VIDEO: BMCC Interim President Meets the 2019 Valedictorians
Karrin E. Wilks, Interim President of BMCC, recently sat down with the 2019 Valedictorians Dorotea Levy de Szekely and Dequan Gambrell to talk about their experiences at BMCC. Watch the video to learn more.

BMCC Foundation 2019 Gala, Invest in a Future, Raises Almost $1 Million for Scholarships
The BMCC Foundation Board of Directors hosted the college's annual scholarship gala at Cipriani in lower Manhattan. In addition to funds raised, a $1 million gift from The Herbert and Audrey Rosenfield Fund was announced at the event. Friends of BMCC can still contribute through the text-to-pledge option at (646) 876-2622.

Rosenfield Family Honored in Naming Ceremony
On May 20, a lobby-naming ceremony and reception honored a landmark gift of $1 million from the Herbert and Audrey Rosenfield Fund, for the BMCC Out in Two scholarship program. The event celebrated the Rosenfield family, important contributors to the growth and cultural vibrancy of lower Manhattan, and long-term supporters of Out in Two, a successful scholarship program at BMCC.

Film Festival Showcases BMCC Student Talent
BMCC hosted the Spring 2019 student film festival on May 15 in Theater One at 199 Chambers Street. The competitive semi-annual event, produced by the BMCC Video Production Club, showcases student films from both BMCC and other CUNY colleges. Only films where BMCC students serve as producer, director, screenwriter or main talent—acting, music or dance—are eligible for the competition.

BMCC Wins National Recognition for Innovation
BMCC is one of 58 colleges nationwide—the only college in New York City and one of two in New York state—to receive the 2019 Innovation of the Year Award. The BMCC Faculty Leadership Fellows Program is recognized by the award.

BMCC Announces Summer 2019 Exploring Transfer to Vassar Cohort
Eight BMCC students have been chosen to participate in the Summer 2019 Exploring Transfer Program (ET) at Vassar College. The five-week program introduces community college students to life at Vassar, one of the nation’s most prestigious residential colleges. This year’s BMCC cohort includes psychology majors Margarita Agosta and Allison Hondall Lopez; liberal arts majors Kristi Allaj, Lilah Beldner, Yejin Cho, Patrick Izidro de Souza, Kaneita Marcelin, Virginia Marx, Matthew Perry and Wajha Zafar, and economics majors Hamza Bashir and Allison Jordan. For more information on BMCC’s ET program visit the program’s webpage.

BMCC Students Awarded NSF-Funded Internships for Summer 2019
Science majors Tammy Enice Velasquez, Rosemary Perdomo and Fadel Yerima have been awarded National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) internships for eight weeks in Summer 2019. The students will receive a stipend for $4,600 and a $1,200 housing allowance. Fadel Yerima will work with BMCC Professor Christine Priano in research that examines the effect of natural extracts on microbial life in fresh water and marine ecosystems. Tammy Enice Velasquez will work with Professor Jun Liang in research that examines the effect of natural extracts on the modulation of stress response and life span in Caenorhabditis elegans. Rosemary Perdomo will work with Professor Adolfina Koroch on a project that investigates the potential antioxidant capacity of natural extracts. In Fall 2018, BMCC received more than $225,000 to fund these and other research projects at BMCC.

BMCC Hosts 54th Commencement: May 31
On May 31, BMCC's 54th commencement will present two ceremonies at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden – one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. The 54th Commencement Presidential Medal honorees are Margaret Chin, Council member for the 1st District of the New York City Council (D) and Bill Fisse, Managing Director, Institutional Clients Group, Citi. The Morning Ceremony will feature Accounting, Business Management, Computer Information Systems, Teacher Education, English, Health Education, Mathematics, Media Arts and Technology, Science, Speech, Communications and Theatre Arts, Music and Art and Modern Languages majors. The Afternoon Ceremony will feature Liberal Arts, Allied Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Human Services and Criminal Justice, and Nursing majors. For more information visit the BMCC website or call the Office of Student Affairs at (212) 220-8130.

BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards, June 7—Don’t forget to RSVP!
The BMCC Community is invited to the 2019 BMCC Employee Appreciation Awards ceremony and reception. The nominations are in and the winners will be announced on June 7 at 10:30 a.m. in Theater 1, 199 Chambers Street. Please RSVP by June 5.

VIDEO: BMCC Celebrates Faculty at 2019 Award Ceremony
BMCC held the 2019 Distinguished Faculty Awards on April 30 in the Shirley Fiterman Art Center. The event celebrates faculty for their scholarship and research as well as leadership and inspiration to their peers, and their innovative pedagogy that yields clear evidence of student learning gains. Awardees were selected from more than 400 nominations submitted by students, faculty and staff.

VIDEO: Learn about BMCC’s Accounting Program
Sharon Brickman, Professor of Accounting, shares insight about the Accounting Program at BMCC and its course offerings.

Emergency Funds Available to Students From Petrie Foundation
BMCC has received funds from the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation to offer emergency grants to eligible students who are facing short-term emergencies. Please encourage students who can demonstrate need and who are facing an unexpected emergency to apply for the Petrie Grant. Applicants will be asked to complete certain requirements before they may be eligible to receive grant funding and all grant requests require documentation. While Petrie grants will not be given for tuition cost, college debts or legal representation, we encourage students to visit the Single Stop office to discuss their concerns. To find out more and to access the application, students may visit Single Stop online or stop by in Room S-230 at 199 Chambers Street.

Save the Date: Civil Service Employee Recognition Day, June 12
The BMCC community is invited to a special luncheon in Richard Harris Terrace at 199 Chambers Street, to honor Civil Service Classified Staff who have served for 20 or more years. Seating is limited, so please RSVP by May 24 to Maria Deckinger, mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu

Workshops for Full-time and Adjunct Faculty: Create a Faculty Page The Office of Public Affairs is helping BMCC faculty access and edit their faculty page on BMCC's new website platform. A photographer on hand to take headshots of faculty members. BMCC Librarian Jean Amaral will also provide information on how to enter faculty publications. A workshops are scheduled on June 12 from 3 to 4 p.m. or on June 18 from 3 to 4 p.m., both in Room S-510D (CETLS). Contact cetls@bmcc.cuny.edu to RSVP for a workshop. Also, BMCC faculty can also use the Faculty Page Guide found on the BMCC Faculty and Staff Resource webpage. If you have questions regarding the guide, please contact Cynthia Blayer, web content manager, (212) 346-8531.

Summer 2019 STEM Tuition Waiver
BMCC is offering tuition waivers to eligible students who enroll in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) courses in Summer 2019. To be eligible, a student must be matriculated at BMCC, a New York City resident, and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at the time the waiver is applied. For more information visit the Academic Advisement and Transfer Center, Room S-108, 199 Chambers Street, or email advisementandtransfer@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Faculty Invited to Participate in COACHE Job Satisfaction Survey
Full-time faculty are invited to participate in the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) job satisfaction survey. Data collected by COACHE gives voice to faculty about the successes and struggles of working in academia. By participating in the study, faculty will have an opportunity to share their perspective about working at BMCC and CUNY in a secure and confidential manner. Faculty will receive an email with a personalized link to the survey. For more information, visit the COACHE survey page.

Plaza Reconstruction Capital Project
As part of the upcoming Plaza Reconstruction project at BMCC, abatement of hazardous materials identified in the underlayment of the existing pavers will be performed at various phases of the construction project. This activity, which began January 21, is regulated by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, which ensures the safe and proper removal and disposal of these materials. Abatement notifications posted on all building entrances are part of these requirements and are there to inform the occupants of these activities. The required notices are not meant to alarm our building occupants, but to keep everyone informed that the work will be performed in a safe and regulated manner. We apologize for any inconvenience this upcoming construction may cause as we work to improve our facilities.

BMCC Summer Enrollment Increasing
Over the past several years, BMCC has seen an increase in summer enrollment, up to 9,466 students in Summer 2018—an increase of 56 percent since the 5,303 enrollment count of Summer 2011. Summer enrollment plays an important role in maintaining academic momentum and facilitating timely degree completion. More information on enrollment trends can be found in the Enrollment, Retention, and Completion Report from the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Analytics.

Summer and Fall 2019 Registration Is Open
Please encourage students to continue on their path to success and register for the summer and fall 2019 semesters. All students must meet with their advisor before registering. Students can register on CUNYfirst or visit Lab Services in Room S-114.

A few important dates:
Continuing Students Advisement Deadline — June 17
In-Person Registration — Week of August 12
First Day of Fall 2019 Classes — August 27

For more information, visit the Registration page, contact Academic Advisement in Room S-108 or call (212) 220-8315.

Admissions and Financial Aid Info Sessions
Prospective students are invited to attend information sessions for an overview of BMCC and the admissions and financial aid process. They can also take part in a Q & A with admissions and financial aid specialists. For more information, check the Admissions website​, or contact the Admissions Office, (212) 220-1265.

Say Hello to the Admissions Office on Social Media
The BMCC Admissions Office has launched new social media accounts. Stop by online and say hi! We appreciate your likes, follows and thumbs up. Facebook: @bmccadmissions Twitter: @bmccadmissions Instagram: @bmccadmissions Snapchat:@explorebmcc

BMCC food pantry featured in TV news segment about food insecurity
May 23—Fox 5

BMCC among colleges registered for 2019 “No Excuses, Culture of Caring Conference”
May 21—ABC 7, Amarillo, Tex. News

BMCC alumna profiled at Columbia University
May 21—Columbia Spectator

BMCC alumnus, a future attorney, profiled at John Jay College
May 21—John Jay College of Criminal Justice News

BMCC Free Speech Conference featured
May 20—Pen America

CUNY Holiday: Memorial Day
Monday, May 27 is a CUNY holiday for most BMCC employees. For more information, click here.

Meet With a TIAA Representative on Campus Faculty and staff can schedule an appointment at BMCC with a representative from TIAA, now through June. For more information, call (800) 732-8353 or visit a session schedule.

Mandatory Workplace Violence Prevention Training: Classroom Session May 28
All BMCC faculty and staff must complete an annual Workplace Violence Prevention Training by registering through CUNY Blackboard. Part-time employees must complete the course by the end of the Spring 2019 semester; full-time employees by July 31.A classroom session will be held May 28 in Room S-341 at 199 Chambers Street. To RSVP, please contact Maria Deckinger, mdeckinger@bmcc.cuny.edu or (212) 220-1496.

Deer Oaks EAP Now Offers Phone and Video Counseling As part of BMCC's Employee Assistance Program, Deer Oaks offers organizational training and skills development, crisis management, wellness services and other services including video, structured telephonic and in-person counseling services. Employees can schedule calls with a counselor in advance by calling (855) 492-3633 or emailing eap@deeroaks.com.

Pre-Tax Limit for Wageworks Commuter Benefits Increased
The pre-tax limit for monthly Commuter Benefits deductions (WageWorks) increased from $260 to $265 on January 1. No paperwork is required to activate the increase, but those who wish to change their deduction or enroll in the program may visit the Benefits page of the BMCC Human Resources website, complete the WageWorks Transit Benefit form and submit it to Human Resources, 199 Chambers Street, Room S-717.

Enhance Your Skills Through CUNY Professional Development
The CUNY Professional Development and Learning Management (PDLM) Office presents the CUNY Professional Development Program now through June 19. BMCC faculty and staff can choose sessions ranging from data analytics to business writing and many others. Certificate programs are available. View catalogue and sign up now.

Charitable Giving Through an IRA
Donors at least 70½ years old can take advantage of a simple way to satisfy minimum required distribution and benefit BMCC students at the same time. Donate up to $100,000 from an IRA directly to the BMCC Foundation without having to pay federal income taxes. Please contact Phillip Keefe, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, (212) 346-8650 or pkeefe@bmcc.cuny.edu for additional information.

Alumni Invited to Connect and Network BMCC Alumni Affairs provides alumni benefits and services, as well as involving alumni in the advancement and support of BMCC. Alumni are invited to special events, profiled in BMCC publications and welcomed into the vibrant community that is BMCC. For more information, contact Yaritza Gonzalez, Manager of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund, (212) 346-8455 or ygonzalez@bmcc.cuny.edu

Make a Difference in Students’ Lives: Faculty and Staff Campaign
The faculty and staff of BMCC support our students in countless ways, every single day. That support includes contributing to the BMCC Foundation Scholarship Fund. Your support of the Faculty and Staff Campaign makes a significant difference in our students’ lives. There are three easy ways to give: Make a donation online.

• Text your donation to BMCC at (646) 876-2622.
• Send your check, payable to the BMCC Foundation, via interoffice mail to the Office of College Development, F-1330. (Please note, you can designate your donation to your department).

BMCC Learning Academy Information Session
May 24

Scientific Teaching: Principles and Practice — A One-Day Conference
May 29

Math Start / CUNY Start Fall 2019 Information Session
May 29

Admissions and Financial Aid Information Session 
May 30

	BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center Listings		Center for Career Development Events
	Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship Events		Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Events

Make a Splash! Welcome to the Community Swim Program
The BMCC swimming pool has been renovated and is ready to welcome community swimmers, ages 18 and up. Lockers are available. Bring your own lock and towel. Entrances are at 199 Chambers Street and 77 Harrison Street. For fees and registration, contact the BMCC Athletic Department, (212) 220-8260 or the BMCC Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development, (212) 346-8410.

Certified Lifeguards Needed
If you are interesting in becoming a lifeguard at the BMCC swimming pool this summer, email a resume to Senior Lifeguard Judith Gamboa, judjud125@gmail.com. Lifeguards are required to have American Red Cross certification and be First Aid/AED/CPR certified. Experience is preferred.

@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.