The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) has named the College of Staten Island to its list of Platinum Chapters. CSI is one of only ten schools, including DePaul and Purdue universities, to earn the honor.
According to NSCS, “All recipients of this honor are NSCS chapters that have continuously displayed strong leadership and provided community service and networking opportunities for their members. They have successfully sustained a significant level of engagement, fundraising, member recruitment and more. Over the past year, these NSCS chapters have embodied the society’s pillars of scholarship, leadership and service through programming and events.”
College of Staten Island Interim President Dr. Timothy G. Lynch commented on the recognition, saying, “This is a proud moment for our College, once again recognizing the level of excellence that we provide to our students, and our community, as the only public institution of higher learning in the Borough.”
Lisa French, the CSI NSCS Chapter advisor, said, “The last two years our chapter has done a herculean job of revitalizing the NSCS chapter on campus…The new life that our current officers have breathed into the chapter is particularly impressive given the myriad of challenges the last two years have presented to all of us. Currently, membership and activities both on campus and online have been expanded to include workshops with faculty, personal statement writing sessions, and mental health sessions. They now write a highly effective and informative newsletter weekly to all members. Additionally, the chapter activities have branched out into the community, where the officers, have coordinated blood drives, clothing drives, and toy drives—even bringing on corporate partners like Starbucks. The group also fundraises and volunteers with local organizations such as Charmed for Change, Active Minds, Safe Horizons, and Richmond Historical Society among others. I am very proud of the work that the members have put in. Their creativity, resilience, and hard work are truly commendable.”
NSCS Chapter President and Macaulay Honors College student Felicia Gambino, commented, “As I stepped into the role of Chapter President this past year, the goal of increasing our presence not only on campus, but in the community, was at the forefront of everything we planned. From professional development events, to community partnerships with various organizations and corporations like Starbucks, my fellow officers and I worked endlessly to ensure that members had a plethora of events and initiatives to become a part of. To say that our chapter being ranked third in the nation is an honor would be an understatement for how our officers feel. Receiving Platinum Status proved to us that with dedication, ambition, and hard work, anyone can overcome any obstacle that life puts in their way. I am beyond proud of my officers and our hard-work this year and thank everyone that has supported us in this past year.”
According to its Website, “The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) is an honors organization that recognizes and elevates high-achieving students. NSCS provides career and graduate school connections, leadership and service opportunities, and gives out more than $500,000 annually in scholarships, awards, and chapter funds.”
By Terry Mares
