Celebrating 20 Years of CUNY SPS - CUNY School of Professional Studies

A CUNY SPS Special Publication

Celebrating 20 Years of CUNY SPS 2003–2023

sps.cuny.edu

Table of Contents Reflections on the 20th Anniversary of CUNY SPS...............1 Our History.........................................................................2 Why CUNY SPS Is Special To Me..........................................6

The CUNY SPS 20th Anniversary Publication is Produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications Editor-in-Chief: Ariana Souzis Publication Design: Kelly Cunningham Video: Dariun Robinson Social: Nicole Erazo Editorial Assistant: Lisa Sheridan Chief Marketing and Communications Officer: Andrea L. Fagon

Reflections

on the 20th Anniversary of CUNY SPS In 2003, the City University of New York (CUNY) sought to dream up a totally new kind of school—one that would serve the needs of adult learners, students who had been forced to leave college when life got in the way. Furthermore, to provide the flexibility and affordability that working adults with families and full-time jobs might need, this new institution would also offer its academic programs fully online, adopting a cutting-edge virtual pedagogical approach that many educators at the time were skeptical might never compare to a classroom.

Flash forward twenty years later. The institution that founding dean John Mogulescu and his dedicated team of colleagues established, the CUNY School of Professional Studies, has proven to be a unique success story. As of 2023, CUNY SPS offers 26 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, 13 certificate programs, and numerous other noncredit workplace learning programs, nearly all of which are online. And in 2023, we celebrated both our largest graduating class ever—more than 1,250 graduates—and our highest enrollment ever, with over 4,400 students. We are also recognized for our online expertise, including

by U.S. News & World Report, which has continually named CUNY SPS one of the top ten in the nation on its annual list of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, among other accolades.

As the new dean of CUNY SPS, I am thrilled to take over the helm of this extraordinary institution at a time when our once radical core mission—to support adult learners through online programs—has been embraced by the rest of higher education. My goal as the new steward of the School is to keep this mission forefront as we reassess, reinvent, and expand our programs, initiatives, and student supports even further to advance the innovation for which CUNY SPS has long been recognized.

To honor these remarkable first twenty years, I invite you to explore our special anniversary publication. In these pages, you’ll read about our history and hear from twenty members of our community who will share what makes the School so special to them.

As you will see, one common thread that runs through their observations is that CUNY SPS has always been a place where faculty and staff provide support and care for our students, and that devotion is the key to the School’s success. We have done an amazing job of educating our students and caring for our community in our first two decades, and I very much look forward to leading this charge and expanding our success during our next twenty years.

Dr. Lisa R. Braverman

Dean, CUNY School of Professional Studies Celebrating 20 Years of CUNY SPS

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Our History In June of 2003, the Board of Trustees of The City University of New York created the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) to meet the educational needs of working adults, organizations, and employers through timely, flexible, and academically rigorous programs.

2003 CUNY School of Professional Studies founded in 2003

Joseph S. Murphy Institute for Worker Education and Labor Studies becomes a part of CUNY SPS

2006 CUNY SPS launches its first online degree, BA in Communication and Culture, and enrolled over 200 students in first year

2008 CUNY SPS develops the first in the nation master’s degrees in Applied Theatre and Disability Studies (in person) BS in Business launches in Spring 2008 with 151 students

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Celebrating 20 Years of CUNY SPS

Starting with 200 students, CUNY SPS currently serves over 4,400 students through high-quality bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and certificates, in addition to the nearly 40,000 students served annually in our noncredit professional education and workplace learning programs. Many students work full-time and are part-time students; 90% are over 25 years of age, and two in three students are from underrepresented groups.

In 2006, after developing 11 credential and certificate programs, the School’s growth accelerated with the launch of the University’s first online degree, the BA in Communication and Culture (now the BA in Communication and Media). This program, designed for students returning to college to complete a four-year degree, saw over 200 enrollments in its first year. The curriculum was developed by senior full-time faculty from across the University, and was offered with a full suite of online student services, such as financial aid, help desk support, and orientation.

With this first online degree’s success, CUNY SPS developed a second. A group of full-time CUNY faculty developed a BS in Business, launching in the spring of 2008 with 151 students.

The Joseph S. Murphy Institute for Worker Education and Labor Studies, established in July 2005 as an expansion of the Queens College Worker Education Program, became part of CUNY SPS in 2006, helping union members meet their career advancement and personal growth needs through labor studies and urban studies degrees and certificates developed during its time with the

The CUNY SPS Office of Development was established in 2010 with one team member, and the CUNY SPS Foundation was founded in 2011 with three members, who raised a total of $16,000 that fiscal year

2010

First online graduate degree launched in 2009

Between 2011 and 2012 the following degrees were launched: BS in Health Information Management (first offered in Fall 2011), the BA in Sociology (Fall 2011), the BA in Psychology (Spring 2012), the MS in Data Science (Fall 2012), the BA in Disability Studies (Fall 2012), the BA in Human Relations (Fall 2012)

School. (In 2018, the Murphy Institute separated from CUNY SPS, becoming an independent school within the University, the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies.)

In 2007-2008, CUNY SPS developed a Master of Arts in Applied Theatre and a Master of Arts in Disability Studies, each the first degree of its kind in the nation. The School now offers 26 degree programs (25 fully online and 1 in person): the MS in Business Management and Leadership, the University’s first online graduate degree program, was launched in Fall 2009, followed by the BS in Health Information Management (first offered in Fall 2011), the BA in Sociology (Fall 2011), the BA in Psychology (Spring 2012), the MS in Data Science (Fall 2012), the BA in Disability Studies (Fall 2012), the BA in Human Relations (Fall 2012), the BS in Nursing (Spring 2014), the BS in Information Systems (Fall 2014), the MS in Disability Services in Higher Education (Spring 2016), the MA in Psychology (Spring 2016), the MA in Youth Studies (Spring 2017), three MS degrees in Nursing (Fall 2017-Fall 2018), the BS in Health Services Administration (Spring 2018), the BA in Liberal Studies (Spring 2018), the MS in Research Administration and Compliance (Fall 2018), the MA in Museum Studies (Fall 2019), the MS in Health Information Management (Spring 2020), the BA in Youth Studies (Fall 2022), and the BPS in Applied Management and Entrepreneurship (Fall 2022).

2012

Since 2015, CUNY SPS has been nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its annual list of Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs.

That first year, CUNY SPS was ranked 27th (in the top 15%); in 2021, it was ranked 8th (in the top 2%). Many of the School’s degrees have received their own individual high ranking and recognition.

With the School’s growth in degree offerings came dramatic growth in the Professional Education and Workplace Learning (PEWL) programs—a portfolio that now includes nearly $35 million in grants and contracts to create and administer customized workplace learning to help people advance their careers and help employers improve their effectiveness. PEWL comprises partnerships with such City and State agencies as the New York City Department of Homeless Services, the New York City Administration of Children’s Services, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, and the New York City Department of Social Services, among others. PEWL designs, develops, implements, and evaluates in-person, virtual, and online non-credit training to approximately 38,000 learners a year across a range of customized learning programs including leadership development, anti-bias and implicit bias, on-the-job training, and skillbased training.

Celebrating 20 Years of CUNY SPS

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Our History (continued)

In 2015, the School received approval from the CUNY Board of Trustees to becomes its own, independently registered institution

In Fall 2013, the School moved to its own campus building at 119 W 31st St., with additional space at 101 W 31st St.

2013

CUNY SPS launched the BS in Nursing (Spring 2014), the BS in Information Systems (Fall 2014)

Over years of supporting the many needs of our growing student population, the School has undergone a number of institutional transformations.

Established as part of the CUNY Graduate School and University Center, CUNY SPS was initially based at the Graduate Center’s location at 365 Fifth Avenue. In Fall 2013, the School moved to its own campus building at 119 W 31st St., with additional space at 101 W 31st St. This move accommodated an expanded structure of student support within an Office of Enrollment Management and Student Services, offering comprehensive assistance from admissions to academic advisement, from financial aid to the bursar, from tutoring to career services, and from disability services and military and veteran services to options to study abroad.

With the move, the School assumed control of nearly all of the administrative operations supported by the Graduate Center. In 2015, the School received approval from the CUNY Board of Trustees to becomes its own, independently registered institution. In preparation for this eventual independence, that same year CUNY SPS established an independent Human Resources Office and separated all HR functions from the Graduate School and University Center. Business office 4

Celebrating 20 Years of CUNY SPS

2015

The MS in Disability Services in Higher Education (Spring 2016), the MA in Psychology (Spring 2016), the MA in Youth Studies (Spring 2017), three MS degrees in Nursing (Fall 2017-Fall 2018) are also launched

In November of 2016, the dean charged a Governance Review Task Force to review and revise the School’s Governance Plan

functions, such as payroll and accounts payable, have also been separated from the Graduate Center. As of Fall 2020, the School’s only remaining administrative connections to the Graduate Center are through its public safety officers, who are part of the Graduate Center, and a shared Office of Postsecondary Education Identification (OPE ID) number.

In November of 2016, the dean charged a Governance Review Task Force to review and revise the School’s Governance Plan. The revised plan was approved by the CUNY Board of Trustees in May of 2019, and implemented with the Fall 2019 semester.

The School’s move to its own campus expanded professional development opportunities in online instruction for CUNY SPS faculty with the creation of the Office of Faculty Development and Instructional Technology (OFDIT). In Summer 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, OFDIT was asked by the University to train faculty throughout CUNY in online teaching and learning; to date over 3,000 CUNY faculty have taken our Online Learning Essentials course.

The CUNY SPS Office of Development was established in 2010 with one team member, and the CUNY SPS Foundation was founded in 2011 with three members, who raised a total of $16,000 that

2018 Also launched BS in Health Services Administration (Spring 2018), the BA in Liberal Studies (Spring 2018), the MS in Research Administration and Compliance (Fall 2018), the MA in Museum Studies (Fall 2019), and an MS in Health Information Management (Spring 2020)

CUNY SPS has been nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its annual list of Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs. That first year, CUNY SPS was ranked 27th (in the top 15%); in 2021, it was ranked 8th (in the top 2%)

2020 In 2017, the School created its Student Association, with an elected membership, a constitution and bylaws, an operating budget, and a professional development grant for students

The revised School’s Governance Plan was approved by the CUNY Board of Trustees in May of 2019, and implemented with the Fall 2019 semester

fiscal year. In the years since, under an executive director of development and expanded team, the Office of Development now includes an active division of Alumni Relations and the CUNY SPS Foundation, which has grown to 14 members, currently offers 25 named scholarships and funds, and continually raises up to nearly $1 million in new cash and pledges annually.

In 2017, the School created its Student Association, with an elected membership, a constitution and bylaws, an operating budget, and a professional development grant for students. Since then, the Association has established a number of successful student groups, including the Abilities and Resource Committee (now the Disability and Access Coalition), the School’s student-run online newspaper The Kiosk, and the Black Student Union, among many others. Affiliated with the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Student Association mounts a student-run annual leadership conference and other co-curricular opportunities for student growth.

Since its inception, the Association has had a number of students serve in leadership positions.

The COVID-19 crisis hitting in Spring 2020 was a test for CUNY SPS. Enrollments rose as they fell elsewhere, but online instruction—for which SPS trained thousands of CUNY faculty—was only part of the answer during mandated remote learning.

The students’ lives were disrupted, and instructors reached out with assurances that deadlines would be extended and adjustments made, and advisors and counselors stepped up their support efforts as well. This is only the most recent instance of how CUNY SPS has made a difference and—given the

spirit of innovation, dedication, and support that has defined the School since its founding in 2003—a sign of future impact to come.

2023

2021

Dr. Lisa R. Braverman, a national innovator in adult and online education, is appointed Dean of CUNY SPS

Founding Dean John Mogulescu retires; Jorge Silva-Puras steps in to serve as Interim Dean

Celebrating 20 Years of CUNY SPS

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Why CUNY SPS Is Special to Me I was drawn to support and get involved With sincerity, as a proud alumna, I can say CUNY SPS was my academic and professional rebirth. Finishing my degree after a nine-year hiatus was a pivotal moment in my life. CUNY SPS is so special to me because it was there exactly when and how I needed it. And the true essence of SPS lies in its heart—the diverse and vibrant community of students and the dedicated faculty and staff who served not just as educators but as mentors, deeply committed to our success. My time at CUNY SPS prepared me for my graduate studies at Columbia University and still resonates throughout my professional life. CUNY SPS provided more than education; it offered an environment that spurred my academic and personal development. The confidence I honed there has been vital in my career progression. I’m forever appreciative of CUNY SPS for rekindling my academic ambitions and contributing to the person I am today.

with CUNY SPS because of the remarkable students, alumni, faculty, and staff. What makes CUNY SPS a

bright star in the greater CUNY constellation is the resilience of its more mature students who bring significant work and life experience to their classes. This

experience enriches the learning, as does the practical nature of what the professionally grounded faculty infuses in the curriculum.

And what creates the long-term impact of the CUNY SPS meteor shower is the continual innovation of its online and in-person educational community, with all members driven to make NYC a better place socially and economically.

Blake Foote Chair, CUNY SPS Foundation

Milan Fredricks BA in Communication and Media, Class of 2019

The sense of community I found joining clubs, student government, and all the amazing events. I was able to develop positive friendships and enjoyed learning new exciting lessons in my online program.

Luis Gutierrez Student, MS in Disability Services in Higher Education 6

Celebrating 20 Years of CUNY SPS

CUNY SPS is a blessing in the form of a school, where I learned leadership skills from the experts, collaborated with a diverse and supportive community of data enthusiasts, and worked on cutting-edge research projects. CUNY SPS not only provided me with the best online programs in data science, but also cultivated a culture of care

that valued, respected, and empowered every student and faculty member. I experienced this culture of care through the flexible and affordable online courses, the constant feedback and support from my professors and peers, and the opportunities to give back to this great institution. That’s why CUNY SPS is special to me, and why I’m proud to be part of it.

Duubar Villalobos Jimenez MS in Data Science, Class of 2019

Back in 2003, the chancellor wanted to

build a new school for adults that would be nimble and reactive, and we didn’t have one at CUNY at the time.

The fact was that in New York City alone there were close to 800,000 New Yorkers who had some college and no degree, and we wanted to reach them. When he asked me to do it, it was scary… But I was able to bring some people together, and we started thinking about it, and within six months we had started our first program.

Three years later, we were asked to develop CUNY’s first online degree program, and that was the opportunity that ultimately put CUNY SPS on the map. The idea of heading a school with online degrees was unusual, but I had already realized that if you get good people and you give them the freedom to do what they need to do, you figure it out.

And every year we launched one or two new degrees, which was unheard of at CUNY, and we did that for over 10 years. Also, I have always believed that you can’t have a school that’s a public urban

school that doesn’t pay attention to the needs of the city, so we also offered non -credit training for city workers through the

unit that is now called PEWL. And now, 20 years later, we have over 4,400 degree students and 30,000 non-credit students. Looking back, I reflect with great pride that a community of people who wanted to serve students in New York came together. I can’t help but feel really good about it. I hope that this is just the beginning.

John Mogulescu Founding Dean, CUNY School of Professional Studies

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Why CUNY SPS is Special To Me

I have known about CUNY SPS for as long as it’s been in existence. I remember when the School began in 2003, and CUNY was conducting a search for an associate dean. I kept a clipping in my house about the genesis of CUNY SPS. I’ve also known prior deans, employees, and was aware of CUNY SPS’ original vision, which is really what fueled the School’s success. As a longtime innovator in adult and online education, I have accumulated an extensive background in these areas, and have enjoyed a multi-faceted and successful career. So, when the CUNY SPS dean position opened, naturally I applied and was delighted when I was asked to take over this key role and lead such a dynamic School. In the three months since I’ve started, I’ve been tremendously impressed by the CUNY SPS community. The

passion and dedication of our hardworking, talented, and exceptional students, faculty, and staff are unparalleled. CUNY SPS is a truly special place with abundant opportunities for growth and innovation and I’m thrilled to be here leading that charge!

Dr. Lisa R. Braverman Dean, CUNY School of Professional Studies

In 20 years CUNY SPS has helped change what education is; not only in terms of innovative teaching methods and the inclusion of gifted students who previously have not been given the opportunity to go to college, but perhaps most importantly—providing an important example of what quality education can look like in the current moment. CUNY SPS’ dedication to these goals is inspiring and makes these 20 years truly a special time.

Bradley Gardener Doctoral Lecturer in Data Science and Information Systems

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Celebrating 20 Years of CUNY SPS

When I returned to college to finish my bachelor’s degree, I expected it to be difficult. I did not expect the extensive support I would receive as an adult learner from the CUNY SPS community. From day one of

my first-year experience orientation, I knew the faculty and staff of CUNY SPS had my best interests at heart. The orientation’s attention to detail and thoughtful planning allowed me to relax and set realistic expectations for succeeding. As I completed each class, it was hard to miss the support and dedication of my professors along the way.

Connecting with other students for club and social events elevated my college experience even more. What makes CUNY SPS even more remarkable is sharing my past business and leadership experiences with the student body as a student leader and peer mentor. The opportunity to give back is priceless, and the relationships that were formed will remain with me for a long time to come.

Diana Haynes Student, BA in Human Relations

CUNY SPS is special to me because it showed me the beauty of pursuing an online education. In 2016, I didn’t know whether or not online classes would work for me, but here I am in 2023, two degrees later and currently seeking a third. As a disabled

man, online education has opened up doors that I never thought were possible. As a professional working full-time, I can’t help but to encourage other professionals to pursue their growth here at CUNY SPS. Leonard Blades MS in Disability Services in Higher Education, Class of 2020 Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies, Class of 2022 Student, MA in Disability Studies

CUNY SPS is special to me in a couple of crucial ways.

Our School is the premier senior CUNY college where adult learners can earn a degree or a certificate and engage in professional development—all online.

But what makes it truly unique is its unyielding commitment to provide the people of this city and state with specialized learning opportunities through the Office of Professional Education and Workplace Learning (PEWL). This unit was created alongside CUNY SPS with the deepest conviction that a great urban university should also attend to the needs of our city.

With that mission at the forefront, over the past 20 years PEWL grew from a team of three to more than 200 professionals who partner with organizations to advance their goals through customized learning programs. We have served about 300,000 adults since our inception, and we have CUNY SPS to thank for this achievement.

Amy Perez Executive Director Office of Professional Education and Workplace Learning (PEWL)

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Why CUNY SPS is Special To Me

CUNY SPS is special to me because of its founding mission to help working adults achieve their educational goals.

Our online mode of instruction; project-based, applied course content; and robust student services, such as 24/7 tutoring and help desk, are designed so that busy people can fit a CUNY SPS degree into their lives. Closest

to my heart is the Credit for Prior Learning program, which recognizes that college-level learning can happen anywhere, not just in a

college classroom, and shows respect for the skills and knowledge that adult learners bring with them. Last year over 30 percent of our baccalaureate grads received some form of Credit for Prior Learning, a statistic that makes me happy and proud to work here.

Jennifer Sparrow Interim Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

CUNY SPS is a special place where flexibility, community, and opportunity intersect to guarantee student success. As an online school, CUNY SPS allows students with different cultural backgrounds the chance to pursue a degree regardless of their location. It also allows flexibility as we balance work, school, and our lives through asynchronous courses. My favorite part, by far,

has been the community of CUNY SPS students I’ve found, thanks to the efforts of the Office of Student Life, who continuously find ways to engage the student body through events, programs, and student leadership opportunities. Well-rounded success is only a click away with CUNY SPS. Now, if you’ll “Excuse me while I succeed!” in my pursuit of a bachelor in Disability Studies.

Lennyn Jacob Student, BA in Disability Studies

CUNY SPS is special to me because the students, faculty, and staff actually care about one another. The students I have met are very kind and want to succeed academically. The faculty is very dedicated in their field and well educated in what they teach. The staff strive to make the campus an efficient and cohesive environment for learning and student access. It is an online community that holds

each other up and pushes each other to achieve their dreams and reach their goals. The experience I

have had here is one I will always cherish and look back on as a time when I was supported and uplifted by others all across the school.

Amarna Williams, Student MS in Disability Services in Higher Education 10 Celebrating 20 Years of CUNY SPS

I was extremely lucky to get the chance to come to CUNY SPS shortly after it was created.

Founding Dean John Mogulescu and his associate, Brian Peterson, believed that I was the right person to serve as Registrar back in November 2004. CUNY SPS was created as part of the University Center at CUNY’s Graduate School. A confusing title, but it allowed CUNY SPS to offer certificate programs and stand-alone courses to meet emerging needs.

In 2006 the Chancellery asked Dean Mogulescu to take on the coordination of Online Education. … John said yes, and George Otte formed a team of faculty from across the University to create something that would potentially benefit the many CUNY dropouts who could not complete degrees because life got in the way. That brought a whole new set of challenges that we quickly addressed.

I was asked to create a system that we could use to track our new student population.

We had to on the fly create an admissions process, a Financial Aid Office, a financial

structure, and a Student Life Office. In all my years in higher education administration dating from 1967 I never felt more excitement and joy. I came to work each

day smiling and left the same way. I could see that my efforts were making a difference.

From the 239 students in that first class, we have grown to 4000+. We have expanded services and, in many ways, have led CUNY in innovation. That was especially apparent during the COVID years when the rest of CUNY had to pivot to online learning. Other schools came to me and my colleagues to learn how we did things. Faculty throughout CUNY were educated in how to offer engaging courses. We did this without blinking, while we continued to serve our own students and faculty.

I am so grateful for this opportunity. Our

students are the driving force.

They are often challenged by lives that normally “get in the way,” but they persevere and overcome the odds. They are the main reason why I still go the extra mile every day at CUNY SPS. Thomas J. Jennings Assistant Dean of Registrar and Student Services

CUNY SPS is special to me because of its willingness to be creative and innovative in creating programs that address the needs of workers in New York and elsewhere. I don’t think I could have created the Disability Studies degrees and courses anywhere else, but like our other programs, they are having a big impact. I so look forward to seeing the School continue to innovate in the next 20 Years. Happy Anniversary!

Mariette Bates Founding academic director of the CUNY SPS Disability Studies programs (Advanced Certificate, BA, and MA in Disability Studies; Advanced Certificate and MS in Disability Services in Higher Education)

Celebrating 20 Years of CUNY SPS 11

Why CUNY SPS is Special To Me

The CUNY School of Professional Studies holds a special place in my heart, playing a pivotal role in shaping my journey from a determined student to a successful Chief Financial Officer. As a native New Yorker, the city’s stories of resilient families striving for success have always been my inspiration.

CUNY SPS became a bridge between my aspirations and reality.

The School’s commitment to accessibility and quality education empowered me to pursue my dreams without compromise. It offered the flexibility I needed as a working professional, allowing me to balance my job and studies seamlessly. The diverse, dynamic, and highly skilled faculty at CUNY SPS instilled in me not just knowledge but also the confidence to excel in my field. The pride I feel for being an alumnus stems from knowing that this institution is an integral part of the city’s fabric, lifting individuals and families towards brighter futures.

Kris Senior MS in Business Management and Leadership, Class of 2020

To me, CUNY SPS means opportunity. At CUNY SPS, I am able to pursue my Master of Arts in Psychology while protecting my health. Through interesting and challenging courses with supportive faculty, my knowledge about the field of psychology is expanding. I am also able to engage with my fellow students by participating in and leading multiple student clubs and organizations.

Kaci Conley Student, MA in Psychology

12 Celebrating 20 Years of CUNY SPS

On a personal level, CUNY SPS is very special because it gave my wife Angela and me the opportunity to complete our Bachelor of Arts degrees.

Both of us left college for financial reasons years ago. The CUNY SPS program offered us the best way to earn a highly respected BA while still working and raising a family.

On a broader level, CUNY SPS is a tremendous resource to the people of New York, the nation, and the world.

CUNY SPS provides an invaluable education at an affordable price for those of us who need to earn income while pursuing career advancement.

The impact of CUNY SPS on the City of New York, and the wider community is profound, especially among women and people of color, who often face great obstacles for career advancement.

Bob Kissane Emeritus Honorary Member, CUNY SPS Foundation BA in Communication and Culture, Class of 2009

I believe CUNY is dedicated to its campaign of “a degree for every dream,” as CUNY SPS has made completing my degree possible when I thought it would not be. CUNY SPS has

engaging and innovative remote classes, allowing me to take classes anywhere as needed. There

are also plenty of opportunities to be involved in the CUNY SPS community, which is surprising for a remote program. Everyone has been supportive, and I am grateful to have met many people from various walks of life. CUNY SPS is a college where I can grow not only my knowledge but also as a person.

Sojung Park Student, BS in Information Science

The people—the students (past and present), the faculty, and, of course, my administrative colleagues.

Having worked in several other academic institutions before joining CUNY SPS in its earliest days, I recognize that this is an unusual community of people committed to students and to each other. Even when we differ, I always see that we strive

to be people-centered and are looking for ways to support our students and each other.

I also appreciate that, as an institution, we are willing to engage in new ideas and initiatives and create opportunities for experimentation.

Many programs have been launched to bring students into CUNY SPS when they have had challenges in the past that might hinder them with other schools, even in CUNY. We have

also been very focused on helping students overcome obstacles during their time at CUNY SPS to help them stay enrolled and to keep moving toward their goals. Our student support systems are more robust than ever and I am grateful that we have the capacity to continue to expand them. Co-curricular student life continues to expand rapidly, creating opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and giving them the confidence to use them both within the school and in their lives. Student life activities also provide thoughtful, and fun, ways for students and faculty to work together outside of the classroom.

I appreciate that the people at CUNY SPS excel at thinking beyond traditional ways to support students and help to transform their experiences into meaningful, practical, and valuable skills. I am proud to be part of this community.

Zeita-Marion Lobley Director of Student Services

Celebrating 20 Years of CUNY SPS 13

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119 West 31st St., New York, NY 10001