| May 1, 2026 |   |
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News |
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Columbia University and BMCC Formalize Groundbreaking PartnershipColumbia University and BMCC formally marked a significant expansion of educational access in New York City with a signing ceremony establishing the BMCC–Columbia NYC Scholars Program. Held in the historic Low Library on Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus, the event brought together institutional leaders, including Columbia Acting President Claire Shipman ’86CC, ’94SIPA; BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe ’03PH,’07TC; and Columbia School of General Studies (GS) Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch ’90GS, to commemorate the groundbreaking partnership. Launched in 2024, The NYC Scholars Program creates a clear pathway for high-achieving BMCC students to complete their associate degrees and seamlessly transition to Columbia GS for their bachelor’s. During their second year at BMCC, students are dually enrolled at both institutions, receiving coordinated advising to support a smooth academic progression. Read more about the historical partnership at the BMCC GS website. 
BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe Hosts Regional Leadership Summit “Resilient by Design"Community College presidents and other education leaders from across the New York City metro region filled the conference rooms at Fiterman Hall on April 24 for the “Resilient by Design” Regional Leadership Summit. Convened and hosted by BMCC President Dr. Anthony Munroe, the conference was a day filled with meetings, informative panel discussions, and collaboration, as well as a powerful keynote speech from the event’s guest of honor, the President and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), Dr. DeRionne Pollard. During the panel discussions, staff and students who attended the conference had the chance to ask questions and discuss challenges and successful strategies with leadership. Some of the questions led to deeper discussions on DACA, workforce programs and accessibility as well as the role of student leadership such as SGA. An over-arching tone of the event was a focus on the power of regional solutions to some of the more pressing challenges facing the New York and New Jersey region. 
BMCC Gala “Invest in a Future: Change a Life,” Celebrates the Power of EducationBMCC Foundation Board of Directors hosted its 2026 fundraising gala, “Invest in a Future: Change a Life,” on April 21 at the BMCC Athletic Club Gymnasium, 100 Moore St., New York.This year’s gala honored Michael J. Dowling, CEO emeritus of Northwell Health, with the BMCC Lifetime Achievement Award, and Shana Stephenson, chief brand officer of the WNBA’s New York Liberty, who received the BMCC Excellence Award. Board member and gala co-chair Jessica Gatti, who emceed the event, welcomed attendees to the newly christened BMCC Athletic Club after a performance by the BMCC Jazz Ensemble. “We’ve always talked about bringing people inside the college to see BMCC up close, to feel the energy of this place, and to experience the students and faculty in their element,” said Gatti, who showed attendees her sneakers. “On behalf of myself and gala co-chair Elizabeth Butson and the entire Foundation Board, we’re really glad you’re here.” The event also featured a number of students who have benefited from donor funded scholarships and other services. 
Start Here, Go Anywhere: After Two Years of Incarceration, Daudi Justin Starts at BMCC and Later Becomes an AttorneyDaudi Justin spent two years incarcerated in an upstate New York prison. Upon his release, he applied to to BMCC, but wasn’t initially accepted until he appealed his case to an Academic Dean who gave him a chance. He enrolled as a BMCC criminal justice major. After BMCC, he transferred to Columbia University as a political science, American government major. When he graduated, he applied and was accepted to CUNY School of Law where he earned a degree. Today, Justin is an attorney in the criminal defense practice at Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem. He also teaches at BMCC. Watch the full video above. 
BMCC Alumna and Official in International Student Services Office to Present During Geneva Cyber-WeekMary Michaels, a BMCC alumna and international student compliance officer/designated school official in the College’s International Student Services Office, will present at Geneva Cyber Week 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. Her session, “Cyber Ethics in Practice: A Systems-Based Framework for Global Cyber Policy and Diplomacy,” is part of the conference, which is co-hosted by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Geneva Cyber Week 2026 will bring together policymakers, diplomats, researchers and academics to examine the security implications of emerging technologies. During her presentation, Michaels will help lead an interactive workshop on how ethical decision-making frameworks can guide cyber policy and diplomacy. Drawing on her graduate work in global security, conflict and cybercrime at New York University, as well as her professional experience supporting international students at BMCC, she connects global cyber governance to education, equity, student rights, institutional trust and responsible technology use. 
BMCC Community Turns out for Anime EventMore than 70 BMCC students, faculty and staff who are fans of anime, manga and cosplay attended an Asian Heritage Month event on Wednesday, April 29 in Room N-451 at 199 Chambers St. Twenty cosplayers dressed as characters from series including “One Piece,” “Naruto” and “Deltarune” participated in a runway competition, winning prizes such as logo bags with convention-exclusive items from Anime Expo Los Angeles and Anime NYC, giveaways from Viz Media, and a $25 gift card to Yu & Me Books in Chinatown. Attendees watched episodes of “One Piece” centered on the theme “Rebels!” and explored the library’s manga and graphic novel collection. Pizza, drinks and sweets were served. The event was co-presented by the Asian Heritage Month Committee, the Media Arts and Technology Department, and the William J. Randolph Library. It was sponsored by Viz Media, an English-language publisher of manga, and hosted by the Anime Club. Professor NaRhee Ahn served as emcee. |
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Making Headlines |
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BMCC Alumn Stéphane Kakou is a candidate for Columbia GSSC presidentApril 24, 2026 — Columbia Spectator |
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Did You Know? |
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In many countries, May 1 is recognized as International Workers’ Day or Labor Day. |
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Announcements |
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Faculty from all Disciplines Invited to Participate in Civic Learning and Knowledge Summer Institute—Registration Deadline is Today 5/1BMCC Faculty from all disciplines are invited to participate in a three-day Faculty Summer Institute that seeks to integrate civic learning and knowledge into every syllabus. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, BMCC students will need the skills to understand exactly how democracy works and distinguish fact from misinformation. Faculty who are interested in helping build these skills, by using close reading of foundational texts and the building of civic knowledge, should sign up. Funded by a 2026 Teagle Foundation grant, the Summer Institute, seeks to strengthen BMCC students' ability to participate meaningfully in New York City’s civic life. The institute will take place on Zoom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 2, 3 and 4. Interested faculty should sign up at this link by May 1. 
BMCC Film Festival May 3Students, faculty and staff as well as guests are invited to the BMCC Film Festival, which will take place on Sunday, May 3 from 4-9 p.m. The venue is Theatre II, Main Building (199 Chambers Street). The event is free and open to the public. Guests can RSVP online 
BMCC 61st Commencement Set for June 4 at Barclays CenterBMCC’s Office of Student Affairs has extended an invitation to the College community for the 2026 Commencement ceremony on June 4 at Barclays Center. Faculty and staff participating in the ceremony may begin arriving at 7:30 a.m., but no later than 8:30 a.m., with additional information regarding caps and gowns to follow. Students are also advised to arrive at 7:30 a.m., but no later than 8:30 a.m. The ceremony is expected to conclude by 12:30 p.m. Click here for more details. |
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Human Resources |
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Cybersecurity Awareness Training Available NowThe 2025–26 CUNY Cybersecurity Awareness Training is now available. Every active employee is required to complete this training each year to help protect university data and enhance our cybersecurity. This is the first year that all compliance trainings are being offered through Brightspace. While the deadline for completion has been extended to May 29, 2026, to match the schedule of other compliance training, we encourage all employees to log in and complete the required courses as soon as possible. Required Training:
Deadline:
How to Access Training: You have been automatically enrolled in your required compliance courses. To get started:
Note: New employees gain access the day after their CUNYfirst record becomes active. To confirm completion of any CUNY Compliance course:
Resources & Support:
Thank you for your continued commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and responsible digital environment for all members of the CUNY community. Annual Compliance Training Available OnlineWe 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:
Deadlines:
How to Access Your Trainings:
New employees will gain access the day after their CUNYfirst record becomes active. Resources and Supports:
Thank you for your continued commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all members of the CUNY community. |
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Sports and Wellness |
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Baseball: BMCC Late-Game Surge Secures Win for Panthers
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Calendar |
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Healing through Hip Hop and Creative ExpressionMay 5 Singers on the Move: Choral Music About DanceMay 5 Reset and Recharge with Sahaja Yoga MeditationMay 5 |
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@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. |
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