WINTER 2009
THE LIBI LOG
Dear LIBI Community, As the deep burgundy and vibrant yellow leaves have quickly been replaced by endless strings of holiday lights in what seems to be a blink of an eye, we are reminded that we are approaching the end of the year. Before 2009 turns into 2010, I want to reflect on what an inspiring and productive year this has been for LIBI. At the same time, 2009 has been a year of great challenges for our nation. As we take time to reflect, to celebrate, to remember, and to plan for the future, we can’t ignore the fact that so many Americans have lost their jobs in this recession - the worst in generations. Times like these are a wonderful opportunity to recognize the importance of celebrating our holiday traditions by taking time to be with and appreciate one another. As I mark my first full year as President of LIBI, I am particularly grateful to the entire LIBI family: our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. I am grateful to have such an extraordinary group of students who struggle to raise families and juggle work schedules while still managing to pursue their educational dreams - despite the fact that the economic downturn is making it more and more difficult for them to do so. I celebrate the strong commitment of our faculty to teaching and guidance. Our students are very fortunate to have such dedicated educators to help them achieve their professional and personal goals. I am also grateful to and proud of all of our alumni who are making their mark in the world.
International Food Festival
It came to fruition at LIBI’s Diversity Committee meeting and we are proud to say our first ever LIBI International Food Festival took place on December 4, 2009 with much success. A taste of Columbian, Dominican, Chinese, Ecuadorian, Turkish, Venezuelan, American, Jamaican, Italian, Japanese, Filipino, Puerto Rican and Trinidadian was had by all. The turnout was exceptional, the mood was magnificent and the food... well... the food was something else. We had a great time, and we hope you did too. A special thank you to all the employees and students that contributed, assisted in the setup, distribution and clean up.
I thank you for the enthusiasm and commitment that I believe will sustain us in the year ahead as we make even greater strides together. I wish you and your family a joyous and safe holiday season. May 2010 bring good health, happiness and peace. Sincerely, Monica W. Foote President WINTER 2009
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Faculty Conference To say that the faculty didn’t know what to expect at the First Annual L.I.B.I. All Facult Conference might be a gross understatement. Nothing like this has been remotely attempted before in L.I.B.I. history, yet on Monday, Septemberr 28th 2009, the faculty of the two campuses converged at the Sheraton to experience what may very well be an annual tradition. Evoking Einstein, an almost Dickensian format, the faculty was visited by three speakers, each discussing different aspects of being part of a college institution. Like the ghost of Christmas past, the first speaker, Robert M. Onorato, gave a spirited, imaginative and interactive lecture that directly addressed communication problems that arise in a classroom setting. In his presentation the faculty were challenged with perceptions and pre-conceived notions concerning communication issues. Evoking Einstein, the faculty were confronted with the idea that in order to solve problems and issues, one must use a different manner of thinking than that which created those problems and issues.
The next visitor, Dr. Scott Fitzgibbon, spoke with the sound and the fury of a talk show host as he addressed the circumstances and concerns of the Net Generation. By defining the needs, demands and desires of disparate generations in their quest for knowledge, he managed to elucidate potential lacunas with concern to establishing dialectic. After a brief and entertaining cameo by L.I.B.I.’s own Peter Cronrath, the Fuzz descended upon the L.I.B.I. faculty. The officers commanded a silence that only firearms can guarantee. With the room hushed and attentive, the officers spoke generally about how to curtail and deal with potential safety issues. On the whole, the lecture series at the conference aided in identifying aspects in education that many of us struggle with, but often feel too disempowered to change. The conference, like a good Dickensian novel, had an underlying moral: an empowered faculty is efficient and indomitable - truly terra firma to begin what is sure to become a longstanding tradition in L.I.B.I. consciousness.
0 to 225 Commack Speed Demon Anthony Giarro is a speed phenomenon. As a court reporting student at Long Island Business Institute’s Commack Campus, Anthony made the school’s stenographic record book by completing the program’s five speed groups in just two semesters, a feat that normally takes two years. Anthony entered the court reporting program at LIBI Commack in the Fall Semester of 2008 and began his studies, like the rest of the new students, by learning the theory behind stenographic shorthand. After acquiring his basic skills, he moved up in the Spring Semester of 2009 to his first speed group, which was taking dictation down at a rate of 40-60 words per minute (wpm). That’s when Anthony stepped on the gas pedal. In one 16-week semester, Anthony completed three speed groups and was writing at 140 wpm. By the first half of the next semester, he had completed the next two speed groups and was writing at 225 wpm with 95% accuracy, amazing his fellow LIBI students, faculty, and staff. When asked what the key to his success was, Anthony replied that he didn’t really know. When he began the program he told himself that quitting was not an option. He had always been a good test taker, and these two characteristics may have given him the positive mental attitude to achieve. He continuously worked on his dexterity and practiced as many combinations of strokes as possible. When he hit a plateau at 160-180 words per minute, he just practiced harder.
LIBI 2009
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When asked what had drawn him to the field of court reporting, Anthony replied that he loved spontaneity, the idea of being his own boss, and working when and where he wanted. His advice to his fellow students is twofold: First, start sitting in as soon as you’ve passed your first Q & A at 180 wpm as the experience helps build confidence and skill; second, never underestimate the field of court reporting because it is very difficult. Recognizing this and appreciating your accomplishment when you achieve it builds self-confidence that you can use to achieve greater goals.
Audrey Summer Winter
Yoselin Yang Spring
Jose Santana Summer
Christine Mattar Fall 3
NEW FACES AT LIBI
Li Zhu
Li joined LIBI as a Financial Aid Specialist in July 2009. Li graduated from the University at Buffalo in February 2009 , Li graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University at Buffalo. He received his BS in Business Administration in three and a half years. He will manage and assist all facets of the Financial Aid Department at the Flushing Campus and assist students receiving grants and loans. Stacey Johnson, Chief Academic and Student Services Officer, has 15 years’ experience as an Education Administrator managing programs and operations in higher education.
Stacey Johnson
Among her previous positions, Stacey served as a Program Director, School Director, and Academic Dean for private institutions. She has been effective meeting administrative and service needs of diverse student and staff populations. Stacey holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia State University and a Master of Arts in Psychology from John Jay College.
LIBI HIRES OUR VERY OWN!
Cynthia Liu
Upon graduation in April 2009, Cynthia joined our Financial Aid Department as a Financial Aid Specialist. While at LIBI she majored in Accounting and graduated with high honors. LIBI is proud to have her on board.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
Long Island Business Institute joined the fight against breast cancer by raising $900 for the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” which was held on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at Jones Beach. Our team, One LIBI, was represented by 4 dedicated walkers who braved the wild winds and rain. We would like to thank all members of the LIBI community for their generous contributions. This event was a great success, and we hope to meet our goal of $1,000 in 2010.
LIBI Yard Sale
On November 23 & 24, 2009, the Long Island Business Institute held its first ever Yard Sale. The staff, faculty, and student body were able to come together to help serve a great cause. Household items, clothing, books and miscellaneous items were donated and displayed for sale in the student lounge of the main building. Two hundred dollars in proceeds were donated to The Robin Hood Foundation. Their mission is to save lives and change fates by targeting poverty in New York City, something that we at LIBI are glad to be a part of. We are looking forward to the next LIBI Yard Sale. If you are interested in donating or have a great idea for another event, contact Karen Saggio, Office Manager, Flushing or Vicki Bullard, Office Manager, Commack.
Philadelphia Field Trip
On Saturday, October 10, 2009, forty (40) ESL students accompanied by five faculty and four staff members visited Historic Philadelphia, the “City of Brotherly Love.” Among the highlights of the trip were Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, the tomb of Benjamin Franklin, the Religious Society of Friends Quakers), and Elfreth’s Alley. Though the day started out as cloudy and rainy, it was a learning experience for all and everyone had a wonderful time.
Veterans’ Day
In honor of Veterans Day, the LIBI Diversity Committee was asked to have students, faculty and staff write note cards to the permanent resident veterans, located at the New York Veterans’ Home at St. Albans, Jamaica, NY. We collected and sent 33 cards thanking them for their contributions to our nation.
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If anyone is interested in becoming a member of the Diversity Committee, please contact Karen Saggio, chairperson or Furney Canteen, co-chair. We are looking forward to future events.
Career Fair
The Career Services Office held a Fall Job/Senior College Fair on Thursday, September 24, 2009. This was our largest job fair ever. We hosted various types of companies from many different industries. We were honored to have the FDNY, N.Y. State Troopers, and U.S. Navy in attendance. Good Temps, World Financial Group, New York Life and Sarku Japan along with a few other companies also joined us. We had a wonderful turnout consisting of approximately 60 current and graduate students of LIBI who are looking forward to both starting their careers and continuing their education. We look forward to future job fairs.
A very special thanks to Ms. Karen Saggio for all of her efforts in coordinating the collection of stories for this, and all Editor: Michelle Houston Art Director: Yoselin Yang
Published By Long Island Business Institute
718.939.5100
Queens Campus: 136-18 39 th Avenue, Flushing L. I. Campus: 6500 Jericho Turnpike, Commack www.libi.edu
WINTER 2009