News

BMCC Names Psychology Major Andrea Aponte 2025 Valedictorian
BMCC has named Psychology major Andrea Aponte as its 2025 Valedictorian. Aponte, an international student from Caracas, Venezuela, will deliver a speech before an audience of thousands at the College’s 60th commencement ceremony on June 4 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Although English is her second language, Aponte graduates as an Out in Two scholar, a three-semester supplemental peer instructor in a psychology class, a BMCC Achiever, and a consistent Dean’s List honoree. She also completed a faculty-mentored research project, which she recently presented to STEM faculty, student researchers, and distinguished guests during the BMCC Annual Research Symposium. And, she has been awarded the Psychology Honors Award for the general track. Aponte, who plans to attend John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) after BMCC, will study forensic psychology—the intersection of law and psychology.

Students Showcase Research Projects at 2025 BARS Event
Students, faculty, and staff filled the BMCC gymnasium on May 14 for the Annual Research Symposium (BARS) poster presentation of faculty-mentored research on a wide array of subjects. Guided by faculty mentors, the students spent the past year investigating topics as varied as “Enhancing Job Training for Individuals with Autism Using Augmented Reality,” “The Effects of Digital Fashion on Mood and Social Attribution Among College Students,” and “The Potential of Moringa Oleifera Extract in Prolonging Sea Urchin Egg Viability.” This year’s keynote presentation was delivered by Christine P. Hendon, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering; Vice Dean of Diversity and Strategic Partnerships; and Provost’s Senior Faculty Teaching Scholar at Columbia University. BMCC’s Director of Research Programs, Dr. Odaelys Pollard, called the 2025 BARS a tremendous success. “The event showcased the depth, creativity, and dedication of our student researchers,” said Dr. Pollard.

BMCC Summer 2025 Study Abroad Kickoff Event a Tremendous Success
BMCC’s Office of Experiential Learning and Study Abroad hosted the Summer 2025 Study Abroad Kickoff and Predeparture Orientation event on May 16 at the Fiterman Hall Conference Center. This summer, more than 100 BMCC students and nine faculty members are set to study in countries as diverse as Spain, South Africa, and Ireland through the College’s partnership with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). Additionally, 17 BMCC students will spend part of their summer studying at the London School of Economics, as part of a November 2024 agreement between the two institutions. “This academic year marked our first full year launching new study abroad initiatives, including partnerships with CIEE and the London School of Economics,” said Sandra Cortez, Manager of Experiential Learning & Study Abroad. “The large enrollment numbers we're seeing for study abroad show that BMCC students value gaining a global education, and we will continue to build programs that help them achieve their academic and professional goals.” Eva Izquierdo, Study Abroad Event Coordinator who organized the orientation, noted that the event was the first time many students began to visualize their study abroad experiences. “The students were not only able to share their excitement with one another—they also met with professors and program alumni to learn more about the opportunities available to them overseas,” she said.

Danish Business Students Participate in BMCC Entrepreneurial Showcase
A BMCC Small Business Entrepreneurship (SBE) class welcomed 26 business students and two faculty members from the International Business College (IBC) in Kolding, Denmark, for an interactive entrepreneurial showcase at the Fiterman Conference Center on May 19. During the event, BMCC student-entrepreneurs delivered final venture presentations on a variety of projects ranging from inclusive beauty products to sustainable transportation services. As part of BMCC’s Introduction to Entrepreneurship course, students develop a business idea over the semester and construct a basic business model, then pitch the idea as if to potential investors or partners, explaining the concept and how it would work in the real world. “Working with the Danish delegation allowed our students to apply their knowledge in an honest, challenging, and highly engaging way. This experience certainly deserves a place in our classrooms,” said SBE Lecturer and entrepreneur Juan Sanchez, who teaches the class. Deputy Chair and Assistant Professor of Business Management Dr. Shane Snipes said the collaboration brought international education to life in the classroom. “BMCC students tested their business ideas with a truly global audience while learning firsthand how innovation and entrepreneurship transcend borders,” said Professor Snipes. The BMCC and IBC collaboration was organized by Dr. Daniel Katz through the Office of Diplomatic and Training. The visit stemmed from a previous Danish higher education delegation visit to BMCC by Danish education leaders en route to the Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) annual conference in Washington, D.C. BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe currently serves as Board Chair of CCID.

Participatory Budgeting Kicks Off on Campus—VOTE NOW
BMCC Student Ambassadors kicked off Participatory Budgeting activities on campus to encourage their peers to take part in the citywide Participatory Budgeting process, known as the People’s Money, on May 13 in the lobby at 199 Chambers St. With the help of a $10,000 award from the NYC Civic Engagement Commission, BMCC students have been trained and will be conducting outreach on campus and in the community to inspire others to cast a vote for projects that they would like to see funded in their community. Projects vary by borough but include youth job training and employment programs, efforts to reduce recidivism, performing arts programs, and more. The Mayor’s office has set aside approximately $4 million that will be allocated to the projects that received the top number of votes in each borough. “This is a great initiative to not only give our campus community a voice in how the city spends its tax dollars,” said Doug Israel, director of government and community relations, “but an amazing opportunity for our student ambassadors to gain skills and experience in outreach, advocacy, and community organizing.” All New Yorkers aged 11 and older, regardless of citizenship status, can participate in the process.  VOTE NOW for the projects you’d like to see funded in your community.

Making Headlines

BMCC joins other colleges pushing back against higher education cuts
May 16, 2025—Legislative Gazette

Did You Know?

Students who have been placed in ESL 96 or have a recommendation from ESL faculty are eligible to participate in the ESL Lab June 2025 Tutoring Program. This tutorial program will run from Mondays to Thursdays from June 2, 2025, through June 18, 2025, in 2-hour sessions starting every hour from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The deadline to register is Monday, June 2, 2025, or until all tutoring sections are fully enrolled. Learn more and register here.

Announcements

Student Affairs Seeks Staff Production Assistants for 2025 Commencement Ceremony on June 4
The Office of Student Affairs is seeking staff members who can serve as Production Assistants at the College’s 60th Commencement Ceremony, June 4, at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn. Staff members who would like to participate should inform their supervisors so they may anticipate departmental staffing needs. To sign up as a Production Assistant, visit this registration page. The ceremony will also be Livestreamed. For more information about BMCC’s 2025 Commencement, visit the event webpage.

Shirley Fiterman Arts Center—Susan Weil: About Time—Opens June 5
The Shirley Fiterman Art Center announced its upcoming exhibition Susan Weil: About Time, a solo show of more than 50 works by artist Susan Weil. This exhibition spans her career from 1949 to the present, and is the first institutional solo presentation of her work in New York City. Time, both literally and metaphorically, is a central theme that threads its way through her more than 70-year practice. Weil cultivated a unique vision that moved back and forth between paper and canvas, traditional materials and experimental techniques, figuration and abstraction, exploring throughout the ever-shifting elements of time, movement, and language. The exhibition opens with a reception on June 5 and will be open until August 9. Also, Susan Weil and Vincent FitzGerald will hold a conversation on June 7 at 11 a.m. Weil and FitzGerald, publisher of limited-edition artist books and prints, will discuss their many collaborations.

BMCC Continuing Education 2025 Open House, May 28 and 29
BMCC’s Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development will host a series of information sessions showcasing the wide range of courses the Center offers. Individuals interested in starting a career in Information Technology, Diplomatic Affairs, Cyber Security, or the Cannabis industry are invited to attend on May 28 and 29 at 25 Broadway in Manhattan. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with faculty and advisors who can answer questions and provide insight. Professionals looking to upskill, earn certifications, or explore new career pathways are also welcome. The event will include campus tours and information about tuition and financing. Click here to choose and enroll in an information session. For more information, email ace@bmcc.cuny.edu or call (212) 346-8410.

Cafeteria Summer Hours Start May 23 MBJ summer hours begin May 23. The 199 Chambers cafeteria will be open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The cafeteria will also be open on Friday May 23, May 30 and June 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Fiterman Café hours will be Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Handshake: Student Career Connection Available
Handshake is BMCC's premier career services platform, connecting students and alumni with a wealth of opportunities. Whether an individual is searching for internships, part-time jobs, full-time positions or simply exploring career paths, Handshake is a good resource. Job or intern seekers can claim their profile to showcase skills and experience and gain access to thousands of job postings and other resources. Handshake also allows individuals to register for career events, schedule appointments with career advisors and receive personalized job recommendations. Handshake is a one-stop shop for launching a career! BMCC community members with questions about Handshake can contact Director of Career Development Robert Earl at rearl@bmcc.cuny.edu.

LinkedIn Learning Platform Now Available LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform designed to assist users with improving business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. The LinkedIn Learning video library of engaging, top-quality courses taught by industry experts allows users to learn at their own pace. Available courses include Developing Presentation Skills, Learning Time Management Skills, How to Be An Effective Leader, QuickBooks Tutorials for Accountants, Adobe Creative Cloud Tutorials Web/Fashion Designers, AutoCad Tutorial for Engineers, Scripting Languages for the Application Developers and more. For more information, contact Leticia Dinkins, Instructional Computer Services Manager, at the Learning Resource Center, at ldinkins@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Enrollment

Summer and Fall 2025 Advisement and Registration Available Now
Faculty and staff, please encourage students to talk to their advisor to discuss their academic progress and registration. All students must meet with their advisor before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or meet with a Panther Station Specialist on Zoom. When choosing classes on CUNYfirst, students should pay close attention to the class meeting mode (in-person, online or hybrid), as well as the class session (15, 8 or 7 weeks). For more information, visit the Registration page or contact Academic Advisement at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Human Resources

Register Now for Spring 2025 Professional Development Trainings
College Resources, Professional Development and Learning (PDL), in the office of University Human Resources provides professional development opportunities for Spring 2025.

• PDL Spring Courses: Provided through the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), these courses range from $75 to $150 per person and require supervisory approval. Register online.
• DCAS Open Enrollment: Citywide training is provided in cultural awareness, management, technology and more.
• Campus On-Site Training Requests: Custom training sessions can be requested through DCAS.

For full details, please refer to the Spring 2025 Professional Development Opportunities Catalog. CUNY employees who participate in professional development outside of PDL’s offerings are asked to log those activities on the Professional Development Tracking Form. Questions can be sent to University.Training@cuny.edu. 

Calendar

Lavender Graduation and Pride Month Kickoff
May 30

Connect with BMCC

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Faculty and staff: Submit items for consideration in an upcoming @BMCC to publicaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu by 12 noon, Wednesday.