"Campus Update" is a weekly e-newsletter published by LaGuardia's Division of Communications and External Affairs to provide news and information to the college community. | | |
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Dear LaGuardia community,
February is Black History Month in the U.S. The tradition of February as a time for this observance dates back to 1926, though President Gerald Ford first officially recognized Black History Month in 1976. At the time, President Ford described it as an “opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Those words still resonate, as there is still inadequate representation of Black Americans in our society, forty-seven years later. This year the theme for Black History Month is Black Resistance, which asks us “to study the history of Black Americans’ responses to establish safe spaces, where Black life can be sustained, fortified, and respected.”
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Here at LaGuardia, there are several in-person events and displays, as well as online series to explore. See the Announcements section below for more information, and visit the Campus Life and DEI Instagram pages for posts this month featuring Black student leaders and Black Pioneers.
Throughout New York City, educational, interactive, and thought provoking events will be held; including many hosted by the NYC Parks Department and the New York Public Library, among others.
Best wishes,
Kenneth Adams
President
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Fifth Floor Gallery Features Works by Douglas Newton
The gallery located on the 5th floor of E-Building is featuring still-life paintings by artists Douglas Newton. In Newton’s candy-coated series “Saccharine Gaze,” the altar of sugar is featured as our eyes feast on his colorful confections. He paints observationally, like the old masters, and references luminaries like Jean Siméon Chardin, Emil Carlsen, Janet Fish, and Mary Joan Waid, as evident in his brushwork and edge relationships. Newton constructs icons from sugary temptations; texture and volume are revealed by light and the interplay of actual and implied directional forces. These are generated by stark compositions that draw us into Newton’s paints. In his macro works, the forms of candy become totems of reflections: of memories and reflected light. A pleasing tension is created by the juxtaposition of shapes, balance, and cropping the candy’s figures. Newton’s pairings of playful candies and simple elements allow their colors, textures, and forms to evoke happiness and produce an elegant result. The paintings’ radiance captures the viewer’s attention, and Newton’s technique holds it as the eye revels in their sweetness. Special thanks to Dina Pizzarello, LAGCC Gallery director, and her team for installing these and other works from various artists.
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LaGuardia Staff Participate in Annual HOPE Count
The Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Count is an annual survey of unsheltered homeless people that creates a point-in-time citywide estimate of this population. Over the course of one night, volunteers comb the city's streets, subway stations, parks, and other public areas in search of people who are unsheltered. The Mayor's Office of Social Services and CUNY have long collaborated on the initiative. New York City’s HOPE Count draws thousands of volunteers from all five boroughs, including LaGuardia’s own Evelyn Lowmark, Director of Events, Administrative & Support Services, who canvassed Sunnyside and a portion of Maspeth during the event.
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World Traveler Kim Lonzo Lands at LaGuardia Community College
Kim Lonzo, age 54, has served in the military, worked as a comedian, and a tour guide, but now spends his days as a Paralegal Studies major with dreams of becoming a lawyer. “For me, the pandemic was a great time of reflection. I decided like I’d done everything I could to build a career without a college degree, and that now was the time to pivot,” Kim said. He arrived at LaGuardia in 2022 where Daryl Griffin helped him through the enrollment process. As an ASAP student Kim is guided by his advisor, Jenny Lugo, who has helped him map out a plan to graduate by December 2023. After earning his associate degree, Kim plans to pursue a bachelor’s, most likely at a CUNY college. Then he hopes to attend the CUNY Law School where he wants to work in its pro-bono legal clinic. “There are a lot of people who cannot afford legal advice, and I want to help those people.”
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LaGuardia Celebrates BHM
February is Black History Month (BHM), honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history. LaGuardia Community College proudly recognizes the Black Pioneers who played critical roles in the history of African Americans such as PBS Pinchback and Alice Coachman (pictured here). Visit the DEI website to learn about Black Pioneers and upcoming BHM events.
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Did You Know?
It’s February! As individuals, with our own thoughts, beliefs, ideals, and values, we are strong. When we bring these characteristics together, and share and celebrate our humanity, we are powerful. Here are some celebrations and observations worth exploring this month!
Shout Out of the Month – Let’s be intentional in thanking all of our administrative and college assistants, and our interns for their dedication in helping us to advance the work we do!
PLEASE NOTE: Departments, groups, or individuals planning DEI-related or heritage month celebrations, please contact me via email (wnicholson@lagcc.cuny.edu) at least one month in advance.
–Wendy Nicholson, Executive Director of DEI
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The English Department Presents “Black Cinema”
In celebration of Black Heritage, the English Department will present “Black Cinema” a two-day festival of film and motion pictures that celebrates Black art, cultural expression, and voice. Screenings will include portions of “Small Axe,” “The Gospel According to Andre,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and “Lemonade.” The event takes place Wednesday, February 7 and Thursday, February 8 in Room E-111.
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Updated Logo Lockups and Branded Products Catalog Available on the Faculty Staff Portal
LaGuardia’s recently updated logo is available for download on the Faculty Staff Portal. There you will also find logo lockups for many campus departments, organized by division. Log in to the Portal with your LaGuardia email credential, and select SharePoint sites, then Visual Identity to view and download the logos as well as templates and campus photographs. If you are in need of a department logo lock up that is not on the Portal, please send a request to Communications & External Affairs for assistance. The 2023 Branded Products Catalog is also now available, featuring a wide variety of products you can purchase for your program with LaGuardia branding, from t-shirts to pens to tech accessories, as well as folders and table throws.
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LaGuardia Web Radio presents "What’s Going On?”
On February 1, Dr. Hugo Hernandez, Professor in the Humanities Department, was joined by fellow Humanities Professor Dr. Arianne Fernandez and College Lab Technician Christine Eng, of the Humanities Fine Arts Program, to discuss the role of Fine Arts students in the recent Faculty Council fundraiser at the December closing sessions. Program format continues to feature live video streaming, and is accessible through the WebRadio website. You may view the stream live, and ask our guests questions, on the station's Twitch channel. The show is also accessible at SoundCloud and at LaGuardia Web Radio on YouTube.
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Updated YouTube Channel has Launched
Video recordings of LaGuardia’s College Senate meetings continue to be publicly available on YouTube at the link posted on the College Senate website. To better maintain that access, the Senate has had to create a new branded channel where the Senate’s videos are now available. The link on the Senate website has been updated for the new channel. Any subscribers to the original Senate channel will need to re-subscribe to the new one.
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President Adams Testifies at Queens Borough Budget Board
On Monday, January 30, President Kenneth Adams testified during the Queens Borough Board Budget Meeting in front of Queens Borough President and Queens Council Members. President Adams highlighted key LaGuardia programs such as The English Language Center (TELC), which is the largest English language program in New York City, as well as the recent launch of our Adult and Continuing Education scholarship program, which is a model at CUNY. He urged the Borough President to continue investing in the College's capital priorities which will allow for infrastructure improvements on campus.
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LAGUARDIA AND WAGNER ARCHIVES | |
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Former Queens City Councilmember and Queens Pride Parade co-founder Visits LaGuardia
Earlier today former Queens City Councilmember and Queens Pride Parade co-founder Daniel Dromm will visit LaGuardia and Wagner Archives to meet with students, faculty, and staff working on a public history project around the New York Gay and Lesbian Rights Bill. The bill, first proposed in 1971, was passed by New York City Council in 1986 after fifteen years of contentious debates. Dromm, who donated his personal papers to the Archives in 2016, reflected on his involvement with the advocacy group the Gay Activists Alliance in the 1970s, and his work as a gay elementary school teacher in PS 199 in Sunnyside beginning in 1984. Dromm and LaGuardia students are seeking ways to develop curriculum on the subject for New York City high schools.
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Dr. Sultan Jenkins Brings his Love of Nature to Teaching LaGuardia Health Sciences and Biology Majors
Growing up in a rural city, Ocala, in central Florida, where he spent long days outside, Dr. Sultan Jenkins has had an interest in biology since childhood. His passion for nature led him to major in biology when he set off to get his bachelor’s degree at Florida A&M University. After earning his B.S., he enrolled at the University of Maryland where he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in Animal and Avian Sciences—a subfield of biology. In 2015 he became a member of LaGuardia’s Natural Sciences Department, teaching biology and human anatomy & physiology courses. When he’s not in the classroom, you can find Dr. Jenkins in his research lab, where he conducts molecular genetics research using C. elegans, a small roundworm that shares biological properties with humans. Currently, he’s looking for genes involved in alcohol addiction. To keep in touch with his country roots, Dr. Jenkins makes regular visits to NYC parks. Besides his academic pursuits, Dr. Jenkins is part of the planning committee for the Black Lives Matter Summit, which will be held on campus the week of April 24.
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CUNY Explorers Introduce Middle Schoolers to LaGuardia
CUNY Explorers began as an opportunity to introduce every students in New York City public schools to a college-going culture. LaGuardia’s Campus Field Coordinator for CUNY Explorers, Denzil Rodriguez, recently visited Seth Low Intermediate School 96 and met more than 350 sixth, seventh, and eighth graders; several of whom will get to visit campus this spring to see themselves as future LaGuardia students.
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ELA Chair Serves on National Screening Committee
Dr. Arthur Lau recently served on the National Screening Committee for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for the 2022-2023 award cycle. The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) and the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) sponsor the program. Dr. Lau’s expertise as an educator surely represented LaGuardia well on this endeavor in support of international education.
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Comprehensive Wellness Services Available to Students
The Wellness Center remains focused on supporting the mental health and well-being of the LaGuardia community. In addition to counseling services, this semester the Wellness Center is presenting a variety of workshops, training, and events. Students can access the CUNY Crisis Text Line 24/7 by texting “CUNY” to 741741. All New Yorkers can contact NYC to speak with a mental health counselor by calling 1-888-692-9355 or texting “WELL” to 65173. Faculty and staff are also reminded of the referral process for assisting students in distress and available training. Please visit our webpage for additional information about Wellness Center services and resources.
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LaGuardia Red Hawks Basketball Teams Take the Court
Women’s Basketball
- Thursday, February 2 at 5 p.m. vs Monroe CC
- Tuesday, February 7 at 6 p.m. vs Kingsborough CC
- Thursday, February 9 at 6 p.m. at Suffolk CC
- Saturday, February 11 at 5 p.m. vs. Nassau CC
Men’s Basketball
- Thursday, February 2 at 7 p.m. vs Monroe CC
- Tuesday, February 7 at 8 p.m. vs Kingsborough CC
- Thursday, February 9 at 8 p.m. at Suffolk CC
- Saturday, February 11 at 3 p.m. vs. Nassau CC
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CUNY Career Launch Offers Paid Student Internship Opportunity
This summer, 2,000 bright and ambitious CUNY students will launch their careers by interning in a job related to their major while earning $20 per hour! CUNY Career Launch is recruiting undergraduate students who have not yet had paid internship experience but are ready to apply the skills they’ve learned in the classroom to the workplace. Interns will work for 7 weeks between early July until mid-August for 19 hours a week. Application deadline is February 5. For more information or questions, contact Hub Director Sharon Rios.
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Free Virtual Tax Preparation Sessions Now Available
LaGuardia CARES, in partnership with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is offering free virtual tax preparation sessions. The team will walk you through your income tax returns, step-by-step, as you complete your own tax return during the session. We will help you prepare and e-file your income tax return virtually. Participants must have access to a smart phone or webcam, and a laptop or other device to participate. Contact LaGuardiaCARE@lagcc.cuny.edu to sign up for a session on Thursdays now through April 13.
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PUBLIC SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK | | |
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Reporting Suspicious Persons
If you see a person engaging in suspicious behavior on campus or if you believe that a crime has been committed, notify the Office of Public Safety immediately at x5555. Give full details such as the person’s physical description, clothing, make model and license plate number of car, etc. Your cooperation is essential if we are to keep our campus safe.
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LAGUARDIA IN THE HEADLINES | |
"Campus Update" is produced and published by the Communications and External Affairs Division. Faculty and staff who wish to submit items for publication can Share a Story or send an email to CampusUpdate@lagcc.cuny.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication on Wednesday. |
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