News

The Aspen Institute Names BMCC as a Top 200 U.S. Community College Eligible for 2027 Aspen Prize

The Aspen Institute has named BMCC one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The 200 colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. Started in 2010, this is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize. BMCC is one of four CUNY community colleges selected. This is the first time since the inception of the Aspen Prize that 200 colleges are eligible to apply, growing from 150. This year, in addition to publicly available federal data, over 600 colleges authorized the use of National Student Clearinghouse data on their institution’s degree completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates for full- and part-time students. Read the President's message here. The full list can be accessed on the Aspen Prize homepage. 

BMCC Celebrates Italian Heritage Month with Consul General Di Michele, Consulate General of Italy in New York

BMCC welcomed Consul General Fabrizio Di Michele from the Consulate General of Italy in New York to the College’s annual Italian Heritage Month celebration on October 30 in Richard Harris Terrace. “It is truly an honor to gather with you here today to celebrate Italian Heritage Month at BMCC,” said BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe during his welcoming remarks. Speaking to the Consul General, Dr. Munroe added, “Your presence truly elevates this occasion and underscores the ties between Italy and our local community, right here in the heart of Manhattan. Thank you for joining us today.” During his remarks, the Consul General noted that the Tri-State area is home to around 4.2 million Americans of Italian descent. “For Italian Americans, this is a celebration of their heritage over the last 150 years—it’s about migration, hard work, sacrifice, discrimination, and then fulfilling the American dream,” said Consul General Di Michele. The morning-to-afternoon event also included a buffet lunch and featured a discussion of Michelangelo’s sculptures and poetry by Modern Languages as well as Music and Art faculty. There were also performances of Italian music featuring BMCC music majors, and a live Commedia dell’Arte show with BMCC Theatre majors.

Pride Month Closes with Intergenerational Conversation

BMCC Pride Month concluded with an intergenerational conversation on October 28 that honored the College’s spaces of resistance and recognized BMCC’s consistent advocacy for queer faculty, staff, and students. Among the speakers were Spanish Professor Dr. Alejandro Varderi, who shared his experience as co-chair of the AIDS Awareness Committee in the 1990s; Dr. Amy Beth from the Lesbian Herstory Archives in Brooklyn, who spoke about the importance of preserving the record of LGBTQIA+ struggles; and José Luis Sánchez from SAGE (Services and Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Elders), who reflected on the present reality of an older generation that paved the way for today’s LGBTQIA+ community. American Government Professor Stefanos Milkidis also shared his research on queer urban spaces in New York City. “We hope our students felt connected to—and heirs of—the hard work of previous generations, who made sure no one else would have to endure the same hardships,” said Sociology Lecturer Mateo Sancho Cardiel, who co-chaired the Pride Month committee. “We also hope they feel less alone as they continue to face challenges that still persist—and, in some cases, are making an unfortunate comeback—within our community. This intentionally political and thoughtful closing event opens up new questions for next year’s edition. We end this Pride Month with the satisfaction of seeing our students celebrate, play volleyball, express themselves artistically through voguing, discuss films and books, learn self-defense, and engage critically with their lived experiences through an academic lens.”

BMCC One of Four Colleges in Early Roll Out of CUNY Beyond Plan

BMCC is one of four CUNY colleges that will be part of the initial phased roll out of CUNY Beyond, an ambitious five-year plan to integrate career preparation and workplace experience across the University Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez announced during his 2025 State of the University address on October 29. In his remarks, delivered at the Hostos College Center for the Arts & Culture, the Chancellor laid out the challenge facing higher education: “It’s not enough for students to graduate with a degree ... they must leave with direction, preparation, experience and connections.” Offering CUNY Beyond as the University’s answer to this national challenge, the Chancellor stated that by 2030, the initiative aims to triple the number of students in paid internships and increase employer recruitment from CUNY by 20%. Successful implementation is projected to drive an estimated $3.3 billion in future wage growth and provide a $700 million return on public investment through higher earnings and economic mobility. Read more from CUNY.

BMCC and University of Law in London Sign MOU BMCC President, Dr. Anthony E. Munroe and The University of Law (ULAW) in London Deputy Vice Chancellor Peter Crisp signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on October 22 at the ULAW campus in London. The agreement provides a framework for both parties to explore and consider potential areas of collaboration aligned with their respective academic and educational priorities.

UMLA Director Ashtian Holmes Selected as Honoree at CUNY BMI Gala BMCC Urban Male Leadership Academy (UMLA) Director, Dr. Ashtian Holmes, was selected as an honoree at the 2025 CUNY Black Male Initiative (BMI) Gala on October 2 at Brooklyn College. This year, BMI marks 20 years of service, support, and empowerment across the CUNY system. BMCC’s UMLA is firmly committed to increasing the enrollment, retention, and graduation rates of groups severely underrepresented in higher education, particularly men of color. Participation in UMLA is open to all BMCC students and recent alumni.

Nineteen Students Participate in Modern Languages Symposium

BMCC’s Modern Languages Department hosted the Sixth Student Symposium, Geographies of Diversity in Literature and Other Arts, on October 29 in Room S-341 at 199 Chambers Street. Established in 2017 by Professor Suárez Coalla, this annual event offers BMCC students a distinctive opportunity to present research projects and creative work in languages other than English. This year, nineteen students participated, using their presentations to explore how artistic expression helps us understand, embrace, and bring visibility to the experiences of underrepresented communities. Presentations were delivered in Spanish, English, and Spanglish. More than one hundred attendees joined the event throughout the day. The symposium concluded with the presentation of diplomas to the participating speakers and a performance by Professors Mateo Sancho Cardiel and Ángeles Donoso.

BMCC Students Generate Ideas for the Next Participatory Budgeting Cycle

On October 28 and 29 at Fiterman Hall, BMCC students from the Conexiones program and the Urban Male Leadership Academy (UMLA) took part in an interactive Idea Generation session to develop proposals for “The People’s Money.” Established in 2022, The People’s Money is a citywide participatory budgeting process through which New Yorkers decide how to spend part of the city’s budget to help their communities thrive. The process takes place annually and is open to all New Yorkers aged 11 and older, regardless of immigration or incarceration status. The initiative was supported with a grant from the city’s Civic Engagement Commission (CEC). Both workshops were facilitated by BMCC Director of Government and Community Relations Doug Israel, who noted that “students were deeply engaged in the process and came up with solid proposals that could have a concrete impact on the lives of their communities.” Voting on final projects will take place in the spring. Members of the public can submit ideas until November 19 and visit the CEC’s YouTube channel to learn more about last year’s funded projects.

State Senator Kavanagh Visits BMCC Literacy Zone in Lower Manhattan

On October 28, New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh joined BMCC’s Adult Literacy Program—part of the Office of Continuing and Workforce Development—for a tour of the Literacy Zone initiative with The Educational Alliance in the Chinatown neighborhood. The program has a 35-year history of helping students strengthen their English language skills, earn high school equivalency, and enter New York City’s workforce. Senator Kavanagh met with students and staff, hearing stories about the challenges faced by limited English speakers. BMCC’s Literacy Zone sites are supported by a combination of funds from the New York State Department of Education and the New York City Council. “The skills our students learn at our Literacy Zone sites offer meaningful pathways to transformative opportunities that are needed now more than ever,” said Alison Chatfield, Director of BMCC’s Adult Literacy Program. “It was wonderful to host Senator Kavanagh and feel his support for our incredible students.”

More than 100 BMCC Community Members Participate in Fall 5K Run/Walk

The BMCC 5K, sponsored by the Health Studies Department and the Division of Student Affairs, brought together more than 100 participants from across the college community. The event encouraged students, faculty, and staff to get moving, stay active, and embrace healthy habits. “With strong participation and great energy, the 5K continues to be a growing BMCC tradition,” said Health Studies Professor Alex Evangelista. “We look forward to seeing everyone again at the Spring 5K.”

Trick or Treat

Halloween smiles filled the hallways at BMCC's 199 Chambers Street building as children from the College's Early Childhood Center went trick or treating.

Making Headlines

Modern Languages Professor Sophie Maríñez discusses her 2025 Frantz Fanon Book Award winning book Spirals in the Caribbean
October 17, 2025—Haiti Then and Now

BMCC among four CUNY colleges for CUNY Beyond Plan
October 29, 2025—NY Daily News

BMCC alumni Kaplan Leadership Program Executive Director Nolvia Delgado featured in podcast
October 30, 2025—The EDU Ledger

Did You Know?

It’s likely Halloween has roots in an ancient pagan festival.
Read more here.

Announcements

Hispanic Heritage Month Opening Ceremony November 5

Students, faculty and staff are invited to the opening ceremony for Hispanic Heritage Month November 5 from 1:45  to 4 p.m., in the Student Cafeteria at 199 Chambers Street. Enjoy an afternoon of live music, cultural performances, food, and community spirit. This year’s celebration will also feature the Immigrant Day of Action, adding a powerful and meaningful layer to the gathering. The 2025 theme is: Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future (Herencia Colectiva: Honrando el Pasado, Inspirando el Futuro). See more dates and details at the Hispanic Heritage Month calendar.

Roll up Your Sleeve: New York Blood Center Blood Drive Nov. 5 and 6

BMCC’s Office of Health Services will host a two-day blood drive for the New York Blood Center from 12 to 6 p.m., on November 5 and November 6 at Richard Harris Terrace at 199 Chambers Street. Appointments are preferred however walk-ins will be welcomed if space permits. Please remember to eat, drink and bring your donor ID card or ID with name and photo. Masks are optional for all donors regardless of vaccination status.  Sign up for November 5 here and for November 6 here.

Alert from BMCC Public Safety

Public Safety has been made aware of recent incidents involving scammers targeting students in the Greenwich Street and Chambers Street area. These individuals are reportedly approaching students with false promises of job opportunities or employment information and demanding cash in exchange.

Public Safety advises that:

• If approached by individuals you do not know, do not engage and walk away immediately.
• Call 911 if you feel threatened or unsafe.
• Report any suspicious encounters to BMCC Public Safety at (212) 220-8080 as soon as possible.
• The safety and security of the BMCC community remain Public Safety’s highest priority. Please stay alert and cautious when approached by strangers near campus.

BMCC IDs Currently Available

BMCC IDs are currently available to all registered students and active employees at the Service Desk located in room S-141 of 199 Chambers Street, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit the Service Desk Knowledge Base.

BMCC Cafeteria and Fiterman Café Fall Hours BMCC Cafeteria at 199 Chambers St. is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fiterman Café is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call for Proposals: BMCC Transitions and Transactions Conference

BMCC’s English department invites faculty to submit paper and panel proposals for “Transitions and Transactions VIII: Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, and the Classroom,” scheduled for April 17-18, 2026. The Transitions and Transactions conference is dedicated to helping community college teachers of literature flourish and excel as they envision, invent and expand ideas. The deadline for submissions is November 15. For more information, visit the event’s web page.

Enrollment

Winter, Spring and Summer 2026 Advisement and Registration is Open

Faculty and staff, please encourage students to talk to 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 Specialist 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). For more information, visit the Registration page or contact Academic Advisement at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Human Resources

BMCC Health Fair — Your Wellness Starts Here November 3

November 3, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Richard Harris Terrace
Join us for the BMCC Health Fair, a vibrant and informative event dedicated to your health and well-being. Whether you're looking to connect with health professionals, explore wellness resources, or discover services available to you, this is your opportunity to take charge of your health journey. Come with questions, leave with answers. Let’s build a healthier BMCC community together.

Annual Compliance Training Available Online

We are pleased to announce the launch of CUNY’s 2025–2026 annual compliance training program. All employees are required to complete their assigned trainings in Brightspace, the University’s new learning management system. This is the first year compliance trainings are being offered through Brightspace. We encourage all employees to log in and complete the required courses as soon as possible.

Required Trainings:

• ESPARC: Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course
• WVP: Workplace Violence Prevention Training
• GBVT: Gender-Based Violence Training (Required for HR professionals and employees who supervise at least one direct report)

Deadlines:

• Full-time employees must complete all assigned trainings by May 29, 2026.
• Part-time employees, including adjuncts, must complete their trainings by May 29, 2026, or by the end of their employment for the semester, whichever comes first.
• Employees who become inactive in CUNYfirst will lose access to the trainings.

How to Access Your Trainings:
You have been automatically enrolled in your required compliance courses.
To get started:

1. Log in to Brightspace
2. Go to the "Compliance" section under My Courses

New employees will gain access the day after their CUNYfirst record becomes active.

Resources and Supports:

• Employee Navigation Guide
• Compliance Training FAQs
• Need help? Contact your campus compliance administrator.

Thank you for your continued commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all members of the CUNY community.

Calendar

AI Innovation Summit
November 1

Life Dance/Biodanza
November 4

National First Generation College Celebration
November 6

Connect with BMCC

@BMCC is produced and published by the Office of Public Affairs.

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