Lehman Celebrates A Herstory Month

Featured performer Linda La speaks to Lehman students. Photo by Mariposa Fernandez

By Genesis Stanley 

At Lehman College, the Women's and Gender Studies Program held an event called Fiercely Uplifting Herstory at the campus library on Monday, March 10, 2025, to celebrate Black History and Women's History. The event was hosted by English professor Mariposa Fernandez. Featuring Linda La, a performance poet, artistic activist, trans advocate, international multidisciplinary artist, SAG-AFTRA recording artist, writer, teacher, and curator as the special guest, the event was sponsored by several Lehman College clubs, such as the Women's and Gender Studies Program, the Africana Studies Department, the Urban Male Leadership Program, the Department of English, and the Crystal Queer Club.

Fernandez hosted an open mic, which allowed students and faculty members to share their voices by reading poems that they wrote and poems from famous writers that inspired and stood out to them. She also read a beautiful and impactful poem of her own about toxic-abusive relationships in Spanish and English.

After the open mic, Linda La took the floor by sitting next to Fernandez in front of the crowd of students, where she had a transparent moment with the audience. Talking about her life as a trans woman and the experiences she went through, she shocked the room when she mentioned that she attended Lehman College and dropped out due to the treatment she was getting for her sexuality.

"I had transferred from BMCC to Lehman years ago, maybe like 2015 or 2016, and I was a few years into my transition, and this was not the campus that it is now. When I was attending here, there was no community. It was such a shift coming from BMCC where there was such diversity and inclusion of LGBTQ+ identified students, to then come here to Lehman where things felt so much more conservative," said Linda La after reading her poem "Back to School," which focuses on her experiences at Lehman. La read a few of her poems that presented powerful messages, including some that she wrote a few years prior but are still relevant today. Listening to her story and her poetry at the event inspired students who have been in her shoes or found her story relatable.

"My God, Linda La is amazing. She is a force. I love how she was able to connect with the students by sharing her own story of attending school here at Lehman and not feeling welcome. Unfortunately, I think that a lot of students have had similar experiences with some administrators and faculty, and I would like to think that it has changed completely, but I think that it is important for us to make sure that the student's needs are centered," said Fernandez.

“I really enjoyed the way she expressed herself.” — Dalila Turcios Orellana, grad student and President of the Lehman Crystal Queer Club.

Three students came up and gave gifts to La: flowers and a Women's History Month periodic table poster. La thanked everyone who showed her love and appreciation during her time at Lehman and stated that we were the best audience that she has ever had. Fernandez complimented Linda La on her strength and courage for sharing her voice and telling her story through art.

It's A HerStory Month Event centered Women's History and Black History Month through storytelling, sharing creativity, and celebrating the guest of honor, Linda La, for sharing Herstory.

"It was intentional to have this event during Women's History Month. This event has been happening for about 40 years, every year, and it commemorates Women's history and Black History Month," said Professor Ann Rice, acting director of Women and Gender Studies.

How Lehman Is Supporting Vulnerable Students

By Safiya Richards and Elizabeth Perez 

On March 12, Lehman College hosted a “Know Your Rights” workshop and bystander training. This initiative is one of many that the college is implementing to assist undocumented students and to empower the Lehman community with knowledge and support during difficult times. 

The workshop was led by Marianne Pita of Bronx Community College, who advised students and educators on how to prevent ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) from entering private spaces such as classrooms and how to protect students during potential ICE encounters. She suggested, “You can notify your classes, if there’s anybody here who needs to leave, I understand that ICE is on the campus or is coming onto the campus.” 

Another strategy she discussed involves faculty and staff members using an app called Signal, which is similar to WhatsApp, to establish a rapid response system for notifying them about ICE arrivals. 

The Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts, facilitated by ICE, have led to nearly 16,500 individuals being detained in the administration’s first month (The Guardian, 2025). In response, governors, schools, and churches are working tirelessly to push back against this infringement of rights, providing essential protections to the backbone of our society. 

The Division of Student Affairs has also established a resource page specifically for undocumented students, providing critical information and support services to aid their success. 

The college has offered various on-campus resources and held a listening session on January 30th, allowing students to voice their concerns and learn about available support. Dr. Cynthia Carvajal, the CUNY Director of Undocumented and Immigrant Student Programs, participated in the sessions, and further meetings, including “Know Your Rights” sessions with BronxWorks attorneys, are planned. 

When asked for a statement regarding the school’s plans to help undocumented students, President Delgado emailed, “Lehman College is committed to protecting all our students, regardless of their background, and ensuring our campus remains a safe and secure learning environment. We will continue to monitor and assess policies that may affect our students and act, within the legal framework, to support and protect all members of our community.” 

Lehman College ensures that immigrant and undocumented students have access to essential support, including financial aid and career development opportunities. Jazmin Rodriguez serves as the Immigrant Success Financial Aid Liaison,addressingquestionsrelated to financial aid. Oscar Rigamonty assists students with the New York State DREAM Act application and relevant scholarships, while Kevin Bukreev provides career counseling. 

The Lehman College Counseling Center is available to all students, irrespective of immigration status. It offers a supportive environment for emotional and psychological concerns that impact personal and academic growth. The Counseling Center is located in the Old Gym Building, Room 114. 

A recent online meeting spread the word of the NYS DREAM Act, financial aid specifically for undocumented students that wish to pursue education in New York, and TheDream. US Scholarships, which can provide eligible students up to $39,000 in scholarship money. 

“Lehman College is committed to protecting all our students, regardless of their background, and ensuring our campus remains a safe and secure learning environment.” — Lehman College President Dr. Fernando Delgado

Another online meeting, organized by First Gen Empower co-founders Arabi Hassan, Esq., and Avdeep Dhillon, educated students and staff about the laws that New York has in place to help undocumented students and their families maintain confidentiality and receive support. 

With New York City being what is called a sanctuary state in its entirety, ICE cannot obtain student records, use the city’s resources for their gain, or access usually off-limit areas to the public without a federal warrant. 

In light of these efforts, Jermaine A. Wright, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs, offers an inspiring message to the Lehman community: “As an immigrant myself who later became a naturalized citizen, I want students to know that they are not alone.” He states that at Lehman College, not only is there a commitment to providing the support, resources, and guidance needed for their success, but there is also dedication to assisting students in navigating their academic journey and overcoming any obstacles they may encounter. 

Wright urges students to take advantage of the many resources available and to reach out for support whenever needed. “You are an important part of our campus, and we are here to ensure that you thrive academically, personally, socially, and emotionally.” 

Bronx Community College English professor Marianne Pita, who ran the Know Your Rights workshop at Lehman College.

Speed-friending at Lehman Builds Bridges Between Students

Photo by Counseling Center Staff

By Iffath Liaquat 

On March 19, the Counseling Center hosted a Speed-Friending event in the hopes of helping to improve the mental health of students who may be struggling in silence by bringing people together. 

“Unfortunately, over 65% of students feel alone. However, we hope to change this.” — Megan Lambert, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a senior psychological counselor at Lehman College.

Lambert hosts these speed-friending events every semester as a way for students to forge connections at the commuter school. 

Students were invited to grab a souvenir provided by the Counseling Center, such as a stress ball, folder, or pen, along with a yearlong planner, informational pamphlets, and refreshments. “Usually, our speed- friending events gather a large crowd. [However, since the group was a bit smaller, we decided to form a small circle to help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere],” Lambert remarked. The group contained both transfer and graduating students this semester. Each student got a sheet of paper with icebreaker questions, for example, “If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?” Or “What book, movie, or video have you seen/read recently that you would recommend?” By answering these prompts, it encouraged others to find common interests and bond over them.

Photo by Counseling Center Staff

At the event, many revealed how it was a bit difficult to forge connections, especially coming from a different school or being an older student. Rosas, who will graduate this spring, mentioned how attending the event helped her. “I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and get to know people. As an older student, it was a bit challenging to reach out to others, but [this event] helped me meet some great people.” 

Marissa Soriano, a senior graduating this spring, shared how many people mistake her for being younger than she is. “I’m an older student, [around 30], but people think that I’m fresh from high school, so it’s sometimes [a challenge].” Jasmine Rosas sympathized, sharing her own struggles with being assumed younger, recalling that she had to bring up her I.D. “I had to go to the store to pick up [drinks] for my dad, but they asked me to show I.D. because they didn’t believe my age.” 

A lot of students shared certain passions, for instance, wanting to travel to Japan. One student shared a resource on how to get scholarships to cover costs for such trips, bringing up the discussion on the helpful resources from the Campus Honors & Scholar Engagement office (CHASE). Some conversations were reflective, such as recalling the time on how the pandemic impacted everyone, keeping a steady flow. Towards the end of the event, participants were exchanging contact information, and volunteers were helping out with cleaning up the event. 

THE F WORD: FOOD! Or is it French?

Photos by Soleil Hendy

By Soleil Hendy 

A visitor entering one of Lehman College’s student kitchens might think they had accidentally stepped behind the scenes at a Bronx bakery. Flour is stacked in 18-quart tubs next to the sugars, both brown and white, heavy cream whipped stiff and not yet butter. The kitchen’s equipment is a sight to behold: stainless steel countertops with state-of-the-art ovens, handwashing stations, and racks where all the tools needed hang off in the far end of the room.

Lots of chopping, sautéing, and flipping later, participants can create something out of Julia Child’s The Way to Cook, a snapshot of the repertoire of an impeccable culinary icon. These possibilities were on display on Tuesday, March 25th, when the Nutrition Club hosted an event showcasing the talents of the former celebrity chef, Le Cordon Bleu graduate, and haute cuisine connoisseur. 

Sui Ling Gilbert and Angelina Woltmann, Nutrition Club president and vice president respectively, welcomed this reporter and novice cook into the world of cuisine creations with excited smiles. 

“We actually don’t have many [cooking] skills either, but we get by,” Sui said reassuringly while bustling about the well- maintained kitchen that has become a familiar space for club members. “We’re in this room a lot for our DFN classes,” Sui said, referring to Dietary Food and Nutrition. “Food and nutrition is the major, so we use Gilet Room 425 often.” 

As they began preparing to recreate Julia Child’s ratatouille and her crepes, Sui spoke about her passion for cooking developing beyond a recreational hobby, resulting in her Food & Nutrition major. “During high school, I fell in love with the major. Yeah, I cooked when I was younger, but it was mostly just things off the internet...” Recently, she’s found herself enamored with German breakfasts with Asian influences, as per her parents’ preference. “Lots of good bread in a German breakfast.” 

Sui, a gracious host, works efficiently together with Vice President Angelica as her valiant right hand. Angelica explained that she fell into cooking a little differently than Sui’s straight shot from high school. 

“I didn’t really get into cooking until college,” Angelica said, voice undercut by the swish of hand-whisked cream. “I was actually a music major before Food & Nutrition. I didn’t even know Sui until I joined the club and found the major.” 

A splendid friendship blossomed from it all, and their teamwork is on point. After attempting to hand whisk some heavy cream into whipped cream, this reporter’s wrists got tired, so Angelica provided a hand mixer to get those “stiff peaks” as the instructions specified. Five more members from the Nutrition Club joined the action, including Raquel Lopez and Christine Marino, helping the small troupe cook the crepes and prepare toppings.

“It’s one of the best ways to learn about someone’s culture.” - Lehman Nutrition club member Christine Marino.

Christine and Raquel imparted their individual wisdom as their creations sizzled on the stove. “It’s one of the best ways to learn about someone’s culture,” Christine said while sautéing the zucchinis for the ratatouille. “I don’t cook as much now, but I do sometimes on weekends. I first started learning by watching those, you know, those cooking channels on TV? I don’t know if they still have it, but that’s how I learned.” 

Raquel, a seasoned chef in her own right, chimed in: “When I cook for my family, me and my mom have an agreement. I cook, they clean, and when the kitchen shuts down for the night, whoever goes in there is on their own!” 

The fruits of their labor were oh, so delicious. 

The crepes were light, thin, and fluffy. Golden brown crusted on both sides, piled high and set aside in a baking tray as they prepared the toppings for plating. Blueberry jam settled atop the stove, melted chocolate drizzles, Biscoff butter, thick whipped cream with a hint of vanilla, a dash of sugar, and strawberries to drizzle on top. It tasted divine, cloyingly sweet, and decadent. 

The ratatouille was seasoned to perfection, even if the recipe didn’t call for it. It sizzled gently when it came out of the oven, the refreshing aroma of fresh eggplant, softened and salted zucchini inundating the senses. 

CUNY Summit Spotlights Paths to Climate Justice

Cover photo and above show Lehman students Keke Grant-Floyd and Victoria Moran Garcia presenting their podcast at the CUNY Climate Summit. Photo by Eileen Markey

By Gilbert Areizaga
The NYC Environmental Justice Alliance (NYC-EJA) in collaboration with the CUNY Climate Justice Hub (The Hub) hosted the CUNY Climate Justice Summit on Feb. 25 at the CUNY Graduate Center. Featuring several panels from NYC-EJA faculty, fellowship members, representatives from partner organizations, plus interactive presentations from members and community partners, it was the first student-centered event that the organizations have held. The summit served to raise awareness about the climate crisis, what The Hub and its partners have done to improve its impact on people’s daily lives, especially in marginalized and low-income communities, and what can be done to ensure a more just future.

Climate justice itself is an often-overlooked aspect of the effects of climate change, which unlike disasters can be felt every day. While strides have been made to address these issues, people and their communities continue to fight for change, and for previous changes to remain. As NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said, “The gains we fought for, and won, are being erased,” so fighting, particularly by the people that live in these communities, is more important than ever.

A huge part of the Climate Justice Hub’s mission is to change the way communities are supported. “It was started to offer a kind of corrective to the ways that universities and colleges typically interact with community organizations,” Kobie Coleman, professor at Brooklyn College and the classes and curriculum lead of The Hub, told The Meridian. “There have been partnerships between schools and the communities served before, but those partnerships often went one way.”

By providing the tools for change directly to communities, people are empowered from within rather than relying on outside forces. Maria “Mariposa” Teresa Fernández, professor at Lehman College and veteran environmental activist, was born in the 70s, a time when the Bronx was on fire. She recalls, “That era just really impressed upon me what the impact of pollution can have on the spirit, and obviously on people’s health. I remember just the smell of Hunts Point being different and crossing over the Hunts Point Drawbridge and being able to smell what smelled like sewage.” Many of the challenges Bronx organizations face today can be traced back to those fires.

Victoria Moran Garcia, a student at Lehman College who spoke at the event, said that while she has not personally experienced respiratory issues such as asthma, all of her cousins living in the South Bronx have dealt with asthma for their entire lives. In fact, Moran Garcia, in collaboration with fellow student Keke Grant-Floyd, have their own podcast hosted by The Bronx Journal called “Fighting Forward: The Bronx Environmental Justice Story,” where they discuss these issues with Bronx residents and leaders of community organizations.

“No one is coming to save us” was repeated by several presenters, and that realization is a big reason why organizations such as Nos Quedamos/We Stay, a South-Bronx-based community environmental organization, exists in the first place. Another central theme of the conference was raising awareness. A number of the student speakers made the point in saying that issues of climate/environmental justice were completely unknown to them until they got directly involved. Alejandro Lozerno, a professor at John Jay College, said that when he taught his students about these issues, “I saw a light bulb going off in their heads, like they had seen these kind of unfair distribution of harms and benefits across [their] communities, but they didn’t have that language”.

“When you invest in our power, you invest in our ability to fight.”-- Elizabeth Yeampierre, executive director of UPROSE, a Brooklyn based environmental organization

However, the most crucial takeaway from all of this was the power of organization. Yes, there was a wealth of statistics, graphs, stories of progress, and hopes for an even brighter future. But none of this was achieved alone—it was the result of unity, collaboration, and shared purpose. This summit is just one step in a much larger movement, not only to spread awareness but to drive real, community-led change. And the hope of the NYC-EJA and the CUNY Climate Justice Hub is that everyone—regardless of age, education, or background—will take part. This sentiment was exemplified by Elizabeth Yeampierre, executive director of UPROSE, a Brooklyn-based environmental organization, who stated, “When you invest in our power, you invest in our ability to fight.”

Pro-Palestine CUNY Students Shut Down Board of Trustees Public Hearing

Photo Credits: Victoria Moran

By Victoria Moran Garcia

On Feb. 10, at the CUNY Board of Trustees Public Hearing at City College, chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (CCNY SJP) along with other CUNY SJP chapters and pro-Palestinian organizations called on CUNY to implement the five demands of the CUNY Gaza Solidarity Encampment (CUNY GSE).

Open to any student or NYC community member, the meeting’s stated purpose was for the CUNY board members “to receive testimony and statements from concerned individuals” ahead of the official Board meeting on Feb. 18. The student-led rally gathered outside the gates of Aaron Davis Hall, where the hearing was held, and chanted “Disclose, divest, we will not stop we will not rest,” among other refrains.

The disruption of the hearing came nine months after the NYPD and CCNY Public Safety forcibly dispersed the CUNY GSE established by CUNY students and New York City community members on April 25, 2024, on the CCNY campus Quad. The CUNY GSE had outlined five demands for the university system. These included full disclosure and divestment of investments associated with Israel, a statement of solidarity with the Palestinian people, and the protection of pro-Palestine students and workers, as well as the suspension of ties with the NYPD and collaborations with recruitment institutions including the CIA, Homeland Security and ROTC, and the re-establishment of CUNY as a tuition-free institution. When the encampment was swept, police arrested about 170 people, including eight co-defendants who currently face up to seven years in jail on charges of attempted assault and burglary in the third degree for their alleged participation in the CUNY GSE. The GSE has added the demand for all charges against them to be dropped to the other five demands.

CUNY’s Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez has remained opposed to the boycott, divestment, and sanctioning of relations with Israel. He testified to this on Nov. 25, 2024, at a New York City Council Committee on Higher Education hearing on CUNY’s response to the Lippman report on antisemitism and discrimination on CUNY campuses. In response to a question about divestment from Chairman Eric Dinowitz, Matos said, “We don't believe…that kind of boycotting academically is appropriate.” 

In his prepared remarks, he also noted that CUNY had “strengthened safety by deploying additional private officers to campuses…[and] has had a longstanding relationship and regularly works with local law enforcement.”

At the February demonstration at CCNY, Public Safety let those wishing to attend the hearing into Aaron Davis Hall via beefed-up security measures. They allowed people through the gates five at a time, searched all bags and instructed everyone to pass through a metal detector, selecting some for an extra check with a wand. Once inside, the community members who had signed up in advance spoke consecutively for their allotted three minutes.

“You should demand with us that genocide-supporting companies like Nestle be removed from our campuses.” -- Chad Kidd, associate professor at City College

“You should demand with us that genocide-supporting companies like Nestle be removed from our campuses,” said Chad Kidd, an associate professor at City College, referring to the transfer of on-campus dining hall and cafe management to Aladdin Food Management. “End the system of corporate loopholes of exploitation of public goods, and ensure that CUNY is fully funded for the people and run by the people!”

Dr. Emma Gelman, director of the Institute for the Critical Study of Zionism, called for the board to ‘side’ with their community. “Every day that fascism advances, is a day that BOT can pick a different side — that your obligation increases, that the shame of failing increases. Return CUNY to our communities, stop making an instrument of fascism, oligarchy, war, and death.”

After the last speaker testified, organizers urged the crowd to stand up and approach the mic chanting together. The trustees and security failed to regain control, and the meeting was cut short. 

The crowd made their way to the building lobby before a tense confrontation between the demonstrators and public safety erupted. The demonstrators were physically pushed out of the building by CCNY public safety and had the school gates locked behind them. The protest continued to walk through the CCNY campus with several public safety officers following them before ending at the quad where the CUNY Gaza Solidarity Encampment stood for five days last April. 

“We will get CUNY to divest,” said CCNY organizer Hadeeqa Malik before the rally dispersed. “We will get the Zionist entity out of every inch of Palestine from the river to the sea by any means necessary.” 

The author of this story previously participated in demonstrations for Palestinian rights.

Internship Course Helps Liberal Arts Majors Navigate Career Paths

By Brian Cortes

Hum 470, a five-credit asynchronous class, allows students to gain experience from private or public workplaces using skills they have gained from studying the liberal arts. This means students can participate in internships or jobs while being supervised in the course, and have this experience count towards their academic progress.

One of those students is Leonard Barret, a Lehman student who interned as a New York City Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Program Aide. A big part of his experience was embracing real-world challenges, such as dealing with time management. “I think balancing school and work is always a difficult kind of thing,” said Barrett, who received career-focused training in his internship. “That was a little overwhelming, but luckily with this course in particular, it was able to be an extension of my work…because I felt like I was getting better at my job with the videos that I've been watching and the articles that I was reading for this class.”

“It accepts students where they are, job [or] internship-wise, and then helps all of them to develop the professional skills and understandings they need to get to the next step in their college-to-career journey.” -- Paula Loscocco, Lehman College English professor

Paula Loscocco, an English professor who teaches this course, said, “It accepts students where they are, job [or] internship-wise, and then helps all of them to develop the professional skills and understandings they need to get to the next step in their college-to-career journey.” This means that if a student is currently engaged in an internship or job that fulfills the requirement for the course, they can continue to work at it and receive credit for it, making scheduling an easier process for them.

This structure worked well for Ashley Soto, who was able to count her job as venue coordinator as her internship this semester. Reflecting on how she coped with this kind of school-work relationship, she said it is giving her valuable insights. “I'm learning a lot, which is why I'm pretty excited for the most part,” she said. “It feels good taking this internship with my job …because I find myself each week reflecting on something new I learned.”

Other students reported experiencing various forms of personal and professional growth, especially learning and progressing in the fields towards which they aspire. Towards the end of the semester, students must apply for a "next-step" position, submitting a resume, LinkedIn profile and cover letter to ensure they can leverage the experience into bigger career opportunities.

Hum 470 also allows students to glimpse their possible futures, helping them decide if the industry they wanted to participate in is the right fit for them—or not. Modupeore

Raji, an English major that wanted to experiment with the world of theater, was able to take that chance in the course.

“Before I took this internship, I was an English major with ideas of going to publishing, maybe becoming an editor, but learning more about the theater industry from Lehman Stages helped me get to know that it is feasible for me to have a career in theater,” Raji said. As students face their next steps post-university, Hum 470 provides a window onto possible paths ahead of them.

Blueprint to Success Welcomes All to Spring 2025

Students at Blueprint to Success on Feb. 5

By Iffath Liaquat

On Feb. 5, numerous students attended the Blueprint to Success (BTS) reception to learn how to become more active on campus. Held in the Music Building and hosted by Lehman’s Office of Students Affairs in collaboration with the Urban Male Leadership Program (UMLP), the Wellness Center, and the Counseling Center, the event promoted programs designed to help students develop fundamental skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and even CPR.

Christian Davila, a Lehman student and member of UMLP, helped set up the event and shared his experience of special opportunities through that program. “It’s an amazing experience to get involved and help others out,” he said. As a member of the Leadership for All and Introduction to Leadership programs, he added that “it’s important to take advantage of all the resources available on campus.”

“We want to encourage our students to become more active members...[and] take advantage of the many opportunities we have.” -- Dr. Conrad Walker, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at Lehman College

Dr. Conrad Walker, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, introduced BTS initiatives, explaining how the program helps students from varying levels become more involved in their community. “It’s easy to register for different events on campus using Lightning Connects,” he said. “We want to encourage our students to become more active members...[and] take advantage of the many opportunities we have.”

Johnny Lozado, the associate director of the UMLP and CREAR Futuros, also encouraged students to take initiative and join the UMLP if they wish to gain leadership skills. “Come stop by room 302, where we can hook you up with information on joining us. We have resources such as mentorships and annual retreats!”

There are certain events on campus that help students fulfill the criteria needed to earn their own BTS badges. On the Lehman Lightning Connections site, after logging in, students can click on their profile to find the “Paths” button to track their progress toward earning their own badge. Many of the campus meetings required to earn a badge are categorized as developing either engagement or leadership skills that are sought after by employers. At the end of the semester, once they earn all the credit needed, they can add the badge to their LinkedIn profile or resume. Sessions that counted towards a BTS badge last semester were a CPR/ First Aid Event, a training by the tutoring center, and sessions held by the Career Exploration and Development Center.

The reception ended with UMLP members serving attendees delicious foods, creating a lively atmosphere, and organizers passing out gifts. Counseling Center staff also handed out daily planners and invited students to learn more about their services and not be afraid to seek their help while going through hardships.

February Club Fair Draws Hundreds of Curious Students

Photo by Soleil Hendy

By Soleil Hendy

When the clock struck 2:00 on Feb. 19, the doors to the East Dining Hall in the Music Building swung open, and the hard work of over 50 clubs became available to Lehman's student body at Club Fair Spring 2025. This semester’s event packed the hall with students scurrying past one another to check out the wide array on offer.

“Club Fair Fall 2024 was probably the highest attended Club Fair I’ve seen in many years… about 500-600 students came,” said David Charcape, the assistant director of Lehman’s Office of Campus Life which organized the event. Charcape has overseen multiple Club Fairs, and said the event seems to have a consistently good turnout. “[February’s] fair was also well attended, with around 300 students coming to check out the event.”

Maryam, a member of the Lehman Nutrition Club, sat at the head of the club’s table serving drinks made by bike blender, offering students to give it a spinto win a healthy smoothie. She said she joined the club to expand her culinary repertoire. “Baking was something I had no clue how to do, and I heard they would teach you,” she explained. “I’ve gotten pretty good at it since I’ve joined! The Nutrition Club provides all the materials too, so no worries about having to bring your own stuff.”

Several other students reported that they enjoyed the event, and not only for the free snacks and drinks.

At another table, Isabel Pozo, or “Izzy”, the head of the Google Development Student Club, promoted it as a hub for students interested in coding and other aspects of STEM, a place to learn and geek out with fellow fanatics. She also described the rigorous process of beginning a Google Development chapter at Lehman, which required a specialized application and year-long program commitment. Pozo said the club has had a spike in activity in spite of its rocky start, and is eager to welcome new folk into its ranks. “We use official Google web development materials to teach our members!” she added.

“It was really helpful to have that community… those people who remind you that enjoying yourself is what’s really important.” - Gwendolyn Acosta

Gwendolyn Acosta, a sophomore and member of both the Lehman’s Modelling Club and Network for Stage and Screen Artists, shared how these communities helped her grow her confidence. “In most fashion spaces y’know height would have held me back,” she said. “But in the club nobody cares! Like it was really helpful to have that community… those people who remind you that enjoying yourself is what’s really important.”

Bronx Native Makes Award-Winning Hip-Hop Film

(From Graffiti Nation by Handal Abdelrahim)

By Genesis Stanley

Bronx, New York, 1983. Sixteen-year-old Handal Gomez Abdelrahim was walking up the block in his neighborhood on 231st St, playing hip-hop music on his small radio to meet up with his friends, when a grown man confronted him, cursed him and his music with a racial slur, and broke his radio. While another adult stepped in to defend Abdelrahim verbally, Abdelrahim decided to outsmart his assailant. He went back to his house, brought out his bigger radio, and walked past the man with a smile, playing his music even louder.

Now an Audiovisual Technician and IT Specialist in the Multimedia Center at Lehman College, Abdelrahim said he learned that day that he could’ve easily gone to jail if he used violence, but instead he chose peace. “Hip-hop won,” Abdelrahim said. “We won by not using violence.” As an adult, his love for hip-hop culture led him to make the film Graffiti Nation about the evolution of hip-hop, which screened at Lehman College on Feb. 20.

Born and raised in the Bronx to a Colombian mother and Palestinian father, Abdelrahim grew up along with hip-hop. But he didn’t have an easy childhood. “[It] was rough being both Hispanic and Palestinian in NYC,” said Abdelrahim. He said his mixed heritage put a target on his back because some people viewed and treated him differently. Despite these struggles, his mother always took him to the movie theater to watch movies together. These visits were how his love for filming started to blossom.

“Film was like my therapy, my escape zone. I used to pack packages when I was a child at a supermarket by Dyckman, and whatever I made, I just went over [and spent it at] the movie theaters two or three blocks away called the Alpine Theater. I sat there all day watching films,” Abdelrahim reflected.

Growing up, he idolized icons such as Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee, known for their strength, heart, and skill that they showed through their artistic form of boxing, martial arts, and acting. Movies like Jaws, Star Wars, Rocky, and The Warriors are what gave him his light bulb moment about the power of film. “The Warriors movie showed the streets and I saw the art in the streets.”

His life also changed when he went from a Catholic elementary school that was “all about homework and religion” to a public school where the doors of hip-hop were opened to him. “Graffiti, breakdancing, hip-hop was a norm. You were cool if you were doing it”, said Abdelrahim. He started to cut class and make beats and mixtapes with his friends. From there, Handal and his peers became part of the hip-hop movement.

“My boy Howie, who was also a graffiti writer and DJ, we grew up together in the Bronx. We used to make beats, we would take any record and try to combine it”, Abdelrahim recalled.

Mixtapes and DJing were popular back in the 80s when hip-hop took off and became so popular that it spread to other boroughs.

“Graffiti, rapping, DJing, breaking—these quickly became and remain powerful modes of expression for youth around the world. But it all started here in the Boogie Down.” - Dr. Steven Payne, director of the Bronx County Historical Society.

As an adult, Abdelrahim became a filmmaker himself, and created Graffiti Nation, a film that traces how hip-hop has changed over the years and influenced many artistic styles. The movie shows images of graffiti murals from back then and now, movie clips of all kinds of dance styles, from movies like You Got Served, Honey, The Wiz, House Party, Beatstreet, and many more, along with breakdancing videos, set to an old-school hip-hop soundtrack. It won two New York City Film Festival awards in 2010 for editing. On Thursday, Feb. 20, the movie was screened at Lehman in the Music Building.

“I wanted to show the background and how it started. How you can have Fred Astaire do the footwork and kids today and break dances today are doing the same type of footwork that Fred Astaire did", said Abdelrahim. He explained that his loved ones played a big part in his drive to make the film. After two of his cousins passed away, he continued making the movie so that everyone could learn what life was like back then.

“I didn’t want to include me and Howie in the film because it wasn’t about us,” Abdelrahim said. “It was about the people and how [hip-hop] transcended through time.”

Images of Faith in the City

At the Fordham University’s Susan Lipani Gallery. Photos by Tabea Weczerek

By Tabea Weczerek

For Bronx-born David González, faith and religion in a place like New York can have very different manifestations. They can be found in a colorful mural honoring the dead in Castle Hill, in the compassionate work of a catholic worker in the East Village, or on a bold storefront sign in the Bronx.

His first solo show, “Urban Devotions: Images of Faith in the City,” held at Fordham University’s Susan Lipani Gallery from January 21 to February 17, 2025, showcased forms of urban spirituality through the many lenses he’s used in his career spanning over four decades as a photographer and journalist.

His interest in covering expressions of faith in the city dates to his early years at The New York Times, where he worked as a journalist covering New York, especially the Bronx. He is also part of the Seis del Sur, a collective of Nuyorican photographers that capture the South Bronx.

“They looked out not just for the spiritual health of the community but also for their social and economic wellbeing.” -- David González, Former New York Times Bronx Bureau Chief and Latin American and Caribbean Bureau Chief

González has always been fascinated by how religion plays out in people’s lives, particularly in their day-to-day lives. His inspiration came from growing up as a Latino Catholic in the South Bronx and his work as a journalist covering the city. “I realized in some of my old neighborhoods that the church has really done a significant job of organizing its congregation to demand proper treatment for residents from city officials,” said González. “They looked out not just for the spiritual health of the community but also for their social and economic wellbeing.”

One photo that captured this spirit is taken from over the shoulder of a Catholic worker as he extends his hand through a window, giving bread to a man outside. The angle of the shot focuses the viewer’s attention on the act of giving and receiving in a warm moment of kindness. The small statue of a saint holding baby Jesus on the right side of the picture echoes this expression of caregiving.

Another particularly remarkable image was a raw portrait of Father John Grange, a Bronx priest who, as González mentioned, did much for the community until his passing. Taken at the Calvary Hospital near the end of his life, the picture captures him with a subtle smile, his gaze directed slightly off-camera, his shirtless torso contrasting with the blurred dark background.

Eileen Markey, associate professor of journalism at Lehman College who moderated an artist talk with González, praised how he revealed the ineffable in his photographs. “I’m a big fan of David’s work. He’s capturing what makes the community in the Bronx very special,” said Markey. For her, his work reveals an alternative source of strength and community, illustrating a more tender image of the Bronx. “For the Fordham Center on Religion and Culture, it was important to create a space to reflect on these matters,” said Markey. “To think about the roles religion, belief, and faith play in the lives of New Yorkers.”

The exhibition featured images that reinterpreted secularism in the buzzing New York cityscape and highlighted spaces and signs that are often overlooked and unacknowledged. The photos included shots of streetside altars, murals, statues, portraits, religious signs on storefronts and sidewalks, and snapshots of individuals in moments of prayer. Compiled over a decade of work and composed of color and black-

and-white images, it ultimately serves as a documentary record of lived religion in the 21st century.

“I hope people come away from it with an appreciation for all these little signs that are all around us if you know how to look,” said González on the intention behind his project. “To realize that there are all these details around us and to give us some approximation where we’re at right now and perhaps where we’re going to.” Through the images, he hoped to encourage people to reflect on their relationship to faith or the city and approach things with open eyes.

Lehman College Basketball: The Lightning Strikes Back with a New Season

By Adolfo Miliano and Jesus Vargas

Members and coaches of both Lehman’s Men’s and Women’s basketball teams spoke about the upcoming season on Lehman's Media Day on October 18th. In this interview, players and coaches on both sides spoke about their upcoming season, their meticulous training regiments, and the goals they’re striving for. With the season starting in November, both the Men’s and Women’s teams have high expectations to go far this season, especially after last season's daunting defeat against their conference rivals, Baruch College. This year, Lehman plans to be on the other side of the history books in hopes of seizing their opportunity and once again holding the CUNYAC trophy.

Steve Schulman has been the Men’s Basketball Head Coach for Lehman College for 25 years. This new 2024/25 season brings high expectations for the men’s side, as they are looking to achieve the CUNYAC Championship title for the first time since 2004. The Men’s team fell short last season against Baruch in the CUNYAC finals, losing 71-73 by the end of the 4th quarter. That was the third year in a row that the two teams faced each other in the CUNYAC in the finals, Baruch won all three of those encounters. 

Coach Schulman spoke about these results and how he is looking to turn this loss streak around: “The key is that we don’t try to plant into that game right now,” he said. “Every season is new in basketball. You just have to grind it out and try to get better every day.” 

After these heartbreaking losses in the CUNYAC Final, Schulman assures that the team maintains its confidence despite the negative results. “The coaching staff and the players bring a good level of confidence every day,” he expressed. “We have to remember why we were able to get into those spots, which is how we practiced and how we played together.”

Schulman was the head coach during the last time the Men’s team won the CUNYAC Championship in 2004. He spoke about the 20-year drought and how it drives him to achieve greatness with the team. “It’s tough. We’ve been close so many times,” he said. “We’re going to break it, no doubt. That’s what drives me. I want to win that last game.” 

Another goal for Schulman is for Lehman to play NCAA DIII Basketball. In order to compete in NCAA DIII, his team must win the CUNYAC Championship to be seeded within the best 24 DIII teams in the country. “Lehman has never won a NCAA game, so that is the ultimate goal,” he expressed. Looking into the team, Schulman spoke about the players. “We have a really supportive group of guys who are respectful and want to win.” 

His expectations for the players are straightforward: “Win the next game, win the regular season in CUNY, with the CUNYAC Championship, and win an NCAA game.” He believes the title will return to Lehman after 20 years if the team commits. He finalized by saying: “The way we can achieve it is by not being selfish and everyone committing to the goal. We have the talent to do it, so we need to get better each and every game to make sure that we’re playing at our best when the playoffs start.” 

Brandon Marks is a Senior at Lehman College who plays as a Small Forward and Shooting Guard for the Men’s Basketball Team. Marks is also the co-captain of the Men’s side for his second year running. Like Coach Schulman and the other players, Marks has one target in mind: win the CUNYAC Championship. “This has been our goal for the past few years, we fell short, but this is a different year,” he assured. Marks spoke highly of his teammates as he believes the team has the talent to accomplish the CUNYAC title this season. 

He expressed how connected the team is, even with a handful of new recruits. “We have a lot of new guys, but you can’t even tell they are new,” he said. “There is a lot of bonding, competition, and healthy trash-talking. There are a lot of great new additions to the team; the coaches did a great job recruiting. We got exactly what we needed.” 

Brandon Marks also shared his thoughts about his captaincy role and the challenges it brought him. “Last year was very challenging. I wasn’t playing much, so it's hard to speak up when you are not playing,” he said. “This year, I feel so much more comfortable. It's not even about playing, it's being the voice of reason besides the coach.” He expressed how important it is for a captain to speak up with confidence and help the team. Marks shares captaincy with another player, Lasana Camara, and speaks about their relationship. “Lasana is my boy. I’ve been with him for three years now and trust him.” 

Marks describes his experience during the three consecutive CUNYAC finals and how it affected the players. “For some people, losing those games could make you think that once you get to the final, you’re going to lose again,” he said. “I look at things differently. This is a whole new year. Everything else before doesn’t matter.” The most important part for him is keeping a positive mindset during the season and not thinking about the previous results. “Take one game at a time, get better every day, and when we look up in February, we will be where we need to be.” Brandon Marks finalized by stating, “This is the year,” as he hopes to win Lehman’s first CUNYAC Championship title since 2004. 

Women's Basketball Team: The Goal is Gold

Women’s Head Coach Eric Harrison has been the head coach of the Women’s Basketball Team for 26 years. Harrison is no stranger to victory. He was an intricate part of capturing a CUNYAC title in 2016 and has high praise for this new team. “In 2016, the team was very great; we had some talented players who worked hard and cared about each other. They prepared every day for what would be a championship, and we hope these players carry that onto this team and emphasize the importance of practice, commitment, and teamwork.” 

Coach Harrison’s objective goes beyond a title win; he hopes to bring back relevancy to a team that people have forgotten about. “It’s been a while since this team has won. People have written Lehman off on the women's side due to struggling the past few years, but it would be great to get back and show people that we haven’t gone anywhere, and I think this year's team can do that.” 

The Women’s team has the capability to accomplish something they haven’t done in 8 years. It’s more than winning a title and hanging a banner to most. Like Co-Captain Emily Kennedy, this team is a sisterhood that cares for each other and wants to strive for excellence. She gave a daring statement to those who oppose Lehman this season. 

“Watch out for Lehman because Lehman is coming for the chip.”

Heaven Accemius, a graduate student at Lehman College and co-captain of the Women’s Basketball Team, gave insight into her experience as a D1 athlete at Hampton University and why coming to Lehman was the best move for her. “I wanted to come back home not only for graduate school but to win a title here. I think my prior experience at a D1 program will help develop the players on this team and give them knowledge that they can use in the long run.” Heaven Accemius is coming back from a season-ending injury the year before and has something to prove. “I’m Rehabbing 2-3 times a week and taking strategic measures to make sure I stay healthy this season and be there for my team when it matters.

Accemius is a combo guard with skills in ball handling and shooting. However, when asked about the other factors of the game, like rebounding, defensive pressure, and steals, she had no hesitation, saying: “My teammates got me with that and will help me throughout those areas of the game.” She puts the team before herself and is fully aware of the challenges ahead. “It would mean a lot to me to win a title here. We didn’t win the chip at my old school, and the one for CUNYAC is accessible, and it’s within reach and I think me and my team can get there.” 

She answered confidently when asked how she plans to handle the pressure this season. “What pressure?” For The Lightning, last season came to an end with a thud, falling to Baruch in the Championship game. Yet players never wavered nor hesitated when asked about their next matchup. “We want Baruch,” “We want to win a Championship,” and “We have something to prove” were all emphasized by Lehman’s Men's Team. Heaven Accemius gave a bold prediction as to how this season will go for Lehman. “We’re going undefeated and going straight to the chip.” 

Both sides are stoic about starting the new season and claiming their most desired achievement: winning the CUNYAC Championship. The players' determination and the high remarks from both coaches give Lehman the confidence to obtain both titles and qualify for the NCAA Tournament.

Beyond Tomorrow: Adapting to the Unfolding AI Era 1Navigating the AI Era: Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations

By: Paula Aidoo

In the pages of history, whispers of artificial intelligence (AI) have captivated our imagination. Long before the 21st century dawned, visionaries envisioned machines that could think and learn like humans. Now, the prospect of having an AI companion by your side is no longer just a dream; it’s becoming a reality.

“AI + humans” – that's the tagline for the future of work. But here's the kicker: You're torn between feeling worried, excited, or just plain terrified about what lies ahead.

The future holds exciting possibilities, but with hurdles to overcome. AI is revolutionizing how we work in numerous ways. Imagine AI helping you brainstorm content ideas for your side hustle or social media page, generating fresh posts and captions in seconds. Or think about an AI-powered app that optimizes your daily schedule, pinpointing the best times to study based on your classes, and navigating the fastest subway route to campus—accounting for any delays along the way.

There are many reasons students should be on the lookout for AI; let’s explore its potential benefits and how it can shape your academic and professional journey.

AI isn’t perfect

Welch Labs. AI Can't Cross This Line and We Don't Know Why. YouTube, uploaded by Welch Labs

AI is advancing rapidly, but it's important to recognize its limitations. One concept that illustrates this is the 'Efficient Compute Frontier.' This refers to the point at which increasing computing power yields diminishing returns on AI model performance, suggesting that AI will never be a one-stop shop for all of life’s inquiries.

AI hallucinations are also a significant issue. In a Stanford study, AI models used for legal cases were shown to hallucinate 17% to 33% of the time. That’s a lot of made-up cases (Magesh et al., 2024).

AI can never be perfect. While innovations will shift the frontier of AI capabilities, the true value of AI depends on how humans interpret and apply its capabilities. And there are a lot of applications.

The AI craze

Businesses are striving to apply AI in every crevice possible. AI adoption is accelerating, with revenues from AI businesses expected to reach $190 billion by 2025. By 2030, AI technology is projected to add $15.7 trillion to global gross domestic product (GDP) per an article by Weforum. "Meta is spending billions of dollars on Nvidia’s popular computer chips, which are at the heart of artificial intelligence research and projects," alongside other organizations' initiatives (Vanian, J., 2024). 

However, these optimistic visions of the future can only be realized through collaboration and proactive measures. If not, it can lead to terrible consequences, which many Americans fear.   

The Dangers of AI

The fear of AI is justified. It can lead to algorithmic biases and job displacement. According to Tech Monitor, Dell is expected to cut 12,500 jobs, largely influenced by its focus on AI. Additionally, AI raises ethical concerns over autonomy and ownership, and it could be misused or weaponized for malicious purposes.

So, why should students pay attention to AI?

By understanding AI concepts and acquiring relevant skills, you'll not only be better prepared for the future job market but also positioned to thrive in a world where AI integrates into every aspect of our lives and work. 

Career-wise, students with AI experience are much more likely to get hired and will be more resilient to AI job displacement, meaning more job security.

It's well known that AI can help you be more productive. "A new study on the impact of generative AI on highly skilled workers finds that when artificial intelligence is used within the boundary of its capabilities, it can improve a worker’s performance by nearly 40% compared with workers who don’t use it" (Somers, 2023).  This means that a task that typically takes 4 hours could potentially be completed in about 2.4 hours. "However, when AI is used outside that boundary to complete a task, worker performance drops by an average of 19 percentage points"; underscoring the importance of human oversight (Somers, 2023). 

In the near term, AI can further explain course topics, help you brainstorm ideas for assignments, and be a study partner for upcoming exams. The possibilities are endless.

Food for thought

"AI is no longer some futuristic idea; it’s already being integrated into every aspect of our lives and in every industry, from healthcare and education to finance and travel. The steps we take today — in terms of where we apply AI, who participates in creating it, who can access it, and how informed we all are about its impact on our daily lives — will play an important part in shaping the future of our society. Now is the time for all of us to become AI literate." 

"As individuals more deeply embrace these technologies to augment, improve, and streamline their lives, they are continuously invited to outsource more decision-making and personal autonomy to digital tools”(Anderson, J., & Rainie, L., 2023).

Think about the skills you'll need to succeed in an AI-driven world. It's not just about technical expertise; it's also about adaptability, critical thinking, and creativity.

We stand at the threshold of an uncertain future. The key to navigating the AI era lies in adaptation. To thrive in this dynamic landscape, individuals must cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and agility. 

In the job market, employers are seeking individuals who can leverage AI to solve complex problems, innovate, and drive business growth. 

"It should be noted that in explaining their answers, most of these experts agreed that the future of digital systems is likely to hold both positive and negative consequences for human agency. Most of the overall expert group also agreed that the current moment is a turning point that will determine a great deal about the authority, autonomy, and agency of humans as the use of digital technology spreads inexorably into more aspects of daily life" (Anderson, J., & Rainie, L., 2023).

Together, let's harness the challenges and opportunities of the AI era, while also being mindful of its potential risks. Our actions today will shape the world of tomorrow.

From Setbacks to Success: Lehman College and CUNY Reconnect Help Students Return and Thrive

By: Gilbert Areizaga

Now, more than ever, going to college has become less of a natural path and more of a question. With the efficacy of a degree seeming to be at its lowest point, the volatile job market, and social media being a legitimate source of income for many, would-be undergrads are electing to skip college and instead seek other opportunities. One of CUNY’s big selling points is that 75% of students graduate without debt. This would presumably incentivize students to graduate with their Bachelor's degree or at least earn an Associate’s. However, the problems mentioned previously pale in comparison to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have left student retention in one of the worst states it has been in for quite some time. 

The Numbers According to CUNY

CUNY diligently tracks this information year by year, providing us with statistics from 1990-2019. For the sake of time, let’s look at undergraduate enrollment from fall and spring 2014 to fall and spring 2019. 

CUNY. Enrollment by Undergraduate and Graduate Level, Full-Time/Part-Time Status: Historical.

Between 2014 and 2018, the total enrollment peaked at 483,000 students, fluctuating between 479,000 and 480,000 in other years. However, in 2019 the number of undergraduate enrollments dropped from 480,094 students in 2018 to 470,636 students in 2019, a difference of almost 9,500 students. Keep in mind those are the pre-pandemic statistics, which means the numbers may be even lower today. Lehman College’s 2022 report states, "The fall-to-fall one-year retention rate for first-time freshmen fell by 6.8 percentage points to 73.8% for the fall 2020 cohort”. Additionally, the report notes that the COVID-19 pandemic (and the subsequent but short-lived uptick in the labor market post-pandemic) likely had a hand in the decision of would-be undergrads. This is in stark contrast to national retention numbers, where according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, public four-year institutions have broadly increased retention rates over the years. This leads to two questions: How has COVID-19 affected students’ decision to continue their education, and what is CUNY doing to bring their students back to the classroom?

Interview with Vice President of Enrollment Management Richard Finger

To answer those questions, I sat down with the Vice President of Enrollment Management here at Lehman College, Richard Finger, where we discussed how COVID has impacted Lehman and what’s been done to combat this. In our discussion, Richard emphasized how hard the Bronx was hit. Saying, “You know, ground zero of the first reported case of COVID was just a few miles from this campus.” Richard compares the level of fear he saw among students and staff to September 11. When we consider the loss of jobs, family members, and overall personal security, it is not hard to imagine that school was of least concern to students at the time. Richard and the rest of the staff were certainly attentive to students' concerns. While the school was already offering support, Richard explained that Lehman went the extra mile during the pandemic. “We didn’t know exactly what to do, but we knew we wanted to help, so we took up a collection and managed to provide fifty $50 gift cards to the food pantry to assist students who might be facing immediate food needs.” Since then, mental health and financial support have been expanded with Lehman’s services and the CUNY Reconnect Program. The program reaches out to students who want to continue their education, regardless of whether they are just starting out or returning after dropping out. And with the help of Reconnect, Lehman has seen over 2,000 students make their return. Reconnect allows students to receive help with outstanding balances, filling out their FAFSA form, and getting into the appropriate academic program. This is in part due to the personalized service each student receives in the program.

Of course, the students are the biggest component in this equation, as they are the ones taking that first step. Richard is careful to say that students “stop out” rather than drop out, explaining, “One of the things that they always say to us is they never stop thinking about getting that bachelor's degree. And I think that for a student who stops out and is thinking about their education, it's never too [late] to start exploring a pathway back.” He pointed me to the case of Anthony Philips, a student Richard has worked with personally, as an example of the resilience of these students and the support Lehman offers. In an article from Spectrum News, Philips tells us of his rough path to his degree. “‘I'm formerly incarcerated. I had six attempted murders on some New York City law enforcement officers when I was very young, about 23 years old’” (via Spectrum News). This past summer, he graduated with a 3.7 GPA at the age of 60.

So, while enrollment numbers may be down, the resilience of students, bolstered by CUNY and Lehman’s extensive support services and the dedication of staff like Richard, offers a strong foundation. With this level of commitment, the numbers will rise again—along with the success stories of future graduates.

From Campus to Community: Lehman's Local Impact

Lehman College. "Lehman College celebrates #LehmanProud." LinkedIn

By: Pamela Duran 

Lehman College, nestled in the heart of the Bronx, is more than just an institution of higher learning. It serves as a beacon of hope and support for many individuals, including students, staff, and alumni. Beyond its academic offerings, the college has established itself as a pillar of community support through various initiatives and programs addressing critical needs and fostering a spirit of solidarity. 

Delving into Lehman's resources reveals their efforts to advance the community they serve. The two most significant initiatives on campus are the Basic Needs Center and the Lehman Food Bank in the Old Gym Building. The Basic Needs Center is a comprehensive support hub in connection with CUNY Cares that addresses the following: 

• Food insecurity support 

• Housing assistance 

• Financial aid 

• Mental health and wellness services 

• Quality healthcare 

• Transportation assistance 

• Technology support 

CUNY Citizenship Now is a notable service coordinated through the Basic Needs Center, which provides immigration law services. This program is worthy of recognition for its valuable support to students navigating complex immigration issues. This enables students to focus on academic success without worrying about essential needs. 

The Food Bank, which cooperates with the Basic Needs Center, was formed in March 2017. It serves students and staff in numerous ways. The Food Bank services go as follows: 

• Online grocery cards 

• Cooking demonstrations 

• Bulk bag groceries 

• Assistance with SNAP benefits 

• Resources for finding healthy food in the neighborhood 

• Diet suggestions and tips for eating well 

According to their website, they have served over 100,737 meals to Lehman students. Notably, 87% of those students fear their food will run out within the next year, with 75% of those students living in the Bronx. The Food Bank also provides students with resources to find healthy food in their neighborhoods and offers diet suggestions and tips to ensure they eat well. 

Lehman College's community outreach extends to educational support as well. The Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) aims to increase the participation of underrepresented and economically disadvantaged Bronx students in STEM fields. Lehman collaborates with Bronx schools to achieve this.  

This program prepares students for college entry and focuses on critical areas such as mathematics, science, technology, and health-related fields. Beyond that, it helps students with their core subjects, Regents preparation, college admission counseling, summer programs, and other forms of support in preparing students from middle through high school. 

The STEP program has specific eligibility criteria for students: 

• Student Eligibility: • Enrolled in Grades 7-12 • Economically disadvantaged or from specific racial/ethnic groups (African American, Hispanic/Latino, Alaskan Native, American Indian) • Must benefit from academic enrichment 

• Economically Disadvantaged Criteria: • Meets income eligibility criteria (2021-26 STEP Income Eligibility Criteria) • Eligibility determined at first admission to STEP • Continued support available even if family income increases 

• Additional Eligibility Categories: • Recipients of family assistance or safety net assistance • Students in foster care • Wards of the State or county • Students eligible for free or reduced lunch based on family income 

The Adult Learning Center (ALC) serves as a beacon of opportunity for adult learners. As one of the leading adult education programs in New York City, it annually serves approximately 800 individuals with free classes in Basic Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and preparation for High School Equivalency diplomas. This initiative is vital in empowering adults in the community to further their education and improve their career prospects. It also allows them to discover scholarships, grants, and financial aid that can help them further their education and explore new, more stable career paths. 

The Lehman Jumpstart program further exemplifies the college's commitment to community service. This initiative prepares and supports college students to serve preschool children in low-income neighborhoods and instills a sense of community responsibility in Lehman students. By promoting school success for young children while providing leadership training and work-study opportunities for college students, Jumpstart creates a dual benefit for the college and the broader community. 

Many volunteer positions are available for any Lehman student to give back and connect to their community outside of Lehman. Three types of volunteer work are offered: short-term, long-term, and remote. The Community Engagement site provides various links and pages that can be used to find different volunteer opportunities, either in-person or virtual. 

As these programs continue to thrive at Lehman, we can see their ongoing impact on the diverse communities comprising the Lehman population. New programs to help students are emerging constantly and knowing where to look can make all the difference. By addressing students' basic needs, providing educational support, and encouraging community engagement, Lehman creates a positive impact extending beyond its campus, fostering growth and development throughout the Bronx. 

References and Additional Resources: 

• Basic Needs Center 

• Food Bank 

• STEP  

• ALC 

• Jumpstart 

• Volunteer work 

• Community resources  

Coping with Midterm Stress

Photo taken by Tim Gouw, uploaded on Unsplash

By Iffath Liaquat

It’s that time of year again. When students are scrambling to build up stamina to seize the midterm testing season. The fall semester is more than halfway over, the Lehman community is feeling the pressure of being piled with exams, projects, and papers in order to test their knowledge. 

Maii is a sophomore and intends to major in speech pathology. She is part of a few different clubs such as the African Student Association, The Lehman Modeling Club, and the SEAMLSS (Seamless Educational Advancement To Maximize Lehman Student Success) internship program. This program requires students to get internships, career advice, and participation in various opportunities. She shares that she isn’t nervous about midterms, considering that most of them are projects, or essays, except for her French class. “All I know is if I study well, I’ll do well.” Maii encourages students to build confidence in themselves to prepare for their examinations, noting the effects of the self-fulfilling prophecy. “Professors usually [include]... what will be [on] the exam. If they focus… and study … they should be fine.” She urges that if anyone is having any difficulty, they should go to the tutoring center, and take advantage of the numerous resources available on campus. 

Busayo Owoaje is a sophomore at Lehman College and is active in the Leadership for the All program as well as some clubs. But Owoaje has been swamped by her packed schedule and by many obligations in her personal life. When asked about midterms, she says she’s extremely overwhelmed and isn’t confident in her knowledge, but “this feeling can easily be changed when I start studying and practicing. Anything is possible!” Owoaje notes. To balance out the fear, Owoaje voiced that she puts herself into a positive and realistic mindset. “[I remind] myself that midterms [aren’t] the end of the world… I can [always] do my best later on.” To avoid the dire effects of over-studying, on the day of an exam, she maintains a calm atmosphere by listening to music or watching videos. 

Omadai Sukul is a junior majoring in speech pathology and minoring in psychology and early childhood education. She is a part of the ACE program and a mentor for the Urban Male Leadership program. Sukul is the voluntary manager for the Caribbean Unity Club, while also managing two part-time jobs. She expresses feeling anxious and is constantly overthinking about midterms. However, with dutiful planning, she breaks down her schedule in order to deal with things one step at a time. Sukul shares that getting involved in college has helped her cope with stressful situations. “[I get] to socialize and meet… amazing students. [I learned] that [I’m] not alone on my journey, as life as a student can be stressful.” She reflects that these activities have helped her push past limits and attain useful advice. 

Everyone is dealing with this time in different ways; from Omadai’s busy schedule, Maii’s self-assurance, and Busayo’s efforts for tranquility. The midterms provide different challenges for everyone. Being able to deal with such emotions is one of the trials of college life, a universal feeling, and a handy skill in life. But you can always turn to your community when you feel like you’re tipping over the edge.

Change in taste: Lehman’s culinary experience post-pandemic

By Brian Cortes

For many students at Lehman, grabbing a bite to eat between classes or catching up with friends over lunch is an essential part of the college experience. Whether it’s breakfast in the morning, lunch in the afternoon, or even a simple snack to get through the day, eating something while on campus has become essential to students. Considering this, it is no surprise that students have paid close attention to Lehman's dining services. In the process of keeping up with the dining services, many questions from students have arisen over time. As Lehman students returned in the fall of 2021 during the transition period of reopening post-pandemic, they left the cafeteria services behind as it remained closed until the fall of 2022. Once it did, students quickly noticed their dining experience differed from the one they remembered. With different food options and items, they remember having a different presentation. Following this, students began raising questions about the changes.  

David Charcape, Assistant Director of Campus Life, reflected on the pre-pandemic dining scene, explaining, "Prior to the pandemic, the college used to have a vendor called Metropolitan. Not only did they run the main cafeteria in the basement of the Music Building, but they also offered catering services for campus events. Most of the clubs and offices used their services often, and the prices were very competitive.” 

Metropolitan Food Service Inc. was the food service provider that supplied the campus with most of its food options, and the experience most students were familiar with before the pandemic. Many students reflect on their experience when Metropolitan was around with comments like “I could always count on a slice of pizza to get me through the day” and “the burger and fries combo always hit the spot and left me and my friends satisfied.” Also, similar sentiments were shared about how the cafeteria services back then created a comfortable environment for them to eat or simply hang out before, in between, and after classes. 

Like many things in our time, Metropolitan Food Services Inc. was not able to stay open for business as Lehman and other colleges shut down campus activities. This served as a primary source of income for Metropolitan, and the absence made it hard for them to stay in business. This is true for most of the food providers of colleges in NYC. Despite this, Lehman needed to continue providing dining services as part of getting the services on campus back up and running. This led to a new supplier taking the reins of dining services at Lehman in the form of JG Restaurant Ventures LLC (DBA World Cup). JG has been in charge of the current food services at Lehman since the reopening of its cafeteria services. The change was apparent when students observed that their usual food items, like the pizza, looked and tasted different.  

To gauge if the overall experience provided by JG is better, worse, or the same as Metropolitan is harder to evaluate since comparing taste, portions, health benefits, and overall experience are different areas that could vary depending on who you ask. However, a comparison between both services presents itself in the form of the annual budgets of the Lehman Auxiliary Enterprise Corporation, which demonstrates the revenues that the cafeterias bring to Lehman annually.

According to the files in the fiscal year of 2019-2020, when Metropolitan was still operating, the cafeteria generated around  $126,837 compared to our current fiscal year 2024-2025, in which JG is running reports of around $60,000. At first glance, based on the numbers, it might appear that Metropolitan’s final year running provided more satisfaction by a long shot compared to JG, which hasn’t been able to gross half of Metropolitan's earnings. But it's important to remember that Lehman is still recuperating itself post-COVID and that JG is continuously reassessing and refining its services to better provide to students. Since Metropolitan had a longer time for trial and error, it had time to figure out what the best accommodations were when servicing Lehman.

 Further inspection of the Auxiliary Enterprise Corporation files also reveals that in the fiscal year of 2022-2023, the cafeteria generated $20,000, and in the fiscal year of 2023-2024, the cafeteria generated $45,000. Considering that this year generated around $60,000, it is evident there's an upward trajectory in performance from JG since their income has increased yearly. This trend indicates that students are slowly trusting JG more and more for their dining services. Something important to note is that JG has to compete with other food services that students have adopted when all the cafeteria services at Lehman were closed. This includes other local dining locations like cafes, food carts, and restaurants. Something that Metropolitan didn’t have to deal with as much. Once Lehman began providing dining services, students weren’t so quick to change back from the new food options they had made part of a routine.

 It’s natural for a business not to do so well at the start and to progress with further time to succeed continuously. Just because JG hasn’t immediately shown the same profit level as the Metropolitan once did, it doesn’t mean that it won’t ever equal or surpass it at some point.

Existing in The Context

By: Steevens Remelus

Suchness:

The piece begins slowly, with controlled movements and silence, and stays this way with the audio sprinkled in. Bits came in and fled, initially confusing me about what was occurring. However, this contributed to the message I took from it later on, acknowledging these slow moments needed to be cherished. When the tape recorder comes in and starts playing audio with the static effect (like a VHS player), it starts to feel like a memory and not so much like interpretive art – moments of childhood, moments of joy.

Eventually, all the movements of slowness and quickness start to combine beautifully. The moment that stood out to me the most was the sunset. Every character and their beautifully done makeup stared into the orange light and, one by one, left, each at a different pace. I’m not sure why, but I guess it’s the feeling of moving at your own pace and not being able to forever enjoy the moments of relaxation or beauty. Reflecting on it now helps me better understand why I felt like crying and wish I had gone to see it again.

This is why I think this piece gets the name “Suchness”. All the changes in pace, the incomplete and partial elements in everything, the movement, and the atmosphere create all the dialogue. Chanel, who worked backstage with wardrobe, gave her interpretation, “Their dance movements were ethereally soft, carrying the audience to fascinating and contemplative thought processes. This improvisation added a touch of surprise to make every movement different and unique.”

Pendulum:

There’s one reason why we go to the club: to distract ourselves from the reality of our lives. We want to get pumped, hang out with our friends, or become less aware of existence. Some of us head to the club and drink or take substances so that the outside world doesn’t feel as real and the joyous effects take over. What’s done well in this performance is how the club culture is fully transported to us; we’re tossed into the high energy, music blasting, dancing, and movement of dancers.

While it's easy to focus on the excitement and energy of the crowd, it's easy to overlook the people around you and their stories, often unnoticed, brought into light by a performance like this.

When creating Pendulum, Xavier wanted to highlight different stories. “Even if they were of the generic type or brand, I still wanted it to be kind of relatable because these are things that, even though they're generic, people understand and relate to. ” 

There’s fantasy and realism put into the narrative to shed positive light on the community, some of the stories being personal. Yes, even with the effects of the hype and stimulation in the club, the problems still find their way to creep in. 

With TJ’s scene in the red room, Xavier recalled from his own experiences. “I wanted to make sure that people, with lighting and music, feel like they’re high. I really wanted people to have this like, ‘ooph,’ like a weight was lifted off your shoulders… sometimes when people are rolling, people feel amazing beautiful and just want to have fun and let go. And then sometimes when you’re mixing and drinking on top of things and other stuff, it’s not that great and not that fun.” 

The dopamine spikes could be temporary, and the doubts fill your mind, just to be washed away again. Promiscuous risks taken in this jungle test your willingness to be vulnerable. Romantic challenges test your loyalty and understanding of one another. While everything feels fast initially, it slows down in these moments and puts you back in perspective: you’re still in reality and going to face it once it's all over, but should cherish these moments while you can. However, accepting who and where you are makes reality all the more possible. 

We end the performance off with a drag show, a beautiful display of queerness, along with some comedy. It makes the statement that this is who we are while showing comfort in ourselves. Although raunchy, it’s real. “I know some of it probably was a little raunchy, a little uncomfortable. That’s part of the reason why I’m very big on making it uncomfortable for people, a lot of it is making people think,” Xavier explained.

Making people think helps with confronting the reality of queer life. When asked about how more explicitness would change the story, Xavier replied, “In nightlife, depending where you go, there are nights where it’s meant just for sex only… so I wanted to make sure that it was as tame as possible where the point still got across… If everything was explicit, then everything would be a whole different ball game.” It can get crazy, and it can be sexual, but the actions are normal and done in an effort to feel free.

So why is the piece called Pendulum? Aside from the allusion to Climax, the story's narratives and nightlife dynamic match the definition and symbolism of a pendulum. Pendulums are weights hung from a point that lets them swing freely forward and back, but they can also be used to refer to the tendency of a situation to oscillate between one extreme and another. “Basically the same thing as Pendulum where it just feels like there’s so many things happening at once, and it’s only a matter of time until we hit a point in the night where it’s about time to go.”

Despite how hectic and nerve-wracking putting it together and seeing the vision might have been, the group chemistry and Xavier and Madelyn’s descriptiveness made it all come together. The creator and dancers' relationship with one another – trusting in him with their cues and artistic speech, trusting in allowing the dancers to do their own thing and help with the creative process, and pushing one another – completed it all. 

"Herbert H. Dance Company Returns: Exploring the Anthology of Fabled Kingdoms"

Herbert H. Dance Company, The Anthology of Fabled Kingdoms. Photo by Ashley Vasquez 

By Ashley Vasquez 

Edited by Professor Eileen Markey 

After a six-year hiatus, the Herbert H. Dance Company (HERBIE) returned to Lehman Stages on Wednesday, September 18, at 4 PM with “The Anthology of Fabled Kingdoms,” choreographed by Lehman alumnae Cordelia Vohnout and Tae G. Kim. 

 This contemporary dance piece explores the power of myths from different cultures, featuring bold and energetic movements. The dancers’ powerful facial expressions and smooth transitions between expressive solos and intricate group formations bring iconic characters such as the fierce warriors and a noble queen to life. Each act focuses on themes of bravery, love, and sacrifice, showing how these stories connect people across cultures. Jessica Maldonado, whose daughter Jaylene is a dancer in the show, was enchanted. "I loved it," she said after the performance. "It was beautiful, and the audience loved it."

Through body movement, dance, and emotions, the dancers created clean lines, and the choreography was designed to highlight their techniques during individual moments. Lehman Stages managed music, atmospheric sounds, and lighting design. “All funds collected from ticket sales, concessions, and merchandise support the company, which includes Lehman students and alumni. These funds help bridge the gap between academic pursuits and careers under the Lehman Stage umbrella,” said director Dante Albertie.

The dancers’ elegant and flowing costumes, which ranged in color from bold reds to soft pastels and stunning metallic greens embellished with feathers, played a vital role in the storytelling. “I love seeing the storytelling, and the costumes are really nice,” said Nadia Schroud, a Lehman alumna who returned for the show. The production ran from September 18 through September 22 in The Speech and Theater building. Dancers rehearsed together at the APEX building in Lehman College from July until September's performance, meeting four times a week. “Being a part of HERBIE dance company is like a sense of community,” said dancer  Wilson Hernandez.

Herbert H. Dance Company, The Anthology of Fabled Kingdoms. Photo by Ashley Vasquez 

As the dancers portray the story of renewal, vibrant colors and dramatic music signal the arrival of the phoenix, capturing the audience's attention. The choreographers selected ‘’The Anthology of Fabled Kingdoms’’ as their comeback performance because of its vital elements of “fantasy and storytelling.” The phoenix symbolizes rebirth, marking a new beginning for the HERBIE Company. After a six-year break, HERBIE's return energized the audience, and the faces of the children in attendance appeared inspired. 

Lehman’s Swim Team: Lifeguard Shortage

By: Safiya Richards 

On October 17th, the swim team coach and members were interviewed about the shortage of lifeguards in the APEX due to COVID restrictions, which could potentially impact the swim team.  

There were more lifeguards before COVID-19, and organizations like the Red Cross did training.  

Peter Kiernan, Aquatics Director and Head Swim Coach, stated there was a decline in lifeguards due to the pandemic. “There was something called COVID-19. There were no classes until November 2021.” There weren't a lot of focus classes, so there was a big break. The cities were more restrictive than the outside. According to Kiernan, 35% of the Caucasian population, 50% of the Asian population, and 75% of African Americans don't know how to swim because of the lack of opportunity. The older students go to college, graduate, and go on to their careers, so learning opportunities are no longer available.  

There are three stations for the lifeguards, and there would be another lifeguard in other designated areas of the pool in every area, as well as a fifth at the first aid station for restoration. So, the lifeguards will rotate every 30 minutes. It's called the stationary code, which goes by surface area. “So, if you have a certain area of the pool open 3000 square feet or less, you need one lifeguard.” He states that for every 3000 square feet in space it is required to put another safety personnel. “There are different categories of lifeguards. Supervisory level one and supervisory level two depend on the qualifications. They have lifeguard certification and CPR, which is first aid training for a professional rescuer.”  

Swimming classes are now open for anyone who wants to learn. Peter Kiernan stated, “There are 130 people learning to swim. They do a swim test, but I offer an opportunity for anyone in college to do a job.” Some of the swimmers are lifeguards with qualifications. The coach encourages students to sign up for swimming lessons from Monday to Friday, 12 pm - 3 pm.