SUMMER . 2012
the libi log
www.libi.edu
Good Evening Graduates, Families, and Distinguished Guests, There are some very special people here tonight who I would like to acknowledge before I begin. Graduates, please give a round of applause to all of the important people -- parents, grandparents, spouses, children, and friends in your lives gathered here tonight, without whose support this day may not have been possible. I’m also certain that you’ll agree that today would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of your faculty. I believe they also deserve to be applauded. Let’s not forget all of the staff and campus employees who are here tonight to see you walk across this stage. Their efforts to help you get here should not be forgotten. But ultimately we are all here today because of YOU! You did it! One of the highlights of what I do as President is having the honor of delivering the last official communication you receive as LIBI students, as well as the first you receive as LIBI alumni, and I get to do both tonight! I have had the privilege of watching all of you overcome many obstacles on the path that culminates in today’s ceremony. Let me start by joining many others you’ll hear today in saying, Congratulations on reaching this day! As I said, in a few minutes, you will be LIBI alumni. You’ve done it. You’ve made this community proud, and I KNOW that you will all continue to do so. Before you enter the world as newly-minted members of the LIBI Alumni Association, I’d like to share a few thoughts with you. A recent trip to Greece with my family prompted me to think about things that are timeless, things that endure, and things that are temporary but that dominate short-term thinking. Over there, one can stand among buildings from antiquity that are, in a word, timeless. At the same time, these structures stand witness to what we hope to be a temporary financial crisis, but one that is widely covered by the media. Across Europe, there's a striking contrast of enduring treasures created by people 100 generations ago and the crises created by the current generation of political and economic participants. One monument I saw that was especially relevant to tonight's talk was the stone gate of a 2500-year-old temple standing watch over a harbor, steadfastly observing human endeavors and human failures navigating the sea. If those rocks could talk, I’m sure we would hear an interesting story. But I'm not here to speculate about talking rocks or cover the greatness of ancient Greek architecture, and I realize my speech stands between you and getting your hard-earned degree, so let's consider metaphorical lesson in what is timeless and link what I saw on my trip to the celebration of your great achievement tonight.
In the metaphor, the 2500-year-old piece of architecture, the timeless thing, is the education you worked so hard to get. Like the gateway guarding the harbor, your education took extremely hard work, time, and inspiration to build. There were no power cranes to lift those rocks, and there were many obstacles YOU overcame to get where you are. And, in fact, you all embarked upon your education in the midst of our own nation's financial crisis. Like that ancient gateway, the education you built will stand fast against adversity and serve you well, the way that gateway has served the seafarers entering and leaving that harbor. The builders who laid those foundations and raised those marble stones so long ago had a vision of the future, and they took the time to craft something that would outlast them for millennia. You are those builders. You took the risk to lay the foundation. You endured the hard work as they did, and now, like those builders and those who've come after, you can stand back and admire what you've built. While I was able to witness the splendor of what those ancient builders accomplished, I also noted that despite all they did accomplish, their work was NOT complete, and with all you've achieved at LIBI, your journey is not complete either. However, unlike that stone gateway, which was set up to stand for thousands of years as a silent watchman, your education can continue to take you places, more like the ships of the harbor. So you've simultaneously built something to last and something that will carry you far. You've laid the foundation, you've set the stones, but you can now get on your ship and continue. Class of 2012, all of you have the responsibility to pass down a work ethic and an intrinsic sense of excellence that made it possible for you to be here today, to be role models for your brothers and sisters, to be mentors in your communities, and to pass that sense of an education’s value down to your children, a sense of personal responsibility and self-respect. I and the faculty and staff of LIBI have been fortunate to sit in the front row seats as you commenced on your journey. We hate to let you go, but we do so knowing you are READY. Go forth and live well, be someone who can always be trusted and do WHAT is right. Be a person of integrity and persevere. Always remember that nothing worthwhile is easy. To achieve great things, you must sometimes fail. Learn from your mistakes and keep going. It takes patience and commitment to be successful, but whenever you hear that voice that tells you that you can’t make a difference or to set your sights lower, I hope you will remember the way you feel right now and keep at it. When the world says, "Give up," hope always whispers, "Try it one more time." I hope you will always listen. Congratulations and best wishes for all of your tomorrows.
career services guest speaker
By Kimberlee DelleCamelie, Commack Campus On Tuesday, August 14, 2012, the Commack Campus had the pleasure of welcoming Richard Bursky and Maxyne Bursky, BA, RPR, CRR, CCR, to speak to the court reporting students about how to form a meaningful internship and maintain a successful career. Ms. Bursky shared with the students many of her tips and ideas on how to handle a new graduate’s first job, while also sharing many funny stories to help calm a new reporter’s nerves. Maxyne and Richard are always eager to visit schools around the country so as to provide students with real-life experiences and advice about how to handle unexpected situations that may arise at depositions. The Burskys feel very strongly about giving back to the field of court reporting and are part of the NCRA’s Virtual Mentor Program. Richard and Maxyne have more than 30 years of experience in the court reporting field. Maxyne is the author of the books WayOff the Record and Talk to the Hands.
flushing library by Adrianna Arguelles National Women’s History Month As a tribute to Women’s History Month, LIBI Queens Campus Library invited the Director of the Queens Women’s Business Center, Ms. Darinka Maldonado, to speak at our campus. The theme of 2012 was Women’s Education - Women’s Empowerment. Ms. Maldonado’s insightful presentation on How to Start a Business took students through the process of starting a business, encouraging those who have already pondered the idea. Additionally, bulletin boards around the college highlighted the 40th anniversary of the passage of Title IX of the education amendments of 1972. A small exhibition complemented this tribute. National Library Week LIBI Queens Campus Library celebrated National Library Week with a plethora of activities. NY Business Solution participated in giving our students an outstanding presentation on “10 Steps to Start Your Own Business.” This enjoyable presentation made it easy to comprehend the 10 steps, with many interesting handouts being distributed. A fascinating tour of the Grand Central terminal was also a part of this celebration. Mr. Christian Marcu’s Freshman Seminar class toured the historic train station where art, history, and mystery are among the daily experiences of this unique place. Many secrets, like the whispering gallery located on the dining concourse or the secret passages under the station that have secret networks, were revealed to students. Among the most interesting information disclosed was that President Roosevelt used a hidden platform with a secret entrance and an elevator that connected with the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The event was not only tremendous fun but was a remarkable educational experience.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The LIBI ART EXHIBITION 2012 winners of the Art Dear LIBI Community,
Exhibition are Rocco Cappello, first place; Sabina Khantimirova, second place; and Enos Cheung, third place. Congratulations to all.
I want to thank all of the LIBI artists who participated in our first art exhibition last month. Judging from the variety of pieces submitted, I can clearly see that LIBI has lots of artistic talent! All works submitted were truly wonderful and extremely well received by the substantial group of visitors who came to the exhibit. My warmest thank you goes out to the 17 pioneer artists who generously shared their work with us. I hope that other members of the LIBI community will be encouraged to participate in our future artistic endeavors. Recalling the wise words of Emerson, “Every artist was first an amateur.”
In order to continue our commitment to the arts in a formal way, I am very proud to announce the formation of a Cultural Arts Committee, dedicated to enriching the “cultural lives of all students enrolled in Long Island Business Institute.” Terry Canavan and Nazaret Kiregian have graciously taken on the task of coordinating and sponsoring art-related initiatives at both campuses. I am thrilled to see this committee established, and I hope that everyone supports and enjoys the activities the committee plans to sponsor. The committee will aim to promote all modes of artistic expression (photography, pottery, poetry, musical performances, etc.) and will encourage a diverse cross-campus involvement. I look forward to a very exciting art season! Warmest regards, Monica W. Foote President
the academic success center by Cristian Marcu
The staff of the Academic Success Center is happy to announce that we have moved to a new location. After a short “good bye” to our old abode in Room M310, we have relocated to the fourth floor in Room M420, right next to the Library. The new locale may seem smaller at first glance; however, the new Academic Success Center boasts three separate rooms and a friendlier atmosphere. We have a main room, which hosts our computers and printers, as well as two designated tutoring rooms, which ensure students will be able to enjoy their sessions in quiet. In addition, our new layout will allow us to host workshops right within the center. Lastly, the Library is but a few feet away, thus enabling students to easily access a plethora of additional material.
The Book Mobile Day is always a terrific experience in which visiting offices, delivering and promoting the library’s recent acquisition enables us to help the LIBI community appreciate all the wonderful resources they have.
Law Day On May 1, 2012, LIBI joined in the celebration of Law Day. Bulletin boards highlighting the theme “No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom” were displayed throughout the college. In addition books were displayed in the library, student lounge, and Annex building.
school trip AMISH COUNTRY SCHOOL TRIP
LIBI star
by Anna Venturino
On Saturday, June 16th , approximately 35 students left at 8 a.m. on a journey to the Amish country located in Pennsylvania. This was the second time that the Long Island Business Institute ventured to America’s oldest Amish settlement, and it was a trip to remember. It was a day tour, where students visited various educational sites and Amish-themed attractions. We began with a tour of the Intercourse Pretzel factory. While there, the students learned not only how to make hard pretzels but how to hand twist them into shape. Next, we headed off to the Amish Experience, where the students received an in-person tour of an Amish home, interacting with the family and learning about their lifestyle. We then stopped at an Amish family farm discovering how the farm operates without electricity and how cows are milked. Our next venture was to an Amish school, where the students met with a teacher, learning the daily life of an Amish child at school, and what it is like to teach eight grades in one room.
Congratulations to Anna Venturino for being chosen as our star for the third quarter of 2012. As the Director of Student Affairs and Veteran Services, she has demonstrated leadership, and her tremendous efforts to exceed the expectations of the Student Success Center have been apparent. Anna has been organizing several events and activities to serve the community, providing support to justified causes such as Building Homes for Heroes and has also promoted cultural awareness through the Multicultural Club. Her commitment and dedication to the academic success of all students has prompted her to start a petition in the hopes of restoring PELL grants for Ability to Benefit students. Congratulations, Anna. Keep shining as a star!
The day concluded with the LIBI family sitting down to have an Amish family style dinner and discussing their adventures for that day before they headed back to the city.
E-Readers vs. Printed Books
commack library
By Terry Canavan
To keep me entertained on a flight, I packed Dan Brown’s novel, The Lost Symbol, to read. I felt a little out of touch reading a book while everyone around me had their slim line e-readers. On the flight back home, I was down to the last few pages of the story, and as the clock ticked down for Professor Langdon, it also ticked down for me as I was trying to finish the book by the time the plane reached the gate. During the descent, the flight attendant made her patrol up and down the aisle informing passengers to turn off their electronic devices. Lucky me, I could keep reading. So as the plane descended, slowly taxiing around waiting for a gate to become available, I was able to finish my story while the others stared blankly ahead. By having a printed book, my reading experience was uninterrupted, and it made me wonder, “Are e-readers better than books?” In a study by Dr. Jakob Nielsen of the Nielsen Norman Group, the reading speed between e-readers like iPad and Kindle and the printed book were tested, and as it turns out, the iPad and the Kindle measured 6.2% and 10.7% (respectively) lower in reading speed than the printed book. In the same study, the user’s satisfaction with the iPad, Kindle, and the printed book scored decent satisfaction levels, but reading a book on a PC scored very low. Users felt reading a printed book was more relaxing than using electronic devices, and they were uncomfortable with the PC because it reminded them of work. Southern Methodist University did an e-reader vs. book study among middle school students in reading improvement classes. They found that the technology of the e-readers motivated boys to read while many girls preferred the printed book. The students preferred to have their textbooks on an e-reader because they have fewer books to carry and enjoyed the privacy of other student’s not knowing their reading level or choice of book. Reading Comprehension At a seminar for librarians, I heard that a user’s reading comprehension
was less on e- readers than a printed book because we have become used to scanning the computer screen in search of the information we are looking for. However, the research that I reviewed was somewhat inconclusive because it depends on age groups and the content of what is being read. It seems for young children who read stories on e-readers, their reading comprehension is the same as when they read from a printed book. This makes sense because the e-readers were created with the leisure reader in mind: those reading fiction on the beach or on the train during their daily commute. Differences in reading comprehension become an issue when we switch to adults in an academic setting. In a study by researchers at the University of California and the California Digital Library, they found that a majority of students (6 out of 10) who use e-readers still prefer printed books. Some indicated that their preference was usage dependent. It seems that with e-books, the difficulty is in annotating and highlighting within e-book environments, perceived as vital to the majority of respondents who use academic e-books. Another drawback “was the difficulty of switching between reading techniques, such as skimming an article’s illustrations or references just before reading the complete text. Students frequently made such switches as they read course material.” What is most interesting is that “the digital text also disrupted a technique called cognitive mapping, in which readers used physical cues such as the location on the page and the position in the book to go back and find a section of text or even to help retain and recall the information they had read.” Oddly enough e-reading somehow sparks a love of books in any format. As e-readers download books onto their various devices, they are also checking out more books at libraries and buying more books at book stores (Pew Internet & American Life Project).
safety corner By Brendan Keane
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America today. Identity theft requires only a few pieces of valid personal information. With them, thieves can apply for and receive credit cards or debit cards in your name. Your credit can be quickly damaged and your efforts to correct these problems can become a nightmare. The acquisition of key pieces of identity, such as name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and mother's maiden name, enable the impersonation to occur. This information allows the identity thief to commit numerous forms of fraud, which include taking over the victim's financial accounts, opening new bank accounts, purchasing automobiles, applying for credit cards, loans, and Social Security benefits, and establishing accounts with utility and cell phone providers. The identity thief has many ways to gain access to your information. It can be obtained from uncollected mail sitting in your mailbox, personal information carelessly thrown in the garbage, dishonest retail or restaurant employees illegally swiping your credit or debit card, or by the theft of your wallet or pocketbook. There are a number of ways to avoid becoming a victim. You should always remove mail from your mailbox. If you’re going on vacation, make arrangements for someone to take the mail for you or call the U.S. Postal Service and request a vacation hold for your mail. Shred all bills, credit card charge receipts, credit applications, bank statements, expired charge cards, and preapproved credit offers before throwing them into the garbage. Save all credit card receipts and match them against your monthly bill. While all of these steps seem cumbersome, it will be much easier than trying to clear your name once your identity has been stolen. Until next time, be safe.
veterans history project By Ann Spessard
The Long Island Business Institute, Commack Campus, is now proudly supporting “A Project of the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress” and their “Veterans History Project.” All students enrolled in Mrs. Spessard’s Internship class have taken on the task of transcribing a veteran’s history, which will be sent back to the Library of Congress and proudly displayed on hard copy, as well as being digitized and put online. This is the first time that LIBI court reporting students have taken on such a difficult and important task. There have been close to 1,800 interviews transcribed by members of the National Court Reporters Association. The Veterans History Project has collected over 70,000 stories so far. These veterans span from World War I through the Afghanistan and Iraqi conflicts. These stories are just waiting to be transcribed by working reporters, as well as student reporters. LIBI and the Commack court reporting students are very proud to say they have helped in this very worthwhile project.
career services ALUMNI RECEPTION
By Jerilyn Marinan
The Flushing Campus Alumni Association hosted its first ever Alumni Reception on Friday, March 23rd, at the Mudan Banquet Hall. Administrators, staff, and faculty along with about 120 LIBI alumni were present. The mission of the Alumni Association is to assist and advance the alumni with their pursuit of excellence. Our goal is to assist alumni in creating relationships and building strong mutually beneficial ties between the college and each other. We hope to promote goodwill within the community, stimulate interest, and increase involvement in order to generate support for LIBI. Alumni enjoyed networking, reconnecting with former classmates, and sharing their success stories and experiences with each other. We look forward to more successful events in the future. For more information about the Alumni Association and future events, find us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/Libialumni.
PROMOTIONS AT LIBI by Enos Cheung
It is my pleasure to announce a few promotions that have recently taken place at LIBI. Ms. Stacey Johnson has been promoted from Chief Academic and Student Services Officer to Provost. In addition to her former responsibilities, she will also be in charge of the Academic Success Center. Our goal is to coordinate the effort and the services between the LIBI Library and the Academic Success Center to better serve student population and faculty. Ms. Anna Venturino’s new title is Director of Student Affairs and Veteran Services. Not only will she continue having direct oversight of the Student Success Center, student retention effort, and extracurricular activities but will also be in charge of our services to veterans and their families. Mr. Byron Jimenez has assumed the official title of Registrar (Main Campus). Rosana Lee will continue to provide support to the operation of the Flushing Registrar’s office. These promotions recognize the high level of diligence and consistent commitment to the work these individuals do for LIBI. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Johnson, Ms. Venturino, and Mr. Jimenez for their advancements. We are confident that they will continue to contribute their best efforts to the future development of LIBI. Editor: F. Magarelli Art Director: Y. Yang Published By Long Island Business Institute
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