I hope that you are enjoying the lovely weather as I write with updates and information concerning recent activities that you may find of interest. Much has transpired since I last wrote.
The College and its employees were recently recognized for their accomplishments and achievements in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. For the second consecutive year the campus was recognized as a Fulbright HSI Leader by the Department of State. This award—given to less than 20% of eligible institutions—reflects the College’s commitment to international education, either through faculty exchanges, study abroad, or other like programs. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we take great pride in our mission to serve our communities, both local and global. Our commitment to diversity can also be seen in the works of our own Robert King Kee, Assistant Director of Student Life, Leadership, and Civic Engagement who was honored by the local Staten Island NAACP chapter with one of its highest accolades, the William A. Morris Humanitarian Award. Congratulations Robert!
The awards continued to come as CSI was recognized for its work in the New York Emmy winning documentary The Path Forward: Remembering Willowbrook. Produced by the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the campus’s Willowbrook Legacy Project was central to the film, and many CSI employees and stakeholders were interviewed and/or filmed for the project. This opportunity to support the other agencies that were involved in disability rights activism is an excellent argument for why CSI matters. This news was soon followed by a visit from my good friend and former colleague Dr. Chris Rosa, President & CEO of The Viscardi Center, a network of nonprofit organizations that educate, employ, and empower individuals with disabilities, with whom we discussed opportunities for collaboration and partnership. Our commitment to our students and our communities is unwavering even amid potentially challenging political landscapes.
This commitment was reaffirmed at the monthly Council of President’s meeting (where we discussed myriad issues including the use of artificial intelligence in higher education, received updates on forthcoming budget requests, learned of plans for forthcoming campus climate surveys, and were briefed on upcoming fundraising initiatives) and in the Chancellor’s memo of that same day (11/06/24 – Processing Current Events – The City University of New York). As always, we are, and will remain, committed to working closely with elected leaders to ensure that students and the institution as a whole receive the support necessary for continued success; ensuring that students have access to resources, funding, and a supportive environment for learning and development.
The week also saw the agenda-setting meeting of the College Council Executive Committee (where we discussed developments as related to campus transportation challenges, our faculty hiring plan, and other topics), a bi-weekly meeting of the Senior College Presidents (where we discussed international education, succession planning, and budgetary matters) and a meeting of the CSI Foundation’s Committees on Finance and Investment, where we discussed (and approved!) scholarship allocations and the first quarter financials. Thank you to the Board for your continued and steadfast commitment to our students!
The week also saw the Department of Physical Therapy’s White Coat Ceremony, where students were recognized for moving into their clinical studies, and the annual Staten Island Economic Development Corporation’s Health and Wellness Exposition. Attended by several hundred community members, health care providers and related businesses, the Expo demonstrated once again the role that CSI plays in the community as we are a hub and “go to” location for so many people in our borough. There was a tremendous turnout and it’s so gratifying to know that our campus has such a great impact on the Island.
The busy week also provided the opportunity to visit with New York State Senator (and CSI alumnus) Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, where she announced her sponsorship of Bill S8596-A, which expands eligibility under the Veterans Tuition Awards program (VTA) to non-active combat veterans. Expanding this program would recognize the service of all veterans and correct the existing disparity of who is eligible for benefits. Currently, just ten percent of CUNY’s veterans are active combat, so this legislation would extend benefits to more veteran students.
As we approach Veteran’s Day, CUNY welcomes and supports veterans and reservists on its campuses and recognizes the contribution that they make as citizens and students. CUNY is proud of the level of diversity and academic excellence that our 2,400 veterans and reservists bring to our campuses. Each CUNY college has appointed a veteran affairs representative to address the needs of veterans on campus, and at CSI we are fortunate to have Laura Scazzafavo (U.S. NAVY) lead our efforts here. CUNY continues to augment its role as a national leader in serving its student-veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces by improving designated campus spaces, augmenting wellness and mental health services, expanding and adding to scholarship opportunities and enacting targeted fundraising strategies to enable these initiatives. CUNY’s student-veteran population is 33% Black, 27% Hispanic, 24% White and 17% Asian; 26% of the University’s student-veterans are women: the University’s Director of Veteran Affairs, Lisa Beatha (U.S. ARMY) is a CSI graduate. I take great pride in our status as a Purple Heart and Military-Friendly Institution, and I am sure you join me in thanking all of our military veterans for their service on behalf of our great country.
Until next time,
Timothy G. Lynch, Ph.D. (he/him/his)
President, College of Staten Island
