A Model in a Small World in the Form of Lewis Ricardo Gordon

Audio

By Jay-Dani Guzmán

In an auditorium at the Music Building here at Lehman on the 15th of February, I had the opportunity to meet and interview Prof. Lewis Gordon and his wife Prof. Jane Anne Gordon. We discussed the ideas in question and shared anecdotes of our surprisingly converging experiences. Writing this profile allowed me to highlight Lewis Gordon and his book titled ‘’Black Existentialism & Decolonizing Knowledge,’’ which provided a worthy payoff for meeting the author, thus opening a door that I might have otherwise overlooked. Although today’s focus is on the aforementioned title, it must be acknowledged as the work of a family. Having read that Lewis and Jane are a perfect complement to each other, when asked about its verity Mrs. Gordon said that she “hope[s] that is true,” which was all the confirmation I needed.

The Gordons have ties to Lehman that span four decades. Mr. Gordon was a student here, undertaking eight classes per semester as an undergraduate without having declared a major. According to Prof. Gordon, that was both fun and a privilege, an experience he wishes today’s students could appreciate.

In his talk, he reflected on how leaving Lehman with more credits than needed for any major provided him with a knowledge and understanding of the world that would become the foundation for his entire life. He embarked upon entering the wide world, with just an undergraduate degree.

The Gordons have worked across the globe on every continent except Antarctica–a detail to be revisited shortly. Mr. Gordon, respected by his peers as a “global scholar”, told me that he views the world as “a small, fragile blue dot” after having traveled and studied it extensively. His understanding of the world started right here in the Bronx, a realization we would do well to embrace.

When asked which aspect of his work he hoped would endure, he and his wife concurred that it should be the shift in the “geography of reason.” For those unfamiliar with the concept, it challenges the idea that important ideas originate solely from specific places and times and that outside of these, there is nothing. Today, many of us understand the world through a Eurocentric intellectual legacy. Whether it be the achievements of ancient Greece, Medieval France, premodern Germany, or colonial Britain, the assumption is geographically speaking, all ideas have emerged from the northern hemisphere. Professor Gordon and many colleagues worldwide wish to advocate that “important ideas have come from everywhere throughout all time”—a simple theory yet impossible for many to understand.

Inquiring what the Northern Hemisphere could learn from the Southern Hemisphere. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon were at a loss for words to give a summary of an astronomical and its implications on every person on the planet.

“No person is a god [of ideas]’’, they explained. ‘’We are in a very intimate relationship with one another… and what I think a lot of life is about is figuring out what our part is in the larger project. What I think about the global south is that it is a conception born out of the concept of a global north. But ultimately, we must develop a planetary understanding of who we are.”

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have plans to work in Antarctica and Greenland within the next couple of years. The only two places on Earth they have yet to visit, will finally “complete their resume,” as I put it. I welcome all to purchase their books and retrace the Gordon family’s steps, which began right here and will only end if allowed to be forgotten.

To the Lehman Community: Self-Improvement Starts Here

Audio

By Itzel Cortes

Whether you are a faculty member, a first-year college student, or someone who has been at Lehman for a while, we’re seeking self-improvement. There are innumerable podcasts, books, and videos on self-improvement, each presented by a different fitness guru or motivational speaker giving lifestyle advice. This can feel burdensome when many of us are unsure of where to start or even who to listen to.  James Clear, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller "Atomic Habits," states, “The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision.” He asserts that if you’re struggling to change your habits, the problem isn’t you—it's your system.  

Before emptying your wallet to invest in the latest acclaimed self-help book, it's important to backtrack and think: Which system or method would work for me? It's crucial to reflect on the kind of person you are and choose systems that work with you, not against you. Nobody contests the fact that self-improvement can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be so complicated.

As students and faculty of Lehman, why not utilize the resources in our vicinity? Professor Beauty Kolade, who teaches the First Year Seminar at Lehman College, was once a student at Lehman herself. As a student, Kolade held a 3.94 GPA and secured jobs and internships using campus resources. She recommends the following to students still adjusting to college life: “Networking is the number one piece of advice I give Lehman students. The college experience is inevitable. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. At some point, you’re going to have to face it. Why not face it now?” 

While it is important to stay disciplined, Kolade also says that we should remember to practice self-care whenever needed. “Take breaks. Hang out with other students to chill and chat with them. Just remember to take a step back to take care of yourself.”

Regarding productivity and self-improvement, it's all about finding a method that suits you. We are all individuals with different needs and ways of learning. Some prefer using social media to traditional methods of organization. Some people like Ashmini Hiralall, may use multiple techniques such as calendars and to-do lists. 

Ashmini Hiralall, Director of Lehman’s Wellness Program, suggests this to students having difficulty concentrating: "It’s natural to get distracted. Creating the right environment is important to control distractions. Sometimes, that means leaving my phone in another room to prevent temptation. If I’m working on a long project, I schedule 15-minute breaks after an hour or two of working - It allows me to take a break without feeling guilty and return to my task.” 

What Hiralall emphasizes in terms of guilt-free studying is pivotal for us as college students. Beating for not being a perfect student is never okay. Taking care of yourself after a hard day is liberating and crucial to a healthy school-life balance. Another piece of valuable advice from Hiralall is to prioritize tasks and take advantage of commute time to get things done. 

Shannon Mensah, Wellness Center Program Coordinator, has an impressive track record: returning to college full–time after ten years, running a nutrition blog with 50,000 followers, and advocating for student health and wellness. Her story is truly awe-inspiring and may have many of us wondering how she does it. 

Mensah recommends taking advantage of other Lehman resources, such as time-management workshops and free career development classes, which she has utilized herself. She ensures that she prioritizes tasks, writes down deadlines, and uses study apps she enjoys.

Mensah also gave me a short consultation about my fitness goals and nutrition towards the end of our interview. I have struggled with working out and have been eating the bare minimum since I was a pre-teen. She advised me that nutrition is vital before hitting any fitness goals. Thanks, Shannon!

As a Lehman student or faculty member, try talking to others to see what works for them. Take advantage of the Wellness Center’s resources and the time management, career development, and leadership workshops that Lehman hosts. Visit Lehman’s extensive library and ask the librarians if there are any books on self-improvement. Ask your professor what their college experiences are. 

The resources for us are vast and endless. 

Location: Old Gym Building, Room B007

PHI SIGMA CHI A Multicultural Fraternity.

(Members of PHI SIGMA CHI. Photo courtesy of Edwin Oquendo)

Audio

By Monique Murray 

PHI SIGMA CHI is a multicultural fraternity with over ten Undergraduate Chapters. PHI SIGMA CHI has an outlined fraternal constitution, which includes promoting and cultivating education and social relations among students, strengthen- ing the unity of men on and off college campuses, and forming a life- long brotherhood among members. Their website displays current projects, such as addressing homeless- ness, the Beautification Volunteer Program, and Sickle Cell Disease awareness and Multicultural awareness. 

I met three PHI SIGMA CHI brothers. I spoke with current Lehman student Edwin Oquendo (brother name: Tiburon) and his fraternity brothers International Stroll Master Big Bull Shaz (former Lehman Stu- dent) and Founder and National Council Vice President Archer Hutchinson, who will transition to Public Relations in November 2023. 

When and why did the PHI SIGMA CHI start? 

(Archer): We started at City Tech College CUNY, in November 1996. We came together through student activism. Our founders were all student activists working on different issues, such as environ- mental injustice, voter registration, mass transit improvement, and higher education funding. We, as students, understood these topics. We had different vehicles for expressing our interest while at college, but not after college. We wanted to be part of an organization that would help unify students who share similar interests, specifically in making positive community changes. The first thing that came to mind was a fraternity--an organization with lifelong member- ship. We did not want to be just about males, so we encouraged our start of the sorority, Delta Sigma Chi. Both organizations were incorporated simultaneously. We continue to take pride in diversity, equality, and equity. We aimed to raise the awareness of multiculturalism. 

Where is the PHI SIGMA CHI- based? 

(Archer): New York City, Buffalo, New York, and Pennsylvania. 

So, what are the benefits of join- ing a fraternity? 

(Tiburon): The benefits of having a fraternity are its resources and abil- ity to connect like-minded students. 

Why did you join PHI SIGMA CHI? 

(Big Bully Shaz): I joined because I am big on multiculturalism. It also allowed me to showcase my culture and learn about other cultures. Fraternity also helps in net- working. Currently, I am an advisor. I am also a Hip-Hop dance in- structor in an after-school program. My fraternity connects me. My brothers utilized my talent and pro- vided me with information to help me. I have been in the fraternity for almost eight years. 

(Tiburon): Right after I graduated from Hostos Community College, I felt that my community needed more help. The Bronx has been the poorest borough for the longest time. And I just felt like. No matter what I do for my community, I am just one person. I joined them be- cause of their multiculturalism. It gives me a gateway to express my culture and to be with my brothers from different races and creeds. I love that I can ask my brother, "What are you doing tonight?’’ And they will invite me over. 

Does the fraternity provide men- torship for its brothers? 

(Big Bully Shaz): I also have a mentor-brother, Joseph, who attended Lehman College. Joseph graduated a few years ago, and he held a club. It was called the Greek Life Club. He was the President. I appreciate the club. Yet, with a fraternity or sorority, your member- ship is extended beyond a club. This allows you to keep your broth- ers accountable. It allows your brothers to ensure you are at the top of your game and giving back to the community. The PHI SIGMA CHI extends its relationship with its brothers outside a club. Mem- bers can experience all of New York City. 

(Archer): The fraternity is a brotherhood that creates opportunities for brothers to excel in their work, provides support to get back up when they fall, and learns from failure and successes. PHI SIGMA CHI is a vehicle for change, which was one of our main reasons for creating the brotherhood. The beginning was to have a place students can turn to on campus to create change. I want students to understand when they join; they can grow and see that the world is larger than New York City. It allows you to think bigger and not be confined to the cycle that we've always gone through. 

(Tiburon): Yes, the fraternity also provides mentors. My mentor-brother, Hercules of the Iota chapter, is serving overseas and continues to reach out to me. 

Lehman does not have a frater- nity. What do you want students to know about fraternities? 

(Tiburon): Correct, Lehman College does not have the funding to start a council. COVID-19 wiped out Greek life. A lot of Greek organizations are trying to rebuild. I am graduating next spring. My mission and goal for Lehman College is to bring something additional to what is offered here. I love that the PHI SIGMA CHI offers community services. For example, PHI SIGMA CHI participated in the AIDS walk. They also partnered with the New York Yankees and conducted a raffle event for the Covenant House. 

Attending college and maintaining your grades are essential, but I feel because Lehman College is a commuter college, many students go home once they finish classes. Most do not show up to events. PHI SIGMA CHI coordinates community service projects outside the campus. As a former President, I don't want to shove Greek organizations down on students. I want to educate them. A person can join many different organizations. Lehman is one of the largest schools that [displays] multiculturalism. When I first started college, I did not realize nobody would be on top of me. Nobody was going to tell me to study. How- ever, my fraternity supports me in that aspect. 

(Big Bully Shaz): The last thing I want to point out is that when you join a club on a campus right, you're in that club until you graduate. Fraternity occurs during and after college. 

Since Lehman does not have a fraternity on campus, how can a student create a similar experience on campus? 

(Tiburon): Multicultural Greek life clubs are a fantastic way to start. The mission is to educate and support students to unite with their communities in many ways. If anyone is interested in restarting the Greek Life Club, they should get in touch with Lehman student EWIN.OQUENDO@lc.cuny.edu 

Students Request More Space and Activities at Student Life Building

By Enmanuel Sori

College facilities are often seen as massive from the outside, but for those using them regularly, the reality might seem underwhelming. This is often the case at Lehman College, CUNY.

Although many students enjoy The Lehman College Student Life Building, a majority believe that the space should be bigger and offer a greater variety of games and entertainment.

Adolfo Miliano, a sophomore at Lehman said, “[It needs] probably more equipment. For example, they have air hockey tables, but no one uses them. They could replace it with another ping-pong table or another pool table.”

 Along with a greater range of games, some students requested more space for studying.

Lehman freshman Gloribel Perdomo said, “The building needs to be bigger in order to have some extra study rooms because the ones in the library aren’t that nice. Also maybe adding a better variety of games would allow for more student engagement as the chances of someone finding a game they’ll play would be higher.”

The Student Government Association also supports initiatives to make the Student Life Building more robust.

Tina Nguyen, the Events Coordinator of the SGA said, “It would definitely be great to expand and upgrade the Student Life Building because there’s so many clubs and they deserve to have a big space to collaborate with each other.”

While a growing majority of students and SGA representatives have informally discussed the need for a larger space for campus activities, there are currently no confirmed future plans for expansion.

The Sneakerheads of Lehman College!

By Alaina Archer

Last Wednesday, we followed students around the campus of Lehman College to ask them why they think that their shoes are the best. From Gilet Hall to Carman Hall, students on campus had some words to say about their most favorite kicks.

PANDA DUNKS

“It goes with everything.”

On March 10th of 2021, Nike released the Nike Dunk Low ‘Panda’ for a retail price of $110. Because of its black and white color scheme, the sneakers closely resemble the panda and therefore are known as the Nike Panda Dunks. Like a panda, these dunks give you a laid-back feel as you walk around campus.

NIKE BLAZER LOW

“It’s convenient.”

Being one of the first basketball sneakers by Nike, the Nike Blazer Low was released in 1973 as a high-top sneaker and endorsed by George “the Iceman” Gervin. They now come in the option of mid tops and low tops in addition to the already released high tops. The sneakers in the article above are the Nike Blazer low tops. They retail for $180.

NIKE AIR JOURDAN 5 RETRO MOONLIGHT

“It resembles who I am.”

Back in Sept. of 2021, the Air Jordan 5 Moonlights were released at a retail price of $190. Although many may know its predecessor, the Air Jordan 5 ‘Oreos’ for its overlooked drop back in 2013, the shoes released back again on Sept. 25th 2021, as the Air Jordan 5 ‘Moonlight’.

NIKE AIR MAX 97

“Really comfy, stylish, light reflective, fit and snug, not too tight and go with the outfit.”

26 years ago, the Nike Air Max 97s were released in the year 1997 at a retail price of $150.

Almost three decades later, the classic design has yet to fade from existence. An upgraded version of the shoe was created under the name ‘Nike Vapormax 97’ and set for release on March 9th 2023. Even though the upper body of the Nike Vapormax 97 holds the same design as the original Air Max 97s, the soles are Vapor Max hence how it received its name. If you are looking to put a spin on the Nike Air Max 97s, you might be willing to give the Nike Air Vapor Max 97s a try.

YEEZY BOOST 350 v2 ‘OREO’

“They’re comfortable.”

Last year, on March 12th 2022, these Yeezy sneakers were re-released for a retail price of $230.

However, they were originally released on Dec. 17th of 2016. Now, on popular sneaker reselling sites like “Goat.com”, the sneaker resells for as low as $366 for a size 5.5 in US mens and as high as $1,034 for a size 16 in US mens at the time of publishing this article.

OFF-WHITE x AIR JORDAN 5 SP ‘SAIL’

“Virgil.”

As a fashion designer, the late Virgil Abloh was known for his iconic designs for celebrities such as Solange, Rihanna and Drake. In 2018, he became the first ever black designer to be appointed as creative director for Louis Vuitton, more specifically, the men’s division. From shirts, dresses, hoodies, bags, shoes, belts, album covers, cars and even planes, Virgil’s designs were one of a kind. You can potentially catch sight of one of Virgil’s designs in the air on Drake’s $185 million Boeing 767 plane. Or if you are lucky enough, you can catch one of his designs on foot on the Off-White x Air Jordan 5 SP ‘Sail’. After all, only 46,000 sneakers were released at a retail price of $225 on Oct 29th, 2020, a little over a year before his untimely passing in Nov of 2021.

‘YEEZY BOOST 350 v2 ‘YESHAYA’

“Comfortable.”

Originally known as “Jade Ash”, the Yeezy Boost 350 v2 ‘Yeshaya’ released on Jan 25th of 2020 for a retail price of $220. On popular sneaker reselling sites like “Stockx.com”, the sneaker resells for as low as $294 for a size 10.5 in US mens and as high as $835 for a size 5 in US mens.

However, for the reflective version of the sneaker where the laces are reflective in the dark, the sneaker resells for as low as $400 for a size 5.5 in US mens and as high as $850 for a size 4.5 in US mens at the time of publishing this article.

AIR JORDAN 1 RETRO HIGH OG ‘UNIVERSITY BLUE’

“I like these shoes because of the brand.”

Jordan officially released their first pair of Air Jordan 1 High retros back in 1994 and continued to ever since. The University Blue Air Jordan 1 Retro High being one of them. At a retail price of $170, the sneakers dropped on March 6th of 2021. The symbolic jumpman logo makes the Jordan brand memorable and difficult to forget the legend himself that is Michael Jordan.

ADIDAS NMD R1 PRIMEBLUE SHOES

“Comfortable For running.”

The shoes were originally released in December 2015 for $160. Since its initial release they have become one of the most popular running shoes. Perfect for an early morning jog, exercise or daily wear, the shoes are an ideal choice with its added benefits.

CONVERSE RUN STAR HIKE PLATFORM LOW TOP

“They go with a lot of outfits.”

On Jan 16th 2020, the Converse Run Star Hike was made available for a retail price of $105 in Feb. of 2019. Its jagged soles make it practical for hiking. They also come available in the high-top version which is identical in design to the low top sneakers shown above.

Have some shoes you want to show off?

We’d love to see!

Email lehmanmeridian at gmail.com

Students Reflect on how the Covid Pandemic Impacted their Education

 by Enmanuel Sori

College students throughout 2020 and 2021 were struggling with balancing mental health and providing quality work during such a rough adaptation and transitional period.

 2020 was a rough year for everyone as a result of the COVID-19. 2021 wasn’t much better as the extent and destruction of the virus was becoming more dangerous. Education was a sector that suffered huge losses and restrictions. Losses in the form of students dropping out due to many factors, and restrictions placed on in person meetings. Online meetings and Zoom became the new norm for interactions. But it wasn’t beneficial to everyone.

 Nargely De La Rosa, a senior at CUNY Lehman College, had a profoundly different experience. He said “My quality of education actually went up. I didn’t like having to physically show up to school and being online made my schedule more flexible which catered to me. This flexibility allowed me to study and submit my assignments in a timely manner. Something that was previously an issue due to struggles with my work-life balance.”

 Rancel Fermin, a senior at Cornell University says “Yes, my quality of education went down as a result of not being on campus and having to submit work remotely. Time management became even more crucial during this time as you couldn’t rely on professors holding you as accountable anymore due to not being in a physical classroom setting. Having to return home as a result of things shutting down on campus altered my college experience in a way which previous generations did not live through.”

These interviews provided us with insight into the two polar ends of the spectrum and the students associated with it. On an interesting note, many students will end up leaning more towards one side although not to such polar ends in most cases. Hearing from current college students who went through this also provided us with context into certain factors that could influence individual experiences during such a historical period in modern history.

Photographer Cristal Vida 22' Recalls Lehman through the Seasons

By Zindzhi Sonyika

Lehman Alumnae, Cristal Vida, shared a collection of heartwarming photos with Lehman weekly. They captured the essence of our campus throughout each of the seasons.

This collection was in part a tribute to her time here and the countless memories she made pre graduation, hence the title, “Beautiful Memories.” Many of us have some type of memories in each of the locations photographed here — I know I do. I still walk past these every day and yet, the images taken here invoke a nostalgic feeling of when I first stepped onto this campus. Everything was so exciting and fresh, because I gave so much attention to all of the moments at that time.

Ms. Vida wrote with this collection of photos, “Being part of Lehman before and during COVID was an experience I’ll never forget.” Very fitting to the title indeed. These images remind us to take a second and appreciate our surroundings and experiences at Lehman, and outside of it. To continue to soak in everything around you, as if it were the first time.

When you find yourself walking to your next class, walk a little slower, embrace your environment, and be in the moment as much as you can. Appreciate the colorful leaves on the ground, the barren branches of the trees, the slowly growing flower buds, or the flourishing greenery. Even take time to acknowledge this painfully cold air, because Spring is right around the corner, and soon our fiery summers will replace it.

Thank you, Cristal Vida, for sharing these moving images of our campus, and being an inspiration for this moment of mindfulness!

Tribute to Kenneth Figueroa

Written by Kilhah St Fort

“We had nothing but love and joy for him.”

These are the words Avonell and Kenny Figueroa had to say, as they recount the life of their beloved son, the late Kenneth Figueroa. Even in their grief, their words are weighed with admiration, affection, and devotion. It leaves no doubt that Kenneth, in his short time, brought light into their lives and into the lives of those who knew him.

March 2022 saw the loss of Lehman College student, Kenneth Figueroa. Kenneth’s studies began at Bronx Community College where he received his associate degree before transferring to Lehman in Fall 2021, in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Kenneth was more than just another student; he was a vibrant community member of the Lehman College Pathways to Student STEM Success (PTS3) program. For those who aren’t aware, PTS3 is a collaborative program where low-income senior and community college students are engaged in activities meant to break barriers to student progress and success in STEM fields. Kenneth dedicated himself to being heavily involved with Lehman PTS3 activities.

As video game lovers in arm, Professor Rafael Gonzalez Castillo and Kenneth shared a special connection. Castillo is one of the many people who had the pleasure to know Kenneth. Having originally met in 2018, when Castillo served as Campuses Director for PTS3, Kenneth immediately stood out.

“He was a tall, somewhat reserved but very gentle guy; the kind of guy that you’d read about in books,” said Castillo.

Although reserved, Kenneth never shied away from expressing himself. He often did what he could to help other PTS3 students. Despite the commute, Kenneth attended nearly every event and workshop held at both Lehman and BCC. In fact, Kenneth was the only BCC student who travelled to Lehman to take advantage of the tutoring and mentorship services. Yet what really shone out amidst Kenneth’s academic devotion, was his calming aura and presence.

Kenneth’s impact on Castillo was so prominent that it feels inadequate to label the following words as a “final send off.” It’s clear that in his death, Kenneth’s light never truly came to an end. 

 “I hope you are in a better place Kenneth,” said Castillo, “and I truly hope that your mother, your father, and your brother can bear the pain of losing you. You were a great man and I know you will forever hold a place in my heart.”

PTS3 was not the only place where Kenneth shone. Professor Tanja Haxhoviq, one of Kenneth’s former instructors, had much to say about Kenneth as well.

Haxhoviq had the pleasure of having Kenneth as her student for the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semester. It was clear to Haxhoviq that Kenneth was dedicated to his schoolwork and his family. There was no question that Kenneth also possessed a big heart. Without fail, Kenneth held the door open for her and the rest of the students in class.

“It is very sad to lose someone who was so pure and innocent,” Haxhoviq said. “He was truly a gentle soul and was taken from us far too soon.”

What is truly outstanding about Kenneth is that these facets of his personality – generosity, community, and a willingness to wear love like an armor – are all innate. This fact rings true with the way his parents, Avonell and Kenny Figueroa pour out their souls, remembering and cherishing all the ways in which Kenneth enriched life.

“Mother, not every child has the same opportunities that we have. If my friend wants this and can’t afford this, but I can, I’m going to give it to them.”

These are the words in which Kenneth once uttered to Avonell. Spoken as if personal scripture, Kenneth resolutely explained why his debt card always ran on empty. Back when he was in high school, Avonell and Kenny gifted Kenneth his first debt card, one of the first tastes of adulthood Kenneth experienced. The Figueroas have always known what a special person Kenneth was, but nothing could have prepared them for learning what Kenneth did with all his allowance. Each and every single time Kenneth got a snack from the school’s vending machines, he always brought back enough to share with the class. Without fail, Kenneth used what he had to make other people’s days shine a little brighter.

“He’s an old soul in a young body,” remarked Avonell. Kenny instantly followed up with “We won the lottery when it came to him.”

In Kenny’s words, Kenneth was a homebody. He preferred staying home and falling into the world of Minecraft over anything else. He was also a natural observer when it came to socializing -- one to sit back and get a feel of the room before acting. And yet, Kenneth stood out in his community. Every week Kenneth would help his elderly neighbor with her chores. He would bring down her laundry and once clean, he’d carry it back up for her. This also applied to any garbage or groceries she had. Kenneth was the embodiment of consideration.

“Our son was very humble,” explained Kenny. Kenneth was never concerned with the flashier aspects of life. As a natural learner who excelled in academics, Kenny constantly tried to reward Kenneth for all his accomplishments. And yet, every time he attempted to spoil him, Kenneth refused.

“I’m happy with what I have,” was Kenneth’s faithful refusal. Although gifts weren’t his thing, Kenneth never shied away from love, specifically his mother’s.

There’s a fond moment during Kenneth’s BCC graduation where the graduates were lined up taking pictures. Overcome with pride, Avonell joined in, even though the pictures were for graduates only. But Kenneth didn’t mind. Instead, he welcomed his mother’s presence and her kiss on his cheek.

There’s another moment from a PTS3-hosted potluck. Although parents were welcomed to the event, Avonell initially decided to sit back during the event. She wanted to give Kenneth the time and space to take in the moment – seeing as Kenneth would typically assess a social situation before jumping in. That wasn’t the case this time. Kenneth was so comfortable that he instantly got involved in conversations and made friends. Throughout the entire event, he refused to let Avonell leave his side, constantly including her in the conversations. They were partners in crime, her by his side was a given.

“Not one moment during the day[s] where we were together,” said Avonell, “did he not make us feel loved and appreciated and respected. The one word I feel most important about Kenneth is respect.”

This respect translated into everything Kenneth did. Including becoming a Mets fan, just to hold the peace in a household of a Yankees fan father and a Red Sox fan mother. For those who don’t know baseball, those two teams are, practically by law, mortal enemies. Though Kenneth, in a way that was uniquely his, always held the peace.

Now six months later, the loss of Kenneth is an eternal one. For those who knew Kenneth, may his memory live on in your minds and hearts. On behalf of the Meridian team, our condolences are with you. And for those who sadly didn’t have the chance to meet Kenneth, may you understand the weight of his being. And perhaps, try your best to carry on a fraction of his light by practicing kindness as a way of life.    

Rest in Power, Kenneth.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson speaks at Lehman College tonight

By Ashley Castillo

Famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson will speak on campus today at the Lovinger Theatre with Lehman College Professor Matt O’Dowd.

Tyson is celebrating the launch of his latest book, “Starry Messenger: Comic Perspectives on Civilization.” The event is co-sponsored by The Lit. Bar.

Tickets are on sale through Eventbrite. Each ticket comes with a signed copy of “Starry Messenger.”

Students Living The Lehman Campus Life Post Covid

By Nefertiti Washington, Staff Writer

Transferring from a different CUNY campus or other university to Lehman College was made difficult by COVID-19. Many students were unfamiliar with the various methods of accessing their information, while departments such as Admissions and Financial Aid worked remotely. 

To ease the transition, Lehman College’s Social Work Department director,Dr.Brenda Williams-Gray offered students a tour of the campus on February 9th. Many social work students found it beneficial.They felt this was a nice welcome to campus on her part for students.

Lehman College has reopened to all vaccinated students, but many reported feeling unprepared for the new semester. Many students were worried that they would not be able to attend classes, their registration would be dropped due to not being vaccinated, they would not be cleared after providing proof and confused over finding the correct gate openings. Lehmanites wondered if the accessibility of classes from the gates were taken into consideration when re-opening was planned by Lehman Department heads. 

Ashley Castillo, a student with disabilities feels unheard and believes there are issues to be rectified.She expressed “Having to walk extreme distances to get to my classes is inconvenient. It’s causing me physical strain and makes getting to class unenjoyable.” The Lehman College experience should not be dreadful considering the return to campus was thoroughly planned. Minor adjustments such as laminated posters tied to the gates with visible  instructions visible for students would ensure a successful transition next semester.

For proper air circulation, posters are on doors stating that the windows need to be cracked during class usage, which lowers the classroom temperature. This causes students to sit in a classroom with their coats on and can lead to sickness. Students and staff must use PPE equipment on campus, but there are no visible signs that the equipment is available for them to access within classes noris it  consistently or equally distributed.

The Spring 2022 CUNY Covid-19 policy indicates that along with social distancing in class, students would be provided PPE equipment and sanitizing stations. Yet, we are not seeing it executed. InsideCarman Hallthe female bathroom on the second floor does not have hot water for appropriate hand washing. 

Handwashing should be done at temperatures ranging from 104°F to 131°F. Rarely is anyone maintaining classrooms, hallways, and bathrooms as far as keeping it sanitary. How are they ensuring our overall health? If we don’t see anyone representing the janitorial staff cleaning in between classes or in general.

Why wasn't an email sent advising pupils about social distance amongst each other? The use of material and air filters are in place, but the Lehman population is ill-informed on how often the classrooms are cleaned and air filters are changed or cleaned to ensure students that their priority is our health.

Lehman College's campus directory is outdated and affects students' mental health and their ability to get specific things handled. With students being in working positions on campus and not known as much as regular staff, you can get bounced around or misinformed with who resolves your inquiry. It is stressful for students to get tossed around different departments and realize no one is in the position to assist them. This is a feeling shared amongst Lehmanites all around campus.

The big question is, how can we make the Lehman experience better and properly advocate for ourselves? Our campus is packed with student resources in the form of The Student Disability department, Student Government Association, and Student Life building. Lehmaniteur voices need to be heard on a bigger platform and to cause action and change.

We need a resolution to all this confusion and concern as students living the Lehman campus life, post covid.