President Munroe Welcomes BMCC Community to Fall 2025 Semester
In a message to the College community, BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe extended a warm welcome to the Fall 2025 semester for faculty and staff. He thanked them for their unwavering support of students and said, “This academic year comes with its share of challenges and changes; however, it is also brimming with opportunities for growth and innovation. The landscape of education is evolving, and you play a vital role in navigating these transformations. Your commitment to fostering an enriching learning environment is essential not only for our students’ success but also for the continued progress of our institution.” Read the full message here.
Niche Ranks BMCC Number One Community College in New York
The Niche 2026 Best Community Colleges in America ranking has named Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) #1 among community colleges in New York state. This is the second year in a row that BMCC has received this recognition. Niche defines itself as a market leader in connecting colleges and schools with students and families, and cites over 140 million reviews and ratings as a resource for its rankings. The Niche rankings are also based on a rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census, Common Core Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and more.
UMLA Associate Director Yuleisy Audain Receives CUNY BMI Administrator of the Year Award
BMCC President, Dr. Anthony E. Munroe, and members of his cabinet, met with scholars from the Summer 2025 cohort of My Brother’s Keeper on August 14 at 199 Chambers Street. The students had the opportunity to ask the president questions. Also, at the event, Urban Male Leadership Director, Dr. Ashtian Holmes, shared news that UMLA Associate Director Yuleisy M. Audain received the CUNY BMI Administrator of the Year Award and recognition for Outstanding Culturally Competent Peer Mentoring. “These awards mean so much because they are rooted in community, culture, and the belief that mentorship changes lives not only throughout BMCC but also throughout CUNY,” said Audain. “I stand on the shoulders of those who poured into me, and I know I am nothing without the students, colleagues, and partners who remind me every day why this work matters. This recognition is not just mine; it belongs to every scholar who dares to dream bigger, every mentor who gives their time, and every community that continues to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. It is a reminder that true leadership is about lifting as we climb, making sure that as we rise, we open doors for others to rise with us. I am deeply grateful, and I look forward to building even more pathways for growth, representation, and transformation,” Audain said.
Teacher Education Professor Rebecca Garte Receives $269K NSF Grant for Computer Science for All Project
BMCC Teacher Education Professor Rebecca Garte has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Computer Science for All grant titled *Embedding Computational Thinking into School-Wide Curriculum: Leveraging Professional Learning Communities at a Pre-K to 5th Grade School. The NSF grant, totaling $269,401 over two years, is BMCC’s first since the start of 2025. Professor Garte will implement a Research Practice Partnership (RPP) to integrate Computational Thinking throughout the pre-K to 5th grade curriculum of a Title I elementary school. This project builds upon a longstanding partnership between Professor Garte, the BMCC Teacher Education Department, and a focus school that has successfully established collaborative structures for professional development and whole-school change. “I am hopeful that this project will create a pathway to help children develop the critical thinking skills necessary for the digital age,” said Professor Garte. “By partnering with an elementary school that serves a diverse group of children and families, researchers and educational practitioners can combine our expertise to establish innovative methods to achieve this goal.”
BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe Receives Jamaica Independence Award for Educational Leadership
BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe was honored with the Jamaica Independence Award for Educational Leadership at the 63rd Jamaica Independence Gala on August 23 at the Marriott Marquis Grand Ballroom in Times Square. Hosted by Jamaica’s Promise and the Consulate General of Jamaica in New York, the event paid tribute to outstanding Jamaicans and allies who have made significant contributions in public service, business, the arts, and philanthropy. Past honorees have included cultural icons, corporate leaders, and community champions whose work uplifts the Jamaican spirit at home and abroad. Among this year’s honorees was Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Alfarita “Rita” Marley, the reggae music icon and cultural ambassador.
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Diplomatic Engagement and Training Director Daniel Katz Named Distinguished Ambassador
BMCC Director of the Office of Diplomatic Engagement and Training and Adjunct Assistant Professor, Dr. Daniel Katz, has been named a Distinguished Ambassador in the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) 2025-2026 CFR Education Higher Ed Ambassador Program. The CFR program is an eight-month engagement that runs from September 2025 to April 26. The program connects educators from across the United States who are committed to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and perspective to navigate today’s interconnected world. Though Dr. Katz was also selected to be part of the program for the 2024-2026 academic year, his status was elevated for the 2025-2026 academic year. As a Distinguished Ambassador, Dr. Katz will have the ability to collaborate with co-leads outside of meetings, facilitate groups in Ambassador meetings and connect on how New York and the entire region can better champion global literacy in the coming year. |
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez Visits BMCC Paramedic and Emergency Medical Care Classes
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez joined BMCC students on August 12 for a class titled *Emergency Medical Care: Paramedic Internship III* in the College’s paramedic and EMT labs at 199 Chambers Street. For the 18 students he visited, the course represents the final step to becoming certified paramedics. Across New York, emergency medical service agencies face a growing shortage of EMS responders. “The students and graduates that come to BMCC are a special group of people. These graduates have a strong sense of their privilege and honor to save lives and create moments of peace and comfort in the worst moments of a person’s life,” said Meghan Williams, BMCC EMS program director and associate professor. “They take their responsibilities seriously and have excelled at their calling.” BMCC paramedic student Jerome Hall Cameron shared his perspective: “I stumbled upon the paramedic program and decided to try it out. It feels like a privilege to be on the ambulance and go to someone’s house or to the scene on what is probably the worst day of their lives and have them fully trust you.” Several professors and campus leaders also spoke with the Chancellor during his visit. BMCC’s paramedic program is one of just 25 in New York State.
More Than 100 Students Attend Scholarship Orientation
BMCC’s Office of Scholarships hosted an orientation for the 110 students selected to be part of the Fall 2025 cohort of BMCC Foundation Inc. Scholars on August 20 in Room N453 at 199 Chambers St. The scholars learned about the program’s benefits and also the requirements to maintain their award. The scholarships range in value from $1,600 per semester for full-time enrollment to $810 for part-time enrollment. “We are excited to welcome this new cohort of scholars for the upcoming semester,” said Sussie Gyamfi, BMCC Scholarships manager. “This scholarship recognizes their outstanding academic achievements and dedication to excellence and aims to provide financial support so they can further their academic pursuits.”
BMCC Hosts Documentary Screening and Celebration of Steelpan Concert
BMCC hosted a celebration of Caribbean history and culture with a screening of the documentary film Panazz: The Story, as well as a concert by the Massy Trinidad All Stars steel orchestra, on August 11 in Theatre 1 at 199 Chambers St. Under the patronage of the Consul General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the event honored World Steelpan Day. Panazz: The Story is a feature-length film, co-directed by Adam and Barry Bartholomew. It narrates the journey of the Trinidadian jazz steelpan group from their humble beginnings to international acclaim. In 2023, the film won the People’s Choice Award at the Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival. After the screening, the Massy Trinidad All Stars took to the stage, and a few minutes later audience members—including BMCC administrators—were out of their seats and dancing in the aisles as well as on stage. The rhythmic melodies of the Steelpan orchestra not only entertained but also fostered a sense of unity and celebration among faculty and staff. The concert and screening were part of BMCC’s ongoing efforts to promote cultural awareness and appreciation among its faculty and staff. The participation of the Trinidad and Tobago Consul General further highlighted the importance of international collaboration in celebrating cultural heritage. Attendees left the event with a renewed appreciation for the steelpan and its role in the broader context of Caribbean history.
Directors Cut: BMCC Celebrates the 44 Year Career of Media Center Director Vinton Melbourne
Current and former BMCC community members celebrated the 44-year-career of Media Center Director Vinton Melbourne, who retired earlier this year, during an afternoon retirement party at Fiterman Hall Conference Center on August 21. In 1981, while still a BMCC student at the College’s former midtown location, Melbourne was hired as a College Assistant. Over the years, he served in several other media services positions and was officially appointed Director of the Media Center in 2019. During his career, through film and video, Melbourne documented many of BMCC’s most joyful and challenging historical moments, preserving it for generations to come. Event speakers included BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe and Vice President Corey Cush. The program was emceed by Media Center producer Lisa White. In a moving tribute, Student Affairs Vice President Marva Craig said, “You’ve been a director behind the scenes for many years, and you’ve been with BMCC for some of our best moments. You helped tell the story with care and heart.” After thanking Vice President Craig, Melbourne said, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. This journey has been a privilege, and I will hold on to the sweet memories of working at BMCC.” After thanking his Media Center team and revealing news that he and his wife are preparing for a move to Florida, a long line of friends and colleagues waited patiently to wish him well as he begins the next chapter.
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BMCC IDs Currently Available
BMCC IDs are currently available to all registered students and active employees at the Service Desk located in room S-141 of 199 Chambers Street, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit the Service Desk Knowledge Base.
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BMCC Cafeteria and Fiterman Café Open for Fall Semester
BMCC Cafeteria at 199 Chambers St. is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fiterman Café is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 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.
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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. |
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