Friday, October 6, 2023 | Vol. 7, No. 7

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT DAISY COCCO DE FILIPPIS

My Dear Colleagues and Students,

As the first week of October comes to an end, I write these brief words to note how close we are to midterms and how important it is for all of us to focus on extending support to our students at this critical moment in the semester. I read gratefully the multiple emails sent indicating availability of services. I also know that our colleagues are reaching out to students in their classrooms and in their academic support areas to encourage engagement and reaffirming the importance of staying the course. This is crucial and much appreciated. The momentum continued this fall semester needs to be sustained. Mil gracias.

There have been a number of meaningful cultural and educational events, well attended and simply wonderful when it comes to the celebration of diversity at Hostos, and we have many others to look forward to in the coming weeks. Thank you for your continued support and your patience as we also face challenges together. Manos a la obra, with hope in our hearts.

Mil gracias y bendiciones,

Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

President



A POEM TO HONOR ITALIAN HERITAGE MONTH AND IN SOLIDARITY WITH OUR HAITIAN BROTHERS & SISTERS

“The Beauty Of Her Face” from La Vita Nuova

By Dante Alighieri

For certain he hath seen all perfectness

Who among other ladies hath seen mine:

They that go with her humbly should combine

To thank their God for such peculiar grace.

So perfect is the beauty of her face

That it begets in no wise any sigh

Of envy, but draws round her a clear line

Of love, and blessed faith, and gentleness.

Merely the sight of her makes all things bow:

Not she herself alone is holier

Than all; but hers, through her, are raised above.

From all her acts such lovely graces flow

That truly one may never think of her

Without a passion of exceeding love.

The author of "La Vita Nuova" and "La Commedia" is considered a masterwork of world literature, Dante Alighieri was born Durante Alighieri in Florence, Italy, in 1265. Learn more about the author here.

“Haití” 

By Sherezada (Chiqui) Vicioso

Haití

te imagino virgen

antes de que piratas precursores

te quitaran sus vestidos de caoba

y te dejaran así

con tus senos redondos al aire

y tu falda de yerba desgarrada

apenas verde,

marrón y tímida.

Haití

te imagino adolescente

olorosa a vetiver, tierna de rocío

sin esta multitud de cicatrices

con que te integraron al mercado de mapas

y con que te ofrecen multicolor

en las aceras de Puerto Príncipe

en Jacmel, en San Marcos, en el Artibonite

en un gran baratillo de ojalata.

Haití

caminante que afanosa me sonríes

interrumpiendo siestas de veredas

ablandando piedras, asfaltando polvo

con tus pies sudorosos y descalzos.

Haití que tejes el arte de mil formas

y que pintas las estrellas con tus manos

descubrí que el amor y el odio

como tú se llaman.

“Haiti” 

Translation by Daisy Cocco De Filippis

Haiti

I imagine you a virgin

before forerunning pirates

had removed your mahogany dress

to leave you thus

with your bare, round breasts

and your torn grass-skirt

barely green,

timidly brown.

Haiti

I imagine you an adolescent

Fragrant vetyver, tender with dew

without the numerous scars

displayed in the traffickers’ maps

and multicolor banners sold

on the sidewalks of Port-au-Prince,

Jaimel, St. Mark, and Artibonite

in a dramatic tin plate bargain.

Haiti

traveler who eagerly smiles at me

interrupting the quiet of paths,

softening stones, paving dust

with your sweaty, bare feet

Haiti, who can give art a thousand shapes

and who paints the stars with your hands

I found out that love and hate

share your name.

Selected from “Poems of Exile and Other Concerns/Poemas del exilio y de otras inquietudes, a bilingual selection of the poetry written by Dominicans in the U.S.,” edited and translated by Daisy Cocco De Filippis and Emma Jane Robinett. New York: Alcance, 1988, p. 40, p. 52.

MESSAGE FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) PRESIDENT KATHY DISLA

Dear Caimans, 

Here I am sharing some remarks read by my colleague Ansumana Jammeh at the Stated Meeting of the College last week.

SGA Remarks

Stated Meeting of the College

Esteemed Members of Hostos Community College,

I have the distinct honor and privilege to stand before you on behalf of the Student Government Association (SGA) to unveil our Action Plan, lovingly themed "SGA CARES." It is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the well-being and success of every student at Hostos Community College. I want to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to the college community for giving us the platform to serve fellow students. I would like to thank the students also for their participation in our most recent activities, such as our Welcome Week Orientation Events and the Meet-and-Greet/Grab-and-Go Breakfast. We implore your continued engagement. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with a good number of both new and returning students. Without further ado, allow me to introduce you to our action plan, "SGA CARES," which underscores our dedication to making a meaningful impact on campus life and beyond.

SGA Values Community

In the spirit of fostering a stronger sense of community, we aim to make our clubs more active, offering students more opportunities for engagement. We will also promote athletic activities, volunteer events, and workshops to create a greater sense of togetherness among students, staff, faculty, and administrators. As I have heard our dear President say on a number of occasions, “we are free when we embrace everyone”. We want to build a community that mirrors this culture as we engage with fellow students, staff, and faculty of this great institution.

SGA Raises Awareness

Awareness is key to accessing the resources available at our college. We will assess and raise awareness about various areas of the college, including lesser-known offices that provide essential services. By identifying individuals on campus who can offer help when students face personal or academic challenges, we aim to ensure that no one feels alone or unsupported.

SGA Mobilizes Resources

Informed by our awareness efforts, we will develop brochures, posters, and other materials to inform students about the diverse range of resources available to them. These resources encompass offices like Hostos One Stop, the Scholarship Office, Career Services, and more. Additionally, we plan to work on a referendum to raise the current Student Activity Fee slightly, enabling us to provide additional financial resources and services to both students and the college.

Empathy is at The Core of SGA

We are committed to listening to the concerns of our diverse student body and putting ourselves in their shoes. By doing so, we can work on programming that respects the values, traditions, and beliefs of our community while fostering an empathetic environment. Yesterday, at the Community building circles led by the NY Peace Institute, one of the things that became very apparent as I engaged with members of the college is that Hostos is a community that CARES for its members. And this is what every member of SGA seeks to embody as we serve this beautiful community.

SGA Serves

As an organization responsible for serving the campus and the community, we will continue to partner with organizations that engage in volunteer work. Additionally, we aim to enhance our service to the student body by providing campus tours, manning information booths, participating in panels, and supporting campus-based and community events.

As you can read from the SGA CARES Plan, the mission of the SGA revolves around providing essential services and support to our fellow students. We understand the diverse needs and challenges that each of you may face during your academic journey. Thus, we are committed to offering a range of services that cater to your needs. We believe that education extends beyond the classroom, which is why we organize enriching academic and cultural events that broaden our horizons. We offer workshops through the Leadership Academy to sharpen your skills and provide opportunities for you to give back to the community through volunteer activities.

We also made sure to include in our budgets scholarships to recognize your achievements and alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with education through merit-based, need-based, and hardship scholarships to complement the greater effort of the college. Your academic success is paramount to us. Thus, we will provide support services to help you excel in and outside the classroom. But the semester just began! We have a dynamic calendar of events and activities designed to engage and empower you throughout the year. Please keep an eye on your emails as well as fliers around the campus for more exciting events. We have many more in the pipeline, such as Leadership Training Workshops, Financial Literacy Workshops, Participation, and Survey Response Raffles to win valuable prizes.

With "SGA CARES," we will endeavor to support, guide, and uplift you, THE STUDENT BODY, in every way we can. Your success is our success, and together, we can make this academic year a remarkable one. Thank you for being part of our Hostos Community College family.



Thank you,



Kathy

CAIMAN CLUES

Weekly Tips & Reminders to Navigate Life at Hostos

We’ve made it to the midway point of the semester! Take some time to reflect on your progress so far and enrich your personal and academic growth with one of the activities shared in this week’s Caiman Clues:

• Mid-Semester Assessment: Check in with yourself and plan for the remaining weeks of the semester, or schedule a meeting with your Academic Advisor or Success Coach on Succeed@Hostos. Go here to learn how to schedule a meeting.   



• STEM & Dual Degree Majors: Attend your majors’ orientation for information on curriculum, related events, and next steps. See the schedule here.



MS. MACKENZIE SCOTT’S GIFT: PRESIDENT’S INITIATIVES

Submitted by Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D., Research Programs Director

Dear Students and Colleagues,

I am delighted to share about several job and paid internship opportunities available for our students through Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives. Students interested in working through Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus, now is the time to submit your application for consideration by Hostos departments that are currently seeking student mentees. Students are eligible to apply if they are currently enrolled as a part-time/full-time student and have a minimum GPA of 2.7. Please note these opportunities are available to students regardless of immigration or financial aid status. Departments that are interested in participating this academic year are also invited to apply.

Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus 2023-24 Department Application (use CUNYfirst log-in)



Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus 2023-24 Student Application (use CUNYfirst log-in)

The Hostos Research Center (HRC) is seeking a Research and Evaluation intern to support the research and grant development work planned for this academic year. This is a great way to be part of the continued growth of this wonderful new resource for our faculty, students, and staff. An external internship opportunity is also available through one of our community partners, Comité Noviembre, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scholarship and leadership development opportunities to Latino youth. They are seeking a Development and Event Planning intern to support them with the various special celebratory events they are holding this fall. Students interested in either opportunity should email me at soviedo@hostos.cuny.edu for more information.

Sincerely,

Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D.

INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (OIERA)

Submitted by Dean Babette Audant, Ph.D.

Spotlight on Career Exploration and Job Placement Support

Hostos advances students’ socio-economic mobility by engaging with employers. Three aspects of employer engagement included in the 2023-24 Operational Plan are:

• Industry summits: In 2022-23, the President’s Office initiated a bi-annual series of Industry Summits (Nursing/FA22 and Cybersecurity/SP23) – convenings of employers, industry representatives, faculty, staff, and students – to support career exploration and strengthen academic and industry alignment. At the Summits, we learn from employers/industry partners about the skills they seek and faculty share information about Hostos’ academic programs. In 2023-24, the President’s Office, in collaboration with CEWD and OAA, will host two Industry Summits focused on Business Management (FA23) and Radiologic Technology (SP24).

• Advisory councils: Industry advisory councils share information to faculty, staff, and students about in-demand skills and emerging opportunities. Six of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs have advisory councils that are convened (minimum) annually. Committed to convening advisory councils to support all CTE programs, in 2023-24, we will establish at least two new industry advisory councils (Business Management/Accounting and Computer Science/Cybersecurity) that capitalize on the momentum generated by the Industry Summits. 

• Anchor employers for each degree: In 2023-24, Career Services will work with faculty to evaluate our relationship with the 300+ employers who actively recruit Hostos students. By 2024-25, we will identify at least one anchor employer for each degree program committed to deepening their role at Hostos (e.g., join an advisory council, host site visits, review curriculum). ​

OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE AND DIVERSITY (OCD)

Submitted by Chief Diversity Officer, Title IX Coordinator, and 504/ADA Coordinator Philip Oliveri, Esq.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

This October, we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), an annual month-long commemoration to bring awareness to domestic violence (DV) and gender-based violence (GBV).  Awareness is one of the greatest tools we have in interrupting domestic and gender-based violence. This month, Hostos is highlighting the following to raise awareness about domestic and gender-based violence on our campus, Purple Thursday, which happens on Thursday, October 19. 

On this day, the community wears purple to raise awareness for domestic and gender-based violence.  Participants are encouraged to wear purple and post their pictures on social media using the hashtags #DVAM2023 #ENDGBV #NYOPDV #DVAM. 

Additionally, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) provides services to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.  More information may be found on their website at Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence | Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (ny.gov).

NEWS FROM THE DIVISIONS

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (OAA)

Submitted by Provost and VP Shiang-Kwei Wang, Ph.D.

Census Update

David Primak, Registrar

We are happy to report that our Fall 2023 census enrollment data compares favorably to Fall 2022. Our college is primarily funded on a full-time equivalent (FTE) model, and we experienced a 12.8% increase in FTEs from 3,119 in Fall 2022 to 3,577 for Fall 2023. We also experienced a 10.4% increase in the total amount of enrolled credit hours from 48,077 in Fall 2022 to 53,659 in Fall 2023 - these are positive indicators in terms of pace of progression and time to degree completion. Our student headcount also increased by 12.3% from 4,877 in Fall 2023 to 5,560 in Fall 2023. We remain optimistic that we will continue these positive enrollment trends for future terms.

Hostos 2023-2024 Undergraduate Bulletin/Catalog Update

Wendy Small-Taylor, Director of Curriculum Management

CUNY has implemented a CUNY-wide Curriculum Management System called Coursedog. This integrated academic platform connects scheduling, curriculum, and the college catalog in one system to ensure accuracy across the curriculum lifecycle, which provides transparency and eliminates silos through this unified system. The Curriculum Office has completed the catalog integration, and as of Fall 2023, the Coursedog college catalog can be accessed via the Hostos website under Academics – College Catalog.

Click the following link to view the online content of the 2023-2024 Hostos Catalog https://hostos.catalog.cuny.edu/.

CSTEP/STEP

Diandra Jugmohan, Co-Director of CSTEP/STEP

On September 18, the Hostos CSTEP Program started its Robotics Workshop, which will run until November 15, 2023. Concurrently, the research program, PACRI, and tutorial service have also commenced. In addition, CSTEP will be conducting Monthly Student Success tabling in A-atrium throughout the fall semester.

The Hostos STEP Program has kicked off its fall program with a Latinx panel in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The program will conduct the following activities for its scholars: college readiness workshops, tutorial support, drone program, among other STEM services to enhance student learning.

Transitioning to a New LMS, BrightSpace, at CUNY

Carlos Guevara, Director of Educational Technology and CoDirector of Center for Teaching and Learning

The Office of Educational Technology (EdTech) released a microlearning professional development (PD) – “5 Things You Can Do Now for a Smooth LMS Transition.” The microlearning was created to aid faculty in preparing for the planned switch to Brightspace, a new Learning Management System from D2L that will provide a more contemporary, user-friendly experience for faculty, staff, and students. Faculty will be able to get their current courses ready for the upcoming LMS transition investing less than 15 minutes each day for five days. Click here to learn more, or visit the EdTech website at www.hostos.cuny.edu/edtech.



STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT (SDEM)

Submitted by VP La Toro Yates, Ph.D.

Important News

Student Success Coaching Unit (SSCU)

We have moved, so come over and visit! Check out our new office space, and the services we have to offer. We are just a few short steps from Evelina Antonetty Playground, at 429 Grand Concourse, 2nd floor.

To make an appointment with your Student Success Coach log in to Succeed@Hostos or click here.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

CUNY EDGE

On September 14, we held our CUNY EDGE Orientation for our new and continuing CUNY EDGE student members. During this workshop, our 34 participants learned about all of the services CUNY EDGE provides them. We also discussed mandated HRA policies, school letters, and answered questions around public assistance benefits and recent HRA communications that were sent out to some students. They were informed that CUNY EDGE members who participate in at least three CUNY EDGE workshops/events in the fall are eligible to earn a $60 Amazon gift card at the end of the semester. As such, we also encouraged them to keep an eye out for workshop announcements arriving via email and text message.

Transfer Services

Save the date for our TRANSFER FAIR on October 19! 

Thursday, October 19

Time: 11 AM – 1 PM

Over 50 four-year colleges are confirmed to be on campus to meet with all of you! Kaplan and CCTOP will also be here to talk about scholarships.

The priority deadline for transferring to CUNY has passed but it is NOT too late to apply for the Spring 2024 semester – stop by one of our events: 

Virtual Transfer Application Hour

Every Tuesday, 12 – 1 PM

Zoom here. 

Transfer Talks at C-512

Every Tuesday, 2 – 3 PM 

Walk-in Wednesdays

Every Wednesday, 9 AM – 5 PM

Tabling A-Atrium

Every Thursday, 11 AM – 1 PM   

Don’t forget to follow Transfer Services on Instagram here and check out their Weekly Transfer Spotlight!

Every week, there will be admissions officers from various four-year institutions here to answer questions — along with our talented transfer coordinator and peer mentors. We have some four-year CUNYs visiting, as well as Fredonia, PACE, Fordham, and Albany. 



Contact transferservices@hostos.cuny.edu for the full semester schedule.  

SDEM Important Events

Counseling Center 

“Relationship Jeopardy”

Wednesday, October 18

Time: 3–5 PM

Room: C-391

Own Your Power Event: Collaboration with the Bronx DA’s office and Kingsbridge Health under the Enough is Enough initiative. 

“Candid Conversations: The South Asian Community Speaks”

Tuesday, October 24

Time: 3–5 PM

Room: FDR

Let’s break the stigma towards mental health and talk about being a college student, adjusting to new environments, managing cultural expectations, and personal goals.

“Hostos Family Feud”

Wednesday, November 15

Time: 3–5 PM

Room: C-391

There will be a stress reduction activity using questions related to self-care, mental health, and music for staff and students.

“Stress Reduction in Practice”

Wednesday, November 29

Time: 3–4:30 PM

Room: FDR

This is a skill-based workshop to support students during and in preparation for finals and the holidays.

Feel free to sign up for any of our offerings using this link or visit us on the Hostos Website Calendar.

CUNY EDGE

Go here to RSVP.

“One-Stop Services and Benefits”

When: Thursday, October 12, 2023

Time: 3:30 PM

“Seminar Series: Resume Writing and Interviewing Tips”

When: Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023

Time: 3:30 PM

SDEM Recurring Announcements

Health and Wellness

Join the Wellness Office for “Keep Calm and Carry Yarn” to experience the health benefits of crocheting. Come and create a warm, cozy scarf or other small project at the A-Atrium, every Wednesday through December 6 from 3–4 p.m. Free to all Hostos students. Materials are provided while supplies last.

Hostos One Stop

Food Pantry

If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please visit the Hostos Food Pantry. Appointments are available: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, contact Madeline Cruz at 718-518-4141 or at mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu.

Grab & Go: Quick Bites between Classes

If you find yourself wanting or needing a snack in between classes, come visit the Grab & Go at the Food Pantry. Visit us at the Savoy Building, D-101, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Scholarship Opportunities

There are scholarships available, just waiting for you to apply! Click here for more information. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, contact the Scholarship Office Coordinator, Marina Esquilin, at mesquilin@hostos.cuny.edu or calling 718-518-4166.

A POEM TO INSPIRE OUR COMMUNITY 

Submitted by VP Yates, Ph.D.

“Juke Box Love Song”

By Langston Hughes

I could take the Harlem night

and wrap around you,

Take the neon lights and make a crown,

Take the Lenox Avenue busses,

Taxis, subways,

And for your love song tone their rumble down.

Take Harlem's heartbeat,

Make a drumbeat,

Put it on a record, let it whirl,

And while we listen to it play,

Dance with you till day—

Dance with you, my sweet brown Harlem girl.

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (ADM)

Submitted by SVP Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne

Update on the Progress of Campus Food Options

On September 28, we informed the Hostos community that our cafeteria and exclusive catering vendor A La Carte Menu Services, Inc. had withdrawn their services to the College.

The Procurement Office has been seeking alternative food options for the College while the search for a new cafeteria vendor is underway. The most immediate viable solution is an enhanced vending machine that will stock sandwiches, salads, and food items that can be heated in a microwave. Hostos is speaking with the vending provider Canteen to install and service a set of machines to provide enhanced food options, coffee, snacks, and beverages.

You may recall that we had an enhanced food vending machine and coffee machine outside of the cafeteria prior to A La Carte’s opening and that they didn’t work very well. We have informed Canteen of our negative experience with those prior machines and are seeking assurance that a strong level of service will be provided with the next set of machines since they will be the main source of food at the College. We will inform the community when the new machines are set up and ready for use.

As for the College’s catering needs, the Procurement Office is working to find a few local vendors to provide catering service. We will update you with additional information once it becomes available. All existing catering guidelines and procedures should be followed. No one is authorized to place any catering orders without a Purchase Order or approval from the Procurement Office. The College will not be responsible for any orders placed without following the proper procurement process.

In the meantime, in the search for a new vendor, Hostos is collaborating with two other sister colleges who are also seeking food vendors for their campuses. With more than one college seeking a food provider, we are hoping to provide more favorable circumstances to attract a vendor.





CONTINUING EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD)

Submitted by VP Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham, Ph.D., LCSW

CEWD Highlights

Each year, CEWD takes time to assess our work and reflect on our achievements and identify areas for improvement. Our top priority is to ensure CEWD students achieve their academic and career goals. We have been working hard to support students by expanding no-cost occupational training programs and helping CEWD alumni transition into Hostos degree programs. Below are key CEWD highlights from Fiscal Year (FY) 2023.

Enrollment and Completion Trends

• CEWD’s enrollment increased 61.8% from 2,615 in FY 2022 to 4,232 in FY 2023.
• Eighty percent (80%) of our students successfully completed their training program.
• Students primarily enrolled in Construction (34%), Medical and Health (20%), and Adult Basic Education (20%)—GED and English for Speakers of Other Languages—courses. 
• Of the students who successfully completed a tuition-supported CEWD occupational training program in FY 2023, 87% reported being employed. 

Providing No-cost Occupational Training

• In FY 2023, CEWD raised $2,995,027 in funding to support no-cost occupational training programs.
• Five-hundred and thirty-five (535) students enrolled in these programs and, to date, 79% or 424 successfully completed their training program in FY 2023.

Supporting Credit for Prior Learning at Hostos

• Last year, 30 students were awarded college credits through either a departmental challenge exam, an existing credit articulation agreement between CEWD and OAA’s academic departments, military work experience evaluated from the Joint Services Transcript, or from the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).

Helping CEWD Alumni Enroll in College

• In AY 2022-23, 60 CEWD alumni graduated with a Hostos degree.
• Since 2021, 384 CEWD alumni have enrolled in a Hostos degree program.[1] So far, 173 CEWD alumni have graduated from Hostos since 2021. Of the 173 graduates, 79 CEWD alumni that graduated from Hostos with a degree transferred to another CUNY college—the largest percentage attending Lehman (37% or 29 students) and City College (18% or 14 students).

Hostos MacKenzie Scott Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) Scholarship Program

• In AY 2022-23, 13 CEWD alumni enrolling in a Hostos degree program for the first time received $1,000 scholarships, and 10 CEWD alumni who remain enrolled in a Hostos degree program and maintained a 3.0 GPA or above received $500 renewal awards.

Virtual Information Sessions

To learn more about CEWD’s program offerings, register for a virtual info session here. 

_____

[1] This number does not include incoming first-year students for Fall 2023, whose numbers have not been verified.



INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT (DIA)

Submitted by VP Colette Atkins

Planned Giving to Hostos

If you have thought about including Hostos in your estate planning, and would like to learn more about the many ways you can have a lasting impact on Hostos students, contact Vice President of Institutional Advancement Colette Atkins by phone at 718-518-4394 or via email at catkins@hostos.cuny.edu to discuss how you can be part of the Eugenio María de Hostos Planned Giving Society.

CUNY Tuesday Giving Site Opens in Two Weeks!

Giving season is upon us, and the Division of Institutional Advancement encourages you to make a gift to Hostos between October 16 and November 28, the global day of giving. Remember that there is no longer a payroll deduction option, so we encourage you to set up your gift or pledge on our website or contact Development Officer Idelsa Méndez by phone at 718-518-4341 or via email at imendez@hostos.cuny.edu.

BRAVO NEWS

Celebrating the Accomplishments of the Hostos Community

Congratulations to Hostos Alumna Catherine García for Changing Healthcare Administration Landscape in the Bronx

Congratulations to our alumna Catherine García, who is a healthcare administration trailblazer. She currently serves as Administrative Director of the BronxCare Health System.  She is in charge of their department of ob-gyn, giving back to young mothers. She’s also the newly appointed president of the 100 Hispanic Women organization, a group that is giving 28 scholarships to Latinas in need this year. Get to know more about this pioneer here.

HOSTOS FOR EVERYONE

Free Services for the Community





Hostos Offers Free Preventive Dental Hygiene Services to the Public

The Dental Hygiene Patient Care Facility at Hostos Community College is a teaching unit that provides high-quality dental care, primarily cleanings and dental x-rays to the community, while adhering to the most current sterilization techniques. Several appointments will be needed and each may last three hours at a time.

For more information and scheduling, call 718-319-7943.



The appointment schedule is as follows: 

Mondays: 9 AM - 1 PM and 2 - 6 PM

Wednesdays: 8 AM - 12 PM and 2:30 - 6:30 PM

Fridays: 9 AM - 1 PM and 2 - 6 PM

Location: Hostos Dental Hygiene Patient Care Facility

500 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY, 10451

B Building 

Note: The clinic does not provide restorative dental work such as fillings, implants, etc.





EVENTS

Title: Camino a Mictlán Dia de los Muertos Art Installation & Ofrenda

Date: Now until Nov. 3 | Tuesday–Friday from 12–6 PM and Saturdays during the month of October only

Location: Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos 

Description: Camino a Mictlán will give the Bronx an authentic experience of el Día de los Muertos — Day of the Dead. Each fall across Mexico, streets become filled with vibrant colors, skull-painted faces, and ceremonial “ofrenda” altars filled with flowers, candles, and photographs of deceased loved ones. The exhibit features traditional altars and large-scale sculptures. The gallery is free and open to the public every Tues-Fri from 12-6 p.m., with Saturdays also open during the month of October.

Title: Journal Launch of Latin American Writers Institute (LAWI)

Date | Time: Thursday, October 12 | 5:30 PM

Location: Zoom

Description: The Hostos Latin American Writers Institute (LAWI) will celebrate the launch of Hostos Review / Revista Hostosiana’s 19th issue, titled “Hacia una cartografía medioambiental de Sudamérica/ Towards an Environmental Cartography of South America.” There will be an in-person launch event at Instituto Cervantes (211 E. 49th St, New York, NY 10017) on Wednesday, October 11, at 6 p.m.

Title: Neo Afro Diasporic Festival presents: Lectures, Dance Workshop, and Concert

Date | Time: Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14 | Time details below. 

Locations: Longwood Art Gallery, Hostos Dance Studio, and Hostos Main Theater

Description: Neo Afro Diasporic Festival presents: features a series of performative and educational events where a collective of women from Puerto Rico, Peru, Colombia, Honduras, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Africa will teach their respective cultural dances and share a final performance that will takes us on a journey to Africa. The first event will be two lectures and a performance in the Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos on Friday, October 13 at 5:30 p.m.; the next day there will be a dance workshop in the Hostos dance studio from 12-5:15 p.m. and a culminating performance in the Main Theater at 7 p.m.

Title: Panel “¡Ser intelectual hoy! Arte y sociedad”

Date | Time: Tuesday, October 17 | 3 – 5 PM

Location: Longwood Art Gallery

Description: Hostos President Cocco De Filippis, Author Chiqui Vicioso, Professor Humberto Ballesteros, and Professor Inmaculada Lara Bonilla will engage in conversation about their recent publications and research. This is a bilingual event (English-Spanish).

Title: Italian Heritage Month | Exploring Italian-American Identity: Screening of 'As Good as Bread' with Dr. Elisabetta Sanino D’Amanda

Date | Time: Thursday, October 19 | 1:30 PM – 3 PM

Location: Zoom

Description: Join Dr. Elisabetta Sanino D’Amanda, Principal Lecturer of Italian and Coordinator of the Italian Studies Program at Rochester Institute of Technology, for the screening of “As Good as Bread” (2008). This film investigates the history of Rochester’s Italian-American community, the second-largest in New York. This event will shed light on Italian-Americans and their identity in the country. Leading the discussion will be Allied Health Sciences Chair, Professor Charles Drago and York College colleague, Dr. Donna M. Chirico, who is also Resident Faculty at the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute and Chair of the Italian American Faculty and Staff Advisory Council.

Title: Financial Wellness Seminar Series

Date: Monday, October 23 | Follow the link in the description for time details. 

Location: Zoom

Description: These upcoming virtual sessions from the Office of Alumni Relations will feature distinguished speakers, including Melody Maisonet ’17, Pedro Rivera ’15, and Hostos ASAP Coordinator Siddique Mohamed. Their expertise will provide invaluable guidance as you navigate the complexities of personal financial management. We cordially invite you to participate in our upcoming virtual sessions to learn about budgeting, long-term planning, and investing. Register for one or more sessions here.

Title: “Homeward” Staged Reading 

Date | Time: Thursday, October 26 | 12:30 PM and 7 PM and Friday, October 27 | 7 PM 

Location: Repertory Theater

Description: Since Vietnam, Rufus Jefferson has felt lost, PTSD crippling his interactions with those he loves. Everyone, including his beloved wife and best friend, thinks a near-death experience in war caused his recurring trauma. For most of his life, he keeps secret how his white commanding officer's actions, resulting in Rufus’ less-than-honorable discharge, traumatized him and why he doesn’t tell anyone the truth. It’s not until his daughter convinces him to testify to his story and fight the “bad paper” symbolizing his dishonor that he finds his way home. Ticket information to follow.

Title: Student Leadership Academy Alumni Reunion

Date | Time: Thursday, November 2 | 6 PM

Location: A-Atrium

Description: Get ready for our first Student Leadership Academy Alumni Reunion, which promises to be amazing. Kindly mark your calendars, and RSVP using this link.  

Title: Veterans Day Alumni Celebration

Date | Time: Tuesday, November 7 | 3 PM

Location: Savoy Multipurpose Room

Description: Save the date for this celebration in which we will honor those alumni who have bravely served our nation! RSVP here.

ABOUT EL SEMANARIO HOSTOSIANO / THE HOSTOS WEEKLY

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

Past issues can be found here.