Music Meets Healing: Aphasia Therapy for Bronxites Launched in Lehman College

Dr. Tomaino interacting with the elders at Lehman College Music Building.
Image credit: Faith Eguonwu

By: Faith Egwuonwu

On September 10, Lehman College hosted the inaugural session of "Music Has Power® for Aphasia" in Music Building, a weekly initiative offering accessible music speech therapy to local Bronx citizens struggling with language disorders.

"Music taps into intact areas of the brain that bypass damaged language centers," states Dr. Concetta M. Tomaino, executive director and co-founder of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF). "Through rhythm, pitch, and melody, individuals living with aphasia can unlock spoken words and reconnect with their ability to communicate."

Coordinated with the IMNF, the program integrates standard music therapy techniques with speech-language rehabilitation to help local citizens navigate their recovery from strokes and brain injuries.

Tomaino explained that while aphasia damages specific language processing centers in the brain's left hemisphere, rhythmic auditory pacing and Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) can alter the neural pathways in the right hemisphere. This neurological compensation allows people that have aphasia to find words and articulate phrases through auditory-verbal scaffolding, group singing, and rhythmic exercises.

Aphasia is a neurogenic communication disorder that impairs a person's ability to talk, process, and comprehend language, both spoken and written. According to Aphasia Statistics, roughly 2,000,000 people in the U.S are currently living with aphasia, with more than 180,000 United States citizens developing the condition annually. Stroke is the consistent leading contributor, contributing to aphasia for approximately 33% of all stroke survivors.

The issue is a pressing priority for the Lehman community. The New York State Department Of Health's Bronx County Health Indicators report from 2021-2024 highlights the severe health equity imbalances in Bronx County, where the stroke mortality rate is approximately 27.9 per 100,000 residents. Additionally, over 24% of Bronx residents are living below the federal poverty line, with 15% of them maneuvering through limited access to full healthcare coverage, institutional underfunding, and mobility barriers that impose major restrictions on access to specialized outpatient care.

“Aphasia is not a loss of intelligence; it's a problem of access to the words.” - Adrienne Frohlich, licensed speech-language pathologist

Adrienne Frohlich, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 25 years of clinical experience, provides daily care in acute hospital settings as well as facilitating private practice at Speech Bubble NYC. She noted that family members and the public often misconstrue speech challenges as cognitive decline.

"Aphasia is not a loss of intelligence," she said. "It's a problem of access to the words. All the same things that you've always known are still there. It's my job as a speech therapist to help you get the words out and express all the things you know." Frohlich highlighted that familiar music taps directly into implicit memory, enabling individuals who struggle with basic sentences to sing complete phrases smoothly. Through established methods such as MIT, speech therapists use pitch and rhythm to trigger speech output from patients. Despite these clinical breakthroughs, systemic barriers often stall long-term rehabilitation for Bronx residents. Local stroke patients regularly struggle with transportation to the medical

facilities due to the spoken language barrier, restrictive insurance visit limitations, and little to no access to specialized rehabilitation professionals. "One of the most difficult things is finding care and getting the resources that they need," Frohlich said. "If you have communication difficulty, it's harder to find care."

Dr. Leslie Grubler, director of the Clinical Education and Clinical Services at the Lehman College Speech-Language-Hearing Center, detailed the integration of music therapy and how it helps with the process of speech recovery for the client. "Bringing music therapy and speech-language pathology together allows us to advance our continuous improvement plan and to look at communication through different professional and inter-professional lenses," Grubler explained. "When we collaborate, we share experiences that may engage communication, memory, emotion, rhythm, social interaction, and participation simultaneously."

Anthropologist Brings Lessons in Fighting Food Apartheid to Lehman

by Rosalía Ramírez

On September 16, professor and cultural anthropologist Dr. Hanna Garth spoke about her book Food Justice Undone: Lessons for Building a Better Movement in the East Dining Hall. This event, organized by Latin American and Latino Studies professor and cultural anthropologist Dr. Alyshia Gálvez, was a continuation of the Bronx Food Humanities Program, an internship program that empowers students from Lehman College, Bronx Community College, and Hostos Community College to combine lived experience, theory, and hands-on work to fight food apartheid in the Bronx.

Galvez chose Garth’s book because she wanted it to shape the intellectual infrastructure of the Bronx Food Humanities program. In the Bronx, there is a glaring issue of food inequality. In the South Bronx, for example, a study from 2022 showed that bodegas outnumber grocery stores 25 to 1. Even though Garth’s work is centered around South-Central LA, Gálvez felt that the work is applicable to the Bronx because it holds a “similar place in the American racial imaginary…These communities are repositories for misconceptions about low-income residents and what they eat.” Galvez praised Garth for being “both loving and critical in her analysis. Her critique exists not to ‘poke holes,’ but to raise awareness of areas for improvement.”

“You could read the book alone, but the real work comes from reading and talking to people about what you read.”

Garth started her talk with an anecdote about when she drove with a fellow non-resident volunteer named Julian through the South-Central LA community. When he spoke, she noticed that her view of South Central and his were diametrically opposed. She said: “As we drove off, I noticed the difference of in what I had been attuned to —specific smells, music, and the vibrant pulse of South Central —and what Julian had fixated on —vacancy, his vision, and misplaced nostalgia.”

She explained that this experience was not an isolated incident, but rather something she kept encountering throughout her ten years working as a volunteer. Organizations stated that they were there to help Black and Latinx residents but built their organizations based on racist assumptions about the people they were serving. Hundreds of millions of dollars were funneled into ineffective food justice organizations which diminished residents' trust in the movement.

While maintaining her critique, Garth also highlighted what she and others had done to combat the power dynamics within the movement. Garth walked the audience through the changes that have occurred over the years because of this work, such as the shift from the term “food desert” to “food apartheid.”

English professor Dr. Tram Nguyen from Hostos Community College commented that while Garth spoke, it occurred to her “that [food] desert and swamp are ‘passive’ ecological states whereas ‘apartheid’ points to human systems and structure.”

During the Q&A, attendees asked questions about topics ranging from policy, pleasure, government spending, intersectionality, performative activism, language, and more. Bronx Food Humanities intern and ambassador Justin Diaz said that he found the event special because he got first-hand knowledge from an expert and an opportunity for communal conversation. He said he considered events like these to be “imperative” in the fight for food justice because, “You could read the book alone, but the real work comes from reading and talking to people about what you read.”

The event ended with a line of people waiting for their book to be signed by Dr. Garth, who told reporters that seeing students and organizations use her book to improve their work was “just a dream.”

From Stigma to Storefronts: The Rise of the Cannabis Industry in the Bronx

Cover for the Medical Cannabis Webinar at Lehman’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Photo by https://www.lehman.cuny.edu/news/

By Jennifer Estrella

Cannabis in the Bronx doesn’t look the way it used to, and that change didn’t happen overnight. Since New York passed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act in 2021, legal dispensaries have slowly started to take shape across the borough. But even now, the shift from illegal to legal isn’t as simple as it sounds.

For Levent Ozkurt, co-owner of Hush Dispensary, the process has been anything but easy. He and his cousin opened their shop in late 2023 after what he describes as a “challenging path through the state’s licensing process.”

“The industry has gone from almost non-existent legal retail to a growing presence,” Ozkurt says. When Hush first opened, there were barely any legal dispensaries in the Bronx. Now, more are starting to appear, bringing what he calls “safer, tested products” into the community.

Still, he’s clear that the transition hasn’t been smooth. “The shift has been gradual but meaningful,” he explains, pointing out that licensing delays and competition from unregulated shops continue to be real obstacles.

Even with those challenges, Ozkurt believes the industry has the potential to benefit the borough. This potential is already reflected in broader market growth across New York State. In December 2024, the official New York State site highlighted more than $1 billion in cannabis-related equity and investment initiatives, designed to support communities impacted by past cannabis enforcement and increase access to the legal market.

“Some people still have that mindset that it’s all bad or connected to crime, but when you actually go into these places, it’s not like that at all.” - Stephanie Boyer, Regular at Bronx dispensaries

Further reporting from the New York Post showed that in 2025, legal cannabis sales had surpassed $2.5 billion statewide, and the number of licensed dispensaries more than doubled during the year, showing how quickly the industry has expanded from its early rollout phase.

From the customer side, the experience feels different, too. Stephanie Boyer, a regular at Bronx dispensaries, says the biggest change is the environment. Buying cannabis legally feels more open and less uncertain.

“Before, you didn’t really know what you were getting,” she says. “Now you can actually ask questions, and it feels more legit.”

For her, the shift isn’t just about convenience; it’s about trust. Being able to walk into a licensed shop and know the products are tested makes a difference. Still, she notices that not everyone sees it that way.

“Some people still have that mindset that it’s all bad or connected to crime,” she says. “But when you actually go into these places, it’s not like that at all.”

For others, cannabis plays a more personal role. Julie, a certified patient, uses it as part of managing her health and says legalization has made that process easier.

“It feels more normal now,” she says. “I don’t feel like I have to hide it the way I used to.”

She adds that having access to licensed dispensaries has helped her better understand what works for her, especially with guidance from staff. But stigma, she says, hasn’t fully gone away, especially among older adults.

“There’s still hesitation,” Julie explains. “People are more open than before, but there’s still a lot they don’t understand.”

Back on the business side, one of the biggest misconceptions is how easy people think the industry is. Running a dispensary comes with strict regulations, high costs, and constant competition from unlicensed sellers who often offer cheaper, untested products. On top of that, access to banking and funding is still limited, making it harder for small, local businesses to grow.

Even so, Ozkurt stresses that supporting legal dispensaries matters.

“The legal cannabis industry is far more than just retail sales,” he says. “It’s a heavily regulated sector focused on consumer safety, public health, and economic equity.”

Lehman Students Struggle to Access Affordable Healthy Food on and off Campus

Photo of Nutritionist Dina R. D'Alessandro, MS, RDN, CDN
Credit: https://dishwithdina.com/about/‍ ‍

By Jainabou Sakho

Students at Lehman College in the Bronx say accessing affordable, healthy food remains a major challenge, as rising costs and limited options push many toward cheaper, less nutritious meals. This issue affects students both on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods, where fast food is often more accessible than fresh, healthy alternatives.

“I don’t think healthy food is available in all neighborhoods,” said Dilainy Iona, a Lehman student. “It’s super expensive, so even if you travel to get it, you have to come out of pocket.”

According to a report from the New York State Comptroller, food costs in the NYC metropolitan area rose by 56.2% between 2012 and 2023, which was higher than the national increase. The report also found that households making less than $15,000 spent almost 70% of their income on food in 2022–23. These rising costs contribute to food insecurity and show how economic inequality can affect people’s health and access to nutritious food.

Lehman College nutritionist and adjunct lecturer Dina D’Alessandro explained that the issue goes beyond individual behavior and reflects broader systemic problems. “Anything having to do with equity and accessibility comes from the top down,” she said. “Some neighborhoods have more access to healthy foods, while others don’t—and then people are blamed for the choices they make.”

D’Alessandro also pointed out that processed foods are often cheaper because they are mass-produced and contain additives that extend shelf life. In contrast, fresh foods spoil quickly and are more expensive to produce and distribute. “It becomes a cycle,” she explained. “The cheaper foods are less nutritious, but they’re the most available.”

Another Lehman student, Emmanuel Nyamekye, admits that he tries to prioritize healthier eating despite the cost. “Even though it can get expensive, that doesn’t really stop me,” he said. “I go for foods like chicken, vegetables, and potatoes because I can stretch them for days…it supports my goals and keeps me consistent.”

“It becomes a cycle. The cheaper foods are less nutritious, but they’re the most available.” - Dina D’Alessandro, Nutritionist and Adjunct Lecturer

Farmer’s Fridge, a vending machine prevalent on campus, tries to promote convenient, healthy eating. However, almost no students use the machine, which is most likely due to the high prices. For instance, a simple Greek salad costs $8.79, and a small Napa Chickpea Wrap costs $8.19, while a chicken sausage breakfast bowl costs $6.69 in the breakfast section.

An NYC Health Epi Data Brief found that “fresh produce stores made up just 3% of establishments, highlighting major gaps in healthy food access.” In the report, they found that the

ratio of healthy foods to unhealthy foods is 1 to 5. This isn’t good news in the eyes of the NYC Department of Health, which found that “limited access to healthy food...contributes to the high rates of diabetes and obesity in the Bronx.”

On campus, resources such as the Basic Needs Center food pantry aim to help students by providing free groceries. However, reliance on such services raises larger concerns about food insecurity.

“Why do we have to rely on donations to feed students?” D’Alessandro asked. “Why isn’t this already available to everyone? Students have not stopped asking for healthy food on campus,” she said. “But they have not been given it, at least not affordably.”

Despite these challenges, students continue to seek ways to balance cost and nutrition, whether through meal prepping, shopping strategically, or seeking campus resources. Still, D’Alessandro thinks that meaningful change will require action beyond the individual level. “It’s not just about food,” she said. “It’s about access, education, and making sure people have real choices.”

Conference Highlights Hands-on Learning

By Savon Williams

On April 17, Lehman’s Excellence in Education and Community Conference showcased human-centric educational practices such as hands-on, experimental learning and a design thinking model. Sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning, the event empowered students to access their multilingual abilities and personal histories and trained educators to ensure that empathy is at the front of their work with students.

Magdelena Sagardia-Jimenez, a lecturer in Latin American & Latino Studies, focused on the importance of cultural identity, which, to her, is important as a human identity. “A Puerto Rico without Puerto Ricans [is like] a quesito without cheese,” she argued. To illustrate her argument, she analyzed the historical context of Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” album, where one photo showed the “mono bloc” plastic chair, a mass-produced, plastic-molded chair that makes space for a larger community of family to participate in gatherings. This, she said, is a perfect example of an artifact, an object manipulated by humans that creates a deep emotional connection between its users.

“My idea is to share with my students certain objects and encourage them to write about their own culture and own experiences,” said Sagardia-Jimenez. This activity encouraged students to use knowledge in both reading and art history to analyze objects. Students pored over a single object to find all possible meanings in it, as the student becomes a scholar of their own past. She also invited the audience to participate in an exercise where she passed around items from her own cultural identity, including Puerto Rican-branded dominoes and dolls from her childhood. She then asked participants to write a post on a gallery-style website about the ideas the object inspired them.

“If you’re only looking at what multilingual students can do in English, you’re not looking at everything they can do.” - Martha Rosas, Assistant Professor in Early Childhood & Childhood Education

Another presenter, Martha Rosas, an assistant professor in Early Childhood & Childhood Education, focused on translanguaging: when an individual communicates by using all known languages without limitation. “If you’re only looking at what multilingual students can do in English, you’re not looking at everything they can do,” said Rosas. In translanguaging, by intentionally changing the languages a student uses, they are given an opportunity to strengthen all known language skills. Instead of only having “kitchen Spanish,” said Rosas, while putting all energy into learning English, bringing attention to this method allows a student to gain “academic Spanish” by empowering biliteracy skills.

Richard Finger, the vice president for Enrollment Management and an adjunct lecturer, and Andrew Gold, a clinical professor in Management and Business Innovation, shared their work on design thinking, which they defined as a method of academic advisement and empathetic student

problem-solving by brainstorming as many possible solutions within a short two-minute period. “One of the problems we face in higher education is people tend to stay in their jobs for a long time…, [so] they automatically fall into this mindset of ‘this is how we’ve always done it, we’ve tried that already and it’s failed, and no I don’t want to revisit it again,’” said Finger. To illustrate this, he asked participants to perform a task associated with the Design Thinking Process in groups.

Participants had to identify a person’s goals and problems. Then, by selecting a single problem from that person, participants had to brainstorm a list, as long as possible, within a two-minute period, filled with any solutions to the selected problems. Finally, participants created a musical jingle for their solution to their selected problem. In a real-world use of design thinking, the process would repeat if the solution proved ineffective after feedback. “I learned a very important lesson: to never build something… without first finding out if there’s a need for it or desire for it,” said Gold.

Rising Financial Stress affects Bronx College Students' Mental Health

Photo from Lehman Website

By Jennifer Estrella

As mental health challenges continue to rise in the Bronx, college students across the borough say the pressure of working full-time, supporting their families, and keeping up with classes is pushing many to seek counseling or step away from school entirely.

Karen Salazar, a 29-year-old Bronx college student and mother of two, said she paused her studies before her final semester after developing anxiety.

“I was working full time, taking classes, and taking care of my daughters,” Salazar said. “I felt like I was constantly behind. I couldn’t sleep. It just built up.”

For Salazar, rising rent, grocery bills, and transportation costs made it harder to focus on school. “You want to finish,” she said. “But when you’re stressed about money all the time, it affects everything.”

Jessenia Fajardo, a student at Lehman College, said many students 
are constantly worrying about basic needs before they can even think about their coursework.

“The cumulative impact of unmet essential needs leaves your mind thinking more about ‘Where am I going to get the money to pay my light bill?’ instead of thinking about reading Shakespeare,” Fajardo said. “Your brain stays stuck in survival mode.”

That constant pressure often affects academic performance, she added. “That kind of overthinking leads to anxiety, depression, and procrastinating on schoolwork.”

Jaylene Rodriguez, a New York Police Department officer who works in the Bronx and a former Lehman College student, said financial strain and emotional distress are often connected in the 
communities she serves.

“A lot of people are overwhelmed,” Rodriguez said. “When someone is juggling bills, childcare, and school, stress builds up fast. It doesn’t just disappear.”

In the study, Association Between Food Insecurity and Mental Health 
Among College Students in the Bronx, New York (NY), by Brown et al., the researchers identified a strong link between financial insecurity and mental health struggles among students.

Marta Gil, a psychologist with 15 years of experience working with college students in the Dominican Republic who now resides in the Bronx, said those findings mirror what she has seen professionally and personally. Her daughter currently attends college in the borough.

“Students today are not just students,” Gil said. “Many are providers, caregivers, and full-time workers. When basic needs are unstable, anxiety becomes almost inevitable.”

“They keep pushing through exhaustion,” she emphasized. “But long-term stress eventually impacts performance, health, or both.”

Although there are resources aimed at helping students, such as Lehman’s Counseling Center, many students may not know how to access them or may not have the time.

“I wouldn’t be able to name them specifically off the top of my head, but I know the school does have resources,” Fajardo said. “The real 
question is whether students know about them, feel comfortable accessing them, or even have the time to go.”

“Schedule flexibility, online classes, weekend options, weeknight classes, and those things matter,” she said. “And honestly, more grants and scholarships would make a real difference.”

Photo from Lehman Website

Lehman College’s Food Bank Improves Students Quality of Life

Photo by Jada Duffus

By Jada Duffus

Herbert H. Lehman College’s Food Bank is often open on Wednesdays and Thursdays in Room B015A in the Old Gym basement. The bank provides students with access to fresh produce, grocery bags, and grab-and-go items to fuel students. During spring 2026, the food bank experienced an increase 
in numbers due to many current issues increasing food insecurity.

Dr. Jay Jones, director of Student Support Services Programs, said, “We have seen a steady increase in students seeking support as a result of rising financial instability, challenges with SNAP 
benefits, and increasing fears about their future.” She also mentioned that awareness within the campus, as well as destigmatizing getting help, has urged more students to seek to use this resource.

Gabriela Rodriguez, who manages the operations daily, noticed a rise in 2026 during the spring as well. “Some students have mentioned the SNAP benefits caused them to have less access to food and would come to the Food Bank just to find their dinner 
that night.” She also talked about some students living in shelters and not having access to a stove or fridge, along with not being able to store frozen food.

Sabrina Garcia, a Lehman College student, said, “Lehman’s food bank currently supports students on campus by providing food and pantry items for those in need. Because the prices have 
increased, it is more difficult to obtain donations from food vendors.” The Lehman community can contribute by adding members to help with donating cans and jarred goods with other pantry items.

“Food insecurity at Lehman College is closely tied to the rising cost of living and education, with increasing tuition, housing, transportation, and grocery prices forcing many students to choose between basic necessities,” Dr. Jones said.

However, increased demand has created new challenges for the food pantry to support the community. “One of the primary challenges we face is navigating the high cost of food, which increases our required spending to maintain a diverse range of options for our students,” Dr. Jones said.

Rodriguez also mentioned how infrastructure and space limitations can have a negative impact on the operation. “The biggest challenges we are facing are [a lack of] Wi-Fi connection, space 
in our freezers (this causes us to order less frozen items), storage 
space in general, and the check-in process. All of these have been brought to light, and it’s under review,” Rodriguez said.

Monetary donations are essential because they extend the bank’s budget, allowing the team to support more students at Lehman. “Cash contributions also allow us to purchase specific high demand items we know students need and allow us to consistently stock 
culturally diverse food options that may not always come through traditional donations,” Dr. Jones said.

“Students today are not just students. Many are providers, caregivers, and full-time workers. When basic needs are unstable, anxiety becomes almost inevitable.”
— Dr. Marta Gil, psychologist

Photo by Jada Duffus

Homelessness Keeps Rising in New York City

Photo from Lehman Website

By Arlin Rodriguez

Homelessness within New York City and the Bronx in 2026 continues 
to rise, with residents and social workers noticing inflation, high rent, 
and limited access to mental health services as key factors contributing to the increase.

According to Claudia Mendez, a Bronx social worker and Lehman College alumna, “Homelessness increased in 2024, and with 2025 data expected later this year, I would not be surprised if that upward trend continues. Both children and adults are being significantly impacted, facing instability that affects their health, education, employment opportunities, and overall well-being.”

Mendez also said that service reductions are worsening the crisis. “Many communities are seeing reductions in services and funding that are meant to address homelessness,” she said. “When support systems are cut back while the need continues to rise, it creates an even greater challenge for individuals and families trying to regain stability.”

Bronx resident Diana Barrientos, who works in social work administration, pointed to the cost of living in New York City as still being too high—even for those living alone. “In New York City, the rent is way too high,” Barrientos said. “The wages don’t equate with the standard of living, which causes people to not be able to pay their bills and, ultimately, sometimes even getting laid off and not being able to have a place to live.”

Recent extreme winter conditions have highlighted the risks faced by people experiencing homelessness. A February report from The 
Guardian noted that at least 17 people died during severe cold weather in New York, with 13 deaths linked to hypothermia. Additional reporting from THE CITY found that city officials were questioned during a City Council hearing tafter multiple cold-related deaths among people experiencing homelessness during the January–February cold snap.

Community members also emphasized the connection between 
homelessness and limited access to mental health care. Barrientos described barriers people face when trying to seek support. “Some 
people don’t know where to look, especially in a time when they’re too 
lost in their mind.”

“When support systems are cut back while the need continues to rise, it creates an even greater challenge for individuals and families trying to regain stability.”
— Claudia Mendez, Bronx social worker and Lehman College alumna

Jayla Booker, a Lehman College public health major who lives and works in the Bronx, said community advocacy could help reduce those barriers. “What communities can do to make mental health more affordable is to use their platforms, if they have one, to advocate how important mental health is,” Booker said.

Mendez suggested partnerships with established agencies to expand access. “Communities and organizations can improve access to mental 
health care by building strong connections with agencies that provide 
free or low-cost services,” she said, citing groups such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the New York State Office of Mental 
Health. She also noted that resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis 
Lifeline offer free, 24-hour support.

“Food insecurity at Lehman College is closely tied to the rising cost of living and education, with increasing tuition, housing, transportation, and grocery prices forcing many students to choose between basic necessities.”
— Dr. Jones, Director of Student Support Services Program

CUNY Doubles Down on Support for Immigrant Students

CIAP Banner

By Gilbert Areizaga

This year, in response to immigration policy changes made by the current federal administration, the City University of New York, or CUNY, launched the CUNY Immigration Assistance Project, or CIAP, whose services provide free immigration and legal support to CUNY students and their families. Dr. Jermaine Wright, the vice president of Student Affairs, was among the staff who worked closely in the project’s development and commented, “This is an important initiative and a tremendous resource for our students and their families. This program reflects CUNY’s deep commitment to supporting immigrant students and ensuring that every member of our diverse community has the opportunity to pursue their educational goals.”

Immigration services already existed at CUNY, but with the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants, some students are now at greater risk of deportation. While CUNY’s Citizenship Now! program aids students in becoming citizens, gaining citizenship for their family, renewing immigration documents and more, CIAP complements these preexisting services by providing help in more time-sensitive situations like court hearings, detainment and travel.

“We want Lehman students to know that we are committed to supporting them on their journey.” — SUZETTE RAMSUNDAR, DIRECTOR OF CAMPUS LIFE

Immigrant and undocumented students account for a sizable portion of CUNY’s student population, and Lehman College has also begun to increase support for immigrant students. On Tuesday, Oct. 7, the school hosted a webinar by the Immigration Defense Project, or IDP, called “Keeping Our Communities Safe,” which focused on what to do when confronting Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, agents.

The linchpin of this presentation was the message “We Keep Each Other Safe.” Led by William Depoo, an organizer working with the IDP, the meeting gave brief historical background on U.S. immigration policies and agencies before reviewing how ICE operates, including how agents choose who to pursue and what tactics they use to detain someone. Depoo followed that with a “Know Your Rights” presentation, laying out what rights citizens, regardless of immigration status, are able to invoke in the home, in their car and in public. The section included scripts and information about what ICE can and cannot do. Depoo made a point to tell the participants, “Do not leave any passports or foreign documents at home.” In the event of a search, any documents found can be used in court hearings. These could be hurtful to someone’s case, especially if ICE has access to other records like court dates and previous addresses.

Depoo also explained what someone should do if they or someone they know is detained, including instructions on the best way to act in the moment and resources such as ICE’s detainee locator. He emphasized the need for a safety plan, as well as a strong urge to refuse to sign any documents or speak to agents before seeing a lawyer.

Depoo closed with what to do if someone is a witness to ICE activity. In reporting an ICE incident, he advised that bystanders should supply all parts of the acronym SALUTE, which stands for size, activity, location, units/uniforms, time and equipment. 

He also reviewed citizens’ rights, such as the right to record, what ICE is legally allowed to ask of you if they confront you and what not to do during a confrontation, like reaching for your pocket.

“We want Lehman students to know that we are committed to supporting them on their journey to degree completion and will work to mobilize our resources to ensure they have the support they need to succeed,” said Suzette Ramsundar, director of Campus Life.

Undergrad Majors & Minors Fair Orients Students

Participants gathered at the fair • Image provided by the Lehman College Website

By Mahdi Mahdi

On Oct. 23, students filled the Apex gym building to explore the academic programs Lehman offers at the college’s annual Undergraduate Majors and Minors Fair. Hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Academic Advisement (OUAA), the fair was designed to help students discover different majors, minors and career pathways that match their goals and interests. The event featured staff, advisers and student representatives who handed out pamphlets and answered questions.

For Aliyah Alisa, a nursing major, the event was a great aid. “I already knew I wanted to go into nursing, but talking to the faculty helped me understand what classes I should focus on and how to prepare for the clinical...It made me feel more confident about the path I've chosen.”

Some students came to confirm their choices, while others were searching for direction. Mariana Ceesay, a computer information systems (CIS) major, said she wasn't sure if she had chosen the right field, but the fair helped her see the possibilities within her major. She explained, “Before coming to the fair I thought CIS was just about coding. After speaking with one of the faculty I learned it’s a mix of technology and business. There are so many career options from data analysis to system management. That made me even more excited about what I'm studying.”

She also discovered valuable information about development opportunities. “One of the department advisers told me about the internship programs that connect[ed] with my field. The fair really opened my eyes as it’s not just about taking classes, it’s about getting experience that prepares us for real jobs.”

“Even though we all have different majors, we’re going through similar experiences trying to find what fits best for us.” - MARIANA CEESAY, CIS MAJOR

For Eric Santiago, a business administration major, the fair provided a clear picture of how his coursework connects to his career goals. He shared, “I've always been interested in business and entrepreneurship. I got to talk to the faculty from the economics and business department who explained how the courses I'm taking now build the foundation for management and finance careers.” That made him think more seriously about going to graduate school after Lehman.

Santiago said the event also revealed new academic options he hadn't considered before. “I didn't realize there were so many different paths in business administration. Learning that I could focus on marketing or management made me feel like I have more control over shaping my education.

Sakib Uddin Shiker, a psychology major who works as a college assistant for the Office of Undergraduate Academic Advisement, worked at the fair. He remarked, “My advice [for] students would be to plan ahead and not wait until the last moment on anything. They should be getting early advisement before registration starts and should pick their majors ASAP so that their goals are clearer and can lead to a smoother journey.”

Beyond academic exploration, the fair fostered a strong sense of community, with students from different disciplines sharing experiences and supporting one another. “Even though we all have different majors, we’re going through similar experiences trying to find what fits best for us,” Ceesay said. 

“The fair showed me that college is not just about getting a degree. It's about exploring who you are and what you want to become,” Alisa said. “It's nice to know that Lehman gives us the tools to figure that out.”

Students Dig In: Unearthing the Hidden History of the Enslaved African Burial Ground

Lehman students participating in Students Uplifting Ancestral Spaces.

By Soleil Hendy

Located in Van Cortlandt Park, along the eastern edge of the Kingsbridge Burial Ground, is a mass grave that was identified in 2019. Inside are bones of young children, men and women, the enslaved Africans who were worked to death on the Van Cortlandt plantation. Of utmost importance to the Van Cortlandt plantation’s day-to-day operations, these individuals were “responsible for its functions and economic gains for over a hundred years,” according to the NYC Parks website.

In unearthing this hidden history, Lehman students bring Black tragedies and accomplishments to the eyes of the world; in doing so, they break the generational cycle of Black stories going unknown and unheard. Audrey Adon, a winner of the Jeanette K. Watson scholarship and the current president of the Students Uplifting Ancestral Spaces club, is one of these student researchers.

“My first encounter with this history in the Bronx was a field trip in middle school. We’d gone to... [tour] Van Cortlandt [and] had gotten to the slave quarters,” she explained. “When I asked about it... they didn’t explain it all... It was the repeated indifference towards this that inspired me to become more involved in the project when the opportunity arose.”

Adon chose to work with SUAS to research and expose more of the stories of these individuals to the light of day, forcing society to engage with and recognize the lasting effects of slavery within America. She worked extensively with Dr. Moyagaye Bedward, assistant director of the Office of Prestigious Awards, and Professor Alice Augustine, founding director of Campus Honors and Student Engagement (CHASE). Together they combed through the amassed documents relating to the Enslaved African Burial Ground; in between archival research, the cohort of student researchers worked on the beautification of the grounds. Audrey said, “I was mostly digging for people’s names… I was given the task of finding people who lived in the Bronx specifically.”

Enslaved African Burial Grounds sign in Van Cortlandt Park

The individual that who stuck out to her most during research was Henry Bikes, an enslaved person owned by Lewis Morris--—part of the family Morrisania is named after—- -who lived to a remarkably old age: around 98 at the time of his death. “It was shocking at the time, especially for an enslaved person. He also fathered over 200 children, which means he was likely forced to procreate by the Morris family.”

The Lehman students and faculty’s research mainly revolves around the Valentine Varian family, with the recovery of a missive from their belongings suggesting the existence of enslaved people on their plantation, who were used as currency in the payment of the debt. Student researcher Anthony Johnson explained how the research was assigned.

"Paula [Swanzy] was doing working with diaries of people who were living there. Amna was doing topology. I did the house structure; how they built it and how they moved it across the street. How they uprooted it, and the structure of how they rebuilt it."

Amna Ishaq, the vice-president of SUAS, chimed in: "We are still in the process of researching, but the most interesting thing I discovered was how the identities of these individuals were stolen from them. These slave owners made their fortunes and grew their businesses on the back of these enslaved people.... but treated them as property."

SUAS members presented all the information at a panel inat a conference at Lehman College on May 13th, in collaboration with the Student Research Advisory Board (SRAB). “I really felt that we had accomplished something big," Amna said.

Augustine spoke about the connection between the hidden histories program and personal spiritual experiences she had while visiting Van Cortlandt Park. “I’ve been walking in this park for a very long time...When I started doing my research I was like ‘This is... [the Van Cortlandt family] burial plot’, and they had a plantation, so where were the bodies of the people that worked the land?”

When they finally had marked the plot of land in Van Cortlandt as the Burial Ground, Augustine would take students and colleagues on walks along Van Cortlandt trails, asking them to walk reverently in the presence of her ancestors.

“It started with Vani Kannan,” (who helped co-create the summer program in 2021, before Bedward assumed Kannan’s role. “[We] started this project because we walked here in the mornings, especially through the pandemic,” Augustine recalled with a kind smile, her enjoyment of her research and appreciation for her colleagues palpable. “I think the Bronx is everything. Even back then we were a haven for people who were resisting in their own way. In the only way they could.”

“WE WERE A HAVEN FOR PEOPLE WHO WERE RESISTING IN THEIR OWN WAY.”

--Michelle Augustine, founding director of CHASE

Inaugural Accessibility Fair Empowers Students

Students bringing awareness about the services available at CUNY

PHOTO CREDIT: VITORIA REIS

By Gilbert Areizaga  

Lehman College, in collaboration with their Student Disability Services (SDS), held their first-ever Accessibility Fair throughout the Lehman campus on August 26th and 27th. Booths featured Information about various disabilities, how Lehman can help students who qualified for disability services, and interactive activities for participants.

Additionally, third- party organizations such as Access VR and Bronx Independent Living Services were present with information and connections to their own resources for students who attended. The fair served not only to inform students about disabilities and how they affect people on a day-to-day basis, but also to highlight the number of resources available to students.

The genesis of this event started with Emily Willen, a master’s student at Lehman College who wears many hats, including Office Manager at the Student Government Association, Leadership Coordinator at the Office of Campus Life, and, in particular, a summer internship with the SDS center. This past summer she conceptualized this event, and, with her wide range of connections made it a reality.

A huge motivation for Willen’s was her own experience with disabilities. With conditions like dyslexia and arthritis, Willen found herself struggling in school. But, as Willen explained, “Accommodations really do make a difference in success. Since I've been getting accommodations, I've been a straight-A student.”

Willen said that stigmas and a lack of understanding of resources account for a sizable chunk of missing enrollments in disability services and college as a whole. Vitoria Reis, a student at Lehman who acted as a manager on-site for both sessions, concurred,. “When I entered Lehman, I don’t think I knew the challenges. I didn’t really know how to navigate it…I didn’t really know how they could help me.”

Student managing a table at the fair

“SO MANY STUDENTS ARE ASHAMED OF HAVING A DISABILITY BY THEIR NAME.”

--Emily Willen, a master’s student at Lehman College

The same rings true for Christian Chavez, a freshman at Lehman who, when asked if he knew about the offered services, said, “No. I saw the wheel chairswheelchairs and the ramps, and I thought, ‘Oh people who can’t walk or are paralyzed.’. But after seeing this it makes me realize that this school genuinely wants people to feel more welcome.”

To register for disability services, a student must first recognize that they have a disability. The fair sought to give visibility to these issues and their related services through tables highlighting different types of disabilities, including visual impairments, hearing, and energy. Some tables included an interactive experience, a core part of the fair that helped to start to "building that empathy," as Reis put it. One such experience was a blindness simulator, where participants wore blindfolds and tried to walk a short distance with a white cane. Another table had spoons that visitors could decorate and keep as part of a demonstration of spoon theory, a philosophy that helps illustrate how people with chronic illnesses need to more strictly manage their time, with spoons representing to how much energy a task takes to complete. Other tables included tools available to students, such as a pen that writes and records phrases, or buttons that can represent different words or sentences.

“So many students are ashamed of having a disability by their name,” Willen said, and just as many don't know that they do not have to struggle through their academic careers, or even their lives, without ever receiving help. But help is not only available, it is a driver of real change. To empower more students, Willen also hopes to bring a fair like this to more CUNY campuses. Because, she said, when she tells people she has a disability, the most common reaction is shock that she is able to do so much.

"And that's the whole point. People with disabilities CAN do things."

Campus Life Celebrates Student Leadership

Multiple student leaders, including Sukul, displaying certificates

PHOTO CREDIT: MILDRED PEREZ

Audio

By Iffath Liaquat 

On April 30 in Lehman College’s Student Life Building, Campus Life & Student Affairs hosted a celebration bedazzled with balloons and fancy decor to recognize the hard work student leaders dedicated throughout the spring semester.

Campus Life staff announced the award winners, such as "Club of the Semester" and "Most Engaging Club," and went from table to table, allowing guests to shout out their club's name. They also awarded certificates to students who completed one or more of the leadership programs during the spring semester and called up student leaders graduating this semester to bestow them with honor cords to wear to graduation. Professional photographers were available to snap headshots for students’ LinkedIn profiles.

Yasiris Bonilla, the president of a new club, BoxingKaraoke, received multiple awards for it, including “Best New Club” and “Club Leader of the Semester.” Bonilla noted, “I started this club for my passion for singing and boxing, and I’m grateful for the recognition.” The vice president of the club, Omadai Sukul, was also a participant in the Introduction to Leadership, a mentor at Urban Male Leadership Program, and a volunteer
coordinator.

“I was then introduced to the Urban Male Leadership Program by a friend,” Sukul said. “I looked around and found strong, dedicated students who are driven to become someone in life. These are mentors and mentees who know that there are no limits to their potential.” She expresses indebtedness for all that UMLP and leadership programs had done for her. “David Charcape [told us that] ‘Leadership is the ability to inspire, influence, and guide others towards achieving a common goal or vision.’ He educated us [on] how to always appreciate others for their excellence and celebrate victories by showing that I care.”

Owoaje posing with student leaders

Oluwabusayomi Owoaje, an upper sophomore majoring in biology who participated in the Leadership for All in Fall 2024, has since joined the Student Government Association as a senator for the 2024-25 academic year and is a Crisis Text Line volunteer counselor. Owoaje is also the secretary of a new club, Voice of Impact, a place for peers to exercise their right of speech and spread awareness of current issues. “Knowing me, a year ago, I would have never [seen] myself in these positions. [Taking the Leadership for All program] was really eye-opening because I never truly saw myself as a leader, or rather, I never knew I was capable of being one. [It improved my] knowledge of the qualities of a leader and my desire to make a change.”

Dr. Narain holding a certificate next to Suzette Ramsundar

Dr. Shantusha Narain, MD, a participant in many leadership programs since 2012, said joining them helped her skyrocket her career in medicine, making her a strong candidate for medical school. “At first, I was skeptical because I had so many responsibilities under my belt,” she said. “I became convinced when I found out that the sessions were available at a time when I didn’t have classes... and that they were going to provide the textbooks and materials... That was one of the best decisions I made... I started doing community service projects and giving back to the community... I began to realize that my voice matters.” Dr. Narain advises students that “leadership doesn’t end when you finish your degree; it keeps going and makes you stand out no matter what career choice you have in mind.” Emily Willen, who is pursuing a master’s in Health Education and Promotion, participated in multiple leadership programs before becoming the Leadership Coordinator. She said her academic and social journey has improved since she joined these programs, which broke her way into many leadership positions on campus. “It raised my confidence and self-esteem... I went from being too scared to order food at a cash register at a restaurant, to giving a TEDxCUNY talk.” For students wanting to take on leadership roles, Willen advised,
“My advice is to expose yourself to different opportunities. Every experience counts and can build towards someone
developing and harnessing leadership skills... I always try to connect students to opportunities in which they’re passionate, and it gives me joy to see them get these opportunities so that they can thrive outside of the college.”

“LEADERSHIP DOESN’T END WHEN YOU FINISH YOUR DEGREE.” – Dr. Shantusha Narain, MD

THE F WORD: FOOD! Or is it French?

Photos by Soleil Hendy

Audio

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. 

February Club Fair Draws Hundreds of Curious Students

Photo by Soleil Hendy

Audio

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.”

Blueprint to Success Welcomes All to Spring 2025

Students at Blueprint to Success on Feb. 5

Audio

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.

Internship Course Helps Liberal Arts Majors Navigate Career Paths

Audio

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.

From Campus to Community: Lehman's Local Impact

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

Audio

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

Audio

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

Audio

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.