CSI student Chandramauli Akidari, recipient of the second annual ARP scholarship, speaks at the fifth annual ARP luncheon.

The Academy of Retired Professors (ARP) celebrated the end of the academic year by awarding their second annual scholarship to Chandramauli Akidari, a School of Business student, triple majoring in Accounting, Finance, and Economics.

Adikari, an international student who is a native of Sri Lanka, noted the many benefits that he has experienced at CSI, “The quality, unique standards, phenomenal tutoring services, and outstanding professors are making my career a safe ride in my life.” He thanked the professors for the honor of recognizing him with a scholarship and the financial relief that it will afford him while he pursues his dream to practice and teach accounting.

Joan Hartman, retired Dean, presented Chandramauli Adikari as this year’s ARP Scholarship recipient. The award provides faculty with the opportunity to remember exceptional students they taught at CSI. Scholarships given in the name of retired faculty and staff express appreciation of and respect for those students who follow them.

Joining the members of ARP at their fifth annual luncheon in the Center for the Arts were special guests CSI President Dr. William J. Fritz and his wife, Dr. Bonnie Fritz. The President praised the contributions of the retired faculty and noted their crucial role in the history of the College, making special mention of their connection to CSI and its predecessor institutions’ past presidents. To honor and remember the rich history of CSI and its predecessor institutions, Dr. Fritz announced that portraits of the former presidents have been installed outside the President’s Office for all visitors to view.

Prof. Currie presented Jennifer Lynch, Associate Director of Annual Giving, with a certificate of appreciation for her assistance with coordinating their efforts during the academic year.

Those also in attendance included:

Howard Baumel, Joel Berger, Fairfid (Lorie) Caudle, Margaret Currie, Sherman Heller, Ann Helm, Jed Luchow, Roberta Klibaner, Ann Merlino, Peter Nigro, Howard Pierano, James Sanders, Morty Schiff, Joel Schwartz, David Seeley, Miriam Tausner, Roberta Vogel, Yousef Mohamed, Steve and Erika Zuckerman, and Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs Janine Scaff.

Co-chaired by retired Professors Irene Deitch (Psychology) and Richard Currie (English), ARP seeks to provide opportunities for its members to come together for social, recreational, and educational purposes, in support of the College and student success. ARP is comprised of faculty from CSI and its predecessor institutions, Staten Island Community College and Richmond College.