News

Modern Languages Professor Sophie Maríñez Awarded 2026 ACLS Fellowship

Modern Languages Professor Sophie Maríñez has been awarded a 2026 ACLS Fellowship by the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS). The ACLS Fellowship Program is the organization’s longest-running program and supports outstanding scholarship in the humanities and social sciences. Professor Maríñez is one of just 63 scholars who was selected from a pool of more than 2,000 applicants through a multi-stage peer review process. ACLS Fellowships provide up to $60,000 to support scholars for six to 12 months of full-time research and writing.  The research Professor Maríñez is conducting situates José Francisco Peña Gómez’s speeches, writings, and political practice within a broader Caribbean intellectual production on democracy, humanism, and social transformation.

BMCC Professors and Students Attend WNYC Conversation with Mayor Mamdani on His First 100 Days

Urban Studies Professor Shirley Leyro and Sociology Professor Deborah Gambs, along with five BMCC students—Lily Shat, Samuel Alvarez, Tislon Johnakin-Richards, Taliyah Johnson, and Ethel Hinneh—were selected to attend the live recording of a WNYC radio conversation with Mayor Zohran Mamdani discussing his first 100 days in office. The event also featured a panel discussion on the continued influence of Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, who served in office from 1934 to 1945, a moment of great challenge and change. BMCC graduate Alvarez, who is now at Lehman College, said he came away from the event with a better understanding of how complex city-level decision-making is, especially on issues surrounding housing, childcare, and community trust. “One thing that stood out to me was the emphasis on actually listening to communities when shaping policy,” said Alvarez. “That really connected to what I’ve learned in sociology and what I see in my work. It was definitely inspiring and reinforced the importance of combining community voices with leadership to create real change.” In addition to his studies, Alvarez works at The Fortune Society as an Administrative Property Manager, where he supports individuals transitioning back into the community through housing and reentry services.

BMCC Students Participate in CUNY Model Senate at State Capital in Albany

Four BMCC students— Earl Johnson, Luisandy Espino Ramos, Mithila Chondo Mim, and Yesenia Soto—participated in the 2026 CUNY Model Senate Session held at the New York State capital on April 18 and 19 in Albany.  The Model Senate Session provides CUNY participants with a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills in a legislative and policy-making setting, emphasizing critical thinking, career readiness and communication. Before heading to Albany, the students participated in an intensive training program that included evening and weekend sessions with faculty mentors. Political Science Professor Heather James said the CUNY Model Senate experience gives students a first-hand understanding of how the state legislature works. “The Model Senate pulls back the curtain and literally puts students in the halls of power,” said Professor James. “Students have the opportunity to meet with Senators and sit in their desks. They have the opportunity to see themselves in a place that most New York residents never visit.” In addition to Professor James, Political Science Professor Cody Campbell and BMCC’s Director of Government and Community Relations, Doug Israel accompanied the students to Albany.

Join Millions Around the World on Denim Day April 29

On April 29, BMCC will join millions of people across the world that will wear jeans with a purpose, support survivors, and educate ourselves and others about sexual assault. Denim Day is an annual campaign held on the last Wednesday of April, coinciding with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, to raise awareness about sexual violence and challenge misconceptions surrounding it. The event encourages people to wear denim as a visible statement of support for survivors and to protest against victim-blaming attitudes and behaviors related to sexual assault. The origins of Denim Day date back to the 1990’s, following a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court that dismissed a rape case on the grounds that the victim's tight jeans indicated consent. In response, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans to symbolize their outrage and solidarity, which sparked a global movement advocating for survivors and challenging harmful stereotypes. Learn more about Denim Day.

Students Empowered by Financial Literacy Workshop

Conexiones & Connections, in collaboration with Crear Futuros and the BMCC Library, successfully hosted a Financial Literacy Workshop for BMCC students on April 17 at 199 Chambers St. The event, sponsored by State Farm, provided tools for students to take control of their financial futures by building well informed money habits. Participants explored key topics such as budgeting, saving, credit management, and financial planning, gaining practical tools and insights from trusted professionals. Conexiones & Connections Program Manager Esther Rosa offered special thanks to the workshop’s facilitator Greg LoCascio of State Farm, who shared valuable knowledge and expertise with the students.

CREAR Futuros Students Attend NY Yankees Game

Fourteen students from BMCC’s CREAR Futuros program joined students from across CUNY for a baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals on April 18 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. In addition to BMCC, the outing was organized by CREAR Futuros programs throughout CUNY.  The event provided opportunities for connecting with peers and decompressing from course-work. Fátima Aviles, Director of CREAR Futuros & College Initiatives from the Hispanic Federation, attended and spent time speaking with the BMCC students. “Overall, the experience was highly positive, helping students have fun while deepening their relationships with mentees across campus,” said Maria Dorado Amigon, Crear Futuros Liaison.

2026 Student Exhibition Open through May 15 at Shirley Fiterman Art Center

BMCC’s 2026 student exhibition opened April 22 with a reception at Shirley Fiterman Art Center at Fiterman Hall’s 81 Barclay Street entrance. The annual exhibition features work from BMCC’s Color and Design, Digital Imaging, Drawing, Painting, Photography, & Sculpture and 3D Design classes. The Shirley Fiterman Art Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. by appointment.

BMCC Volunteers Help Spruce Up and Beautify Washington Market Park for Earth Day

More than 20 volunteers came together with BMCC’s Coalition Club on April 21 to help enhance, spruce up and beautify Washington Market Park with new plantings as part of the College’s observance of Earth Day. The Friends of Washington Market Park expressed their gratitude for BMCC’s continued partnership and commitment to community service.

Liberal Arts Professor Discusses Bio-Degradable Fashion and Bacterial Labor

Liberal Arts Professor Elizabeth Wissinger’s research into whether bio-based materials can offer an alternative to synthetic fabrics and the wear-once, throwaway habits of fashion are explored in a CUNY Research in Focus feature article and a Graduate Center podcast released this week. Professor Wissinger has theorized about the labor inherent in maintaining a glamourous image and how wearable technology genders the users. On her recent sabbatical, she went to England and delved deep into her to-read list to explore how bio-designed fabrics capture the work of tiny creatures. Read the full article here and listen to the podcast here.

BMCC Students Make their Voices Heard in Nation’s Capitol

A group of BMCC Conexiones students traveled to Washington, DC on April 21, for the two-day HACU Capitol Forum organized by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. While in DC the students learned about the role Hispanic Serving Institutions play in the educational landscape and the importance of federal investment. On day two, the students went to Capitol Hill to meet with Members of Congress to speak about the Conexiones program, funded by a $3 million Title V HSI grant, and make the case for increased federal support for HSIs. Students met with Congressman Adriano Espaillat just off the floor of the Capitol, as well as staff members for New York State Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand as well as Congressman Dan Goldman who represents Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. “We were thrilled to once again be able to make this trip to DC and for our students to get a better understanding of the legislative process and how they can have a voice in that process,” said Doug Israel, BMCC Director of Government and Community Relations, who accompanied the students, along with Julio Vaca, advisor to the UMLA and Conexiones programs.

Making Headlines

BMCC Alum Carlene Hunte-Nelson, current research fellow with the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy pens Op-Ed on Rethinking Immigrant integration

April 15, 2026—City Limits

Did You Know?

April is Community College Month
Read more here.

Announcements

BMCC Community Invited to Attend State of the College April 30 BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe will deliver the 2026 State of the College address on April 30 starting at 1:30 p.m. in Theatre 2 at 199 Chambers Street.  All students, faculty and staff are invited to attend the event, which is an opportunity to celebrate our collective achievements as a nationally recognized institution. President Munroe will discuss the College’s key priorities, growth opportunities and calls to action.

Faculty from all Disciplines Invited to Participate in Civic Learning and Knowledge Summer Institute—Register by May 1

BMCC Faculty from all disciplines are invited to participate in a three-day Faculty Summer Institute that seeks to integrate civic learning and knowledge into every syllabus. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, BMCC students will need the skills to understand exactly how democracy works and distinguish fact from misinformation.  Faculty who are interested in helping build these skills, by using close reading of foundational texts and the building of civic knowledge, should sign up.  Funded by a 2026 Teagle Foundation grant, the Summer Institute, seeks to strengthen BMCC students' ability to participate meaningfully in New York City’s civic life. The institute will take place on Zoom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 2, 3 and 4. Interested faculty should sign up at this link by May 1.

Spring Film Festival Submissions Open until April 27

BMCC students are invited to submit their films to be shown in the Spring 2026 Film Festival. Films can be submitted until April 27 at 11:59 p.m. The Film Festival will take place on Sunday, May 3 from 4-9 p.m. The venue is Theatre II, Main Building (199 Chambers Street). The event is free and open to the public. Guests can RSVP online

BMCC 61st Commencement Set for June 4 at Barclays Center

BMCC’s Office of Student Affairs has extended an invitation to the College community for the 2026 Commencement ceremony on June 4 at Barclays Center. Faculty and staff participating in the ceremony may begin arriving at 7:30 a.m., but no later than 8:30 a.m., with additional information regarding caps and gowns to follow. Students are also advised to arrive at 7:30 a.m., but no later than 8:30 a.m. The ceremony is expected to conclude by 12:30 p.m. Click here for more details.

Human Resources

Cybersecurity Awareness Training Available Now

The 2025–26 CUNY Cybersecurity Awareness Training is now available. Every active employee is required to complete this training each year to help protect university data and enhance our cybersecurity.

This is the first year that all compliance trainings are being offered through Brightspace. While the deadline for completion has been extended to May 29, 2026, to match the schedule of other compliance training, we encourage all employees to log in and complete the required courses as soon as possible. 

Required Training:

• Cybersecurity Awareness Training

Deadline: 

• All full-time and part-time faculty and staff must complete the 40-minute course no later than May 29, 2026.
• Faculty and staff who become inactive in CUNYfirst will lose access to the training. 

How to Access Training: 

You have been automatically enrolled in your required compliance courses. 

To get started: 

1. Log in to Brightspace. 
2. Go to the "Compliance" section under My Courses. 
3. Select and complete Cybersecurity Awareness Training.

Note: New employees gain access the day after their CUNYfirst record becomes active. 

To confirm completion of any CUNY Compliance course: 

1. Log into CUNYfirst. 
2. Select Employee Self-Service and click the Other Employee Tasks tile.
3. Select the Compliance link to display all the compliance training activities.

Resources & Support: 

• Need help? Contact CIS Training at CISTraining@cuny.edu.

Thank you for your continued commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and responsible digital environment for all members of the CUNY community.

Annual Compliance Training Available Online

We are pleased to announce the launch of CUNY’s 2025–2026 annual compliance training program. All employees are required to complete their assigned trainings in Brightspace, the University’s new learning management system. This is the first year compliance trainings are being offered through Brightspace. We encourage all employees to log in and complete the required courses as soon as possible.

Required Trainings:

• ESPARC: Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course
• WVP: Workplace Violence Prevention Training
• GBVT: Gender-Based Violence Training (Required for HR professionals and employees who supervise at least one direct report)

Deadlines:

• Full-time employees must complete all assigned trainings by May 29, 2026.
• Part-time employees, including adjuncts, must complete their trainings by May 29, 2026, or by the end of their employment for the semester, whichever comes first.
• Employees who become inactive in CUNYfirst will lose access to the trainings.

How to Access Your Trainings:
You have been automatically enrolled in your required compliance courses.
To get started:

1. Log in to Brightspace
2. Go to the "Compliance" section under My Courses

New employees will gain access the day after their CUNYfirst record becomes active.

Resources and Supports:

• Employee Navigation Guide
• Compliance Training FAQs
• Need help? Contact your campus compliance administrator.

Thank you for your continued commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all members of the CUNY community.

Sports and Wellness

Men’s Baseball: BMCC wins over Queensborough

Follow the Panthers The BMCC athletic program leads eight varsity teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level. For more news on the Panthers, visit the official site of BMCC Athletics and follow the Panthers on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Calendar

CUNY in The Heights Job Fair

April 25

Weekly Yoga Class

April 28

Asian Heritage Month: Annual Tea Tasting

April 29

@BMCC is produced and published by the Office of Public Affairs.

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