also encourage you to use this time to rest and recharge, spend time with your loved ones, and pursue activities that bring you joy. Whether you are traveling or simply spending time at home, have a safe and enjoyable break.

If you require any support or assistance, do not hesitate to contact us. Our SDEM offices will remain open during the break to ensure we can assist as needed.

Have a great spring break!

Enrollment is open!

Get the classes you need with the schedule you want!

The enrollment period for the Fall 2024 semester is now open! Log in to your CUNYfirst account to register for classes using Schedule Builder.

Need assistance? Meet with your Coach/Advisor!

1. Plan ahead: Review your degree audit on Degree Works to learn what classes are needed for your major and make a list of courses you wish to take before meeting with your coach/advisor.

2. Schedule an appointment with your coach or advisor through Succeed@Hostos. When you utilize Succeed@Hostos, you get access to your Success Coach/Advisor availability for the semester. Log in today!



Make sure to check your email for the most up-to-date advisement and enrollment information. 

Financial Aid Office

Have you applied for FAFSA? TAP? There is still time to apply for TAP by filling out the FAFSA. Once submitted, New York State residents attending NYS campuses can link directly to the TAP application. For students who have already enrolled and submitted their FAFSA for the 2023-2024 academic year, TAP awards may be automatically prorated or adjusted based on the number of enrolled credits.

Attend a CUNY FAFSA workshop! Students and families are invited to join an online workshop. Information will be provided about the cost of attendance, the types of financial aid available, and the financial aid application process. We’re here to help you understand the process and respond to your questions. Go here for more information.

Transfer Services 

Student Spotlight

Herminio M. Torres: For the Love of Science

Herminio graduated from Hostos in June 2012. Moreover, he was the class Valedictorian. He went on to Columbia University and received his BS in Biochemistry in 2015.

Here is what Herminio has to say about his experience: “While at Columbia, I noticed that Chinese students were incredibly successful at getting into top universities in the USA. Motivated by this, I spent six months in Xi’an, China as an education consultant, aiming to assist underrepresented populations in achieving similar success in gaining entry to prestigious institutions. Subsequently, I earned my MS in Chemical Biology from Stevens Institute of Technology and was honored with a Provost’s Fellowship for a Ph.D. program at the same institution. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted plans for my Ph.D. studies, as laboratory access became restricted. Consequently, I decided to depart from the Ph.D. program and transitioned to a role as an Account Manager for Phenomenex, where I was recognized as "Rookie of the Year." Last year, I relocated to Huntington Beach, CA, and left my position to join Sartorius Corp as an account manager. I love working with other scientists and engineers to streamline and expedite their workflows, empowering them to contribute to public health by combating diseases, aiding in wound healing, and making positive societal impacts."

EVENTS

Stay informed and engaged with our upcoming Spring 2024 events to maximize your transfer journey. You can email us at transferservices@hostos.cuny.edu, call us at 718-518-4457, or follow us on Instagram @hostostransferservices.  

Transfer Talk Tuesdays / Transfer Workshops

Every Tuesday | Time: 1 – 2 PM

Location: C-512

Transfer Walk-in Wednesdays

Every Wednesday | Time: 10 AM – 5 PM

Location: D 101-A (Savoy Building)

Transfer Tabling Thursdays / Meet 4-year Admissions Representatives

Every Thursday | Time: 12 – 2 PM

Location: A-Atrium

Hostos One Stop

Fresh Food Produce

Every Wednesday until May 15 | Time: 12 PM

Location: Savoy Building, first floor

All Hostos students are welcome. First come, first served.  

For additional information, please contact Madeline Cruz at 718-518-4141 or email mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu.

Health Services



For stress reduction, the Wellness Office offers weekly sessions of Keep Calm and Carry Yarn, a crochet group that meets Wednesdays in the A-atrium from 3 – 5 p.m.

POEMS TO INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY



Excerpt of “New Day’s Lyric”

By Amanda Gorman

May this be the day

We come together.

Mourning, we come to mend,

Withered, we come to weather,

Torn, we come to tend,

Battered, we come to better.

Tethered by this year of yearning,

We are learning

That though we weren’t ready for this,

We have been readied by it.

We steadily vow that no matter

How we are weighed down,

We must always pave a way forward

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne



Cafeteria Vendor RFP has been released

The Hostos, Bronx, and LaGuardia Community College Food Services Contract has been released to the public. A copy of the scope of work can be reviewed and downloaded from the New York Contract Reporter and the New York City Records websites.  

All Interested Proposers must respond with advice about the site visits by Wednesday, April 30, 2024, no later than 10:00 a.m. and e-mail the Designated Contact listed in the RFP for each respective college to inform of the Attendee Names of your Organization. Vendors who do not respond in advance will not be permitted to enter the campuses.

Mandatory site visit for each campus is listed below:

LaGuardia Community College-Wednesday, May 1 at 10:00 AM

Bronx Community College-Thursday, May 2 at 10:00 AM

Hostos Community College-Thursday, May 2 at 2:00 PM

LAST DATE FOR QUESTIONS: Thursday, May 16, 2024, 10:00 a.m. Questions must be emailed to the College RFP Administrator noted in specifications on or before 10:00 a.m. NO PHONE CALLS OR FAX WILL BE ACCEPTED

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME: Thursday, June 20 at 11:00 AM

Proposers MUST have a minimum of five (5) years of experience performing food service operations as their primary business in the New York Tri-State Area.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

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

Virtual Information Sessions

Attend one of our info sessions to learn more about CEWD’s program offerings. Register here and go here to browse our online catalog. 

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA)

Submitted by VP Colette Atkins

Nourishing Conversations: Chef Yala Celebrates Bronx Chef and Author

The Division of Institutional Advancement hosted a second Nourishing Conversation on Wednesday, April 17, continuing the series that began during the CUNY Tuesday campaign to highlight on-campus resources, like the Food Pantry at Hostos. Guest speaker, Chef Yala, shared the inspiring story of how she grew her business from an electric grill in the kitchenette of her salon to a thriving brick-and-mortar restaurant. Throughout the conversation, Yala reflected on her love for her community, which has supported her success. She returned that love during the pandemic lockdowns by making food for those in the neighborhood who were going without food and shelter, and their gratitude has inspired her to continue sharing meals to this day.

Her message to students was simple: do your best every day because you never know who is watching—a lesson she learned when a federal officer showed up at La Cocina de Yala one Friday night to tell her that she needed to reserve ten tables for the next day because Chief Justice Sonia Sotomayor had heard of her restaurant and wanted to come for dinner! When a student asked the Chef what they should do if they want to run their own business someday, Yala replied that if they love their work and show up every day with discipline, passion, and consistency, success will follow.

Attendees enjoyed a cooking demo and a tasting portion of the Chef’s delicious bacalao guisado and arepitas de yuca. To learn more about Chef Yala or find her restaurant, La Cocina de Yala, visit her website, follow her on Instagram, or buy her book. Thank you to our moderator, Fabián Wander, to all those who attended, and, of course, to the wonderful Chef Yala, who was so generous with her time and talents. This event was sponsored by the Education for Diversity Initiative: Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: the President’s Initiatives.

BRAVO NEWS

Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Hostos Community

Take Your Senior Pictures!

The photographer will be on campus on these dates during the next two weeks. Additional dates during the month of May will be announced soon:

• Tuesday, April 23
• Thursday, April 25
• Monday, April 29
• Tuesday, April 30
• Thursday, May 2

The hours are 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. Please call (718) 518-6561 to make an appointment. You must make an appointment to take the pictures. Walk-ins are not allowed, as this could affect the photo session of students who made appointments. The photo studio is located in room A-009!

Congratulations to President’s Recognition Barbeque Honorees!

On Monday, April 15, Hostos Community College celebrated the unwavering resilience and outstanding achievements of 16 exceptional students during the President’s Recognition Barbeque in Honor of Student Resiliency. 

Hosted by the Office of the President, the special luncheon honored resilient students who have overcome significant challenges while still pursuing their academic goals. During her welcoming remarks, President Daisy Cocco De Filippis expressed immense pride as she looked around at the roomful of students with their mentors, and she invited student and honoree Leyla Caballero to recite with her a poem that she had selected for the occasion — “Reassurance,” by Alice Walker. “This is about education, how we grow as we learn, and how we absolutely need to also celebrate the person we are becoming,” she explained.

Congratulations to the honorees: Derika Kristi-Ann Bailey, Kimberly Bell, Nakia Benjamin, Steven Blair, Stephanie Brioso, Leyla Caballero, Regina Dixon, Afnan Farea, Erika Francis, Alejandra Garcia, Chasaty Harris, Susan Hu, Gerald Hysenaj, Bettina Ingaran, Jean Lewis, John Santana, and Heather Teitz. They were each presented with a certificate of recognition and a stipend and book.

The event was moderated by Carlos Rivera, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, and Siddique Mohamed, Director of ASAP at Hostos, served as the keynote speaker. 

Hostos Students Receive Prestigious Fashion Scholarship

Eight of our amazing students received $5,000 scholarships from the Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF). The FSF aims to support students enrolled in two-year community colleges who aspire to pursue careers in the fashion and fashion-adjacent industries. Our wonderful fashionistas are Daviana Chacón Dugarte, Allyssa Comagon, Jae’oni Davis, Fatoumata Diaby, Kristina González, Stephanie Oliveria de Araujo, and Monique Vasquez. We will be sharing more exciting news about them soon!

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: THIS AFTERNOON! Zakat Festival

Date | Time: Friday, April 19 | 3:30 PM

Location: C-building GYM

Description: As Ramadan, the fasting month, comes to an end, please join us for a special event that brings our community together to support those in need. This occasion is rooted in the Muslim tradition of giving and mutual support. We invite you to spend an afternoon with us, sharing in kindness and togetherness. With open hearts and a readiness to assist, we can spread joy and unity among many people. Learn more about Zakat here.

Title: Amplifying Black Undocumented Student Voices in Higher Education with Dr. Felecia Russell

Date | Time: Friday, April 26| 4:30 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: This event will focus on career aspirations and pathways for undocumented students, including pathways like independent contracting and authorship, which are viable career paths for undocumented students. She ultimately focuses on centering the intersectional experiences of Black immigrant community members. Through grounded research on career aspirations and a student-led dialogue, Dr. Russell will discuss information covered in her book and her experiences.  The Scholarship Office organizes this in collaboration with SDEM, the New York State Youth Leadership Council, CUNY Undocumented and Immigrant Student Programs, CUNY Black Male Initiative, TheDream.US, Hostos Scholarship Club, LEADS, and Baruch College. RSVP here: bit.ly/ny_book.

Title: “The Hostos Neighborhood”: First Year Seminar: A New York State of Mind Photo Exhibit 

Date | Time: Available from Friday, May 3 – May 15

Location: Hostos Café

Description: “The Hostos Neighborhood” is an exhibit of photographs taken by students in the First Year Seminar: A New York State of Mind. Sponsored by the Educating for Diversity: Ms.MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiative, ten students were each awarded a $25 prize for their images which will be on exhibit for the Hostos Community in the A-Atrium from May 3 - May 15. In creating their photographs, students recognized the infrastructural, cultural, and justice issues as part of the historical makeup of South Bronx. With diverse imagery and text detailing what is beautiful and problematic, students provide a “visual voice” to the surrounding neighborhood and its people.​

Title: Bronx EdTech Showcase

Date | Time: Friday, May 3 | Time TBD

Location: Hostos Café

Description: Save the date for the showcase, "Let’s Talk: Rethinking Authentic Learning & Assessment in the Age of AI." This event will allow attendees to explore strategies to strike a balance between leveraging AI advancements and nurturing the unique intellectual contributions of students, ensuring they are well-prepared for future challenges. This year’s showcase is planned in an interactive format. Presenters will introduce a topic for up to 10 minutes and then lead a 20-minute conversation or Q&A about the topic. 

Title: The Enchanting Voice & Beautiful Lyrics of Hermes Croatto

Date | Time: Saturday, May 4 | 7 PM

Location: Repertory Theater

Description: With a deep love for nature and his rich cultural heritage, folk singer Hermes Croatto carries the torch lit by his father, Tony Croatto, the legendary composer and icon of Puerto Rican folk music. More than simply honoring his father's legacy, Hermes seeks to reenergize folk music and captivate a new generation. His enchanting voice and beautiful lyrics have already earned him a special place in the hearts of Puerto Rican audiences. He has collaborated with renowned artists such as Eduardo Cabra, Rec808, and Sie7e, infusing his folk music with a contemporary sound for the modern age. The evening will include his new songs, and classics from his father, among others. Tickets here.

Title: Asian Americans and Pandemic Discrimination: A Talk with Internationally Recognized Hostos Alumnus Dr. Van Tran

Date | Time: Tuesday, May 7 | 2 PM

Location: FDR Room (C–312)

Description: The Behavioral and Social Sciences Department invites you to a presentation on “Asian Americans and Pandemic Discrimination” by Dr. Van Tran, Associate Professor of Sociology and International Migration Studies at CUNY Graduate Center and Hostos alumnus, as part of the Social Sciences Speakers Series. Light refreshments will be served. Read more about Dr. Van Tran and his work here. 

Title: Ice Cream Fiesta!

Date | Time: Tuesday, May 8 | 12–3 PM

Location: Outside Advisement Building (429 Grand Concourse), near Evelina Antonetty Playground

Description: The Office of Academic Affairs, ASAP, and SSCU are excited to announce our Early Enrollment Ice Cream Fiesta! This event is designed to encourage more students to complete their summer and fall enrollments on campus conveniently. Students who complete their summer and fall enrollments and show their schedule to an advisor on campus on May 8 can receive an ice cream voucher from their advising unit (i.e., ASAP, Coaching Unit, College Discovery, CUNY Start/Math Start, etc). Students redeem their vouchers on May 8 with the Mr. Softee ice cream truck parked outside the Advisement Building. No vouchers will be distributed prior to or after May 8. 

Title: Anti-Asian Hate Awareness Conversation with the Asian American Federation

Date | Time: Wednesday, May 8 | 12 PM

Location: Hybrid at C–391 and Zoom Webinar

Description: Join the Asian American Federation for a virtual presentation to understand the extent and effects of anti-Asian violence, the ways it continues to show up in our lives, and resources you can connect with. We will also explore how we as individuals and a community have been impacted by this violence. This presentation will be conducted by Daphne Thammasila. Daphne is the Associate Director of Programs at the Asian American Federation (AAF), a nonprofit committed to raising the influence and well-being of the pan-Asian American community through research, advocacy, and programming. Daphne oversees AAF’s mental health programming, nonprofit support work, and their anti-Asian violence campaign Hope Against Hate. She has over 4 years of experience managing multi-million dollar programming for the immigrant community.

Title: Sisterhood Self-Care Day

Date | Time: Thursday, May 9 | 12 PM

Location: C–391

Description: Join Urban Unity for an afternoon of sisterhood! There will be giveaways, music, fun, and love for women. Make sure to show up wearing your best pink outfit! All are welcomed. 

Title: Hostos Community College Foundation Gala

Date | Time: Thursday, May 9 | 6 PM

Location: Glen Island Harbour Club, New Rochelle

Description: Mark your calendars on Thursday, May 9, for the Hostos Community College Foundation’s 2024 Annual Scholarship Benefit. This year, the Benefit will return to the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. Join us for a lively cocktail reception, a delicious dinner, and a program celebrating the impact of the College and honoring inspiring leaders, then close the evening with festive music and dancing. Go here for tickets and more information.

Title: Hostos Research Center Mini-Conference

Date | Time: Tuesday, May 14 | 9 AM – 1 PM

Location: HRC (C-130)

Description:  The HRC Mini Conference will engage our Hostos community in learning about the advances in research made by our faculty, staff, and students. The half-day conference program is scheduled from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and will feature an ADELANTE/IDEAS awardees panel presentation, a special keynote from an invited speaker, a panel presentation with ADELANTE student researchers, and a poster exhibit. This will be a wonderful way to cap off another productive year of research conducted by the HRC ADELANTE/IDEAS awardees, whose innovative and transformative interventions continue to elevate Hostos to new educational heights and provide our students with incredible learning opportunities that will advance their academic and professional development. All members of the Hostos community are invited to attend.

Title: Industry Summit Radiologic Technology

Date | Time: Wednesday, May 15 | 9 AM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: The Radiologic Technology Industry Summit is the fourth in a series of industry summits hosted by President Daisy Cocco De Filippis and Community Advisory Council Chair Elias Alcántara. The series brings together business and academia in the areas of Allied Health Sciences, Community Health, Arts Administration, Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Financial Services to establish a forum for the development of relevant curriculum that serves the needs of the employers in our service area and prepares our students to become successful professionals with rewarding careers. May’s event provides Hostos faculty and students an opportunity to discuss the skills, education and future outlook in the field of radiologic technology. More information forthcoming.

Title: SDEM BBQ

Date | Time: Friday, May 17 | 12 PM

Location: Evelina Antonetty Playground

Description: Let’s break bread together and have fun in community to celebrate a successful end of the Spring 2024 semester!

Title: Nurse Pinning Ceremony

Date | Time: Wednesday, May 22 | 11 AM

Location: Repertory Theater

Title: 2024 Honors Convocation

Date | Time: Wednesday, May 22 | 6 PM

Location: Main Theater

Description: Let’s celebrate our students’ wonderful achievements during our 2024 Honors Convocation ceremony. If you intend to sit on the stage, please register here. Invitations will be sent out by May 1.

Title: Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremonies

Date | Time: Wednesday, May 29 at 1 PM | Thursday, May 30 at 11 AM

Location: Main Theater

Description: Make sure you are up to date with commencement information! Get more info 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.