BMCC Celebrates Graduates at 60th Commencement
BMCC hosted its 2025 commencement ceremony on June 4 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. More than 1,600 graduates—cheered on by thousands of family members, significant others, and friends—participated in the morning event. This was BMCC’s 60th commencement ceremony, and the energy, pride, and sense of accomplishment filling the vast arena were palpable. Not only were degrees conferred and electrifying speeches delivered, but there was also a spectacular performance featuring music and dance troupes that reflect the rich cultural diversity of New York City and BMCC itself. But at the end of the day, the event was all about the graduates—many of whom will soon start well-paying jobs or enter four-year colleges and universities such as Baruch, Hunter, John Jay, or institutions beyond CUNY, such as Columbia, NYU, or Morehouse. “As I stand here, reflecting on the significance of this milestone—our 60th commencement—I am struck by a powerful theme: the importance of investing in yourselves,” said BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe.
Manhattan EOC Celebrates 2025 Graduates in Ceremony at El Museo del Barrio
The SUNY Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), administered by BMCC, hosted its 2025 commencement ceremony at El Museo del Barrio in East Harlem on June 11, celebrating more than 800 graduates. The event recognized students who earned High School Equivalency diplomas, obtained industry-recognized certifications, or improved their English language skills. Manhattan EOC Lecturer Eugene Palmore, who served as master of ceremonies, engaged the audience with humor and introduced guest speakers. These included Anthony Watson, Executive Director of the Manhattan EOC; S. Raschaad Hoggard, Executive Chief of Staff, Office of the President (BMCC); and Karen Russo, Director of Finance at the SUNY University Center for Academic and Workforce Development (UCAWD). This year’s keynote speaker, Markquann Smith—actor, producer, and creative visionary best known as executive producer of the critically acclaimed television series Godfather of Harlem—captivated the audience with a blend of humor and inspiration. His speech included the now well-known quote: “You can knock on opportunity's door, but if it doesn't open, go to Home Depot, buy some lumber, and build your own door,” he said emphatically. Valedictorian Jadon Robertson shared his heartfelt story of overcoming obstacles, including the loss of his father earlier this year, which paved the way for him to earn his High School Equivalency diploma. In summary, Watson expressed it best: “What an amazing celebration of our students’ success this year. I continue to be inspired by their resilience and commitment to improving their lives. I am extremely proud of the Class of 2025 and wish them much success in their future endeavors. They will always have a place to call home at Manhattan EOC.”
BMCC Celebrates June 2025 Nursing Graduates
BMCC celebrated graduates from the Nursing program’s June Class of 2025 during a pinning ceremony on May 29 in Theatre 1 at 199 Chambers Street. Against the backdrop of Pomp and Circumstance playing over the theatre’s speakers, the graduates — all dressed in their crisp white uniforms — made their way to their seats in the middle of the auditorium. All the while, friends, family, and significant others cheered them on. In addition to graduates who completed the Registered Nursing program, this year’s ceremony also recognized students who completed the College’s new Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate program. Nursing Department Chairperson Dr. Ronnie Ursin congratulated the graduates on their achievements and introduced BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe, who encouraged the graduates to never stop learning. “Your associate degree is a strong foundation, but the world of healthcare is constantly evolving. I implore you to pursue a bachelor’s degree and beyond,” said President Munroe. “Embrace the challenge of lifelong learning, and your potential for growth will be limitless. The demand for skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate nurses is greater than ever. We are facing a significant nursing shortage, and we need you — not just as practitioners on the front lines of healthcare, but also as future educators who will inspire and mentor the next generation of caregivers.”
BMCC and Alpha School of Music Sign MOU to Expand Global Music Exchange
BMCC President, Dr. Anthony E. Munroe and Gay Magnus, Director of the Alpha School of Music, signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Alpha’s campus in Kingston on June 6. This new international partnership marks a significant step in expanding global music education, cultural exchange, and youth development for both institutions. Beginning in the Fall 2025 semester, ASOM will organize a hybrid lesson on Jamaican popular music for students at both ASOM and BMCC. The activity will include virtual discussions between students from the two schools, as well as in-person sessions with their respective classmates. During the second half of the academic year, BMCC’s music program will present a lesson for students from both institutions, also featuring in-person preparation and a joint virtual class for BMCC and ASOM students and faculty. Both schools look forward to launching a collaborative lecture series that bridges musical genres and international borders. This initiative promotes global dialogue, mutual learning, and a deeper appreciation of diverse musical traditions within both communities. The partnership between Alpha and BMCC was made possible with key support from the Consulate General of Jamaica in New York, whose contributions have been pivotal in facilitating this collaboration. Dr Munroe said, “My parents emigrated from Jamaica to Bronx, New York, carrying with them a deep respect for education and the arts. Dr. Munroe said, “I am thrilled to formalize an academic bridge between two institutions that share the same passion.” He added, “We at BMCC are proud to walk this path with the Alpha School of Music. Together, we will ensure that our students—whether in Lower Manhattan or downtown Kingston—have every opportunity to be curious, to create, and to lead.”
CUNY Chancellor Attends Early Childhood Center End of Year Celebration
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez visited the Borough of Manhattan Community College Early Childhood Center for its annual end of year celebration event on June 6 in Richard Harris Terrace. Around 60 guests, including the children’s family members, attended the event. The children sang songs and delivered classroom presentations. Each of the children also received a medal as well as an official stuffed CUNY bear from the Chancellor. Opened in 1984, the BMCC ECC offers full-day, evening and weekend care for children ages 2 to 12, including pre-K and 3-K. For the past decade, the BMCC ECC has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a distinction held by only 10% of early childhood programs nationwide. More than half of CUNY campus child care centers currently hold NAEYC accreditation, which signifies that a center meets or exceeds rigorous standards across ten key areas, including curriculum, teaching practices and family engagement. Dr. Cecilia Scott-Croff is Executive Director of the BMCC Early Childhood Center. Read more about the Chancellor’s visit to BMCC here.
BMCC Hosts Lavender Graduation and Pride Month Brunch
BMCC hosted its annual Lavender Graduation and Pride Month brunch on May 30 in Richard Harris Terrace. Graduates were recognized with certificates and Pride regalia as part of the ceremony. Writer, activist and media consultant Tiq Milan delivered a powerful keynote address discussing masculinity, race and gender. During his welcoming remarks, BMCC President, Dr. Anthony E. Munroe called the celebration a testament to the resilience, the strength and the unwavering spirit of the College’s LGBTQIA+ students. "Here at BMCC, we cultivate a college community where every single individual, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression feels truly seen, valued, respected and celebrated,” he said. The event was made possible through the NYC Council LGBTQIA+ Caucus, the Office of the Mayor, and the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives.
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Professor Lissette Acosta-Corniel Wraps Up Busy Book Tour
Ethnic and Race Studies Professor Lissette Acosta-Corniel has completed her book tour for the edited volume Transatlantic Bondage: Slavery in Spain, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Rico (SUNY Press). Presentations included participation in a Black History Month kickoff panel discussion at Bronx Community College titled “Origin Stories: The African Diaspora and Afro-Latinidad.” Professor Acosta-Corniel also presented at her alma mater, William Paterson University, as part of “Black History Month: Alumni Book Talk.” She was also featured at a Hostos Community College event, “Dominicans Breaking Ground in Multicultural Settings: A One-Day Symposium in Commemoration of Dominican Heritage.” Professor Acosta-Corniel additionally discussed her book at City College; CETLS, BMCC; the Global Dominicanness Pre-LASA Conference in San Francisco; and at Penn South Social Services, a community organization in New York City. |
Graduating Apprenticeship Students Recognized at Event
BMCC’s Office of Internships and Experiential Learning hosted an Apprenticeship Recognition Event on May 29 at the Fiterman Conference Center. BMCC students in an apprenticeship program have the advantage of classroom and lab experiences, plus on-the-job training in the company where they work when they are not taking classes. “Congratulations to all the students being recognized at this event,” said BMCC Vice President of Enrollment Sanjay Ramdath. “This is the culmination of your hard work, dedication, and willingness to embrace the invaluable learning experience that apprenticeship offers.” Vice President Ramdath thanked the employers who partner with BMCC. Three students also received special recognition awards for exceptional leadership, resilience, and dedication—demonstrated through impactful work at their apprenticeship host sites. These students are Tomika Copeland (Zurich North America), Khalilah Hughes (Aon), and Gisela Morrows (Aon). The 2025 graduating students and the company they apprenticed at are: AON: Brandon Becerril, Hector Campuzano, Khalilah Hughes, Sincere Morales, AnnMaria Patterson, Mark Robinson, Amir Rodriguez, Damaris Ruiz, Ignacio Valdez, Joe Vidals. Zurich North America: Megan Anderson, Tyriq Sellers, Jervontae Carter, Tomika Copeland, Uwais Khan, Abigail Ouedraogo, Chagail Wendpanga, Diego Rosario, Reese McLaurian, Christian Edwards, Jessica Munoz, Gisela Morrows, Matthania Dessejour, Sheldon Clark, Latasha Mackey, Lenora Lias, Adriana Cerpa Trans Re: Wee Hong (Kyle) Tang. BMCC students have also apprenticed at Deloitte, Bloomberg and EY(SDC). |
