Caiman Magazine, V4, N8

CAIMAN HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 Volume 4, No. 8

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

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Luis Eladio Torres ’94, Milagros Morales ’96, Marlene Lantigua ’12 and Ruth Hulse ’99. Circular photo: Michael Cruz ’12.

At the moment of the Alma Matters Awards ceremony, Michael Cruz was in Perú finishing his services with the Peace Corps as a Youth Development Facilitator with at-risk youth in the rural province of Ascope near the coastal city of Trujillo.

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What is a golden anniversary without reflection? What does a half-century of transformative educational excellence look like locally and abroad? To answer these questions during its milestone 50th Anniversary year, Hostos Community College launched a vehicle to honor distinguished graduates who personify what the College is all about—opportunity, excellence and giving back—through its first annual Alma Matters Award celebration.

Because “Soul” matters.

INAUGURAL ALMA MATTERS AWARDS HONOR HOSTOS’ BEST Read more about the launch of this annual initiative and about the first honorees.

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The Career Services Office at Hostos Community College not only offers comprehensive career counseling and job-readiness training to students on campus, it also provides Hostos alumni with virtually everything they need to hit the ground running as they search for the perfect career or employment position.

CAREER SERVICES: ALWAYS THERE FOR ALUMNI Learn about what this Office can do for you or someone you know.

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KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

Former Alumni Relations Director Nydia Edgecombe had been with Hostos practically from the institution’s beginnings. Her history with its current Alumni Relations Manager is a special one, too.

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ROBERTO NEGRÍN ’18: DOG PAGEANT HELPED HOSTOS ALUM TO FIND AND UNLEASH HIS PASSION FOR COUTURE PET FASHION

Roberto Negrín never imagined he’d become a pet fashion designer. The star of Bravo’s “Furry, Fierce, and Fabulous” originally had his sights set on a career in the medical field when he enrolled full-time at Hostos in 2005. His plans, however, changed after he began making pageant ensembles for his rescue poodle and people began taking notice of his eyecatching designs.

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DR. PAULE JOSEPH: CLASS NOTES HIGHLIGHT

Dr. Paule Joseph always knew she wanted to work in science and health. Born in Venezuela, she completed high school there and came to the U.S. to expand her studies. Her educational journey began at Hostos, and now she has her own laboratory as an Assistant Clinical Investigator and Chief of the Sensory Science and Metabolism Unit at the National Institutes of Health.

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10 QUESTIONS WITH FÉLIX O. SÁNCHEZ

Felix O. Sánchez may be the new Alumni Relations Manager at Hostos, but he is no stranger to the College. He earned an associate degree in Microcomputers for Business from Hostos in 2002. Now he is working hard to keep others connected to the Hostos family.

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HOSTOS HAPPENINGS

A lot has been happening at Hostos. See what incredible events have graced the campus in “Hostos Happenings.”

FROMTHEPRESIDENT

A SALUTE TO HOSTOS ALUMNI An institution of learning has three main sources of strength: its faculty, its students, and its alumni. Celebratory events surrounding the College’s 50th anniversary this past year have put me in contact with many former students, and time and again I noted the powerful feelings Hostos graduates have for the school. The reasons are readily apparent: they had the opportunity at Hostos to pursue their dreams, and the knowledge and experience they garnered here prepared them for further study and successful careers in the world beyond the campus.

This past October, the Eugenio María de Hostos Community College Foundation, the Division of Institutional Advancement, and the Offices of Alumni Relations and Career Services presented the First Annual Alma Matters Awards to five outstanding Hostos graduates: Ruth Hulse (Community Impact Award); Milagros Morales (Visionary Award); Michael Cruz (Global Citizen Award), who was stationed in Perú with the Peace Corps and participated remotely; Luis Eladio Torres (Trailblazer Award); and Marlene Lantigua (Honorable Mention). I am extremely proud of them all. Alumni like these are the school’s best ambassadors. They spread the word about Hostos through their achievements and continued participation in the life of the College. You’ll find their fascinating stories in the following pages.

As we make our plans for the next 50 years, I salute the many women and men who have graduated from Hostos.

They are proof of what dedication and determination can accomplish. They inspire current generations of students to dream big and excel. This issue of the Caiman is dedicated to them.

With my best wishes,

David Gómez, Ed.D. President

On Friday, Jan. 25, 2019

to inspire local elementary school students to read more and to chase their dreams. Hostos partnered with the Bronx Children’s Museum for what was an inspiring day. #DreamBigDay

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Class of 2017

Hostos is committed to continue helping our alumni with their professional and academic goals.

The Hostos Alumni ID Card is your passport to many benefits after graduation. The Alumni ID Card also gives Hostos graduates access to selected services at Hostos.

Smith, Antony R.

ALUMNI

of the City University of New York

05211701234567890

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To obtain your Alumni ID Card, please visit:

Alumni Relations Office Savoy (D) Building, Room D-205

120 East 149th Street, Bronx, NY 10451

#HOSTOSCC

CAIMAN MAGAZINE

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FROMTHEEDITOR COMMUNITY IS OUR MIDDLE NAME Hostos is more than a college; it’s a community, and our alumni shine bright in it. They became part of Hostos the moment they stepped on campus as students. Connected by their experiences and the relationships forged during their time at the College, our alumni remain part of the Hostos community long after they receive their diplomas.

Over the course of the College’s history, our graduates have gone on to become pioneers in their respective fields and impact communities near and far. They are leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and more. We couldn’t be prouder of our alumni, and this issue is dedicated to celebrating them and their many accomplishments.

Ahead you will read about a group of extraordinary Hostos grads whose drive, generosity and determination know no bounds. You will also learn about our first-ever Alma Matters Awards and meet our new Manager of Alumni Relations.

May these stories inspire you to continue pursuing your passions and remind you that no matter where you go in life, your Hostos community will always be with you.

Editor in Chief

Ana Martínez Orizondo Art, Editorial Design & Production

José R. García

Designer & Illustrator

Alice Curiel José M. Martínez

Contributing Writers

Odalis Mino Richard Pietras Tanisha Love Ramírez Social Media Editor

Tanisha Love Ramírez Photography

Eduardo Hoepelman Luis Antonio Rodríguez Joe Conzo José Martínez Polanco Romain Suinat Executive Assistant to the Editor in Chief

Claudia Hernández Caiman

Caiman is the Hostos Community College official publication for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the College.

View the online version at www.hostos.cuny.edu/caiman Letters and Story Ideas

Ana Martínez Orizondo Vice President Division of Institutional Advancement

Email caimanmag@hostos.cuny.edu to tell us what you think about the latest issue of Caiman magazine and to share your comments on the stories. Your letter may be published in an upcoming “Letters” section of the magazine.

Letters to the editor, story ideas and contributions are welcome; they may be edited for clarity and length. This publication accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

All submissions are subject to editing and are used at the editor’s discretion.

Office

Division of Institutional Advancement 120 East 149th Street, Room D-214 Bronx, NY 10451 t. 718-518-6579 e. caimanmag@hostos.cuny.edu w. www.hostos.cuny.edu

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POSTINGS VIA INSTAGRAM

f hostosalumni

November 30th, the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 13th Annual Hispanic Business Banquet & Scholarship Award Ceremony.

One of the granted scholarships was presented by Hostos Community College graduate and Manager of Multicultural Affairs, Ms. Lina Cruz on behalf of the New York Yankees organization. The power of our Alumni shines again. Go Hostos! #hostos #hostos50 #alumnirelations #linacruz#newyorkyankees

healthywalnut Guest lecture on food justice, food sovereignty, & community organizing at Hostos Community College’s Food Studies class last week was such an amazing experience. Giving back to young people and hopefully sparking some new understanding of the food system was exciting. They asked great questions, and I felt renewed in my passion for my work. As a bonus, I got to see the hydroponic growing lab & learn more about the tech behind the system #lectur-er #guestlecture #communitycollege #publichealth #publicspeaker #foodjustice #foodsecurity #foodsovereign-ty #foodstudies #hostos #communityorganizing

soldanelarivera Sol with Alex and Karla and #lyndabaquero #hostoscc students who traveled to #PuertoRico #cunyservicecorpspuertorico#Visiones #NBC #hostos50 #hostoshelping

The Level of Focus is very very important on game day ... đ&#x;§¨đ&#x;§¨ @njcaa#NYGBB #BishopLoughlin #NYGBB#HostosCC #Hostos #HostosWBB #CUNY#CUNYAthletic #CUNYSports #CUNYHoops#cunybasketball d_crafty5 @tou_kizzy aliesharoze @tou_kizzy young_liones @tou_kizzy lock up up

FROM THE TWITTER SPHERE

d Oumar Diaby‍�‏ @OumarDiaby08 I took part of the National Model United Nations Conference in Washington D.C. as head delegate and we won the Honorable Mention Delegations.

redbarnstudio.ny First loaf of bread out of the oven!@hostoscollege Culinary Arts - go team go! #kneadingdough #makebread #kneadthedough #liveandlearn #redbarnstudiony #hostoscommunitycollege #teachersofinstagram #loafofbread

@MahamadouNimaga @KamissaCamara @AbdoulayeDiop8 @KarimKeita1 @MoussaMara2 @Awbissimillah @ USEmbassyMali @ONU_fr @Poulodebo @HostosCollege #HOSTOSCC CAIMAN MAGAZINE

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ALUMNICURRENT

Keeping it in the Family

H

ostos is often described as a family. And while with in-house access to the gym, library and the computer sometimes families get separated and lose touch, and fitness centers. Under Nydia’s leadership, Hostos alumni they often reunite. enjoy significant discounts to attend enhancement courses That is just what happened with Hostos’ new through the Division of Continuing Education and Workforce manager for the Office of Alumni Relations Félix Sánchez Development, as well as discount tickets to attend concerts and former Alumni Relations Director Nydia Edgecombe. sponsored by the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture.

Edgecombe retired in 2017 after serving in various Hostos “I think the thing I am most proud of is building the Alumni roles for four decades. Starting as a College Assistant in the Office from scratch at a time when few community colleges had Admissions Office in 1977, Edgecombe quickly fell in love with such services. While many four-year colleges enjoy a robust the College and was promoted to a variety of positions. alumni office, it is not that common in places like Hostos,” Edgecome’s first main role was serving as the Director of Edgecombe said. “Being able to offer full and comprehensive Admissions and Recruitment in 1986. While leading that Office, services to graduates was a priority for me, and I am glad to see she served as the International Students the Office flourished.”

Advisor, preparing student visas and Enjoying her retirement after so working with the Federal Government many years, Edgecombe is busy working for students from all over the world. One toward her doctoral degree from El I think the thing I am most proud of the students she helped gain a visa Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Puerto and register for classes at Hostos in the Rico y El Caribe in old San Juan. Her of is building the Alumni Office from 1990s was Sánchez. Edgecome was thesis, “‘The Hell Lady from the Bronx’ scratch at a time when few community both surprised and thrilled to learn that Evelina López Antonetty, el activismo Sánchez had coincidentally followed in comunitario de una puertorriqueña colleges had such services. While many her footsteps during her visit to campus en la diáspora del Sur del Bronx,” is in October. now a small book and is being edited four-year colleges enjoy a robust alumni “I remember Félix going back to that and reviewed for submission.

López office, it is not that common in places like Antonetty passed away in 1984 and time in the late 1990s. I helped him prepare his student visa, interviewed spent much of her life mentoring Hostos,” Edgecombe said. “Being able to him and collected all documentation,” students from the streets of the Bronx, Edgecombe said. “Reconnecting with helping them turn their lives around. offer full and comprehensive services to him now after he has taken over this Many of those young people were graduates was a priority for me, and I am guided toward Hostos, and Edgecombe office is incredible.”

Before landing at Hostos once again, has always felt a special connection to glad to see the Office flourished.

Sánchez most recently served as the López Antonetty and her life’s work.

Campaign Manager for the Archdiocese Edgecombe is happily married to of New York, worked as an Instructor Wallace Ingraham Edgecombe, “el at Borough of Manhattan Community amor de su vida,” the former longtime College, and was the Director of Career Services at Empire Director of the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture. The Education Corporation. couple met at Hostos, which makes her Hostos love story Sánchez, who was born in Venezuela, is just one of even more special. In another coincidence, Sánchez also met countless of people whose lives Edgecombe touched during his future wife at Hostos as a student. her time at Hostos. She will be the first to admit that it was As for the special connection she has with the Alumni her role as the first director of Alumni Relations at Hostos, the Office’s new leader, Edgecombe has some simple advice. same one Sánchez is managing now, that allowed her to leave “Much of what we were able to accomplish came from her largest and most lasting mark. Her warm demeanor and suggestions and requests from the students and recent dedication to Hostos’ student and alumni populations allowed graduates themselves. I would say listen to them, read a lot and the Office to thrive. Under her leadership, the alumni database stay informed,” Edgecombe said. “While there still is so much grew to more than 20,000 graduates. She also established the that can be done, you really don’t have to start all over again. first alumni photo ID in the CUNY system, providing graduates What the Office is doing now is pretty special. Build off of that.”

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A LEGACY OF GIVING BACK Nydia is a founding member of Hostos’ Circle of 100 Emergency Fund. She launched the emergency fund with friends, Professor Emeritus Gerald Meyer and the late Dean Emerita Virginia Paris. Edgecombe had a huge hand in launching other student scholarships and support programs. Here are just some of the fundraising projects she was involved with:

• Josephine Aguado Scholarship for Single Parents • Virginia Paris Scholarship for Social Justice • Gerald J. Meyer Transfer Scholarship • Ramón J. Jiménez Memorial Scholarship • Wallace Edgecombe Scholarship for the Humanities

INAUGURAL

W HONOR HOSTOS’ BEST Premiere Event Showcases Alumni Commitment to Local and Global Communities, Progress, and Excellence

HAT IS A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY without reflection? What does a half-century of transformative educational excellence look like locally and abroad? To answer these questions during its milestone 50th Anniversary year, Hostos Community College launched a vehicle to honor distinguished graduates who personify what the College is all about—opportunity, excellence and giving back—through its first annual Alma Matters Award celebration.

This new, yearly gathering of Hostos’ prestigious graduates will recognize those who make a positive impact as visionaries, community leaders, trailblazers and global citizens, proudly representing the College and carrying its name to all parts of the world.

President David Gómez has seen his share of incredible students graduate from the institution.

He knows better than most the significance alumni have on Hostos’ past, present and future. “This is an important undertaking, and it is a timely one. Now that the College is celebrating such an important milestone, it is the perfect time for us to reflect on our origins as we look toward the future,” President Gómez said.

Alma Matters is a play on the phrase “alma mater” and yet its meaning is much deeper than simply a name. In a year where the College graduated a recordbreaking 1,300 students, the College and its Alumni Office recognized the need to uniquely acknowledge those who have given so much in so many ways. Alma Matters celebrates the inspiring power of their stories.

It will also bring the Hostos familia closer together as it serves as a catalyst to strengthen bonds inside and outside the campus.

After all, wherever our graduates go, Hostos will always be their alma mater.

The first-ever honorees are: Milagros Morales, Class of 1996 (Visionary Award); Ruth Hulse, Class of 1999 (Community Impact Award); Michael Cruz, Class of 2012 (Global Citizen Award); Luis Eladio Torres, Class of 1994 (Trailblazer Award), and Marlene Lantigua, Class of 2012 (Honorable Mention).

#HOSTOSCC CAIMAN MAGAZINE

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ALUMNISPOTLIGHT

RUTH HULSE

Class of 1999

R

UTH HULSE has had a positive impact on individuals and communities near and far for more than two decades.

Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Hulse enrolled at Hostos with the intention of learning English and accomplishing a long-held goal of earning a college degree. While accomplishing both, she also discovered a love for helping others that would ultimately fuel a career in social services and an ongoing commitment to volunteerism.

Hulse was introduced to the field by Oliver Crespo, associate professor of behavioral and social sciences at Hostos, who she said encouraged her to intern at a residential substance abuse rehabilitation program for women with children in the South Bronx. “He told me, ‘I think you could be good as a social worker,’ and he took me to the La Casita program,” she said.

“That’s when I found my passion.” After she completed her internship, Hulse was offered a job at the program.

She graduated from Hostos in 1999 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lehman College, went on to work at several shelters where she served victims of domestic violence and individuals struggling with substance abuse, among other vulnerable groups. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to encouraging clients to continue their education and ensuring they had access to job training, housing, and various necessary services. She also often counseled young mothers and others within her community outside of work hours.

Hulse worked with many clients over the course of her career, but says one of her most meaningful experiences was helping a young mother who confided in her and disclosed a family history of living in shelters; the young mother feared she did not have the necessary resources to get out for good.

Hulse said she encouraged her then-client to see her children as her motivation to break the cycle, and urged her to get her high school equivalency diploma and pursue job training in the medical field. Her former client now works in a hospital as a physician assistant and her children are performing very well in school. “I am here to help young people become successful and become their children’s foundation,” she explained.

Now self-employed, Hulse volunteers at such organizations as the Dominican Women Development Center, Dominican Sunday, and participates in medical missions to the Dominican

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Republic with Corinthian Medical IPA and to Haiti with NOAH NY. Looking ahead, she plans on expanding her efforts to Florida, where she has a second home.

Pulling from her more than two decades’ worth of experience, Hulse advises those interested in working in the social services sector to be fervent about helping others and have faith that they can and will make a difference. “Just be passionate,” she shared. “Believe you can do everything you want to and you can impact people’s lives.”

The Community Impact Award represents one whose ideals, skills, and knowledge are targeted towards affecting positive change within a particular community or population. The honoree endeavors to identify a community concern and actively relishes in proposing solutions or providing the resources that serve to strengthen a community.

ALUMNISPOTLIGHT

MILAGROS MORALES Class of 1996

W

HEN FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS and a lack of transportation forced a young Milagros Morales to put her dream of earning a college degree on hold, the resourceful Bronx native pivoted and pursued alternative opportunities to learn and grow. “My parents lived on public assistance and I wanted to get out of that,” she said. “I knew there was something better.”

Morales moved back to New York from Puerto Rico—where she lived throughout her teens—and was hired in an entrylevel role at Morgan Stanley in 1985. “I started with their Prime Brokerage department,” she shared. “As the department started to grow, I started to learn about the business. I was young and eager to learn all I could. There was never a dull moment, I was always busy.” And the tenacious go-getter preferred it that way.

Morales sought out formal and informal training opportunities throughout her career and was always eager to grasp the function of each process, what she could do to make it better, and how her work impacted other departments. “I wanted to see the bigger picture,” she explained. “Not just, ‘this is my job and this is the way you do it,’ because that gets boring; I wanted to know what were the implications of doing it that way.”

Morales also took courses at the Institute of Finance to deepen her understanding of the industry and sharpen her skills.

Although Morales flourished at the firm, not having finished college remained a thorn in her side. A conversation with a colleague who was attending City College at the time convinced her to go back to school at the age of 30. “She told me, ‘Millie, you know what, my dad always says friends and men might come and go but your education is always yours. No one can ever take that away from you.’ That was my turning point.”

Morales took advantage of her firm’s tuition reimbursement program and enrolled at Hostos. “There were days I really wanted to go home instead of getting off at 149th Street and Grand Concourse,” she recalled. “But my desire to succeed and get my degree was stronger.” Morales acquired valuable knowledge of finance and business at the College and graduated in 1996 with an associate degree in business administration. The proud alumna said she’s grateful for her professors and credits Hostos with empowering her to become a better communicator and leader.

Morales’ career at Morgan Stanley spanned 26 years, during which time she went from running reports as an ID Clerk to managing a global team as the Client Data Management Director in Operations. Looking back, Morales—who is a mother of three—said she is proud of what she’s been able to accomplish. Today she resides in Florida, where she works for the Orange County Tax Collector.

Morales encouraged young visionaries to take initiative and demonstrate genuine interest in their work. “Whatever you do, show effort,” she advised. “If you don’t understand, ask. Do things not because other people tell you to do it, do it because it comes from the heart.”

The Visionary Award recognizes the individual whose strategic perspective and methods allows them to deliver effective outcomes with longterm impact. A forward-thinker, collaborator, and creator in their own right, the honoree is skilled at foreseeing issues and implementing tactics that offer a lasting result.

#HOSTOSCC CAIMAN MAGAZINE

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ALUMNISPOTLIGHT

LUIS ELADIO TORRES Class of 1994

L

UIS ELADIO TORRES knows that before his students open their textbooks, they need to clear social and economic hurdles others take for granted, including food, shelter, safety and health. So, the pioneering principal of P.S. 55 took over the elementary school in 2005 and changed the game.

Collaborating with fresh food advocate Stephen Ritz and his “Green Bronx Machine”—the visionary nonprofit that builds better communities through inspired education and local food systems—students and staff grow their own healthy fruits and vegetables in aeroponic farms. The food is FDA approved and served in the school’s cafeteria, as well as delivered to local cancer patients. This educational innovator even brought in President Barack Obama’s former pastry chef, Bill Yosses to teach cooking classes to students and staff.

To ensure his students stay healthy and strong, Principal Torres created the first P.S. 55 Health and Wellness Center in collaboration with the Green Bronx Machine. And, a groundbreaking partnership with Montefiore Medical Center paved the way for a first-of-its-kind, in-house clinic with an ophthalmology office planned for the near future.

Having also worked for the Office of Continuing Education for a number of years at Hostos, Torres said it shaped his educational philosophy.

“It was through my experience at Hostos that I began to develop my vision for education. I realized early in my career that in order to educate the children, we need to educate the parents,” Torres said.

Important partnerships with local elected officials saw $20 million in capital improvement projects, including a playground that opened two years ago. Off campus, Torres lobbied for improved housing conditions for his students and their families.

Safety is always a concern in big city environments and Torres has forged meaningful and forward-thinking partnerships with local law enforcement. Movie nights with police are a regular

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occurrence, so students can get to know their public servants as people. But, that wasn’t enough. “Avengers” concept artist Steve Cas created a public service announcement poster project with P.S. 55’s student government to illustrate the growing relationships between the students and the local superheroes in blue. Food, health, shelter, and safety.

Torres’s mission is simple: Leave a mark. “Great people always leave a trail. You need to leave evidence of your work if you want to make a meaningful impact,” said Torres.

Torres, whose use of social media eclipses that of most students, is now busy taking P.S. 55 back to the future. Because hip-hop was born in the Bronx, he is seeking to integrate its culture into classrooms. With the help of true trailblazers Grand Master CAZ, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Windows of Hip Hop, as well as in-school music studios and graffiti artists, Torres wants his students to better identify with the culture that created their home.

“We want to bring true hip-hop back to the classrooms and the community,” Torres said. “Using word work, phonics, and teaching about cultural and community roots, students will learn why the Bronx is unique and why it is important for them to know where they come from.”

In addition to graduating from Hostos Community College, this CUNY alumnus earned a master’s degree from Mercy College, an Advanced Certificate from Hunter College and a bachelor’s degree from The City College of New York. Torres is also a Navy veteran who used the G.I. Bill to help pay for college. Early on in his academic studies, he set his sights on the institution named after another trailblazer he always idolized.

“I always felt connected to Eugenio María de Hostos, the man.”

Torres said. “I wanted to go to a community college because what better way to learn how to impact your community?”

Torres has remained close to Hostos through initiatives including the Alumni Speakers Bureau that allows former students the opportunity to share their expertise with current students.

“It is very important that we tell our stories so that others like us can see a path to meeting their goals,” Torres said. “My goal was to inspire others and to show them that Hostos students have the potential to reach their dreams. Hostos provided me the foundation to get to where I am today.”

The Trailblazer Award is granted to one who embodies originality, consistently pursues innovation, and strives for excellence in their industry. A change agent determined to advance, the honoree sets out to gain knowledge and make new discoveries that ultimately, benefit many. Their insightfulness and persistence opens new paths for others.

The Global Citizen Award acknowledges the individual whose civic engagement impacts other parts of the world. The honoree courageously participates in opportunities across the globe in an effort to share information, services, and offer expertise. Driven to explore outside of confines of their own culture, they seek to fulfill a larger, global purpose.

ALUMNISPOTLIGHT

MICHAEL CRUZ Class of 2012

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HEN MICHAEL CRUZ began at Hostos in 2010 at the age of 29, he knew he wanted to pursue a degree in political science. He was also aware of his desire to eventually work, in some capacity, in the field of foreign affairs/diplomacy. During his time at Hostos, he focused on his studies confidently knowing an associate degree in liberal arts would afford him the flexibility of transferring to a four-year college.

Highly determined to utilize the services available to students, Cruz became a member of the University Student Senate and Hostos’ Student Leadership Academy where he learned about the many services and opportunities available to students including the summer semester study abroad program. His strategy paid off after his first service learning study abroad program in the summer, which took him to Brazil where he studied Afro-Brazilian history and Portuguese. The following summer, the study abroad program landed him in the Dominican Republic.

After graduating from Hostos in 2012, Cruz attended City College in pursuit of his political science degree and was accepted into the Colin Powell School Fellowship program. A partial scholarship from the Korea Foundation allowed him to travel to South Korea for the summer. His course load included an introductory Korean language class, and a class on the international relations between North Korea and the neighboring countries. Recollecting this particular experience as challenging, Cruz enjoyed this exposure to a country outside of the Western Hemisphere. “It was difficult, but it was a good experience to be with students from all over the world,” he said.

Cruz was then accepted into the two-year Skadden, Arps Honors Program in Legal Studies at the College, a unique scholarship program in partnership with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, one of the most preeminent law firms in the world.

His participation in the program allowed him to spend a summer in Washington, D.C. working for the United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), and with unaccompanied minors who were refugees from Central America. The experience was incredibly rewarding for him.

Cruz took one more trip to Brazil in the summer before graduating from City College and while at Río, he worked closely with one of his professors on a research project.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2015, Cruz worked as an intern for the office of New York Senator Kirsten

Gillibrand in the Immigration and International Affairs Unit. He also explored the area of compliance in the finance industry as an intern.

Fully prepared to embark upon a new journey, Cruz began completing the lengthy application process to the Peace Corps. “I grew up in the church and liked the idea of doing a mission trip in the church, but what appealed to me about the Peace Corps was that it didn’t impose a religious ideology. I would be able to go somewhere and do public service work,” said Cruz. “I knew it was a matter of time before I would apply to the Peace Corps because of the service component, but I also wanted to live abroad and expand that experience for a long amount of time.”

Cruz was accepted into the Peace Corps, assigned to the South American country of Perú, and left in August 2016 for a service period of twenty-seven months. His passion for Latin American countries and knowledge of the Spanish language allowed him to work well as a Youth Development Facilitator with at-risk youth in the rural province of Ascope near the coastal city of Trujillo.

Although Cruz missed his family, friends and the comforts of home such as consistent running hot water, the global citizen has valued the opportunity to travel to and learn about the different parts and people of the world. “Being away changes you in some ways, but through this experience, I feel I could do anything I put my mind to and that I have the necessary tools to persevere.”

The Bronx-born alum, who has a family legacy of attending Hostos including his mother, brother and sister, merits his many successes to the College, and particularly, the Leadership Academy.

“Because of the Leadership Academy, I became really good at networking,” he said. “Hostos empowered me and I took that with me wherever I went.”

Now with his Peace Corps service behind him, Cruz looks at the world through a new lens recognizing that the world does not revolve around one person or country. “Just going to your neighboring country changes your perspective.” He seeks to continue learning and mastering Portuguese and envisions a career with a U.S. government agency where he can specialize in Latin American affairs. “I considered pursuing a career in politics and possibly immigration law, but that has translated to joining the foreign service and going the diplomatic route instead.”

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ALUMNISPOTLIGHT

Marlene Lantigua Class of 2012

B

An Honorable Mention acknowledges the achievements of the individual who has demonstrated a high level of integrity within his/her industry and thoughtfulness towards society. The merit of his/her work does not go unnoticed. *Receiving this acknowledgement does not exclude the individual from receiving a future Alma Matters Award.

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ronx native Marlene Lantigua never expected to land the employment opportunity of a lifetime while still in high school.

But after meeting two executives from Goya Foods, Inc., she was offered an internship at Goya in the public relations department.

She attended Hostos Community College at the advice of her mentor at Goya, Rafael Toro, Director of Public Relations. Determined and committed, Lantigua was the first in her family to graduate from college, completing an associate degree in 2012 followed by a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baruch College.

While her career at Goya began by way of an internship, Lantigua has served at the company as a logistics associate, marketing research associate in public relations and currently, as marketing research associate where she provides demographic information to create planograms for various customers, studies the improvement of sales, and develops presentations for prospective markets. Now as she continues to advance at Goya, the rising star clearly recognizes the impact her alma mater has had on her life and career thus far. “I began at Hostos with great expectations,” she said. “Hostos taught me discipline, perseverance, and prepared me for the future. Well, the future’s here now.”

Lantigua knows first-hand the value and outcome of working hard, both academically and professionally, and is now reaping those rewards. The Hostos alumna is hopeful for what is to come and encourages current students to finish their degrees and receive their diplomas. “A diploma really counts. If you want to be the pillar of your family, the foundation and the example, just go for it.”

&

HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

INVITE YOU TO AN EVENING OF FUN IN SUPPORT OF HOSTOS STUDENTS

With Hostos Alumna

Melissa Díaz ‘10

R

Opening Fumi Abe

THURSDAY | MAY 16 | 2019 SHOW TIME AT 7:00 PM | DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM

MOTT HAVEN BAR & GRILL 1 BRUCKNER BOULEVARD BRONX, NY 10454 Limited Space

Melissa Díaz is a breakthrough comedian appearing at notable stages such as Caroline’s Comedy Club and Broadway Comedy Club, among others.

TICKET PRICE:

Fumi Abe is a Japanese-American stand-up comedian based in New York City. His comedy has been featured on MTV Decoded, Vulture, and in The New York Times.

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:

Proceeds will support the Circle of 100 Emergency Fund, which provides assistance to students facing financial hardship.

hostosalumnirelations hostosalumni AlumniHostos

$40 (Includes appetizers and one drink) • Hostos.cuny.edu/2019Laughathon • 718-518-4180 • The Office of Alumni Relations

THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS 120 EAST 149TH STREET, D-205 BRONX, NY 10451

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ALUMNI NOTES

ROBERTO NEGRÍN ’18: DOG PAGEANTS HELPED HOSTOS ALUM FIND AND UNLEASH HIS PASSION FOR COUTURE PET FASHION

R

OBERTO NEGRÍN never imagined he’d become a pet fashion designer. The star of Bravo’s “Furry, Fierce, and Fabulous” originally had his sights set on a career in the medical field when he enrolled full-time at Hostos in 2005. His plans, however, changed after he began making pageant ensembles for his rescue poodle and people began taking notice of his eye-catching designs.

“Designing clothing for dogs happened to me by accident while I was at Hostos,” shared the Dominican-born, Bronx-raised couture designer.

“My ex-partner gave me my first dog—her name is Hec-lin. And, I had no idea how to use a sewing machine. I just started making clothing for her, to make her look pretty. Then we started going to contests and going on dog play dates and events in the city.”

Negrín made Hec-lin’s first pageant outfit using some of the basic sewing tips he learned from his mother. Although not a first-place winner, the stylish poodle was declared first runner-up and won in the bestdressed category. “I was like, ‘oh my god, this is so fun!’” Negrín recalled.

“I wanted to keep making more dresses.”

Negrín, who later adopted Chihuahuas Athena and DJ, continued honing in his craft. It wasn’t long before his designs attracted the attention

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and subsequent inquiries from people interested in having him make Halloween costumes and more for their pets.

“The first costume that I ever made was the pope, and it was for a client who was on a reality show called ‘Doggie Moms,’ who was a personal, close friend of mine,” he shared. The costume was a hit and garnered the budding designer lots of media buzz, as well as referrals. The rest, as they say, is history.

What began as a creative outlet for Negrín has since morphed into a career. The self-taught designer has gone on to create elaborate handmade ensembles for clients around the world, including XBOX. Negrín has also used fashion to make statements on behalf of clients or causes in which he believes. “I have made costumes out of real vegetables to promote the Vegetarian Food Festival in New York,” he shared. “I have made outfits out of IKEA plastic bags to promote recycling and cleaning around the city. Every time I make a costume, either independently, designed by a client or custom-made, I always try to bring a message of adoption and rescuing pets, also of bettering the environment.” His one-of-a-kind clothing range in price, starting at $300 up to $5,000 or more, depending on his client’s desired look.

Negrín and his dazzling designs have been featured on numerous television shows including “Good Morning America” and the “Today” show, as well as in international ad campaigns and various print and digital media outlets.

In 2017, Bravo debuted the digital series “Furry, Fierce, and Fabulous,” in which Negrín makes bespoke outfits for adopted dogs. “I was so blessed to be able to have a contract with NBC and be able to do this reality show where we dress up rescue pets and tell their story,” he shared.

Though Negrín has experienced a lot of success, his journey hasn’t been without a few bumps in the road. Work for Negrín has often been unpredictable, and he’s faced many hardships along the way including unemployment, homelessness and, recently, the death of his beloved 11-year-old Chihuahua, DJ. He also struggled to balance his career and school and subsequently attended Hostos on and off for more than ten years. Through it all, Negrín said he looked to his “babies”—as he calls his dogs— for motivation, and he believes everything is paying off.

In May 2018, Negrín accomplished his long-held goal of graduating from Hostos.

The newly-minted college graduate is showing no signs of slowing down in 2019. As of October, Negrin was in negotiations for season two of “Furry, Fierce, and Fabulous,” and anticipates hosting his annual fundraiser pageant, “Doggies and Tiaras,” in support of animal rescue and adoption awareness this Spring.

Looking ahead, Negrín also anticipates spending some quality time with Athena and Hec-lin, continuing their tradition of attending cosplay events in matching costumes and even traveling together. After all, his pups are the reason he does what he does. “For so many people and other designers, it’s about creating an outfit,” he said. “But for me, it’s about creating memories with your pets.”

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ALUMNI NOTES

CLASS NOTES

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

CLASS HIGHLIGHT

the prize and even surprised herself with how high she was able to climb.

After Hostos, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the College of New Rochelle, followed by a Nurse Practitioner master’s degree from Pace University. It all came full circle for Dr. Joseph when she returned to Hostos to teach in the Nursing Program from 2009-11.

“It was nice to be colleagues with the professors who taught me,” Dr. Joseph said. “Maybe more important, it was great to become a mentor and follow in the footsteps of those who helped me. It was so rewarding.”

Her work has brought her to many hospitals, including Mount Sinai, where her attention turned to research. The passion for research led her to pursue her Ph.D. at University of Pennsylvania.

WHERE IS SHE NOW?: After earning her Ph.D. in Nursing with a

DR. PAULE V. JOSEPH STUDIED: Nursing (Class of 2004)

BACKGROUND: Dr. Joseph always knew she wanted to work in science

and health. Born in Venezuela, she completed high school there and came to the U.S. to expand her studies. She initially moved to Miami, Florida, at the age of 16 and eventually found her way to Brooklyn, to live with her grandmother and uncle.

It was her uncle who recommended Hostos because of its strong commitment to minority students and its supportive environment. She is the oldest of two children and the daughter of a nurse and a mathematics professor.

Her parents always emphasized the importance of education and hard work.

HOSTOS HIGHLIGHTS: Enrolling at Hostos in 2001 at 17, Dr. Joseph

dove head first into her studies and the Hostos Community College culture.

When she wasn’t studying, she worked in the Office of Student Affairs, joined clubs and even tutored other students. Her high grades earned her a place in the Phi Beta Kappa Society. She started the nursing program at Hostos with the goal of graduating and helping people, including her family back in Venezuela. During her time at Hostos, she kept her eyes on

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focus in Genomics and conducting her research at The Monell Chemical Senses Center, Dr. Joseph completed a Workforce Diversity Postdoctoral Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD. She combined her passion for nursing and research and began work at NIH in October of 2017; she now has her own laboratory as an Assistant Clinical Investigator and Chief of the Sensory Science and Metabolism Unit (SenSMet) in the NINR Division of Intramural Research. The Unit supports research into the fundamental mechanisms associated with chemosensory symptoms and metabolic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related comorbidities. Dr. Joseph’s research aims to improve the diagnosis, prevention, and management of chemosensory disorders and symptoms.

This research will enhance the understanding of molecular, cellular, neural, and behavioral mechanisms underlying symptoms to identify new targets for treatment and improve symptom management strategies.

“To me, this whole journey has been like a dream,” Dr. Joseph said. “I look at my trajectory from Hostos to here and it has all been such a wonderful learning experience. Hostos taught me to always keep going and never stop.

At NIH, I have merged all my passions. I am helping people by working to understand the mechanisms that lead to disease that can help us develop interventions to eventually cure diseases. My hope is that other people realize this is doable; the Ivy League, studying nursing, is an option for anyone. We need more nurse scientists in all health care fields.”

Tell your classmates what’s going on in your life like interesting stories, travels, children, jobs, or anything you want to share.

Email us at: alumni@hostos.cuny.edu

2018

Ibrahim Alassani

Carla Ruiz

Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering at Grove School of Engineering at The City College of New York, Structural Engineering and Construction Management, Assistant Civil Engineer, NYC Department of Design and Construction.

Works as a Special Education Teacher Assistant at NYC Department of Education.

Recently accepted at Columbia University where she is planning to pursue a B.S. in Counseling Psychology.

Ricky Bhola

2016

Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering at Grove School of Engineering, at The City College of New York, Civil Associate at Michael Baker International, master of science in Engineering at NYU, started Spring 2017.

Danielle E. Gary

2012

Began pursuing a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in the Spring of 2019.

Saint Mbakop Former Hostos SGA President. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Harvard University in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Presently works as Real Estate Sales and Leases Adviser at Weichert Realtors.

2015 Carlos Vélez Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Finance and Financial Management Services at Harvard University. While he pursues his degree, he is looking to gain a greater understanding of the Stock and Currencies market, and use that knowledge to educate and empower young people about money and how to use the markets to provide additional sources of income. He is currently working on a book to help men understand themselves and how to maneuver through the turbulences of life, when it comes to friends, money and relationships.

2014

Nipa Dey Chemical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering at Grove School of Engineering at The City College of New York. Employed as Global Battery System Lab in Warren, Michigan for General Motors Corporation.

2011 Qudus Lawal Chemical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering at Grove School of Engineering at The City College of New York. Master of Science in Engineering at Stanford University, graduated 2016. Works as Technology Analyst at Clark Street Associates.

2010 Dr. Dane Christie Chemical Engineering at Princeton University. Currently employed as Materials Scientist for Corning Incorporated.

2008

Carlos Ramon Advincola, Jr. Working his third year at the Hostos Community College Children's Center as a Pre-K assistant teacher. Also a fiction writer, his new novel was released this August.

Rosanny Durán BBS in Statistics and Quantitative Modeling at Baruch College. Currently completing her master’s degree in Data Analytics at Southern New Hampshire University. Presently employed as an Enterprise Data Governance Analyst at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Photo: Department of Design and Construction

2013

Andre Veloz Hunter College Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is a singer, songwriter, pianist, painter, and actor. She has been nominated for the Soberano Awards for New Artist of the Year 2019 for her trajectory as a female bachata singer.

2006 Dulce Toppenberg Bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Herbert H. Lehman College. Currently pursuing M.S.B. in Business Administration/Finance Specialization also at Lehman College.

Dulce works as a multitalented Career Services professional.

2004 María D. Jiménez Borough resident and DDC Construction Intern Ibrahim Alassani inspects sewer construction along Southern Boulevard in the Bronx.

Pursuing a B.S. in Nursing at Herbert H. Lehman College. Working as a Technical Nurse while following her passion for painting.

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10 Sánchez earned an associate degree in Microcomputers for Business from Hostos in 2002. He went on to work in the College’s Academic Learning Center and later became an instructor in the Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, where he taught English as a Second Language (ESL) to adults and math to 5th graders. The proud Venezuelan-born alumnus also met his wife at Hostos.

Sánchez previously served as a campaign manager for the Archdiocese of New York, where he was instrumentally involved with their Renew + Rebuild Capital Campaign. He returned to Hostos during the fall of 2018 and is eager to connect with fellow alumni.

You are an alumnus who also worked in Hostos’ Academic Learning Center and the Division of Continuing Education. What brought you back to the College?

Hostos Community College has always been a part of what defines me as an individual. I am very thankful for the instruction and experiences I gained during my student life, which inspired me to develop my professional career. I have always wanted to return to the place where everything started for me, and I aim to make a difference in our college community.

How have your experiences at Hostos transformed your life or outlook thus far?

While studying and working at Hostos, I appreciated the good fortune of developing my English language proficiency. I am also very thankful for the opportunities I was given here, as I had the honor of meeting wonderful individuals who I deeply respect and admire. Their insight and advice was instrumental in helping me see life from a different perspective. Finally, I can tell you I met my beautiful wife here as well. I received an education, I worked with exemplary leaders and met the love of my life, all here at Hostos! What else could you ask for?

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What was your favorite academic subject, and why?

I had many, to be honest, but ESL was absolutely my favorite as I was very focused on rapidly improving my English language proficiency, and because I had the distinction of receiving instruction from a dedicated, well prepared group of professors.

How did you become interested in working in higher education?

It all started with the experiences I had working here at Hostos. Diverse aspects of the administration of a college setting caught my attention as I began to understand all the moving parts involved with providing optimal student services. In fact, I found it very interesting to be involved in the academic advancement of the diverse student groups I worked with through the Hostos Academic Learning Center, which led me to exploring other areas of the higher education field as well.

What do you like best about the work you do in Alumni Relations?

Meeting new faces and reuniting with past acquaintances makes this job really special for me. We all share something in common that defines the essence of our institution. I am very aware of how powerful our alumni are, and I hope we can grow stronger and collaborate with each other for many years to come.

In your personal and professional opinion, why is it important for alumni to engage with their alma mater(s)?

As Hostos alumni, it is important for all of us to comprehend the importance of our humble beginnings. We all carry the responsibility of being connected in one way or another with Hostos Community College to strengthen its mission and help change the lives of students in need of guidance and support.

We should remember that “for it is in giving that we receive.”

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

life experience, I can now fully appreciate overcoming such difficult times while doing my best to motivate and inspire those experiencing similar circumstances. Therefore, don’t give up! Focus on achieving your goals!

What is the most valuable piece of advice you have ever received, and how have you applied it to your life?

My grandmother used to say, “Regardless [of] where you are in life, be as humble and respectful as you can possibly be.”

This advice has absolutely helped shape me as a man, as a father, and also as a professional. Throughout my life, I have realized and embraced the importance of conducting myself based on those principles, and I will continue sharing the same advice with my children and the people around me.

What advice would you offer current students and future alumni about building meaningful relationships at and after school?

Your professional network is never too big. Do your best to stay connected with your professors, peers and group of professionals around our campus. You never know who could lend a hand in the near future. At Hostos, there are numerous opportunities and resources available from which you can benefit. Make sure to stay in touch with the Office of Alumni Relations and we will assist you accordingly. We look forward to staying connected with you!

A message from

FÉLIX O. SÁNCHEZ Dear Hostos Alumni, I am very much looking forward to staying connected with you and to learning more about your success story. You may reach

I enjoy cooking for my family and friends, watching documentaries, and following the most successful team in baseball history—the New York Yankees!

me at 718-518-4180 or via email at

What challenges, if any, have you overcome in your life so far, and how?

I will be seeing you soon.

When I enrolled at Hostos 20 years ago, I was an international student. It was very difficult for me to keep up with my tuition cost and everyday expenses. I certainly struggled several times, but I was determined to change things around me.

However, through perseverance and God’s help, I was able to further my education and find balance. Thanks to this

fsanchez@hostos.cuny.edu

Félix

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CAREERPATH

Career Services: Always There for Alumni

T

he Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, Career Services Office (CSO) at Hostos Community College offers comprehensive career education and employment resources. The CSO team is dedicated to educating and empowering students and alumni to be active participants in their career and professional development. Services include facilitating self-assessments and career exploration, providing experiential learning and employment opportunities, cultivating and maintaining partnerships with employers and serving as a resource to staff, faculty and the community.

Using a holistic approach that promotes independence, professionalism and personal growth and development, Career Services has helped thousands of Hostos graduates transition from the classroom to the job market. From résumé coaching, to mock interviews, to online services accessible from home, Hostos alumni have a huge support system in place, regardless of where they are or where they want to go.

Crystal Del Valle graduated from Hostos in January 2017. First majoring in nursing, she switched her emphasis toward human

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resources after receiving guidance from Career Services. “I knew I wanted to work with people, but I just wasn't sure in what capacity.

I think interacting with students and alumni on a daily basis helped to guide me, eventually, into human resources,” Del Valle said.

Del Valle credits longtime Director Lisanette Rosario, an Hostos alumna (2001), and Student Career Advisor Dulce Toppenberg, another Hostos alumna (2007), for the career guidance, prepping through mock interviews and résumé tips she received.

Now the Human Resources Assistant for Excellence in Community Schools, the management organization for Bronx Charter School for Excellence and Stamford School for Excellence, Del Valle is grateful for the assistance Career Services offered her, both as a student and an Hostos graduate.

“I cannot thank Lisanette and the rest of the Career Services Office enough for all the guidance through my years there; and I still visit from time to time to catch up. In the beginning, I wasn't sure what I would be able to take from that experience, but I will treasure it for a lifetime.”

My overall experience working with the Career Services Office was really more than I expected. Cooperative Education Coordinator Yolanda Soto went above and beyond to answer all my questions. She gave me advice on potential interviewers, what questions to ask, and what to look for during an interview. Based on her training, I was able to get an internship at Recoveries R US, LLC as an Office Assistant, which led to a recommendation letter from them that I was able to give to my current employer. — Kimeisha Porter-Rhoden

Medical Office Management major.

Expected graduation June 2019.

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2017- 2018

DISCOVER

NE

TW OR

K

INTERVIEW

DISCOVER

INTERVIEW

DISCOVER NETWORK

DISCOVER

NETWORK

DISCOVER

INTERVIEW

NETWORK INTERVIEW INTERVIEW

NETWORK

INTERVIEW

DISCOVER

NETWORK

CAREER FAIRS HELD Including

THE 1ST CUNY BRONX CAREER FAIR Bringing over 95 employers & over 300 students & graduates from across 5 CUNY campuses.

THE LGBT CAREER FAIR partnered with the Office of the Bronx Borough President SPEED INTERVIEWS

NAVIGATING OFFICE POLITICS

Companies / Organizations MAJORS & CAREERS

CAREERS & RESUME TIPS

Brought to campus to meet & recruit over 500 students and alumni from Hostos and cross-CUNY campuses.

NEGOTIATION SKILLS

LINKEDIN 101

TAILORED RECRUITMENT EVENTS &

ACING THE INTERVIEW

71

EMPLOYMENT WORKSHOPS & CLASS PRESENTATIONS

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

ELEVATOR PITCH

822

STUDENTS ATTENDED

INFORMATION TABLES

JOB FAIR READINESS

HAAS MEDIA

DCAS MERCY DRIVE

BRONX YMCA

URBAN RESOURCE INSTITUTE CHILD CARE STAFFING CFHD

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FAMILIES FOR EXCELLENT SCHOOLS

SACRED HEART SCHOOL DREAMLAND SECURITY SKECHERS

BLESSED HEART SCHOOL

THE COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM

DISCOVER

NETWORK

x100

INTERVIEW

& ALUMNI VISITS 5,000 STUDENTS

GRADUATES EMPLOYED

28

Career Fairs & Recruitment Sessions

1AFTER GRADUATION year

Accounting Technology/Technician Accounting

53.90%

Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science Adult Development and Aging Animation, Interactive Technology Business Administration and Management

241

STUDENTS

Placed in internships matching their academic program and career interests.

75% 51 of the 68 students that graduated & participated in an internship are currently employed or transferred to a 4-year institution.

58%

of the 139 students that completed an internship are currently employed.

Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Community Health Services Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration Dental Hygiene

HOSTOS CAREER SERVICES

Electrical & Electronics Engineering Forensic Science and Technology Game & Interactive Media Design Legal Assistant/Paralegal Liberal Arts & Sciences Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Medical Radiologic Technology/Science Music Technology Physical Sciences Public Administration Registered Nursing Teacher Assistant Source: NYSDOL *Data on income and employment for 2016-2017 graduates are preliminary.

CUNY Office of Institutional Research and Assessment

1ST Place CUNY 2018 CSAC Award Recipient

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CAREERPATH

ALUMNI CAREER SERVICES OPTIONS 1. ACCESS TO EMPLOYERS

Connect directly with employers through campus interviews, job listings, referrals, direct application, print and electronic resources. Completing students who have visited Career Services will receive a portfolio and have an employment toolkit prepared including résumé, cover letter, sample references and interviewing/keeping the job guidance and support.

There are also opportunities to engage with employers on campus and off campus through job fairs, on-campus recruitment, corporate site visits, networking events and other activities. Alumni may build their professional network by speaking with employers and learning about career paths, as well as internship and employment opportunities.

2. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Participate in group sessions to develop self-marketing strategies and professional communication skills, as well as workshops in conflict resolution, interviewing, skills, personal branding and tips on social media platforms such as LinkedIn. Workshops are offered year-round. Visit the Alumni Relations Office to obtain an alumni ID and gain access to the Career Services Office.

“Caiman Professional Wardrobe.” Launched over 18 years ago, it began modestly with one cabinet. Today, rebranded and expanded by Lisanette Rosario and managed by Aleris González, donated professional attire fills an entire room down the hall from Career Services and reduces the barriers many students and alumni face in their search for employment.

3. “ON THE GO” SERVICES Career Services Website: Visit the Career Services website to access free career resources. The virtual career toolkit puts everything at your fingertips. Browse through information about career paths, workforce readiness and internships, and if you are an Hostos graduate looking to hire, there is even a section to help you hire qualified Hostos students or graduates.

HIRECAIMANS powered by Symplicity Website: HIRECAIMANS provides students and alumni with the tools and connections they need to enhance their employability while preparing to succeed in today’s job market. Browse job postings, sign up for interviews, register for career fairs, access the employer directory, and view online career resources.

Career Coach: Explore potential careers and the Hostos Community College degrees and certificates through this free online tool available to students and community members. Through a simple keyword search, users learn about the employment prospects of careers they want to research. The real-time information is customized for NYC and includes detailed wage estimates.

Users are directed to Hostos Community College’s programs when searching for specific jobs. Career Coach also includes a built-in résumé builder to help students and jobseekers quickly and efficiently put together an updated résumé with key skills and job experience highlighted. From September 2017 through August 2018, the Career Coach website received a total of 4,144 visitors. The top six viewed careers were: teacher assistants, kindergarten teachers, pre-school teachers, architects/engineers, managers, and dental hygienists. The top five programs viewed were: early childhood education, nursing, radiologic technology, dental hygiene and business management. Associate in Applied Science Degree programs and related careers were the most searched. 1,836 visitors completed a career assessment.

New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services Info session at the Career Services Conference room.

Career Services Office

MEET the TEAM Lisanette Rosario ’01 Director and Co-President of the Career Services Association of CUNY (CSAC) Lrosario@hostos.cuny.edu

Gregory Ventura Sr. Employment Counselor gventura@hostos.cuny.edu

Yvonne Ibelli Assistant Director yibelli@hostos.cuny.edu

THE S.E.E. INITIATIVE aims to challenge the myths that often are held by students who have not been exposed to corporate and other work environments. Students and alumni have the opportunity to explore the work environment through organized site visits and on-campus presentations led by Stacia Maynard.

Company visits and presentations

Dulce Toppenberg ’06 Student Career Advisor dtoppenberg@hostos.cuny.edu

Harlem Justice Academy

Next: Microsoft Visit on April 5th

Yolanda Soto ’98 Cooperative Education Coordinator ysoto@hostos.cuny.edu

Stacia Maynard Employment Readiness Coach smaynard@hostos.cuny.edu

Career Services Office Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Evening hours by appointment Administrative Hours: Friday: 3:00-5:00 p.m. (Intake Lab Closed) Phone: (718) 518-4468 Email: careerservices@hostos.cuny.edu

Kenia Álvarez ’16 Administrative Assistant kalvarez@hostos.cuny.edu

Aleris González ’07 Student Career Senior Advisor agonzalez@hostos.cuny.edu

Summer Hours: 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Closed Fridays Location: 120 E. 149th Street Savoy (D) Building, Room 210 Bronx, NY 10451

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MAR FRIDAY, 22

2019 Hostos Alumni Mixer

APR

WEDNESDAY, 17

Calendar of Events 2019

2019 Annual 2019 Scholarship Benefit

MAY

THURSDAY, 2

3rd Engineering 2019 Program Alumni Reunion

JUN

MAY 2019 Laugh-a-ThON!

Radiological Technology Dept.

2019 Pinning Ceremony

MAY

JUN

THURSDAY, 16

DAY / TBD

2019 35th Honors Convocation

Alumni Baseball Day 2019 at Yankee Stadium

MAY

SET

WEDNESDAY, 22

DAY / TBD

Dental Hygiene Program 2019 Pinning Ceremony

MAY

DAY / TBD

Nursing Program 2019 Pinning Ceremony

MAY

FRIDAY, 31

Hostos Community College 2019 49th Commencement

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DAY / TBD

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DAY / TBD

2019 Welcome Week

OCT DAY / TBD

2019 2nd Annual Alma Matters

DEC TUESDAY, 3

2019 Hostos Giving Tuesday

HOSTOSHAPPENINGS LOOKING BACK AT OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

TO PUERTO RICO

FROM THE BRONX When hurricanes ravaged Puerto Rico, Hostos students played a role in the relief effort. Working with the CUNY Service Corps and NY Stands with Puerto Rico, as well as internal efforts, those students were recognized for their extraordinary service at a special event on Sept. 20 hosted by President Gómez and attended by CUNY Interim Chancellor Vita C. Rabinowitz and CUNY

President Gómez, Assistant Vice Chancellor Rachel Stephenson, Mya Hiraldo, Karla Ignacio, Alex Gutiérrez, CUNY Interim Chancellor Vita C. Rabinowitz, Alison Castillo, Joel Rivera, Jassiel Mena, Leyddy Ogando and Vice President for College Relations and Deputy to the President Dolly Martínez.

Assistant Vice Chancellor Rachel Stephenson. Recognized were Hostos CUNY Corps students Gabriela Castillo, Alex Gutiérrez, Mya Hiraldo, Karla Ignacio and Teresa Rivera, along with Hostos counselor Lizette Colón’s student volunteers, “Hostos to Lares/Vieques: Service Brigade 2018” Leyddy Ogando, Jassiel Mena, Alison Castillo, Joel Rivera, Stephani Javier, and James Cotto, as well as Professor Camilo Almonacid of the Humanities Department.

EDINBURGH FRINGE

FESTIVAL STUDENT-ACTORS HONORED Ten Hostos students who performed the play “Gender of Attraction” at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland were welcomed back with a special event on Sept. 26 in the Black Box Theater. The student-actors spoke about the transformative experience to a captive audience.

Standing from left to right: Jairo Peña, President Gómez, Prof. Mejia, playwright Chris Rivera, Julian Adams, Frank López, Thanna Sonn, Krystal López, Anna Marie Rios, Reynaldo Martínez, Provost Christine Mangino, Omar Gonzalez, Thalia López and Prof. Ángel Morales.

“The Gender of Attraction” by Chris Rivera is a heartfelt romantic comedy that puts a spotlight on transgender relationships.

The students presenting a scene from the play “Gender of Attraction” in the Royal Mile to promote the show.

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HOSTOSHAPPENINGS

12TH ANNUAL

SCHOLARSHIP FUND GOLF OUTING CLASSIC The Hostos family hit a hole-in-one at its 12th Annual Scholarship Fund Golf Outing. Held on Sept. 21 at Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf

José Sánchez Kinghorn, Hostos Foundation Chairman; Ana Martínez Orizondo, Vice President, Institutional Advancement; Jorge Madruga, President at MADDD EQUITIES LLC; Idelsa Méndez, Development Manager, Institutional Advancement and Dr. David Gómez, President of Hostos Community College.

Courses, the event raised a record $107,000 for student support. The goal could not have been reached without the leadership of Hostos alumna, Idelsa Méndez, Development Manager for Institutional Advancement and all the support of the participants and sponsors: Title Sponsor, Maddd Equities, LLC; Giveaway Sponsor, Aufgang Architects; Lunch Sponsor, 1199 SEIU; and Dinner Sponsors: Sroka Worldwide and Joy Construction.

Joshua Weissman, Founder and President of JCAL Development Group; William Bollinger, Principal JCAL Development Group, LLC, Jake Potent, VP, Constantinople & Vallone Consulting; Stewart Fisken, Nova Consulting; Katherine Savarese, Project Manager, Maddd Equities LLC and Alden Madruga, Project Coordinator, GDI Construction, LLC.

Janet Jiménez, Related Property Manager, Karen Auster, Founder and CEO of Auster Agency; Michael Gilmore, Lian Abad, Auster Agency.

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SPRING 2019

Brad Domenico, Partner, Progress Capital; Guido Subotovsky, Founder and President of Azimuth Development Group and Russell A. Kivler and Peter Boboris, both Partners at Hirschen Singer & Epstein LLP.

WellCare: Jia Ho, Senior Manager; Pedro Placencio, Director of Sales and Marketing; Ernesto Miranda, Community Representative and Alex Díaz, Director of Sales and Marketing.

Tom Tursi, Albert H., Chris W. and Steven S.

Provost Christine Mangino and Carlos Molina, VP for Continuing Education.

Kenneth Mitchell, Maxwell Rosa, Andrew Boland and Roderick Rodríguez.

Samuel Brooks, Hervey Francois, Alberto Crespo and Eddy González.

Top Circular photo, Howard Rosenzweig, President at Crown Janitorial Products; Father Ed Byrne, John Bevilacqua and Joshua M. Rivera, Director of Government and External Relations.

Bottom Circular photo, Josh Rinesmith, Partner at Akerman LLP; Nora Martins, Partner at Akerman LLP and Richard G. Leland, Partner at Akerman LLP. Lillian Morales, Nathaniel Cruz, VP for Students Affairs and Arnaldo Bernabe, Director of Public Safety.

Derrin Freeman, Luis Sánchez, José Sánchez Kinghorn and Félix Matos Rodríguez.

Michael Brady, Executive Director, Third Avenue BID; Sulma Arzu-Brown, Director of Operations, NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Jason Caraballo, Community Relations Manager, Montefiore Health System, Inc. and Nick Lugo, President & CEO, NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Joshua Weissman, Félix Cardona, Assistant Dean, Katherine Savarese, and Idelsa Méndez, Development Manager, Institutional Advancement.

Raymond Pérez, Lillian Morales, Carlos Rivera, Fabián Wander, Elvis Lockward and Johanna Gómez.

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HOSTOSHAPPENINGS

HOSTOS

WELCOMES SALSA LEGENDS, EL GRAN COMBO An incredible musical highlight to Hostos 50th Anniversary, Puerto Rican salsa legends El Gran Combo performed a sold-out show in the Main Theater. To acknowledge El Gran Combo’s cultural impact on the Latino community of the Bronx, President David Gómez presented the legendary

Right of Center front: from left to right: Hostos Professor Thelma Ithier-Sterling, Hostos President David Gómez, and Founder, Don Rafael Ithier. Back Row: Members of El Gran Combo, from left to right: Luis “Taty” Maldonado, Jerry Rivas, Anthony García, Richie Bastar, Moisés Nogueras, Domingo Santos, Virgil Rivera, Freddy Rivera, Joselito Hernández, Freddie Miranda, Willie Sotelo.

founder Don Rafael Ithier with the President’s Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the College.

Circular photos from top to bottom: 1. Don Rafael Ithier, Founder and Conductor; 2. Domingo Santos, timbal and 3. Freddy Rivera, bass.

Joselito Hernández, vocals

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TENTH BIENNIAL BOMPLENAZO

In support of Puerto Rico, the 10th Biennial Celebration of BomPlenazo, presented by the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, featured nearly 40 artists from all around the Island including Ponce, Loiza, Mayagüez, Santurce, and San Juan. Events ran from Oct. 4 through Oct. 7, including concerts, panel discussions, workshops, film screenings, culminating in the Vente-Tú (You Come) at La Casita de Chema.

Circular photos, from top to bottom: 1. María Teresa Martínez, 2. Marién Torres, 3. Amarilis Ríos Rosa and 4.

Sandra García Rivera

Members of the Bomplenazo Advisory Committee and community partner organizations: (from left to right: César Colon, Norka Nadal, Marinieves Alba, Julia Gutiérrez-Rivera, Héctor “Tito” Matos, Juan Gutiérrez, Bobby Sanabria, Elena Martínez, Wally Edgecombe, Ivette Rivera, John MacElwee).

Plena Collective directed by Héctor “Tito” Matos: From left to right: Erick Noel Ramos, Ricardo Pons, Erick Robles, Leró Martínez, Héctor “Tito” Matos, Luis Figueroa, Ramón Rodríguez, Erick Vialíz, Yoksan Ramos, Emanuel Santana, Victor Muñiz.

Juan Gutiérrez being surprised by a Cabezudo of him, created by Garwin Zamora of Cultura Plenera. Juan Gutiérrez is a founding member of the BomPlenazo Advisory Committee and the Director of Los Pleneros de La 21.

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HOSTOSHAPPENINGS

FIRST ANNUAL

ALMA MATTERS AWARDS CEREMONY On Oct. 5, the Eugenio María de Hostos Community College Foundation, the Division of Institutional Advancement,

Top five photos from left to right: President David Gomez with the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Christine Mangino, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Ana M. Martínez Orizondo, and the awardees (in order of appearance) Ruth Hulse ’99, Milagros Morales ’96, Luis Eladio Torres ’94, Lizette Teano for Michael Cruz ’12 and Marlene Lantigua ’12.

and the Offices of Alumni Relations and Career Services, presented the First Annual Alma Matters Awards and networking reception.

The inaugural event brought together members of the extended College community in celebration of five outstanding Hostos graduates.

President David Gómez poses with five former presidents of the Hostos Student Government Association; Idelsa Méndez, Saint Mbakop, Sandra-May Flowers, José R García and Adrian Quiñónez and Student Leadership Coordinator Jason Libfeld.

Alma Matters Committee members Jamila Outlar, Alumni Relations Assistant Adam Meyer, Alumni Support Assistant Morris Ores, Eduardo Sánchez and Jolisel Vargas López.

Professor Mary Manning, Alumni Luis Eladio Torres and friend.

Relations Assistant Adam Meyer and Professor Sarah L. Hoiland.

Morris Ores and friend.

George Hulse, Ruth Hulse, Idelsa Méndez and María D. Jiménez, José R. García and friend. Vice President and Bronx Area Manager Daniel Tilman. for Popular Community Bank and Hostos Foundation Board member Julio Reyes and the Director of Career Services Lisanette Rosario.

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OPENING OF SWING FORWARD WHILE SWAYING BACK

The Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, Bronx Council on the Arts and the Bronx Arts Alliance presented the opening night of Swing Forward While Swaying Back on Wed., October 3, 2018 at the Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos. Six Bronx artists realized collaborative installations that provocatively and poetically challenged their audiences.

From left to right: Hostos Performing Arts Manager Félix Arocho, Executive Director of BCA Viviana Bianchi, Gallery Manager Julia Pimes Mata, artist Alicia Grullón, artist Walter Cruz, Curator Amanda McDonald Crowley, artist Yelaine Rodriguez, artist Francheska Alcantara, artist Blanka Amezkua, and artist Fran Ilich.

Walter Cruz, The only way out, is through, 2017 – 2018. Mixed media installation.

Blanka Amezkua, 43 Para Ellos, 2018. 43 Photos.

Walter Cruz, 2017-2018. Acrylic on Fabric

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HOSTOSHAPPENINGS

ESMERALDA SANTIAGO

Hostos celebrated a literary and cultural icon when Esmeralda Santiago visited the campus on Nov. 14. There was a reception in the Longwood Art Gallery and a tribute performance in the Repertory Theater that honored the Puerto Rican-born author on the 25th Anniversary of her groundbreaking first book, “When I Was Puerto Rican.”

Hostos Alumna María D. Jiménez with Esmeralda Santiago

From left to right: Professor Charles Rice-González, VP Ana Martínez-Orizondo, President David Gómez, Author Esmeralda Santiago, Board Member Elba Cabrera and Deputy to the President Dolly Martínez.

From left to right: Literary Agent Molly Friedrich, writer Sofia Quintero, poet Sandra María Esteves, author and honoree Esmeralda Santiago, a musical friend, composer and the author’s son Lucas Cantor, the author’s husband Frank Cantor, poet/actress Caridad de La Luz (La Bruja), Professor and Former Principal Dr. Aramina Ferrer, CUNY Trustee and former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer and NY Times journalist Mireya Navarro.

Author Esmeralda Santiago and an admirer

New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado NY Times Journalist Mireya Navarro

First Circle: dancer Srinidhi Raghavan. Second Circle: members of Bombazo.

Third Circle: dancer Milteri Tucker

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SPRING 2019

Machito & the Impact of the Afro-Cubans at 80

A Three-Day Celebration of the Iconic Bandleader, his Musical Partners, and their Extraordinary Inf luence.

Ma

rio B a u z á

G ra ciela

MACHITO & BEYOND

WITH THE CARLOS HENRÍQUEZ ENSEMBLE & GUEST VOCALIST CITA RODRÍGUEZ Photo: piper ferguson

Thu | May 2 | 7:30pm | Main Theater

Reserved Seating: Orch $25 | Mezz $20 | Students/Under 18: $5

THE MACHITO ORCHESTRA

MARIO GRILLO, MUSICAL DIRECTOR

80th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

WITH GUEST VOCALIST HERMAN OLIVERA

Sat | May 4 | 7:30pm | Main Theater

Reserved Seating: Orch $35 | Mezz $25 | Students/Under 18: $5 MAMBO DANCE PARTY Sat | May 4 | 9:30 PM (approx.) | Hostos Café (third floor) $10 (includes two tickets for wine / soft drink) Salsa Warrior DJ Roy spins Machito hits for dancing.

Limited capacity. Concert ticket holders only.

TICKETS ON SALE: www.hostoscenter.org (718) 518-4455

FREE EVENTS *Tickets Required Film – A screening of the documentary* “Machito: A Latin Jazz Legacy” Fri | May 3 | 7:30pm | Repertory Theater Listening Room – With Joe Conzo, Sr. Never Before Heard Recordings Thu | May 2 | 6:00pm - Sat | May 4 | 6:00pm Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos

A Tour of NJMH Exhibit with Joe Conzo, Sr. Machito and Mario: The Roots of Afro-Cuban Jazz Fri | May 3 | 6:30pm | C - Atrium

Percussion Workshop* with Mario Grillo and others TBA Sat | May 4 | 1:30pm | Black Box Panel Discussion* Loren Schoenberg, moderator Sat | May 4 | 3:30pm | Repertory Theater

HOSTOSHAPPENINGS

VIII BIENNIAL DOMINICAN STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

Hostos welcomed scores of scholars and guests to campus for the Dominican Studies Association Conference titled,

President David Gómez, Chancellor María Harper-Marinick, Dr. Narcisa Polonio, Dr. Silvio Torres Saillant, Associate Dean for Community Relations Ana I García Reyes.

“Dominicans on the Map: Heritage, Citizenship, Memory & Social Justice.” The three-day conference ran from Nov. 15 through Nov. 17 and welcomed approximately 150 presenters in fields of the humanities, social science, education, law, and other disciplines, in addition to the arts, community work, and cultural activism. Panelists, plenary speakers, and presenters affiliated with over 100 institutions of higher education and cultural centers from Europe, the United States, Canada, and the Dominican Republic covered topics related to historical memory, identity, citizenship, the presence of Dominicans in U.S. legislatures, the growing leadership of Dominicans in higher education administration, racial issues, and civil rights, among others. Ana I. García-Reyes, Associate Dean at Hostos, and Silvio Torres-Saillant, Professor of English at Syracuse University, convened the Conference in their capacity as co-Chairs of the Dominican Studies Association. Dominican-descended Dr. María Harper-Marinick delivered the DSA 2018 Keynote Address, a timely choice given the journey that culminated in her taking on the position of Chancellor of one of the largest community college systems in the nation, Arizona State’s Maricopa County Community College District. Dr. Harper-Marinick was introduced by Dr. Narcisa Polonio, the first Dominican American woman who became president of a higher learning institution in the U.S.

Former Ambassador of the Dominican Republic and Historian Bernardo Vega.

Circular photos from top to bottom: President of Naugatuck Valley Community College Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Senior Vice President for Admin. & Finance Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne and CUNY Trustee Mayra Linares.

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Prof. Lissette Acosta Corniel.

Former Ambassador of the Dominican Republic and human rights expert Roberto Álvarez.

Dr. Lisa Paravisini-Gebert.

Dr. Norma Fuentes.

Conference attendees participating in a workshop.

Hostos student Hayden Carrion Namnúm.

Hostos Professor Ana Ozuna.

Hostos student Karla Joseline Ignacio Mola.

Hostos student Ines P. Rivera.

Chancellor María Harper-Marinick and Assistant Vice President for College Relations and Deputy to the President Dolly Martínez.

Plenary gathering and lunch.

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HOSTOSHAPPENINGS

VIEW FOR DEATH

BOOK PRESENTATION Director of Presidential Strategic Initiatives at Hostos Soldanela Rivera presented her new memoir, “View for Death,” at the Longwood Art Gallery on Nov. 1. Written in memoriam of

Director Emeritus of the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture Wally Edgecombe, Professor Eunice Flemister, Soldanela Rivera and President David Gómez.

Rivera’s late husband, Dan Larsen, “View for Death” tells the story of her experiences as Larsen’s caregiver and is dedicated to caregivers around the world. In a conversation with Professor Eunice Flemister, Rivera discussed the book, caregiving, helping women caregivers, the power of grief, and creative writing as a means of healing.

Hostos Foundation member Elba Cabrera.

Friend of Hostos.

Victor Santana and Sol Rivera.

Sol Rivera with Brand and Communications Associate José R. García, Rafael Barreto, Development Manager Idelsa Méndez, Director Emerita of the Alumni Relations Office Nydia R. Edgecombe, Monique Pinedo, Candace Miranda, Assistant Vice President for College Relations and Deputy to the President Dolly Martínez, CUNY Office Assistant Melanie García and Anny Paguay, Executive Director of the Center for Bronx Nonprofits Eileen Newman, Jenyffer Ortíz and Sheila Molina.

Assistant Professor Carmen Inda García and Professor Yoel Rodríguez.

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Dolly Martínez and CUNY EDGE Advisor Lourdes Gomera.

Explore Explore Explore

STEM STEM pathways at pathways pathways at Hostos Hostos at Hostos

Hostos Community College offers Associate in Science (AS) degrees in Civil, HostosHostos Community Community College College offers offers Associate Associate in Science in Science (AS) degrees (AS) degrees in Civil, in Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical and Environmental Engineering.

Chemical, Chemical, Electrical, Electrical, Mechanical Mechanical and Environmental and Environmental Engineering.

Engineering. ax2 + bx + c 2 ax2 +xbxy + c x2 y

ax2 + bx + c x2 y

MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS ASSOCIATE DEGREE ASSOCIATE ASSOCIATE DEGREEDEGREE The Associate in Science degree in Mathematics consists of courses which allow students to pursue further education and careers in Mathematics, Statistics and Mathematics Education. The program is a traditional science and mathematics program designed to articulate with any baccalaureate degree institution, CUNY or private. The proposed program includes the course work required in the first two years of a baccalaureate degree in mathematics.

LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCE LIBERAL LIBERAL ARTS DEGREE & ARTS SCIENCE & SCIENCE ASSOCIATE ASSOCIATE ASSOCIATE DEGREEDEGREE The requirements for the Associate in Liberal Arts & Science Degree makes it a versatile and appealing field of study for students planning to enter professions in the sciences, including Medical, Health or Science Education programs. The concentration provides students with the first two years of study required to enter science related majors and minors at the senior college level.

FORENSIC SCIENCE FORENSIC FORENSIC SCIENCE ASSOCIATE DEGREESCIENCE ASSOCIATE ASSOCIATE DEGREEDEGREE The Associate in Science (AS) degree in Science for Forensic Science is a joint dual admission program with the existing Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. This is a growing field as science and technology are essential resources in the criminal justice sector.

These majors are jointly registered, dual admission programs with the existing Bachelor of These majors These are majors areregistered, jointly registered, dual admission dualofadmission programs with the with existing the existing Bachelor Bachelor of of Engineering (BE)jointly degrees at The City College New York’sprograms Grove School of Engineering Engineering Engineering (BE) degrees (BE) degrees at The (CCNY’s City at The College City College ofofNew York’s of NewGrove York’sSchool Grove of School Engineering of Engineering GSoE) CUNY. (CCNY’s(CCNY’s GSoE) ofGSoE) CUNY.of CUNY.

The engineering majors have been designed to meet the licensure guidelines of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology The engineering engineering majors have majors been have designed designed meetcurriculum thetolicensure meet as thethe guidelines licensure ofyears the Accreditation of the Accreditation Board for Engineering Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) andThe provide Hostos students withbeen thetosame first twoguidelines of the licensure qualifying program required atand TheTechnology (ABET) and (ABET) provide and Hostos provide students Hostos with students the same with curriculum the same curriculum as the first as two the years first of two the years licensure of the qualifying licensure qualifying program required program at required The at The City College of New York. Upon successful completion of the lower division at Hostos, students have a seamless transition to the upper City College City of College New York. of Upon New York. successful Upon successful completion completion of the lower of division the lower at division Hostos, at students Hostos, have students a seamless have a transition seamless to transition the upper to the upper division of the baccalaureate program at CCNY. division ofdivision the baccalaureate of the baccalaureate program atprogram CCNY. at CCNY.

Dual Degree Programs Dual Degree Dual Degree Programs Programs Division of Academic Affairs Division Division of Academic of Academic Affairs Affairs www.hostos.cuny/dual-degrees

www.hostos.cuny/dual-degrees www.hostos.cuny/dual-degrees

HOSTOSHAPPENINGS

HOSTOS GIVING TUESDAY The entire Hostos campus came together to support students on #HostosGivingTuesday. Held on Nov. 27, the College joined the CUNY-wide CUNYTuesday to raise needed funding for emergency scholarships and other services aimed at helping students graduate. The day began with a special message from President David Gómez and culminated with a fundraising drive on the Bridge. When it was all over, Hostos exceeded its fundraising goal, collecting more than $33,000. Thanks to the leadership of Idelsa Méndez, Development Manager for Institutional Advancement

Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne, President David Gómez, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Ana M. Martínez Orizondo and Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Nathaniel Cruz.

and team captains, and the generosity of our donors, Hostos Community College was the only college to receive three CUNY awards for the campaign’s success.

President’s Office Administrative Assistant Jewel Clark, Assistant Vice President for College Relations and Deputy to the President Dolly Martínez, IT Assistant Victor Santana and the Director of Events Management Diana Kreymer.

Caiman poses with Hostos students.

A special thank you to team captains, Idelsa Méndez, Brenda LinenPaulin, Diana Kreymer, Fabián Wander, Karina Castro and Félix Sánchez for their leadership and dedication to giving and inspiring others to give this #CUNYTuesday. #HostosGivingTuesday

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Performing Arts Manager for the Hostos Center for The Arts & Culture Félix Arocho, Alumni Relations Assistant Adam Meyer and Alumni Relations Manager Félix Sánchez.

During our 50th Anniversary year, your support enabled our students to:

Access a nutritiously stocked food pantry, helping them to prioritize their studies

Receive scholarship awards that make it possible to persist and earn their degrees

Our students defy the odds with their accomplishments, but there are challenges we must continue to overcome.

77%

58%

Have an annual income of less than $30,000

Are first generation college students

27% Report that their parents highest education attainment is some high school or less

As Hostos looks to the next 50 years, your continued support will: Increase student graduation and transfer rates to four-year colleges

Develop academic programs and workforce certifications responsive to labor market trends and community needs

Provide experiential learning opportunities to more students

THANK YOU FOR GIVING

Provide additional scholarships, awards, and critical emergency funds

TH

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS CLOSING CEREMONY

ON DECEMBER 6 HOSTOS BROUGHT

ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS TO A JOYOUS CLOSE. Festivities kicked off with a lively parade led by a band of Hostos’ talented musicians and vocalists. The merriment continued in the gym where students, faculty, staff, and administrators played games, snapped pictures at a photo-booth, and reflected on what the College means to them and the ties that bind them during a moving web-weaving activity. Cheers to transforming lives and forging futures together for the next half-century and beyond.

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Director of Testing Center Elvis Lockward, College Registrar Nelida Pastoriza, Professor Alida PastorizaMaldonado, Assistant Vice President for College Relations and Deputy to the President Dolly Martínez, Associate Registrar Laurel N. Huggins, Executive Administrator of Enrollment Support Yvette Luyando and Assistant Director of Information Technology José Santana.

Festivities kicked off with a lively parade from the A-Atrium to the C-Building led by a band of Hostos’ talented musicians and vocalists.

Assistant Vice President for College Relations and Deputy to the President Dolly Martínez with raffle winners (from top left to bottom right) Director of the Health and Wellness Center Fabián Wander, student leader and President of the Christian Club Barbara Toledano, Communications Manager Rich Piertras and Associate Dean for Community Relations Ana I. García Reyes.

Circular photos, top, Hostos student, and bottom, Director of Student Activities Mr. Jerry Rosa and Recruiting Specialist Herminia Reyes

CAIMAN MAGAZINE

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STRONG WE ARE 1199SEIU UNITED

450K

HEALTHCARE WORKERS EAST.

STRONG URBANTHEATER COMPANY OF CHICAGO

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Sat | Feb 23 | 7:30pm | Repertory Theater

o:

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ASHES OF LIGHT

(”LA LUZ DE UN CIGARRILLO”) by MARCO ANTONIO RODRÍGUEZ

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MOMMA’S HIP HOP KITCHEN Vol.12

We are proud to support the Sat | Mar 2Hostos | 2:30pm | Main TheaterCommunity Reserved Seating: $20 | Students/Under18: $5

This comedy/drama takes place over the course of two evenings when two estranged generations of Dominicans living in New York’s Upper West Side attempt to rekindle the love and appreciation for each other and their roots; but unexpectedly revealed intimate secrets threaten to destroy an already thin bond.

Free Admission: Tickets Required

College 12th Annual Scholarship Fund Golf Outing.

Momma's Hip Hop Kitchen celebrates female empowerment with its 12th annual free music, dance, spoken word, and hip hop showcase.

Featuring DJ Likwuid, Nene Ali, Lah Tere & more!

WE ARE 1199SEIU UNITED Thank you for your commitment to affordable higher NEW YORK PREMIERE

HEALTHCARE WORKERS education for our EAST. communities in New York City! of this comedy/drama in English (with sprinkles of Spanish)

We are proud to support the Hostos

1199SEIU.org Community @1199SEIU

College 12th Annual Scholarship Fund Golf Outing.

2 0your 1 9commitment S P R I NtoGaffordable S E A higher S O N Thank you for A TRIBUTE TO DAVE VALENTIN education for our communities in New York City!

hostoscenter.org | (718) 518-4455

FEATURING ANDREA BRACHFELD AND BILL O’CONNELL & THE DEBUT OF

THE BILL O’CONNELL AFRO-CARIBBEAN ENSEMBLE (ACE)

WITH SPECIAL GUEST LENA BURKE

Sat | Mar 30 | 7:30pm | Repertory Theater Reserved Seating: $25 | Students/Under18: $5

After a cameo appearance last season, the full-voiced Cuban singer Malena Burke, daughter of the legendary Elena Burke, returns by overwhelming demand to perform a special program of Cuban Boleros and more. She is joined by her own daughter, pianist / vocalist Lena Burke.

AT I

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DOUBLE BILL

Z

AN EVENING OF CUBAN Boleros & MORE

L

MALENA BURKE

Robby Ameen • Ralph Bowen • Andrea Brachfeld • Román Díaz • Lincoln Goines Craig Handy • Adam Machaskee • Alex Sipiagin • Gary Smulyan

1199SEIU.org @1199SEIU Sat | Apr 6 | 7:30pm | Repertory Theater

Reserved Seating: $20 | Students/Under18: $5

HOSTOS REPERTORY COMPANY

IN REAL LIFE

An exciting double bill – a tribute to the late flutist Dave Valentin led by his former music director, pianist Bill O’Connell, with flute virtuoso Andrea Brachfeld – plus the debut of Bill O’Connell's latest project (ACE).

Illustration: Alice Curiel

BY STACIE LENTS DIRECTED BY LAUREN KATHLEEN BIDWELL

Thu | Apr 11 | 2:00pm Fri | Apr 12 | 7:00pm Wed | Apr 17 | 2:00pm Thu | Apr 18 | 12:30pm Repertory Theater General Admission: $10 Students/Under18: FREE

The world premiere of Stacie Lents’ tragicomedy In Real Life, in which two high school students, who live in the post-Trump future when the world has gone completely virtual, rebel against cyber reality and attempt to connect to an actual world they have never known.

JAVIER PADILLA

& THE MOVEMENT PLAYGROUND | OPEN REHEARSAL

Fri | Apr 26 | 7:30pm | Repertory Theater Free Admission: Tickets Required

Javier Padilla is an emerging choreographer, dancer, and movement artist interested in utilizing innovative technological and marketing strategies to enhance artist visibility and creating works for both traditional and nontraditional environments.

Strengthening Economic Vitality & Improving Quality of Life

Aufgang Architects takes great pride in its designs of residential buildings throughout the Bronx and New York City.

We believe that the development of new, appealing and affordable housing strengthens the economic fabric of neighborhoods and improves quality of life.

Our recent designs in the Bronx include two new residential towers located at 1184 River Avenue totaling 500 apartments.

Just as safe and comfortable homes are the goal of many New Yorkers, so is academic achievement leading to a college degree.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FUTURE SUCCESS!

follow us on instagram@aufgang_architects

HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

2019

Benefit ANNUAL

SCHOLARSHIP

IN SUPPORT OF STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS AND THE EDUCATIONAL MISSION OF THE COLLEGE

Wednesday, April 17, 5:30pm Glen Island Harbour Club

299 Weyman Avenue

New Rochelle, NY 10805

HONORING Goya Foods, Inc. CORPORATE IMPACT

Antone Hernton

Chief Executive Officer, Kerington Spencer Sibling Limited, Inc.

PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT

Robert Sancho

Vice President, Development and External Affairs, BronxCare

LIFETIME COMMUNITY SERVICE

HOST Cheryl Wills

NY1 Anchor, author and distinguished speaker

For more information go to www.hostos.cuny.edu/2019benefit

www.hostos.cuny.edu/2019Benefit