[gallery] Dean’s List Recognition Ceremony

The College of Staten Island celebrated the achievements of some of its brightest students recently, at its annual Dean’s List Recognition Ceremony in the Center of the Arts Concert Hall.

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The student speaker, Mohammad Chughtai, a Marketing major with the School of Business  and a senior in the Macaulay Honors College, told his fellow honorees that he was, “proud to stand with you: some of the brightest, most accomplished scholars CUNY has to offer. Evenings like these are what make the sleepless nights spent studying, the early 8am classes, and the myriad of group presentations worth it.”

Chughtai went on to discuss his experience representing CSI’s new School of Business in an international business simulation called Mike’s Bikes. “We competed against top universities from the United States and around the world, including students from Israeli, South African, and Indian institutions, among others. This was the School of Business’s founding year, so it was clear we were an underdog coming in. With the help of Professor Heidi Bertels, of the Management Department in the School of Business, we finished fourth overall, among over 80 international teams, Chughtai said, adding, “That simulation competition was among the most influential learning periods in my four years at the College of Staten Island, because it brought all of my business learning together into one setting.”

He finished his remarks by explaining why graduates from CSI are entering life after college fully prepared for any obstacles that may come their way. “CSI graduates come out not only with the book knowledge that everyone else does, but also with experience applying that knowledge in the real world.”

Speaking to the honorees, CSI President Dr. William J. Fritz said, “Your achievements have helped drive the College of Staten Island’s ascension to national prominence and recognition. CSI is currently ranked 48th out of 2,500 schools based on metrics assessed by TIME magazine, and our honors programs—Macaulay Honors and The Verrazano School—are attaining record enrollments and the Teacher Education Honors Academy continues to thrive. Much of this hard-earned success is due to you students sitting here this evening, the best and brightest students who are making the choice to come to CSI are leading the charge.”

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Fred Naider followed the President, recognizing the members of the College administration and outlining the criteria for Dean’s List inclusion.

Following the students’ comments, Dr. Michael Paris, Professor, Department of Global Affairs and Political Science, addressed the audience as the Dean’s List Faculty Speaker. Dr. Ava Chin, Professor, Department of English, and Dr. William L’Amoreaux, Professor, Department of Biology, recognized the Dean’s List Students, who individually approached the lectern to receive a medallion and have their picture taken with President Fritz.

The ceremony concluded with the closing remarks from Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. A. Ramona Brown, and a reception accompanied by music from the CSI Jazz Repertory in the Center for the Arts Atrium.