L-R: Ken Iwama, William J. Fritz, Mark Erlenwein, Gary Reichard, Dean of the CSI School of Education Ken Gold, and Executive Director of the 30,000 Degrees program Crystal Montalvo

Last January, the College of Staten Island Willowbrook Campus welcomed approximately 115 administrators and faculty members from Staten Island Technical High School (SITHS) for an exclusive visit at the College as part of the 30,000 Degrees, a joint initiative of the College of Staten Island (CUNY), St. John’s University, and Wagner College that aspires to add 30,000 more Borough residents with Bachelor’s degrees or higher over a ten year period.

The day opened with a presentation from CSI President Dr. William J. Fritz, who underscored CSI’s growing list of accomplishments and national accolades, as well as, the College’s new Strategic Plan: Opportunity to Ascend.

Following the President, Principal Mark Erlenwein of SITHS, an alumnus of CSI, discussed the historical relationship and ties between CSI and his institution, and CSI Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Gary Reichard and Vice President for Economic Development, Continuing Studies, and Government Relations Ken Iwama concluded the opening presentations with a warm welcome to the guests and a message that reinforced CSI’s excitement and commitment to a long-term partnership with the school.

After a lunch, where guests form SITHS seated alongside their CSI counterparts by subject area, the visitors were treated to a tour of the campus that showcased the College’s labs, facilities, and latest additions.

Speaking of the visit, Dr. Fritz stated, ““This event marks yet another milestone for the 30,000 Degree initiative. From the inception of 30,000 Degrees, Staten Island Technical High School and the College of Staten Island have engaged in valuable collaborations through CSI’s academic departments, the CSI Tech Incubator, and through our Geographic Information System programming, to name a few. This historic visit to the College by SITHS, which facilitated important discussions and meetings between numerous faculty and staff from both institutions, will create even greater integrations and synergies to benefit all of our students. I commend the leadership of Mark Erlenwein and the great teachers, staff, and students of SITHS.”