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"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.

NEWS

LaGuardia Counts Down to Commencement 


LaGuardia Community College’s 2023 Commencement is less than one week away. Staff and faculty involved in orchestrating the big day for the more than 2,000 graduates, their loved ones, and friends of LaGuardia, are busy putting the final touches on plans for the ceremony. The Red Hawks Rising feature on our website provides a glimpse into the lives, passions, and future career plans of LaGuardia's 51st graduating class. They include students who, at colleges other than LaGuardia, may be described as nontraditional, such as student-parents, and those over the age of 35. One such graduate is Melisa Morgan, 37, a mother to six children, who range in age from four (twins, no less!) to 19. Melisa will earn her associate degree in Public and Community Health. She plans to earn her doctorate in public health and then move back to her home country, Jamaica, to direct public health campaigns aimed at reducing the rates of diabetes and other chronic illnesses. On June 21, Melisa will be graduating alongside Marco Panchame, 38, father to a three-month-old daughter. Marco began his college journey nearly two decades ago. With his associate degree in Human Services—Mental Health, Marco plans to advance his career helping the homeless secure housing and other vital support services. His long-term goal is to become a licensed social worker providing substance abuse and mental illness counseling for the homeless population.

Casa de las Américas Creates Pride Display 


The college community is invited to view the “La Casa PRIDE,” display, located in the lobby of the M-building. In the last few years, there has been an increase of anti-LGBTQIA policies, bills, & laws across the United States, threating the lives of Queer people. These anti-LGBTQIA practices have made homophobia and transphobia more visible and present, further creating a sense of fear in the communities of Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, & People of Color. Casa de las Américas celebrates PRIDE month by showcasing a community collage of positive messages, poems, and art created by LaGuardia CC students, faculty, & staff that celebrate LGBTQIA+ life, love, & joy. The inspiration for the collage came from Queer, Puerto Rican, artist Melissa Misla's artwork. Misla visited LaGuardia CC in March as part of the Women's Center Women History Month Celebrations. Misla's current work is a series of collages depicting Latinx homes. A collage offers an opportunity to build and to reaffirm community. Learn more about Casa de las Américas by visiting their website.  

LaGuardia Hosts ASAP Pinning Ceremony


On June 12, LaGuardia Community College hosted its ASAP Pinning Ceremony in the Main Stage, celebrating the achievements of graduates and recognizing program supporters. A reception, following a ceremony, was hosted in the Poolside Café. The ceremony welcome address was presented by Student Host Kim Lonzo with ASAP Host Nebiyat Woldemichael. Opening remarks were presented by Provost Dr. Billie Gastic Rosado, followed by the ASAP Central Address presented by Ancy Skaria, ASAP Associate Director of Program Management and Data Strategies. Sheik Shaneeza Ali, Paralegal Studies major, was selected as ASAP Valedictorian and Nick Hetherington, Political Science major, was selected as ASAP Salutatorian. Student artists and performers included John Lim, Liberal Arts major, who performed the song “Make it With You,” and Liara Torres, Music Performance major, who performed “Stronger Thank/At Your Best.” Also, Ella Gommun, Business Administration major, read a poem titled, “What Makes the Day Special” and Arhum Aamir, Mechanical Engineering major, presented the call to action. Dr. Preethi Radhakrishnan, Program Director of the Environmental Science Program, was presented the ASAP Partner Excellence Award. Advisors were recognized for their continued hard work and dedication. The ASAP Elite 100 award is given out to veteran advisors who have seen 100+ ASAP students through to degree completion. This year’s recipients are: Caroline Mendez, Lucila Sanchez, Stephanie Buscemi, Liana Brower, Nebiyat Woldemichael, Mark Yepez, Angela Wang, and Stefania Dinu. The ASAP DARE 200 award is given to ASAP advisors that have tirelessly worked on developing their talent, strength and skills to aid in seeing 200+ ASAP students through to degree completion. This year’s recipients are: Brett Cummings, Michelle Castro, Alice Wong, and Jenny Lugo. The ASAP STELLAR 300 Award is given to ASAP Advisors who have provided unwavering support and unrelenting guidance to assist over 300 students on their path to graduation. This year’s recipients are Esther Rosa, Jose Ramos, and Marlenes Berroa.

Eleven LaGuardia Students Participate in First CUNY Undergraduate Research Celebration Day 


CUNY held its inaugural Undergraduate Research Celebration Day on May 31st at BMCC. Eleven LaGuardia students presented their faculty-mentored research projects. The projects represented a variety of research topics and disciplines. These inspiring projects were presented by Christin Bertin (Dr. Alaa Darabseh, MEC), Inigo Caballero (Dr. Na Xu, Natural Sciences), David Huang (Dr. Doyel Pal, MEC), MinYoung Kim (Dr. Alaa Darabseh, MEC), Suhana Lama (Drs. Milena Cuellar and Reem Jaafar, MEC), Kelly Landrigan (Dr. Anja Vojvodic, Social Science), Seungyeon Lee, Ling Lin, and Liting Zheng (Dr. Yun Ye, MEC), Malcom Reid (Dr. Na Xu, Natural Sciences), and Laredo Regular (Dr. Ryan Mann-Hamilton, Social Science). 

LaGuardia Spring Student Concert, June 14 


LAGCC Spring Student Showcase Concert, which was postponed last week due to the air quality alerts in NYC, will take place at 7 p.m. on June 14, in the Black Box Theatre, Room M-122). This performance will feature more than 30 students of the Music Performance and Music Recording Technology Programs at LaGuardia. Students will be performing the music of Curtis Mayfield, Manhattan Transfer,  Tom Jones, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Stephen Sondheim, Fleetwood Mac, Faure, Mongo Santamaria, The Beatles, and so much more. The concert is free and open to the public. Professor of Music Thomas Dempsey thanks the Theatre Program and the Film and Television Program for their support of this concert and providing the venue for this event to occur. 

Thomson Avenue Film Festival Now Online; Awards Thurs. June 15 


Due to public health concerns related to recent air quality, the Thomson Avenue Film Festival has moved online. Short films made by LaGuardia students and alumni have been released the past two nights, and a third night of films goes live tonight at 11:59 p.m. Check here for links and to cast a vote for your favorite and be sure to join the awards ceremony on Zoom at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 15. 

TELC World Cup Returns


The English Language Center (TELC) at LaGuardia World Cup has returned! TELC students, instructors and staff headed to U90 Soccer Center in Astoria for an afternoon game, marking the final day of the spring intensive course. About three dozen participants and spectators took part in the community-building event. This year's game was the first since 2019, before the pandemic, and the tradition began back in 2015.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fresh Vegetables, Bread, and Eggs Available for Students Through LaGuardia CARES 

 

LaGuardia CARES is distributing fresh vegetables, bread, and eggs every Monday through June 26, while supplies last. Faculty are encouraged to bring their classes and spread the word. Distribution is made through the LaGuardia CARES office in C-107. LaGuardia CARES can be reached at (718) 482-5135 or laguardiacare@lagcc.cuny.edu.  

Casa de las Américas Seeks Executive Committee Members

 

Five new members are being sought to join the Executive Committee of Casa de las Américas. Applicants must be current faculty or staff members at LaGuardia, attend four meetings throughout the academic year, serve for one to two years, volunteer at three La Casa events each semester, and contribute to La Casa’s fundraising efforts. To be considered, please submit a one-paragraph describing your interest in serving on the Executive Committee by June 16 to casa@lagcc.cuny.edu. Members will be selected by La Casa’s co-directors. 

College-Wide Budget Summary Available Online 

 

The Budget Office website now includes summary reports for tax-levy expenses.

LaGuardia Community College Selected as an Affiliate of the Society of Women Engineers 


Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has selected LaGuardia Community College as an Affiliate among other higher education institutions. LaGuardia joins more than 400 Collegiate and Professional Sections and 40 Affiliates from across the United States. Outside of the United States, SWE has nearly 100 Collegiate and Professional Global Affiliates. Sections and Affiliates are a great way to get connected with SWE members, participate in events, and volunteer in leadership positions locally. The mission of the SWE is to empower women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders; expand the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive force in improving the quality of life and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion. As an SWE Affiliate, LaGuardia will be able to partner with other SWE institutions and explore ways to elevate women in the field of engineering. 

LAGUARDIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

TONIGHT: Queens Pride Celebration


Join LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) and LaGuardia and Wagner Archives for a Celebration of Pride! In the Cobblestone Courtyard from 5 to 7 p.m. party and dance to DJ Sam0; then head to the Little Theater for a staged reading created by community engaged theater-makers from Ping Chong and Company, based on and adapted from the interviews in Archives LGBTQ collection; a dance performance by Alberto Denis honoring those lost to gun violence from Pulse in Orlando; the celebration concludes in the Lobby with Singing Drag Diva Jackie Dupree. Learn more. This program is made possible by generous funding from the New York City Council Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual Caucus, and the Office of the Mayor, and is supported by the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives.

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Faculty Resources Available through the Library’s Scholarly Publishing Teahouse 


The Library’s Scholarly Publishing Teahouse is looking ahead to support those working on research and scholarship over the summer. If you want to check-in to see if you’re on track with the publishing end of your scholarship, you can contact one of the Teahouse librarians for assistance with: how to look for a journal to publish in, what publishing venues can meet your needs, and what to look for as you evaluate potential journals or other publishers. Get started on this aspect of our research early to help avoid surprises later. Contact us or check out our Scholarly Communications Guide for Faculty, Staff. Reach out to Liz Jardine, Ann Matsuuchi or Thomas Cleary. The Scholarly Publishing Teahouse is here to help! 

The Peer Academy is Hiring 



The Peer Advisor Academy is recruiting current, successful LaGuardia students to provide academic planning guidance to fellow students. Peer Advisors are LaGuardia students who help students understand the College’s advisement process. Using their own student experiences, along with their established connections to departmental staff, Peer Advisors provide advising guidance by helping students with academic planning and digital tools, as well as introducing them to key campus and major-specific resources. Students can learn more and apply online.

LIBRARY NEWS

Updates from LaGuardia’s Library 

  • Good luck on your finals! 
  • We’ll be open our regular hours for finals week, but will be closed June 17-June 19. We will be open 9 a.m.- 4:40 p.m. on June 20-21 for intersession and will return to our regular hours on June 22. 
  • Need a study break? Relax with a puzzle in the Library! 
  • Need a one-credit class for Spring II? Sign up for LRC 103, our Internet Research Strategies class. You can find more information here
  • The IT lab on the first floor behind the Media Help Desk is available for online classes and test taking. Most computers have cameras and headphones are available (and they’re free!). 
  • Need to borrow an ipad, calculator, or laptop? Come to the Media Help Desk. 
  • Come check out our new LGBTQIA+ collection! This was made possible due to the generous support of the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives. 
  • Construction in the Courtyard Reading Room is almost complete and will be accessible to students shortly. Until then, the Thomson Reading Room is still open (and only accessible by elevator), but there is an active construction site on the same floor. The Mezzanine is still accessible to students by the side staircases and the elevator.  

STUDENT AFFAIRS

Student Peer Mentors Needed 


BMEC & CREAR Futuros is hiring current LaGuardia students to be peer mentors this upcoming 2023-24 academic year. This is a paid opportunity. Eligible students must:  

  • Have a GPA of at least 3.0 
  • Have completed at least 21 credits 
  • Be a current LaGuardia student for both Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 
  • Attend mandatory training in August 

 

Contact Valerie Recalde at VRecalde@lagcc.cuny.edu for more details. Application deadline is July 14. 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Valid ID = Green Border 


The proof of COVID-19 vaccines and negative test results for all LaGuardia faculty, staff and students will no longer be required as of Friday, June 16.  To continue the use of our mobile app to show valid IDs for entering the College, the green border around IDs indicating health requirement clearance will now be repurposed to designate that faculty and staff are current employees and that students are active and/or registered students.  Those individuals whose IDs do not show a green border will have to sign in as visitors at the Public Safety entrance desks. If you have any difficulties with your mobile app ID beginning June 16, please contact our HelpDesk by submitting an IT HelpDesk ticket through the Faculty & Staff Portal, or by email at ITHelp@lagcc.cuny.edu, or call 718-482-6134. 

ServiceNow is Live!


ServiceNow, our new cloud-based ticketing system, is available for use. Visit the ServiceNow webpage to learn more. To open a ticket in ServiceNow, read the How to Create an Incident or Request on ServiceNow guide. For more details, watch the CUNY IT Help Portal Overview video created by CUNY/CIS. The LaGuardia community can also access ServiceNow on the Faculty & Staff Portal. In the first column, under Request Support, click on the service area where you need support. Note: If you click on the “IT HelpDesk”, please select the area that best describes the support you need.

LAGUARDIA IN THE HEADLINES

INSIDE HIGHER ED: LaGuardia graduate Layla Vazquez was able to transfer 100% of her credits to Empire State College.


ABC NEWS: Dr. Holly Porter-Morgan, professor of environmental science at LaGuardia, is interviewed about 'smoke wave' warnings in NYC.


WOMEN'S HEALTH via AOL: Dr. Chelsea Del Rio, associate professor of women, gender and sexuality studies at LaGuardia, is interviewed about the lesbian pride flag.


EVENTS

Wednesday, June 14

  • Spring Student Concert; 7 p.m.; M-122


Thursday, June 15


Friday, June 16

  • Final Examinations


Monday, June 19

  • Juneteenth: College Closed


Tuesday, June 20

  • Grades Due by 4 p.m.


Wednesday, June 21

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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 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.