I hope this message finds you well. Hard to believe we are approaching the end of March! I write with information and updates that you may find of interest.
This week has been particularly productive. On Monday, the Board of Trustees’ Committee on Finance and Administration met, and we received updates on both the proposed city and state budgets (generally good news), as well as the systems’ fiscal year projections. Here at CSI, we remain on track to end the year in a positive fiscal position, and we continue to advocate for additional funding.
As Women’s History Month draws to a close, there were a pair of notable events to mark the occasion—one at CSI and another hosted by CUNY at Hunter College. The latter was a reception to honor women leaders who serve the system and our students, and I was pleased that a strong contingent represented our College at that event (I was unable to attend owing to a competing event with leaders from the New York Public Library at the CUNY Grad Center). The former, hosted by the Lucille and Jay Chazanoff School of Business, was an inaugural panel and networking event on “Women in Leadership.” It was altogether fitting that the event was the brainchild of Dean Susan Holak, who organized what will no doubt become a signature recurring event for the School and the College, one that recognized longtime benefactor and CSI friend, Lorraine DiPaolo. Students were able to learn from many accomplished and successful leaders (including a few CSI alumnae!) and discuss importance of mentorship, imposter syndrome, learning from failure, and making one’s way in the world while remaining true to one’s authentic self. It was an incredible exposition and one that I was honored to witness. The program was developed by our academic and career advisers from the CUNY Inclusive Economy Initiative; many thanks to Cliff Abdool, Nancy Mazinova, Michael Romano, and Jennifer Winn for their partnership and hard work on behalf of our students!
The week saw the welcome news that Stephen Ferst, Executive Director of the Center for Global Engagement, had been selected by the U.S. Fulbright Scholar Program award! As a result of this recognition, Dr. Ferst will attend the Fulbright International Education Administrator (IEA) program in Korea in June 2026, meeting with administrators from Korean Universities, Fulbright Officers, the Ministry of Education, and others to develop collaborations between the College and various Korean institutions. Congratulations, Stephen! Academic Affairs also launched a new event conceived of by interim Provost Holtzman, an “Academic Impact Recognition” ceremony honoring “unsung heroes” among our colleagues. This event—along with an upcoming reception in honor of those securing tenure/CCE who had been on hiatus—celebrates those who achieve remarkable milestones, or who contribute to student success in myriad ways. With retention improving, credit accumulation accelerating, and graduation rates rising, our faculty deserve accolades and shout-outs. Many thanks to all for the work you do to ensure access to a transformative educational experience for our students.
Members of my administrative team and I had a productive PSC Labor-Management meeting with union representatives to discuss matters of concern. The conversation was frank and cordial, allowing us to become aware of—and plan to address—issues before they become problems. I appreciate the candor and advocacy to make this campus a safer, more desirable place to work. My busy week ended with a much-anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Innovation Hub, located at Lighthouse Point, attended by Chancellor Matos-Rodríguez, New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley, community partners, and local elected officials. The Innovation Hub is an expansion of our Technology Training program, and features flexible co-working areas, collaboration zones, and state-of-the-art labs that will foster entrepreneurship, workforce development, and industry partnerships. Following that event, the Chancellor and I met with Borough President Vito Fossella to discuss matters of concern for the campus and to reiterate the comprehensive economic and social impact our College plays in the local community. It was a wonderful session, and I am pleased and proud to have such supportive partners in the work that we do each and every day.
On Monday, I’m back at Lighthouse Point to meet with President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, John Williams, who is meeting with BP Fossella and me to tour the Hub and discuss economic opportunities and challenges on Staten Island, and learn about development on Staten Island’s North Shore.
Finally, please consider joining us at our Second Annual Jodi Merendino-Bencivenga 5K on Sunday, May 17. This special event is a wonderful opportunity to connect, support, and honor an integral member of our community who is deeply missed.
I will be traveling over Spring Break, so my messages will likely be on hiatus, but I wish all who celebrate a Happy Easter and joyous Passover!
Until next time,
Timothy G. Lynch, Ph.D.
