News

Professor Acosta Awarded for Research Article on an Enslaved Woman in Colonial Santo Domingo Race and Ethnic Studies Professor Lissette Acosta has won the Haiti-Dominican Republic Section Article Prize from the Latin American Studies Association for her article, "Elena: Running to Dance and Other Defects in Colonial Santo Domingo (1771-73)," released October 2021 in the journal "Women, Gender and Families of Color" at the University of Kansas. The article centers on Elena, an enslaved woman in late colonial Santo Domingo, and stresses the importance of archival research in giving a voice to the enslaved, even if they are not speaking for themselves. Professor Acosta has won numerous awards for her scholarly work, and teaches Dominican History and the History of Latinos in the U.S., at BMCC.

Students Tackle Global and Local Issues in NSF-Sponsored Ideathon The BMCC Technology Learning Community — a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project group that provides students with opportunities to build STEM classroom success and prepares them for the STEM workforce — hosted its first BMCC Ideathon during the month of March. The event was organized around three themes: Racial Justice, Misinformation and Disinformation, and Consumer Safety. Students on the winning teams landed internships in the BMCC Technology Learning Community Summer 2022.

Assessment Day Colloquium Examines How to Erase Barriers to Student Success: May 13 
The BMCC Academic Assessment Committee invites students, faculty and staff to join the in-person and online Assessment Day Colloquium: "Assessment During a Crisis: Assessing Student Retention in a Post-COVID Era," on Friday, May 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be two plenary speakers, break-out sessions and panels. The BMCC Academic Assessment Committee will share faculty and student survey results that are part of ongoing efforts to promote learning, retention and timely graduation at BMCC. The aim of this colloquium is to examine the barriers to student success and discuss solutions. If you have any questions, contact Professor Quentin Angus at qangus@bmcc.cuny.edu. Please register now for this important event.

Dean’s Award Recipient Bridget Screvane Envisions a Better World Through A.I. Working full time in a textile company in Manhattan — assisting with marketing, trade shows, photo shoots and archiving the collection — Bridget Screvane took five classes each semester, participated in research projects, PTK and club activities, and pulled off a 4.0 GPA, completing her Computer Science degree in two years. Her goal is to become a machine-learning engineer, creating artificial neural networks that mimic the biological brain and using those constructed networks to create algorithms for intelligence systems. The benefits to patient care attracted her to the field. "Fashion transforms the world, and so does computer science. They both help people live the kind of lives they want,” Screvane says.

Phi Theta Kappa Recognizes BMCC Chapter Members New BMCC alumni Criminal Justice major Gideon Andrew, Science major Nana Wiafe Addae-Owusu and Liberal Arts major Moses Quiles have been selected for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society All-New York Team. First Team member Addae-Owusu will receive the Coca Cola Silver Team Scholarship of $1,250. Second Team members Andrew and Quiles are eligible for scholarships to be determined. Addae-Owusu, who wants to pursue a career as a cardiologist, completed research at BMCC with Professor Alexander Gosslau on molecular mechanisms of bioactives in natural plant extracts; specifically, exploring the use of black tea to treat chronic inflammation. He will continue his higher education at The City College of New York, CUNY. Andrew is set to start John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Fall 2022.

Public Health Major Tsehay Gebreyes Wins Scholarship to Attend Prestigious Research Conference BMCC Public Health major Tsehay Gebreyes was nominated by Health Education Professor Yuliya Shneyderman to receive the 21st Century Student Scholarship to attend the virtual annual meeting of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) in March 2022. She was also listed as co-author with Professor Shneyderman on a conference poster presentation, “Knowledge and attitudes of NYC park-goers about Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs)” and is co-authoring a research article with Professor Shneyderman, who explains that they are working on the public health side of this interdisciplinary BMCC research project, surveying people’s knowledge and attitudes toward HABs, while colleagues are measuring biological impact.

Announcements

DEADLINE MAY 6: Submit Your Ballot for the 2021-2022 Employee Appreciation Awards BMCC students, faculty and staff, show your appreciation for staff (non-faculty) who demonstrate outstanding achievement and creative contributions through their role at BMCC — beyond what is normally expected of employees. SUBMIT ONE BALLOT with a detailed nomination in any or all categories: Leadership, Inspiration, Innovation/Technology, Rookie of the Year and Team Achievement.

Security Officer Training Starts May 16; Submit Referrals by May 5
Overall employment of security guards and officers is projected to grow 15% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. If you or someone you know is interested in security guard training, the BMCC administered, SUNY Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center (Manhattan EOC) at 163 West 125th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10027, offers a free, fully remote Security Officer Training for 8- and 16-hour certifications — as well as job placement assistance — starting Monday, May 16. To apply for the training, please submit partner referrals  no later than Thursday, May 5. Applicants are encouraged to apply online and submit their Admissions documents immediately, to documents@man.eoc.cuny.edu.

BMCC Students Can Receive Free Bag of Produce  Currently registered BMCC students can receive a free bag of fresh produce, thanks to a partnership between the New York City Council, CUNY and Grow NYC. The produce distribution will take place on Tuesdays through June 21 between 12 and 3 p.m. in the Lower Lobby at BMCC’s 199 Chambers Street campus. Students must register to be put on the distribution list, by emailing Regina Shields, Student Life Specialist, at rshields@bmcc.cuny.edu, or the Office of Student Affairs.

Petrie and STEM Summer Tuition Waivers Help Students Complete Their Degrees 
BMCC will offer two tuition waivers in Summer 2022: the Petrie Completion Waiver and the STEM Waiver. To be eligible, students must be degree-seeking at BMCC. Each waiver covers $210 per credit. Please note that only the tuition for the course will be waived and students will be responsible for all fees and materials, such as textbooks. To qualify, students must have registered no later than May 1 for classes starting May 31, and no later than June 15 for classes starting July 20.

• Students eligible for the Petrie Completion waiver must have three or fewer courses left to complete their associate degree and use the waiver to complete those courses. They can apply one tuition waiver in the summer session beginning May 31 and one in the session starting July 20. 
• Students eligible for the STEM waiver must be an NYC resident and U.S. citizen or permanent resident at the time the waiver is applied. They must enroll in a credit-bearing math, science or computer science course that counts toward their degree and can apply the one waiver each for classes in the summer sessions starting May 31 and July 20. Other courses covered by the STEM waiver are: ANI 401, 402 and 260; any CIS, EMC 100 and 303; HIT 210, LIN 101, MEA 201 and 371; MMA 100, MMP 100, NUR 415, PHI 110, PSY 100 and RTT 210.

For more information, please contact the Academic Advisement and Transfer Center, aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

BMCC Panther Pantry Assists Students Facing Food Insecurity  BMCC students facing a food emergency are encouraged to visit the Panther Pantry and take home pre-packed bags of nutritious, non-perishable food. The pantry distributes bags of food, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hot meals are distributed Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. at 199 Chambers Street, Room S-230. For more information, contact the Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) at arc@bmcc.cuny.edu or call (212) 220-8195.

Enrollment

Summer and Fall 2022 Advisement and Registration is Open
Faculty and staff, please encourage students to schedule a Zoom meeting with their advisor to discuss their academic progress and registration. Things to know: All students must meet with their advisor before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or meet with a Panther Station Specialists on Zoom. When choosing classes on CUNYfirst, students should pay close attention to the class meeting mode (in-person, online or hybrid), as well as the class session (15, 8 or 7 weeks). Students attending in-person or hybrid classes must upload proof of vaccination. For more information, visit the Registration page or contact Academic Advisement at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Admissions is Back in the Swing with In-Person Events 
The Admissions and Recruitment team is reintegrating on-campus Tours and Information Sessions. Campus Tours will be offered Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. and the Information Sessions at 3 p.m. Be on the lookout for new and friendly faces around campus. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at (212) 220-1265 or admissions@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Making Headlines

BMCC alumna Cardi B (Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar), reaches a net worth of $40 million and six billion You Tube views
May 4, 2022 — The Tough Tackle

BMCC Professor Rose M. Kim joins panel to commemorate 30-year anniversary of Sa-I-Ga Uprising
April 29, 2022 — Patch.com

BMCC Professor Liza Chowdhury, advocate for students in correctional facilities, is panelist at Gun Violence Summit
April 28, 2022 — Insider NJ

Human Resources

Try Recipes of the Month for a Cinco De Mayo Feast 
From Huevos Rancheros to Spicy Cucumber Margaritas,these healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, sides, drinks and desserts will help you celebrate the whole month of May. For more inspiration, check out these nutrition and culinary workshops from DOHMH each Tuesday from 12 to 12:30 p.m. on Facebook Live.

Enjoy Healthy Tips and Move More! 
WorkWell Digital provides Healthy Tips and recipes, as well as virtual yoga, stretching, cardio classes and more through June.

Mandatory Trainings for Full- and Part-Time Staff and Faculty Available on Zoom    
The Office of Human Resources will host virtual sessions for ESPARC (Employee Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course) and WPV (Workplace Violence Prevention) trainings via Zoom during the Spring 2022 semester. For dates, times and to reserve a spot, please visit the Human Resources Training and Development page.

Mental Health Month: Find Support through CCA@YourService 
May is Mental Health Month, sponsored by Mental Health America (MHA), highlights how important mental health is to personal success, positive relationships, physical health and overall wellbeing. You'll find a wealth of helpful information on the CCA@YourService webpage. Use the Company Code: CUNY.

Donors and Alumni

Save the Date: BMCC "Invest in a Future" Gala, October 27
The BMCC Foundation is pleased to present the college's most important fundraising event — BMCC's "Invest in a Future" Gala, scheduled October 27, 2022 (6 p.m., cocktail hour; 7 p.m., program). This year's theme is "Empowering Student Success," and the event will raise funds for student scholarships. To learn more about the Gala, send an email to: advancementevents@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Swing into Spring – Invest Today!
When you invest in a BMCC student you are investing in a future leader.  Your generosity will support student scholarships and enhance the college experience for our current and future scholars.  Spring into action with a gift and invest in our students, today.  Your gift, of any amount will enrich programming, bridge the academic gap, and boost the trajectory of our students’ futures.  As an BMCC friend or alumni you know the value of a BMCC education—helping students graduate and move on to fulfilling their potential of being future leaders. INVEST TODAY!

For more information on supporting BMCC and our students, please visit Ways to Give or email the Office of Institutional Advancement at advancement@bmcc.cuny.edu

Recent Alumnus Romario Ricketts Earns Full Scholarship to Penn State Law Romario Ricketts (Communication Students, ’19) has been awarded a full merit scholarship to Penn State Law of Pennsylvania State University, starting August 2022. After graduating from BMCC, Ricketts earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science degree in the Macaulay Honors College at Lehman College. His career goal is to work in criminal defense and policy reform, as well as immigration law. “An elective I reluctantly selected during my first semester at BMCC altered the arc of my undergraduate studies and professional career,” says Ricketts. “Titled ‘The Black Man in Contemporary Society,’ the course introduced me to the injustices in the criminal justice system, the fight to vote, as well as meaningful reforms today. With each reading, I was as disturbed as I was inspired. Midway through my first semester, I changed my major. I discovered I wanted a career working on social justice issues, touching lives and creating change."

Calendar

Online Internship Information Session
May 9

Workshop: How to Apply to BMCC Plus Virtual Tour
May 10

Calling all Creators, Makers and DIYers!
May 11

Women's Resource Center End of year Closing Ceremony
May 11

It's Showtime: Preparing for Finals
May 11

Fit Mind Series: Relax, Reduce, Rejuvenate, Round Trip Through Self Care
May 12

Free Naturalization Clinic
May 24 (deadline to register is May 16)

Connect with BMCC

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Faculty and staff: Submit items for consideration in an upcoming @BMCC to publicaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu by 12 noon, Wednesday.