"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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Mental Health Support During Middle East Conflict
As the fighting in the Middle East continues, and the horrific loss of innocent civilian life across the region climbs, members of our community may be experiencing stress or anxiety, or otherwise have feelings of unease. For individuals coping with the devastation of these events, support is available should you need to speak with someone:
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LaGuardia is Named a Fulbright HSI Leader by the U.S. Department of State
LaGuardia has been named a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Leader for 2023, for the college’s strong engagement with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program. This is the fourth straight year that LaGuardia has been recognized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. In 2022 and 2021, LaGuardia was also named a Fulbright HSI Leader. In 2020, LaGuardia was honored as the associate degree granting institution with the highest number of faculty selected as Fulbright U.S. Scholars nationwide. “As one of the largest educators of New York’s Hispanic population, being named a 2023 Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution Leader is especially meaningful,” said President Kenneth Adams.
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LaGuardia Professors Recognized for BRESI Projects and Leadership
The City University of New York/CUNY recently hosted an event to recognize CUNY faculty and students who created projects through the Black, Race and Ethnic Studies Initiative (BRESI). The initiative was announced in 2020 as part of a historic gift of $10 million from the Mellon Foundation to encourage change across CUNY’s 25 campuses, as well as to develop and expand a range of initiatives related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the effort to advance social and racial justice. CUNY created a publication titled, “Black, Race and Ethnic Studies Initiative at the City University of New York (BRESI): Asking the Right Questions, Changing the Narrative,” which was presented during the event. In the publication, members of LaGuardia Community College were recognized as BRESI grant awardees for their innovative projects and leadership. See list here.
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President Adams Presents Remarks at ACLS Event
On October 6, LaGuardia President Kenneth Adams gave welcome remarks at a meeting of the American Council of Learned Societies convened to showcase and salute the 110 winners of Mellon/ACLS Fellowships from community colleges across the country. Of the Fellows, 40 were CUNY faculty, and, notably, 11 were from LaGuardia. In other words, over the three years of the program, LaGuardia faculty in various Liberal Arts disciplines won ten percent of all the awards. In his remarks President Adams spoke about the importance of the Liberal Arts for community college students. You can read his comments here.
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Civic Hall Union Square Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
On November 1, the Civic Hall at Union Square, officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams and Vice President for Continuing Education Sunil Gupta. Civic Hall is a cutting-edge 85,000-square-foot collaborative tech training facility, entrepreneurial hub, and events center, presented by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and The Fedcap Group. The event included immersive demonstrations by tech training providers, interactive sessions with esteemed community and tech ecosystem partners, and inspiring success stories from our program participants who are forging new career pathways at Civic Hall. LaGuardia’s Continuing Education will be offering courses (IT Help Desk Support and Cybersecurity) at the Civic Hall location in Union Square beginning this month. For more information visit the Continuing Education website.
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5th Annual Hunger Banquet Raises Awareness about Global Hunger, Poverty, and Injustice
The 5th Annual Hunger Banquet was convened at LaGuardia on Wednesday, October 25, hosted by the Nutrition and Culinary Management Program in partnership with LaGuardia CARES. Open to LaGuardia students, faculty, and staff, the Banquet featured an interactive, role-playing exercise designed to foster understanding of food insecurity among different populations and income levels both locally and around the world. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three tables: high-income, middle class, or low/no-income, and were served meals, provided by MBJ, in accordance with the socioeconomic level of each table. Moderators led attendees in discussions about issues of food insecurity and encouraged participants to share reflections. The event concluded with a brainstorming session exploring potential action steps to address the struggles of poverty, global hunger, and food insecurity. Sponsorship was provided by CUNY’s Anti-Hate Initiative and LaGuardia’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
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Food Day Festival Honors World Food Day
Following the Hunger Banquet on October 25, a Food Day Fair was held in the E-Building Atrium, featuring free samples of delicious and nutritious food prepared and served by students from LaGuardia’s Nutrition & Culinary Management program, who also led attendees in nutrition trivia games. Fair attendees played memory games with the Therapeutic Recreation Student Association, learned creative ways to reuse common household items from the Sustainability Council, had their blood pressure screened by Nursing students, and received lessons in posture and balance from Physical Therapist Assistant students. The Health Services Center and Wellness Center hosted informational tables. In addition, Food Day Fair participants had the opportunity to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables at a farmer’s market stand, and to receive free grocery items provided by LaGuardia CARES, which collected donations of non-perishable food items and winter clothes.
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LaGuardia Community Celebrates Halloween
Members of the LaGuardia community dressed up in celebration of Halloween. The President’s Office staff and President Adams paid tribute to “The Wizard of Oz,” and other offices across the college, including the Legal Office and the Business Office, joined in with costumes. Rebel the Red Hawk visited with children from the Early Childhood Learning Center along with the “Wizard of Oz” cast and Vice President Alexis McLean who read the children a story during the visit. Many LaGuardia students also showed their Halloween spirit by dressing up in a variety of costumes.
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Casa de las Américas Honors Dia de los Muertos
Casa de Las Américas unveiled their second annual Dia de los Muertos display at a celebration in the M-Building lobby, on November 1. This year La Casa is highlighting how various Latin American and Caribbean countries celebrate Day of the Dead. Students, faculty and staff were invited to submit photos of loved ones who have passed or letters to them. These personal memories are featured throughout the display, which is on view throughout the month. For more information, contact Casa de las Américas at casa@lagcc.cuny.edu.
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Wildlife Photo Exhibition Featured on 5th Floor Gallery, E-Building
The masterful photographs that grace the “Wildlife Expo-Capturing the Wild, One Shot at a Time,” serve as witness to our deeply rooted fascination with the animal world. This exhibit, which is on display in the 5th Floor Gallery in the E-Building, presents work by 20 unique wildlife photographers including: Rascanu Alexandru, Arben Berisha, Gresa Berisha, Florjan Binaj, Eljon E. Jilli, Valdet Galica, Granit Hyseni, Refik Ibrahimi, Ruzhdi Ibrahimi, Velian Jagev, Kurtish Lopat, Jamie MacArthur, Lutfi Muaremi, Bogdan Pasca, Harald Stelzer, Nicky Stoyanov, Vebi Sulejmani, Sevdail Sulejmani, Sefer Susuri, and Jetmir Troshani. The frames become obsolete as lines blur, creating a kaleidoscopic background of monochromatic colors, where swathes of browns, greens and oranges are punctuated by soft blues highlighted with sublime white dappled light that gives breath to the protagonists of these compositions, who take center stage. The images evoke a myriad of emotions from amusement to awe. Each photographer transforms their print into a window that gives us a unique glimpse at these beautiful imposing animals in their natural environment.
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Wellness Center and NAMI-NYC Partner for Mental Health 101 on November 15
Discussions about mental illness can be difficult, but these are often the most important conversations to have. On November 15 at 2 p.m., the Wellness Center will partner with NAMI-NYC to host Mental Health 101, a Zoom webinar for you to ask any questions you might have about mental health conditions. Whether you’re just learning about mental health, a seasoned mental health professional, or would just like to know more, NAMI-NYC and the Wellness Center are here to help. Register here.
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Invitation to Conversations @ LaGuardia on November 8
Conversations @ LaGuardia is a new, college-wide initiative to foster conversations among students, faculty, and staff about contemporary news, events, and stories that matter. It is supported by Campus Life, the English Department, LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC), and the Division of Communications and External Affairs. The initiative will begin with a series of panel discussions involving the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting, which awards a yearly grant to one LaGuardia student to conduct overseas reporting. The first discussion, “Endless Scrolling and Our Media Habits,” will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., in E-242. The event will bring together media experts from the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting, with LaGuardia faculty, staff, and students to have a conversation about our media consumption habits and their impact on us. A small reception with appetizers and beverages will follow the discussion, providing an occasion for mingling and comradery. For more information, please contact Bijoyeta Das, assistant professor, Department of English.
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Thanksgiving Groceries Available through LaGuardia CARES
LaGuardia CARES is thrilled to announce the availability of free turkeys and trimmings to help make your Thanksgiving extra special. Pick up will be available Wednesday, Nov. 8th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for students, and for faculty and staff 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in room C-107. For faster service, please visit the website and place an order online.
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CUNY’s Interdisciplinary Research Grant (IRG) Application Deadline is Monday, November 20 @ 9 a.m.
The 2024 Interdisciplinary Research Grant: Engaged Public Impact Research in Urban Environments program supports collaborative research in the following significant areas: human health, environmental change, artificial intelligence, migration, and ever-changing social organization. Proposals should be interdisciplinary and address urgent scientific and societal challenges through convergent research (transdisciplinary research with societal impact). A minimum of two investigators are required, ideally from different CUNY colleges, schools, or centers, and multi-investigator teams are encouraged. Applications require a signature page with endorsement from the Department Chair and college Grants Officer from each participating institution. If you plan to submit an IRG application, please share your proposal materials with Grants & Sponsored Programs as soon as possible and direct inquiries to Carrie Fox, Director of Grants Development.
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Operating Statements
The FY2024 Tax Levy September 30, 2023 Operating Budgets by department are available for viewing.
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2023-2024 Senate Executive Committee
At its meeting on Wednesday, October 25, the College Senate elected its Executive Committee for 2023-2024:
- Cristy Bruns, Chair
- Jill Kehoe, Vice Chair
- Donniece Davis, Secretary
- Jaime Riccio, At-large Faculty/Staff/Alumni Representative
- Douglas DiCarlo, At-large Faculty/Staff/Alumni Representative
- Agim Alovic, At-large Student Representative
- Aliyah Robinson, At-large Student Representative
The Executive Committee has elected Erika Correa as Parliamentarian.
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LAGUARDIA AND WAGNER ARCHIVES | |
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Archives Announces “Making It Here” Project
LaGuardia’s Archives is pleased to announce the creation of a new student writing and photography project, "Making It Here," which explores the roles of women in city government. The project features photographs and essays created by seven LaGuardia students who worked with the Archives in 2022-2023 to examine and discuss our city's relationship with reproductive rights, the arts, food security, gentrification, and much more. This group of Gardiner-Shenker Student Scholars visited sites and attended events all around the city including the United Nations, the State of the City Speech by the Speaker in the Bronx, City Hall, and museum exhibits, to learn about civic engagement in all parts of their communities. The website features clips from interviews with City Council Members past and present, as well as State Senator Julia Salazar, and former Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messinger. Many thanks to the dedicated faculty who worked on this project: Dr. Nichole Shippen, Dr. Anja Vojvodic, Maureen Drennan, and Lidiya Kan.
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LAGUARDIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | |
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LPAC to Feature the Sounds of Salsa and Dance Moves from Mexico in Productions This November
The LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) will celebrate Latin heritage with performances featuring salsa and dance this November. Tickets are available for “Mexican Choreographers On the Move,” a performance of five intergenerational Mexican choreographers hailing from New York City, Mérida, and Mexico City, on Friday, November 17, 7–8:30 p.m. A Limón Technique Master Class, which is free and open to the public, will be offered on Friday, November 17, 10–11:30 a.m. Additionally, a Live Salsa Concert, hosted by radio personality J.I. Starr, will be held on Saturday, November 18, 7:30–11 p.m.
“The Nutcracker and Visit to Santa’s Toyland” will return on Sunday, December 17, 3–6 p.m. The event features the renowned Joffrey Ballet School performing “The Nutcracker” geared towards an audience of young children and families (run time: one hour), followed by an opportunity for children to meet Santa in his Winter Toyland, decorated by LPAC’s professional theater production team. Reserve your tickets today. Discounts are available for LaGuardia faculty, staff, and students—call (718) 482-5151 or email lpacboxoffice@lagcc.cuny.edu for promo codes.
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Fall II Book Adoptions in New Online Bookstore
LaGuardia is transitioning to a new online bookstore provider, Akademos, Inc. Book adoptions for Fall 2023 Session II can now be made on the Akademos site (log in with your CUNYfirst credentials) and are due November 15; a training video is available here. Book adoptions made through Akademos will be reflected on CUNYfirst as well. Please be advised that September 30 was the last day to make adoptions in CUNYfirst.
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Volunteers Needed for BLM Summit Committee
Planning for the Black Lives Matter Summit 2024 is getting underway, the only thing the committee is missing is YOU! Volunteer to join this year’s committee to assist with planning and organizing the 9th Annual Black Lives Matter Summit, taking place in April 2024. Meetings are starting soon and will take place on Zoom; if you are interested in joining the committee or have questions, please email Rachel Romain (rcharles@lagcc.cuny.edu).
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Cheer for the LaGuardia Red Hawks Women’s and Men’s Basketball
The mighty Red Hawks invite students, faculty and staff to support them during the following upcoming games. Show your school spirit and support the Red Hawks. Check the Athletics website for full schedules:
Women’s Basketball
- Nov. 4, 1 p.m. at Westchester Community College
- Nov. 7, 6 p.m. at LaGuardia Community College
- Nov. 11, 1 p.m. at LaGuardia Community College
Men’s Basketball
- Nov. 7, 8 p.m. at LaGuardia Community College
- Nov. 11, 3 p.m. at LaGuardia Community College
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Updates from LaGuardia’s Library:
- NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) begins November 1 and the Library is hosting writing sessions! Join us to work on your latest writing project. Check here for more information.
- Our next MoneyBoss workshop, “A Student’s Guide to Investing with Prof. Santo Trapani,” will be on Wed., Nov. 8, at 2:15 p.m. It will be in-person, in room E-111. Register here.
- Need a one-credit class for the Fall II semester? Sign up for LRC 103, our Internet Research Strategies class. You can find more information here.
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LaGuardia Alumnus Erick Miranda (’18) Joins Queens World Film Festival Board
Queens World Film Festival hosted interns from LaGuardia Community College/CUNY for several years prior to the pandemic, and many of them were hired, including Erick Miranda (’18). The Festival is celebrating its 14th anniversary, and Erick has been named its newest Board Member. Erick started with the festival in 2016 as a Business Administration intern helping the organization upgrade its billing and invoicing systems, its fiscal policies and has been instrumental in expanding its operating budget. Katha Cato, Executive Director and Board President of the Queens World Film Festival said, “Over the years, as Erick grew, he stayed loyal to us, even when he started working full time at PKF Certified Public Accountant. When he got that full-time job, Erick continued to provide oversight to our bookkeeping practices. I am so proud of him and the relationship he has with the festival. I’m thankful that Virginia Peters placed Erick with us and so thankful that we could provide a pathway for his advancement.”
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HUMAN RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL UPDATES | |
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Open Enrollment for Active Employees and Retirees: November 1-30
Open enrollment is the one time during the year when you can change your benefit elections, add or remove dependents for health, dental, vision and flexible spending account plans without a qualifying life event. Open enrollment virtual benefit presentations will include an overview, program highlights and a question-and-answer period
UBO Virtual Benefit Presentation Schedule
Thursday, November 2; Each presentation will be about 30 mins. The Zoom link is the same for all presentations.
- 10 a.m. Emblem Health
- 10:45 a.m. MetroPlus Health
- 11:15 a.m. PSC-CUNY
- 12 p.m. MetroPlus
- 12:30 p.m. Emblem Health
- 1 p.m. PSC-CUNY
- 2 p.m. DC-37
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2024 Flexible Spending Account Program Open Enrollment
The Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Program Open Enrollment Period for Plan Year 2024 is: October 2 - November 15, 2023, for an effective date of January 1, 2024. The Plan Year 2024 FSA Program Brochure and forms are available on the FSA website under "General Information”. Please refer to the FSA website (periodically) for updates to the HCFSA/DeCAP program.”
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CUNY IT Conference November 30 – December 1 – Register Now
CUNY invites you to attend the 22nd annual CUNY IT Conference at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice on November 30– December 1. This year’s enlightening and timely theme is "Us and IT. CUNY in the Age of Generative AI." Registration is free.
At the Conference:
- Learn, Explore, and Share Insights:
- Examine the world of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its profound influence on various aspects of our work and daily lives, including education and learning.
- Rethink Your Relationship with Technology
- As Generative AI becomes increasingly pervasive, consider how it transforms our interaction with technology in all that we do.
- Engage in Thoughtful Conversations
- Participate in enlightening discussions about the practical applications of Generative AI, share your experiences, and engage in thought-provoking discourses regarding opportunities as well as philosophical and ethical implications.
For more information and to register, visit 22nd Annual CUNY IT Conference
Don't miss this chance to gain fresh perspectives and connect with colleagues regarding Generative Artificial Intelligence – register early and block off your calendar for November 30 – December 1. If you need assistance registering or have any questions, please contact Jeremy Smith, Center for Digital Education.
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LAGUARDIA IN THE HEADLINES
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"Campus Update" is produced and published by the Communications and External Affairs Division. Faculty and staff who wish to submit items for publication can email CampusUpdate@lagcc.cuny.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday to be considered for publication on Wednesday. |
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