Friday, August 19, 2022 | Vol. 5, No. 1, Fall 2022 Semester 
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS
My Dear Colleagues and Students,

As we prepare to begin another year of hope, hard work and achievements on behalf of our students, the communities we serve and our own sense of achievement, I write to tell you how much I welcome your contributions. Much has gone on over the summer to recognize achievements of our students in summer programs as well as assessment of progress and planning and scheduling for this Academic Year 2022–2023 to begin with strength and beauty. Please continue to reach out to our returning students and to collaborate to make this one of the best years yet.

Mil gracias y bendiciones, Daisy

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.
President

SHARING A POEM TO INSPIRE

The Poem that Took the Place of a Mountain

By Wallace Stevens


There it was, word for word,

The poem that took the place of a mountain.

 

He breathed its oxygen,

Even when the book lay turned in the dust of his table.

 

It reminded him how he had needed

A place to go to in his own direction,

 

How he had recomposed the pines,

Shifted the rocks and picked his way among clouds,

 

For the outlook that would be right,

Where he would be complete in an unexplained completion:

 

The exact rock where his inexactness

Would discover, at last, the view toward which they had edged,

 

Where he could lie and, gazing down at the sea,

Recognize his unique and solitary home.


Stevens, Wallace, The Poem that Took the Place of a Mountain from Teaching with Fire. Copyright 2002 by Center for Teacher Formation. P. 151

MESSAGE FROM SGA PRESIDENT LEAGHTON N. OZORIA
Reality has disappeared in a nanosecond and as quick as we were here, some are not here. As time gathers, we gather, and as the second hand is absorbed, as we must restore time, we become the minute. Yet like a watch, we can see the future, just look at the time and then look at the minute markings each reaching the future like I would like to read the future to see if reality will come back. We are a new reality dawning on time and with my quiet tone, I speak loudly to you for you to listen to reality for I am back, and you have returned, we are eternity.

Are we the future the Bible hinted to? A brave new world to “a new world,” and the new world that we cleansed, by its lens to see the clearer picture which is an eternal future of right, and rights and not wrong. Together we stand in unity and its conscious impunity. Let us become leaders and judges, shadowing future adults that dream above them all. Above the stars, there are more stars, and above space is more space, from arising as the sun does for the eternal light of the earth. Can we be the eternal light? Let us arise in togetherness and show this infinite light we shine.
PRESIDENT’S INITIATIVES
Submitted by Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D., Director of Research Programs

Dear Students and Colleagues,

I hope that you have all had a lovely summer break, spending time with family and friends, traveling, taking summer courses, and enjoying some rest and relaxation. I am excited to welcome you back to Hostos for the 2022-2023 academic year and look forward to sharing with you the wonderful opportunities that will be made available through the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives. The summer proved to be a very fruitful time for several of our pilot initiatives. Jobs on Campus employed 47 students over the summer months across various Hostos departments and program offices. On August 2, the President’s Office and the Career Services Offices hosted a Career Development Day for the participants that provided them with educational workshops on professionalism and conflict resolution, and an employer panel featuring representatives from Great Performances and AHRC NYC. Students had the opportunity to meet President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, who provided the vision and guidance for the Jobs on Campus initiative, develop new friendships with their peers, and learn about the variety of services provided by the terrific Career Services Office team. I want to extend my gratitude to Lisanette Rosario, Director of Career Services, and Yvonne Rosario-Quiroz, Assistant Director of Career Services, for their leadership, collaboration, and support of this special event.

A new pilot initiative, the Hostos External Internships Program, was launched in July and provided five students with the opportunity to participate in a six-to-eight-week internship with local community partners that included After-School All Stars NY, Argus Community, Every Day Is A Miracle, Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, and Part of the Solution (POTS). Students gained valuable work experience and insight into the critical services in youth development, health and wellness, food insecurity, and legal counseling provided by community-based organizations. It is my hope to strengthen these community partnerships so that we can continue to offer these experiential learning opportunities to our students. 

To cap off our summer activities, I am delighted to report that the first cohort of scholars for the NextGen Public Health Scholars 2+2+2 Program have been selected. The selected candidates all demonstrated high levels of academic achievement, personal integrity and perseverance, and commitment to service in the public health field, which made them the ideal candidates for our inaugural cohort. Please join me in congratulating Hawa Antonet Abraham, Andrea Vasquez Guillen, and María Vasquez Guillen on this incredible accomplishment! As NextGen Public Health Scholars, they will be connected to all the services and resources to support their educational success and professional development as they begin this new journey in building their careers in public health and epidemiology.

Over the coming weeks, I look forward to sharing an evaluation report detailing the outcomes of the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives and providing updates on plans for the new academic year.

Sincerely,

Sofia Oviedo

For more information about the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives, please email or call Sofia Oviedo at soviedo@hostos.cuny.edu | Tel: 718-518-4309.
OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Submitted by Director of Governmental and External Affairs Eric Radezky, Ph.D.

Primary Elections on August 23, 2022
 
This week’s update comes from the New York City Board of Elections. Primary elections are scheduled for Tuesday, August 23 for seats in the US House of Representatives and the New York State Senate. There are several House and State Senate seats with contested primaries in the Bronx and New York City in general.
 
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on August 23. There will also be early voting on August 19 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., August 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and August 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit vote.nyc or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC to find your early voting and primary day poll sites or to verify your voter registration. In New York State you may only vote in the primary election of the party in which you are a registered member.   
NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Submitted by Provost and VP of Academic Affairs Shiang-Kwei Wang, Ph.D.

Hostos Faculty/Student Research Teams Bring Home the Most Awards of All Participating CUNY Institutions
 
The Office of Academic Affairs is incredibly proud of all 35 Hostos students and 16 faculty mentors who conducted and presented research at the CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP, pronounced crisp) 2022 CRSP Summer Symposium online. Topics ranged from diabetes and contamination of water to the impact of Instagram on people of color, neuroscience research on Alzheimer’s disease, and COVID-19. The CUNY CRSP Director, Dr. Ron Nerio, shared accolades with Professor Yoel Rodríguez, Hostos CRSP Director, saying: "Hostos performed exceptionally well this year with more awards than any other college. Hostos students won five of the daily awards, one of the two prize awards, and one of the two featured presenter awards." 

The full list of Hostos student presentation symposium awards appears below. The 2022 CRSP Summer Symposium program includes abstracts, featured student speakers, and featured mentor talks ​for all research presented during the Symposium. The symposium took place during three days, July 25, July 27, and August 1. 
 
HOSTOS STUDENT PRESENTATION WINNERS

CRSP Live Featured Presentation Winner
Yassine Gaye​​​
 
CRSP Top Prize Winner
Jose Armando Keppis
 
CRSP Daily Awards​
Isaac Solomon Rogers​
Data Scrutiny upon Agulhas Leakage
Mentor: Professor Allison Franzese
 
Yassine Gaye​​ and Ansumana Jammeh
Phytoremediation of Water Contaminated by Heavy Metals​
Mentor: Professor Anna Ivanova and Professor Flor Henderson
 
Jose Armando Keppis and Edward Allen
Ligand- and Structure-Guided Discovery of Entry Blockers for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein
Mentor: Professor Yoel Rodríguez
 
Natalia Arai, Aaron Arjenelal, Fatima Bah, Kevin Dillon, José González and Leury Santana
How Does Activism on Instagram Help People of Color Interpret Issues That Impact Them, And Does It Provide The Tools for Them to Work to Combat Inequities?
Mentor: Professor Lauren Wolf
 
Malik Pellington and Perla Serrano
Neuroscience Research on Alzheimer’s disease
Mentor: ​Professor Maria Inda García​​
Follow OAA on Facebook and Instagram

The Office of Academic Affairs has opened Facebook and Instagram social media accounts. The accounts are designed to showcase, celebrate and highlight faculty, staff, and student achievements, initiatives and events. Access all of our posts and keep us updated when you have accomplishments you want to share. Our Facebook link is https://www.facebook.com/Office-of-Academic-Affairs-Hostos-Community-College-CUNY-103867265732211. Our Instagram is accessible here https://www.instagram.com/hostosoaa/.
NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

Submitted by VP of Student Development and Enrollment Management (SDEM) La Toro Yates, Ph.D.


Welcome New and Continuing students to Hostos Community College. The Student Development and Enrollment Management (SDEM) division is happy that you are joining the Caiman family for the fall 2022 semester. SDEM is committed to working with you as you embark on a new Academic journey and want you to take full advantage of the opportunities you will find at this great institution. In addition, SDEM pledges to offer superior student-centric customer service and will be here for you every step, walking beside you in challenging moments and celebrating your successes! Thank you!


Student News


Congratulations to Ndongo Njie on his acceptance to Princeton University!


Through the Kaplan Leadership Program, Hostos Community College graduate Ndongo Njie will be starting his major in Electrical Engineering in the fall of 2022. He is the first Kaplan Leadership Scholar to be accepted to Princeton University.


The Leadership Program is part of the Kaplan Educational Foundation, and assists high-potential, low-income, and underrepresented community college students in completing their associate’s degrees and transferring to four-year institutions. The program provides extensive tutoring, academic advisement services, leadership and career training, stipends for living expenses, and other resources and support. The Hostos Family wishes Ndongo much success in his next chapter!


SDEM News


SDEM will be hosting a Welcome Back Barbecue for all students at the Evelina Antonetty Park, located at Grand Concourse between 147th and 149th streets. The Barbecue will take place on Thursday, September 8, 2022, from 12 to 3 p.m. All are welcome to attend! 


Consultation & Assessment Team (CAT)


VP Yates has met with members of the administration as part of the Consultation & Assessment Team (CAT) to discuss ways in which the campus community can report matters that are of concern to them and which involve students, staff, and/or faculty. The group, comprising of members of the counseling, public safety, human resources, campus counsel, academic affairs, and dean of student’s office meets at least once a month to discuss national trends involving issues of mental health and other issues which may present an imminent threat to members of the college community. The CAT has been charged with upholding policies and maintaining a healthy environment for the entire College community. 


CAT Committee Composition:


VP La Toro Yates, CAT Chair

Christine Dias-Singh, Executive Director of Human Resources

Eugene Sohn, Executive Counsel and Labor Designee

Arnaldo Bernabe, Chief of Public Safety

Linda Alexander, Director of Counseling

Johanna Gomez, Assistant Dean of Student Life


The Consultation & Assessment Team will work using these policies to address conduct that is disruptive to the mission of the University, as well as any suicidal or self-injurious threat(s) or threatening behavior(s). To report your concerns to the CAT, use this form.

 

Accessibility Services (ARC)


CUNY Unlimited @ Hostos Community College


Hostos/CUNY Unlimited offers students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in a post-secondary academic, work-based, and social inclusion-focused program. Hostos Community College welcomes its first cohort of ten students for the Fall 2022 semester. The accessibility resource center Director, Mr. Raymond Perez in collaboration with the Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, Ed Tech, Public Safety, Academic Affairs, CUNY SPS, and Central and external partners, which include community organizations are working to ensure a smooth transition for these students and their families. The program focuses on highlighting students’ strengths, from application to graduation. Students will receive a meaningful credential certificate upon completion of the program. (Note: CUNY Unlimited includes the Melissa Riggio student cohort)


Student Success Coaching Unit (SSCU-B-208)


Walk-In Enrollment for fall 2022 has started and will continue through Wednesday, August 31. Students can receive enrollment assistance, Virtually or In-Person. For more information, please email the office at sscu@hostos.cuny.edu or call 718-664-2560.


Here is a poem to start off the semester…


A Fresh New Start

By Paul M. Kramer

 

Once again you have awakened.

Be grateful for this day.

Let go of needless worry.

Turn negative thoughts away.

 

View the world more optimistically.

Open the channels of your mind. 

New and wonderful experiences await you.

Leave old regrets behind.

 

For today is a new beginning,

A brand new fresh start.

The past is yesterday’s news

Today you can choose love to fill your heart. 

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE 
Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne

CUNY COVID Guidance Update for Fall Semester

It always seems to creep up on us unexpectedly. While it’s still summer and the heat continues unabated, the fall semester begins in less than a week. In our preparations for the new semester, Hostos continues to adhere to guidance from the CDC, NYS and NYC Departments of Health, and CUNY in ensuring a safe and healthy environment for our students, faculty, and staff.

CUNY has updated its COVID-19 safety guidance recently for the academic year 2022–23, specifically around the booster requirement. All new and returning students who are taking in-person or hybrid courses must be fully vaccinated when classes begin. Students must upload proof of vaccination into CUNYfirst no later than ten (10) days before the start of classes. While no longer a mandate, students are strongly recommended to get a booster shot when they become eligible.

Face masks will not be required during the fall; however, anyone who would like to continue to wear a face mask on campus is welcome to do so. Masks will continue to be available at the front desk of every campus building for those individuals who request one. All other guidance measures, including random surveillance testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine, visitor policies, and on-campus activities remain the same.

Our Campus COVID-19 Plan, formerly known as the Campus Reopening Plan, and Readiness web pages have been updated to reflect the latest guidance update. Any questions on COVID-19 guidance can be directed to our interim Environmental Health and Safety Director, Zack Korenstein, or to the COVID19@hostos.cuny.edu email.

In addition, CUNY is also working closely with NY state and city health departments in monitoring the current outbreak of monkeypox and keeping the entire CUNY community informed and protected. You can learn more about the state’s response to this public health emergency in Governor Hochul’s executive order.

Monkeypox is a viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms and rashes. The virus spreads mainly through close, physical contact with someone who is infected, which means anyone can get it. Symptoms can vary in severity but are only rarely life-threatening. You can find further information about monkeypox, how to avoid infection, and what to do if infected, through the following links.


Monkeypox has added another layer of concern to our lives. However, CUNY and Hostos are committed to the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff and we continue to work with government health agencies and public health experts to provide the best possible guidance as well as a clean and safe campus environment for our community.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

In partnership with The New York Urban League as part of the Mastercard Upskill Initiative, Hostos Career Services held its first in-person Job Fair since pandemic, with participating employers offering $45,000 as a starting salary. During the month of June, leading up to the Job Expo, Career Services held a series of prep activities such as taking pictures for their LinkedIn profiles and receiving business attire donated by Deloitte Professionals as part of their Social Impact Day. Participating employers, to name a few, were: NYC Health and Hospitals, Beanstalk, Fidelis Care, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Eastside House Settlement, White Glove Nursing, GameCo Corporation, New York Yankees, Hostos Public Safety, Part of the Solution (POTS), Phipps Neighborhood and Autism Care Partners. We thank the following employers for already hiring: Beanstalk Academy, Boricua College and NYC Health and Hospitals. In addition, SEIU 32BJ Union Hired Hostos Alums as full time Benefits Representatives with a starting salary of $47,656. “Thank you for all of your support and mutual commitment to this relationship!” commented Yadira Sevilla, Associate, Talent Acquisition, Building Services 32BJ Benefit Funds. Career Services staff is excited to work with 32BJ representatives to match additional students to fulfill 32BJ union jobs in the coming months.

We are pleased to share that we identified 121 CEWD students that graduated and joined the Hostos Class of 2022. CEWD alumni transitioned to Hostos from various CEWD certificate programs and courses but the majority were enrolled in CEWD’s medical and health (39% or 47) or education courses (23% or 28). While CEWD alumni were represented in almost all of the Hostos degree programs, a significant number graduated with degrees in Liberal Arts (28%) and Early Childhood Education (26%).

Spread the word regarding our no-cost/scholarship offerings Hostos Community College (campusce.net), for additional information students can attend Virtual Information Sessions https://tinyurl.com/CEWDSummerInfoSession.

NEWS FROM THE DIVISION OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Hostos Annual Golf Outing Classic

 

The Hostos Community College Foundation is pleased to invite all Hostos faculty and staff to join us for the 16th Annual Scholarship Fund Golf Outing Classic on October 6 at the scenic Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses. It will be a day of friendly competition, an opportunity to network with local leaders, and, most importantly, a way to have a great time while helping the Foundation to expand opportunities for Hostos students. If you would like to learn more or purchase tickets, visit www.hostosgolfouting.com or email Idelsa Méndez

Hostos Alumni and CCSD Outing to Yankee Stadium


On July 29, Hostos alumni and members of the Hostos CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities (CCSD) were invited to see the New York Yankees take on the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Thirteen alumni and at least 12 CCSD members attended to cheer our home team to victory. This outing was made possible through the efforts of Development Officer Idelsa Méndez and Alumni Relations Manager Felix Sánchez. We extend our sincere thanks to the alumni, faculty, and staff who showed up to represent Hostos in the community, and, of course, to the New York Yankees for generously donating tickets.


If you are interested in coordinating an alumni outing or event for your academic department, reach out to Felix Sánchez and he will be happy to work with you.

BRAVO NEWS

Mathematics Department Awarded $1.5 Million NSF S-STEM Grant


We are delighted to announce the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Hostos a $1,500,000 S-STEM grant in support of increasing the access and success of scholars in Mathematics and Computer Science at a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The grant proposal was submitted by members of Hostos’ Mathematics Department: Professor Moise Koffi, who will serve as the Principal Investigator (PI), and his Co-Principal Investigators Math Department Chair and Professor Nieves Angulo and Ms. Diandra Jugmohan. Read more here.

 

Hostos Faculty Awarded $225K NSF Grant for SPARC Program

 

We are delighted to announce that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Hostos Professors Dr. Yoel Rodríguez (Physical Sciences Unit), Dr. Antonios Varelas (Behavioral Sciences Unit), and Dr. Anna Ivanova (Physical Sciences Unit) a $225K grant in support of their Strengthening Physics Achievement via Research and Collaboration (SPARC) project. Professor Rodriguez will serve as the Principal Investigator, and Professors Varelas and Ivanova are Co-Principal Investigators for the project, which is intended to improve undergraduate STEM education and human resources. Congratulations, professors!


Alumnus Ndongo Njie Accepted to Princeton University


Thanks to the Kaplan Leadership Program, graduate Ndongo Njie has been accepted to Princeton University.

 

Njie graduated from Hostos Community College in January 2022. He is the first Kaplan Leadership Scholar to be accepted to Princeton University. During his time at Hostos he was elected to Phi Theta Kappa, the International College Honors Society, and received the 2021 Environmental Stewardship and Community Service Award and the General Academic Excellence Fund Award. Njie was one of eleven Kaplan Scholars in this year’s cohort. Read more here.

 

American Chemical Society Omega Publishes Paper Written by CUNY Faculty and Students 

 

Title: "Small Molecules Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein Receptor-Binding Domain"

 

Authors: Rodríguez, Yoel; Martínez Cardoze, Scarlet; Obineche, Onyinyechi; Melo, Claudia; Persaud, Ashanna; Fernández Romero, José

 

This research has involved students from Hostos (2) and BMCC (2) in collaboration with Professor José Fernández Romero from BMCC and The Population Council housed in Rockefeller University. While conducting their research, they discovered three compounds that alone or in combination showed antiviral selectivity against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic. These compounds have been named HCC1, HCC4 and HCC11. HCC stands for Hostos Community College.

 

This research was funded by the CUNY Community College Research Grant (CCRG) and a student from Hostos was supported by CRSP. Read more about the study here.

IN-PERSON EVENTS

Great Performances Hospitality Careers Info Session & Hiring Event

Tuesday, August 30 | 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Location: Savoy Multi-purpose room

Sponsored by: Career Services

 

Encuentros Poéticos: Poetic Encounters

Friday, September 2 | 6-9 p.m.

Location: Room C-391

Join colleagues in discussion on poetry.

Sponsored by: Office of the President


Welcome Back Barbeque

Thursday, September 8 | 12-3 p.m.

Location: Evelina Antonetty Park

Sponsored by: SDEM


Evelina 100: A Celebration of the Life and Times of Dr. Evelina Antonetty, 1922–1984

Monday, September 12 to Monday, September 19 

Location: Multiple 

Hostos Community College of The City University of New York, The Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College/CUNY, The Bronx Music Heritage Center, The Bronx County Historical Society, The Caribbean Cultural Center and African Diaspora Institute, Pregones Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, BronxNet, and the Evelina 100 Centennial Celebration Committee invites you to attend. Learn more here

Sponsored by: Office of the President


International Conference of Universities Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration 

Friday, September 16 | 3-5:30 p.m.

Location: Hostos Community College Cafeteria, Building C, 3rd Floor

Presented by Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of CUNY — Office of Community Relations and El Congreso Hispanoamericano de Prensa. Details forthcoming. 

To rsvp email or call Mr. Gerson Peña at cpena@hostos.cuny.edu | 718-664-2753

Sponsored by: Office of the President


The Education Department Celebrates 20 Years of Alumni from the Gerontology Unit [2002–2022] and the Retirement of Prof. Eunice Flemister 

Monday, September 22 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Location: Hostos Cafe 

Sponsored by: Division of Institutional Advancement


An Afternoon of Art and Literature: Celebrating the Works of Julia de Burgos

Monday, October 3 | 3-5 p.m.

Location: Art Gallery

Sponsored by: Office of the President

Join Author Chiqui Vicioso, Poet Urayoan Noel and Artist Alí García for an event honoring the pioneering Puerto Rican poet and activist.

ABOUT EL SEMANARIO HOSTOSIANO/THE HOSTOS WEEKLY
El Semanario Hostosiano/The Hostos Weekly is a weekly communication vehicle designed to unite our multiple voices as we share news about members of the Hostos family, provide updates on our work and upcoming events, and disseminate policy that impacts our work.

Published on Fridays at 9 a.m.
For inclusion in The Hostos Weekly, please send your items to:
publicrelations@hostos.cuny.edu at least two weeks ahead of publication.
Please keep submissions to no more than two paragraphs of written content and note,
we are unable to add attachments to our publication.

Find the Fall 2022 Publishing Schedule for El Semanario Hostosiano here.

Past issues of El Semanario Hostosiano/The Hostos Weekly can be found here.

 
Look for The Hostos Weekly each Friday.

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Office of the President | Office of Communications | 718-518-4300 | publicrelations@hostos.cuny.edu