Lehman Honors Late Professor’s Legacy with Special Collection Reception

The collection of Joseph Tusiani, acclaimed poet, author, translator, and longtime Lehman College professor, at the Leonard Lief Library.
Photo credit: Francesca Verzivolli

By Francesca Verzivolli

On Friday, Sept. 18, Lehman College celebrated the life and literary legacy of Joseph Tusiani, an acclaimed poet, author, translator and longtime Lehman College professor who died April 11, 2020. The event included a guided tour of the Joseph Tusiani Collection, now housed at the Leonard Lief Library, which includes letters to and from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. discussing segregation and loss of morals and humanity in America during the 1960s.

Besides offering a glimpse into Tusiani’s work as a writer and scholar, the collection shows his enduring connection to both his native Italy and his adopted home in the United States. He was born in San Marco in Lamis, Italy, and arrived in New York at age 23. His connection to the Italian community in the Bronx was a powerful one. According to census data from 2000, approximately 67,100 Bronx residents reported Italian ancestry. Tusiani wrote in both Italian and English and became known as the “Poet of Two Lands.” Through his poetry, translations and teaching, he brought Italian literature to American audiences and vice versa.

Professor Kathleen LaPenta, director of the Bronx Italian American History Initiative, said, “The idea that he wrote the Dante book for children is also really fascinating to me, to be able to make classical texts translatable to even young learners.” LaPenta refers to Dante’s Divine Comedy: As Told for Young People, which Tusiani took on retelling in a form intended to be accessible to younger readers. In addition, Tusiani translated major Italian writers such as Boccaccio, Machiavelli and Michelangelo.

LaPenta explained that Tusiani also helped make English literature accessible to Italian Americans who may not have had the opportunity otherwise due to a language barrier, broadening the reach of these literary classics and paving a road to connect Italian speakers to English literature.

“As long as this [library] building will stand, it documents and immortalizes his career.” — Anthony Julian Tamburri, professor of Black, Race and Ethnic Studies at Queens College

Tusiani was “not ours, not Lehman’s,” said Lehman’s president, Dr. Fernando Delgado; rather, he belonged to an entire community that reaches far beyond the walls of the college. Tusiani joined the Lehman College faculty as a literature and Italian professor after a 23-year career as the chair of the Italian Department at the College of Mount St. Vincent, serving 12 years until he retired in 1983.

“He said he liked working at Lehman because he had more students here,” said Dr. Janet Butler Munch, the special collections librarian.

Professor Tusiani’s niece, Paula Tusiani-Eng, recounted Professor Tusiani’s colorful and passionate attitude about the world around him, which made him an amazing writer and great

uncle. The curator of the collection, Marguerite Zappa, highlighted Tusiani’s extensive achievements, including becoming the first American to win the Greenwood Prize from the Poetry Society of England in 1956. The collection also contains humbler items, such as Tusiani’s personal dictionary, which he read in its entirety and heavily annotated.

For Tusiani, literature was never confined to one language, one country, or one generation. From his childhood in Italy to his life and career in the Bronx, he spent decades building connections between cultures and making literature accessible to others. Today, the Joseph Tusiani Collection allows those connections to continue.

As Anthony Julian Tamburri, professor of Black, Race and Ethnic Studies at Queens College, said, “As long as this [library] building will stand, it documents and immortalizes his career.”

Reentry@Lehman Spotlights Incarceration’s Impact on Families

Caption: Reentry@Lehman members and attendees gather during the Pizza Meetup on Sept. 16 in the T3 Building, Room 116. Pictured are, among others, Lehman students Heaven Torres and Gabrielle Navarro, Professor Penny Prince and LaGuardia Community College Associate Professor Cory Rowe. Photo by Najee Brown.

By Najee Brown

Reentry @ Lehman brought 20 students, faculty and community members together on Sept. 16 in the T3 Building for a pizza meetup focused on how incarceration affects families and the support available to justice-impacted 
students.

The meetup grew from a request by Lehman students Heaven Torres, a 
social work major, and Gabrielle Navarro, a fine arts major, who wanted 
a place where justice impacted people could share their experiences, according to Penny Prince, a professor in Lehman’s Music Department and the event’s main organizer.

Navarro spoke about growing up with an incarcerated father and how the experience shaped her relationship with education. She described school as a safe place and said having an incarcerated parent motivated her to pursue her education and make different choices for herself.

Navarro also discussed feeling responsible for other members of her family while her father was incarcerated. She described putting her own needs aside while trying to keep others on the right path.

Thousands of New York youths are affected by parental incarceration. A New York City Department of Health analysis of the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 19% of public high school students, an estimated 36,000 students, reported that at least one parent had served time in jail or prison.

Cory Rowe, an associate professor of criminal justice at LaGuardia Community College, told The Meridian that education can play an important role for incarcerated people and their families.

“Education can set people free,” Rowe said. “Both literally, through legal education, but also by empowering people to pursue new paths that have better outcomes.”

Rowe said the effects of incarceration on families often receive little attention.

“The worst part is, most of the time this is invisible,” Rowe said. “Families, wives, children of incarcerated parents are not really seen by the system. Their stories are rarely told.”

Rowe also said colleges can provide an important space for students who may otherwise feel excluded or misunderstood because of their experiences.

“Creating space is a way of directly confronting exclusion,” Rowe said.

The idea that eventually became Reentry@Lehman began in 2017, according to Prince. She said she encountered a student on her first day at Lehman who was “looking teary and anxious” after being sent from office to office while trying to find help.

“I then realized that there may be many new, reentering and transferring students, some who had been incarcerated, who need our support and we must be there for them,” Prince told The Meridian.

Prince later proposed creating a committee at a Lehman College Senate meeting.

“By the time I got home from Senate, 25 people had emailed me wanting to join,” Prince said. “We now have 50 members.”

The program connects students with help related to enrollment, financial aid and other needs. The Reentry@Lehman website also lists referrals for housing, employment, legal services, personal finances and scholarships.

Despite its growth, Prince said awareness remains a challenge.

“We have our Reentry@Lehman on the Lehman website, yet people still don’t know we are here!” Prince said.

Reentry@Lehman serves both formerly incarcerated students and students whose family members have been incarcerated. Prince said students do not have to identify themselves as formerly incarcerated when applying to Lehman. While she views that privacy positively, she said it can make it difficult for the program to know who may need its support.

Prince said Torres and Navarro, along with Professor Suzette Ramsundar, plan to start a student club this month where students can share their experiences and become involved in issues affecting incarcerated people and their families.

Reentry@Lehman also reached another milestone this year with the opening of its own office in T3-116, the same room where the pizza meetup was held.

“This is important to us as members of society: not just to think of ourselves, but to care for our brothers and sisters,” Prince said.

Over 2,000 Attend Lehman Tax the Rich Rally with Bernie Sanders

NYC Artist Allegra Krieger Tuning Her Guitar
Credit: Gilbert Areizaga

By Gilbert Areizaga

On Sunday, March 29, 2,000 community members packed into Lehman’s Performing Arts Center for a high-energy rally sponsored by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and headlined by Senator Bernie Sanders to urge New York Governor Kathy Hochul to raise taxes on the wealthiest members of the city.

“Right now you are living in a country where the top 1% owns more wealth than the bottom 93%,” Sanders said. “One man - Mr. Musk - owns more wealth than the bottom 53% of American households.” Zooming out and analyzing the gap between the richest in America and the working class, Sanders continued citing statistics, each one highlighting just how wide the gap between the rich and the rest is and how this manifests in the lives of average people. “We have 85 million Americans who are uninsured and under-insured, over a half a million Americans go bankrupt each year because of medically related debt, tens of thousands of our people die every year because they don’t have enough money to get to a doctor when they should in the richest country in the history of the world.” Sanders then explained how billionaires and large corporations pay less in taxes than the average American.

Following the rally’s main slogan “Tax The Rich,” many of the other speakers also emphasized how the extra money could be used. James Davis, President of the Professional Staff Congress union (PSC CUNY), which represents faculty and staff at the City University of New York (CUNY), spoke about the lack of up-to-date campus infrastructure that is present on CUNY campuses. Teachers and faculty, he said, “would love to negotiate for better labs and facilities, if only they had the budget.”

““One man - Mr. Musk - owns more wealth than the bottom 53% of American households.” – Senator Bernie Sanders

Senator Gustavo Rivera also put healthcare at center stage, stating that by July of this year, 450,000 New Yorkers will lose access to health coverage due to federal changes, and that number is projected to reach 1.2 million by the end of 2027. Leader of the New York City Nurses Association Nancy Hagans shared how patients and healthcare workers are struggling now, saying, “From a hospital like mine that serves the low income [to] underinsured patients, and hospitals in the north country that are being threatened with closure every day, [hospitals and nurses] need to deliver the service [patients] deserve and support our communities. I know we can do it by taxing the rich.”

The rally’s ultimate message was that these conditions do not have to remain a permanent fixture in America. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has already proposed a tax increase for millionaires within the city, and Sanders stated that 54% of people in New York state are in favor of this bill. Sanders, who himself introduced a bill that would levy a 5% tax on American billionaires, urged Governor Hochul to follow his example and raise taxes on the richest in New York. The call was for action, with Sanders saying, “Unless we change the nature of this economy, which is what we are intending to do, our younger generation will have a lower standard of living than their parents. We will not allow that to happen.”

CJ Gallagher, co-chair of the Lehman chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA), was excited about Sanders presence in the Bronx. “It means a lot to us. I feel like [the Bronx] often gets left out of the public discourse. I think that a lot of people don’t consider that this is a working-class borough. This is where a lot of stuff happens. I really hope that it [will] get more people from the Bronx involved in politics because I think there is a lot of power here.”

Recent Bronx resident David Z agreed: “It makes me happy that I moved to the Bronx about six weeks ago.”

Sude Atar, a German exchange student at Lehman College, also said the Bronx should get its fair share of resources. “Any extra money should go to the people who need it the most; the people from here, the Bronx.”

Medical Professionals Dismantle Cannabis Stigma for Bronx Elders

Cannabis reflecting on a table.
Author: HerrBlaze

By Savon Williams

On March 11, Martha McDermott, Lehman College’s Cannabis Case Manager, facilitated a Zoom seminar called “Golden Years, Greener Options: Medical Cannabis for Older Adults,” which featured medical officers Dr. June Chin and Dr. Ken Weinberg.

Chin, chief medical officer for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, opened with a story about one of her patients. Ms. Rodriguez was suffering from arthritis and needed a form of care that would allow her to live without pain and sleep at night. While Rodriguez’s mind went to cannabis, the stigma and fear surrounding cannabis use caused her to act without any advice from a medical professional. As a result, she overspent on cannabis, paying up to $300, and misused what she bought, leading to a panic attack and an emergency room visit. “The problem wasn’t that Ms. Rodriguez made a bad choice; the problem is the system…made the safe choice feel inaccessible,” concluded Chin.

Chin stated that from 2023 to the present, one million adults in the U.S. use cannabis daily, which is comparable to the number of Americans who buy coffee. There has been a 50% increase among older adults who use cannabis over the last two years. “The question has shifted: it’s no longer who’s using cannabis; it’s how can we make sure people have the information they need to use it safely,” said Chin.

“I was able to go back to work...I truly credit [that] to having the cannabis.”

Dr. Kenneth R. Weinberg, chief medical officer and creator of Cannabis Doctors of New York, presented a general history of cannabis use that focused on the stigma around it. He noted that this stigma has only existed for the last 80 years. Weinberg explained that it was generated as part of an effort to criminalize marginalized communities as adversaries rather than for any reason based on science. To dismantle the negative myth, Weinberg explained the science regarding the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and how it affects our bodies’ ability to send signals throughout, resulting in, for example, our ability to eat, sleep, and experience pain. The study of cannabis, he said, is important because there are chemicals in the plant that can influence the way that we experience these signals in the body, especially for older patients who experience chronic pain from these signals.

“Everyone thinks about THC [tetrahydrocannabinol] for its psychoactive properties, but it’s also very good for inflammation... [and] for muscle spasticity... It’s good for appetite, it’s good for nausea,” Weinberg said. He also pointed to specific use cases for specific cannabis chemicals. “You want to start low and go slow... because people have very different sensitivities.”

Michelle Sajous, ex-director of River Bay Corporation for 16 years and a medical cannabis patient, reported on her experience with losing her leg from diabetes and experiencing chronic pain because of neuropathy. Sajous’ doctor originally avoided conversations about medical cannabis, leading her to rely on the standard medical practice of opioids, which left her in an uncomfortable state. However, after reaching the Bronx Verilife Dispensary, the pharmacist explained how to access cannabis, its purpose, and methods of consuming it. “He explained to me that it’s not about getting high; it’s about getting a healing,” Sajous said. “I did go with tinctures...It did get rid of some of that inflammation in the morning...and that dull ache. I was able to go back to work...I truly credit [that] to having the cannabis.”

Medical cannabis offers an alternative to the standard series of opioids that cause additional pain to the body. Through proper education, careful selection, and guidance from medical professionals, medical cannabis is a solution that will allow older New Yorkers like Sajous to continue to live in peace, without being held back by pain.

History, Justice and the Next Generation: A Black History Month Call to Action

Photo By Amadou Kane

By Amadou Kane


On Feb. 19, Urban Male Leadership students from Lehman College attended a Black History Month program at Queens Theatre in partnership with the Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association to examine the legacy of Black legal advocacy and its influence on the future of justice.

The event was organized around the theme that the struggles and achievements of Black Americans in the past have shaped the present, and the actions taken today will shape the next generation. Organizers said the program was especially important during Black History Month because it encouraged students to see history not as distant events, but as a living foundation for their own ambitions. By connecting Urban Male Leadership students with Black judges and attorneys, the gathering aimed to inspire young people to believe they can make a difference in the courts and in the legal profession while continuing the work of those who came before them.

The program comes as conversations about racial equity, access to justice and representation in law continue nationwide. Black Americans remain underrepresented in the legal field, and speakers 
emphasized that visibility and mentorship are essential for building confidence and opportunity among students of color. The partnership between Lehman College and the Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association highlighted how education and community leadership can 
work together to address long-standing barriers.

“Today, more than ever, it is so important that we continue to come together, engage in collective sharing of information and coordinate efforts to help move this country toward a more civil and just union,” said Jawan Finley, president of the organization that helped coordinate the event. Finley said this year’s Black History Month focus was on a century of Black excellence. The event featured visual displays to highlight how history connects to lived experiences.

Finley said, in reference to a quilt that was displayed, “The people that 
you see on that quilt, one of them was my grandfather. He fought 
in World War II.” She explained that her grandfather served during a 
time when segregation still existed in the military, demonstrating how 
Black Americans defended democracy abroad while facing discrimination at home.

Justice Janice A. Taylor placed the event in a historical context, emphasizing the deep roots of Black legal leadership in Queens. “All Black history in this country is American history,” Taylor said. She traced the origins of Black History Month to historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. Additionally, Taylor described how early Black attorneys worked through the NAACP to fight for school integration, community employment and educational access.

“These attorneys worked to get jobs in African American neighborhoods, prevented the expansion of the Clearview Expressway through Black communities and fought to change the 
original location of your college from College Point to Jamaica,” Taylor 
said. She added that the Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association, founded in 1971, became a central force in advancing civil rights and professional opportunity for Black lawyers in Queens.

Honorable Cassandra A. Johnson focused on the importance of trust in the legal system, particularly for families navigating loss through Surrogate’s Court, saying, “The court is not merely validating a document. It’s protecting the decedent’s expressed intent.” She noted that historical discrimination has shaped how many Black families experience courts. “For some families, walking into a courtroom is not a neutral act. It’s shaped by memory,” she said.

John Jay College senior Rugens Jean Baptiste said seeing Black judges 
and attorneys changed how he imagines his own future. “There was a time in this country where Black lawyers were not allowed to go into certain courts,” Baptiste said. “Representation is not abstract. It changes what you believe is possible.”

Baptiste described his recent internship in Queens Supreme Court 
and the impact of watching a Black woman judge lead a courtroom, saying, “Justice does not happen by accident. It requires discipline, clarity and courage.”

Organizers said the event demonstrated how Black History Month can 
serve as both reflection and motivation. By showing how past struggles shaped the present, the program aimed to empower a new generation of leaders to pursue careers in law and public service with purpose and confidence.

UMLP Injects Funding to Support Lehman Students

Members of the Urban Male Leadership Program attend the 10th Annual Awards & Scholarship Brunch. Photo: Lehman Multimedia Center

By Daniel Douglas

Amid growing concerns over federal funding cuts under the Trump administration, the Urban Male Leadership Program at Lehman College marked the return of its largest fundraiser, its annual brunch, after a six-year COVID-19 pause. UMLP aims to surpass the $20,000 raised at its last in-person brunch during its 10th Annual Awards & Scholarship Brunch on Feb. 7 at Eastwood Manor in the Bronx.

The fundraiser comes as the City University of New York system faces uncertainty in federal support. In 2025 and 2026, dozens of CUNY research projects were threatened after federal grant cancellations put millions of dollars at risk, prompting the university to launch a “Research Bridge Fund” to sustain affected work.

“We understood how important this was not just for us, but for the organization itself and for future generations.”

-Ferdinand Essizewa, Lehman Alumnus

Increasing tuition and cost of living in the Bronx add to the financial strain on students. According to CUNY data, most undergraduates come from households earning less than $30,000 annually, making scholarships and private fundraising essential to closing financial gaps.

“We do receive money from the City Council and the state, but those tax levy dollars can only be used for operational expenses,” said Dr. Jermaine right, vice president for student affairs at Lehman. “With the fundraiser dollars, we’re able to provide scholarships for books and tuition - things that help students make it to the finish line.”

Proceeds from the event will go directly to programs and services that help students succeed beyond the classroom, filling gaps that government funding cannot cover.

“The funds raised today will support our spring induction ceremony and other student programming,” said Adeleke Akano, student life manager for UMLP. “It’s an example of what happens when the community comes together to support our students.”

Students and alumni said the program also provides mentorship and leadership opportunities.

Gabriel Bencosme, a Lehman senior graduating this semester, said UMLP transformed his college experience.

“All I wanted was a bachelor’s degree,” Bencosme said. “I had no intention of joining programs or finding a community.”

But through UMLP, Bencosme said he gained mentorship and professional preparation that extended beyond academics.

Alumnus Ferdinand Essizewa said the program’s fundraising and mentorship model helps support future students.

“We understood how important this was - not just for us, but for the organization itself and for future generations,” Essizewa said.

As federal funding remains uncertain, UMLP leaders said expanding scholarships and strengthening community partnerships will remain central to helping more Lehman students graduate.

The Urban Male Leadership Program supports students at Lehman College by strengthening academic skills, leadership development and personal growth. With a focus on historically underrepresented Black and Latino males, the program aims to improve retention and graduation rates while fostering a strong sense of community, making events like the annual brunch a critical investment in student success.

Lehman College Faculty Begins Initiative to Experiment with AI Education

Image from Wikimedia, by JPxG

By Savon Williams

On Feb. 20, a meeting held for Lehman College’s AI Month demonstrated ways AI can be integrated into the classroom through a series of experiments showcasing new, inventive implementations.

According to data from Campbell Academic Technology Services, on 
average, students are using AI more than faculty, leading to a difference in use of up to 40%. The experiments by the faculty present an opportunity to bridge how education is evolving within a year. The goal of these experiments is to highlight the importance of students’ original ideas and develop new ways to encourage students to think critically.

“I strongly encourage students to experiment, but also privilege and 
prioritize your point of view,” said Asma Neblett, student support 
and academic resource specialist and facilitator for the first AI Month 
event. The series of experiments feature new, inventive implementations that show potential in classroom use.

Nicole Walker, a Lehman adjunct lecturer for English composition, conducted an experiment that involved creating an application that 
would visualize a series of thought processes of each student for the purpose of highlighting the importance of a student’s own personal capabilities of output in comparison to the process of using AI. The application was created through long conversations between ChatGPT and Claude, but the result had a mixture of compilations.

When asked about the concerns about using AI, Nicole Walker said, “It’s hard not to think of the ethical repercussions. At the same time, I do feel that I need to get ahead of it.”

Patricia Gonzalez Periche, a Lehman chemistry lecturer, presented 
an experiment that involved using AI to grade open-ended questions 
for a class of more than 100 students. The results of the AI grading 
were compared to a series of other professors who were used as the 
control group. The scoring between the human and AI grading resulted in similar outcomes, although the AI avoided scores that were too high or too low, even if the professors agreed that a student deserved that grade.

While ChatGPT offered a variable experience as a grader, Periche noted that students may not be fond of the idea of professors using their grades for an AI tool, saying, “Are the students going to be OK with us inputting their responses if we decide to use this in our classrooms?”

John DeLooper, a Lehman online learning librarian, informed the panel on the difficulties of searching in the era of web browsing-integrated search engines. “There’s a greatly increased need to examine searches critically,” said DeLooper. “It’s harder to find whether there’s a consensus of ideas or lack thereof.” 

By assuming the role of a student during his presentation, DeLooper 
argued that inclusion in these AI systems is an involuntary practice that must be acknowledged.

Food Insecurity Grows as SNAP Pause Lengthens

Basic Needs Center Donating to Students

By Mahdi Mahdi

From Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, when the federal government was subjected to the longest shutdown in its history, up to 42 million Americans faced disruptions in SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, which provides monthly assistance to help eligible individuals purchase groceries. In New York state alone, about 1.7 million households representing nearly 3 million people rely on these benefits, according to the USDA. At Lehman College, where more than half of students come from low-income or working-class families and nearly 48% of undergraduates experience food insecurity, according to the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute, the disruption hit hard. Even after the USDA announced partial restorations of benefits in some states on Nov. 6, the shutdown left many students unsure how they would afford food.

Baraka Corley, director of CUNY CARES at Lehman College, said, “We know how critical SNAP is for our students. When benefits are delayed or cut, it doesn’t just affect nutrition, it affects attendance, focus and academic success. Our office is working to make sure students know help is available right now through CUNY CARES emergency grants, the Lehman Food Bank and the Basic Needs Center.” The Lehman  College Food Bank, located in the Old Gymnasium Building, Room B015A on the basement level, provides free groceries including produce, canned goods and hygiene items to any enrolled student. Students can visit Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and appointments can be scheduled through the Lehman Navigate app.

According to Anthony Rivera, Lehman’s food bank coordinator, “We’ve already seen a 30% increase in student visits since the beginning of November. Students are worried, especially those who relied on SNAP for most of their meals. We’re trying to make sure no one goes hungry.

Students are still feeling the impact in their daily lives. Maria Gomez, a biology major, said, “SNAP made it possible for me to buy healthy food without worrying about the money. Now that it’s ending, I’ll probably have to cut back on meals or eat less nutritious food. It’s hard to study when you’re hungry.

Ahmed Rahman, an economics student, said, “I work part time and send money home to help my parents. Without SNAP I’ll have to pick up extra shifts. That means less time for classes and homework. The food bank has really helped, but it can’t replace a full month’s groceries.” 

Jasmin Lopez, a computer science major, said, “I didn’t expect this to happen right before the holidays. I’m grateful that Lehman has the food bank and CUNY CARES, but it’s still stressful not knowing if I’ll have enough food next week.”

 “The message we want to send is that help,” Rivera said. 

“Whether you need groceries for a meal or help applying for emergency aid, Lehman has programs ready to step in.

“It’s hard to study when you’re hungry.”- MARIA GOMEZ, LEHMAN BIOLOGY MAJOR

Zohran, Naam Toh Suna Hoga: How Mamdani Embraced His Identity and Won Over NYC

Zohran Mamdani campaigning on the streets of Fordham Road, the Bronx, as early as November 10th 2024, a full year before he became mayor-elect of New York City.

By Eli Kowar

I first saw Zohran Mamdani in a campaign ad on social media in which he was speaking Hindi. "He's Desi?" I asked aloud in shock. My surprise deepened as Mamdani began to make movie references to Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry in India, and the largest in the world. He spoke of Om Shanti Om (2007), Deewar(1975), Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974), Karz (1980), Maalik (1972), and Gully Boy (2019); meanwhile, other Mamdani ads drew on the aesthetics of Bollywood film posters. As a Desi person, someone of South Asian descent, Bollywood has always been the way I’ve connected with my culture and home. Being born and raised in the Bronx has given me a strong sense of pride for my borough and city, but it also means I’ve been distanced from Desi culture. I felt split between the part of me that wanted to immerse myself in my Desi heritage, and the other that was trying to fit in by watering myself down to blend in with the crowd. It was like I had to compartmentalize parts of myself to be accepted. Indeed, living in a culture where whiteness is often treated as the default, many people of color feel the pressure to downplay their identity. Mamdani embraced his full heritage in spite of this, refusing to dilute his identity to appeal to whiteness. What drew many, including me, to his campaign was that he was not compartmentalizing.

Speaking about Mamdani’s decision to highlight his South Asian identity in his campaign, Anjali Khosla, journalist and assistant professor at The New School, said, “Many politicians attempt to appeal to a stereotypical white American voter with a certain set of values and fears and power. I believe Zohran understood how alienating and dismissive that is for many New Yorkers, who are breathtakingly diverse. Years ago, Zohran wrote an essay about being an outsider everywhere — in his case, in India, in Uganda, in the United States. So many New Yorkers — and Americans, in general — have felt that way and have been treated like outsiders by politicians and by media. By embracing all parts of himself and others in his run for mayor, he recognized that in fact, being a cultural straddler and having more than one cultural vein to draw from is one of the most defining and unifying and valuable qualities of a New Yorker.”

Social studies teacher at the High School for Contemporary Arts Tatiana Nelson agreed. “I was so excited to see Zohran lean hard into his South Asian identity. His campaign wouldn't have been as authentic without his willingness to show up as himself - Bollywood, Hindi and all! This was the same man who led a hunger strike advocating for taxi drivers in the city, specifically our South Asian and African brothers and sisters who power our city. To me, his identity is a driving force toward a justice-oriented vision for New York.”

In contrast, in the last year, politicians of Indian descent have used their proximity to whiteness to be accepted by a majority-white base. “People like Kash Patel, Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley... only care about their marginalized identities for their own selfish gains and treat it as a transactional identity. You’re only brown when it’s convenient,” said Zumina Ruedella, an English teacher at the same high school. “I agree that these people are exhibiting model minority behavior to keep up their proximity to whiteness. But by conforming to the very expectations of the model minority myth, you are complicit in upholding white supremacy. You are directly supporting systems that oppress people of color. You are a hypocrite who reeks of privilege.”

This is why Mamdani feels relatable. He is openly Indian and Muslim. He does not deny his Ugandan origins. He openly advocates for trans rights and understands the change the younger generation truly wants to see. Mamdani didn’t just feel like a Desi-origin politician looking for my vote. He felt like someone I saw myself in, who could implement real change.

“To me, his identity is a driving force toward a justice-oriented vision for New York.” - TATIANA NELSON, SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER AT THE HIGH SCHOOL FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS

After his election night victory speech, Mamdani walked off stage to the Bollywood song “Dhoom Machale,” an ode to his Desi roots. Literally meaning “to have a blast” or “make some noise,” it shows what Mamdani accomplished with this historic win and hopes to continue to do as he gears up to officially become mayor of New York City. This is the beginning of a new era for the city, one that is sure to make plenty of noise.

To the new mayor-elect, from one Desi to another, I’d just like to say: They say if you can make it here, then you can make it anywhere, so dhoom machale and show them what you’re made of.

Students Share Ideas and Lunch with Lehman’s President

Students attentively listening to the President mid-conversation

PHOTO CREDIT: MILDRED PEREZ

By Iffath Liaquat

On Sept 3, the weather was sunny as students and faculty filled Shuster Hall, grabbed a bite to eat and sat down to meet the President of Lehman College, Dr. Fernado Delgado.

Suzette Ramsundar, the Director of Student Life, asked everyone to introduce themselves as well as ask a question as they went around the table and got to know Lehman’s fourth president better.

With over 20 years of experience in academia, Delgado told a student who asked how he liked his job, “[Being my] 6th institution, this [was] the easiest transition...I love Lehman. You students are fantastic."

He also recalled back when he was a grad student, there were a few roles models who looked like him, which inspired him to do more. “In higher Ed, there are few of us,” he said, adding that we all “need more role models...I wanted to [be] that.”

Edwin Cruz, a 61-year-old sociology major at Lehman, also shared his unique journey in education. Now in his last semester of his senior year, he explained: “I wanted to go back to school. School was such a blast for me, and maybe I want to pair it with traveling. I wanted to keep myself occupied.”

Mary Morphine, Lehman’s Student Parent Coordinator, resonated with Cruz’s story and passion for learning, stating, “I personally relate to your story.” Unsure about going to college when she was younger, Morphine chose going directly into work instead. However, after a few years, she realized that she wanted to give higher ed a chance. After transferring from Brough of Manhattan Community College to Lehman, she continued working here ever since she got started as an active student leader and founder of the club Empower U. Morphine shared her plans to become a PhD student, emphasizing, “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.”

Her friend Brittany Lazano, vice president of the Student Government Association, brought awareness to some helpful resources to support students, explaining how the SGA helps allocate funds and student representation, while highlighting CUNY Cares. “Just let us know what you need, we’re here for you,” Lazano said. “SGA can help you [be] the change on campus."

“EDUCATION IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON TO CHANGE THE WORLD.”

--Mary Morphine, Lehman’s Student Parent Coordinator

“The Palestine Exception” Brought to Students Despite Pushback

Poster advertising screening of The Palestine Exception

Audio

By Gilbert Areizaga

On March 26, Lehman College hosted a screening of the film The Palestine Exception in collaboration with the Center for Human Rights and Peace Studies, the Professional Staff Congress (PSC-CUNY), Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), Students for Justice in Palestine, CUNY Faculty & Staff for Justice in Palestine (FSJP), and Bronx Neighbors for Palestine. It was followed by a panel featuring co-director of the film Jennifer Ruth, Hunter College professor and JVP Emerita member Rosalind Petchesky, and Reem Ockeh, a member of the Lehman chapter of SJP.

The Palestine Exception focuses on the many student protests for Palestinian rights that have taken place across the country, with the “exception” referring to the seemingly disproportionate actions taken against students at these protests compared to those for other issues. Through interviews with staff and students subjected to harsh encounters with law enforcement and questioning by government officials, the film highlights how policed these protests are—stating that between 2023 and 2024, 3,100 students were arrested during these protests. The movie also draws parallels to other student and Civil Rights protests of past decades, such as those held against the Vietnam War. It compares the punishments students have received for being pro-Palestine to those experienced during McCarthyism and argues that free speech and academic freedom are in danger now more than ever.

During the panel discussion, co-director Ruth said that the decision to film at Hunter and to offer to screen this event at both public and private universities, including Lehman, was made to show that this issue is not just for “elite students,” but rather that student efforts are taking place all over the country at all levels, with some of the largest encampments being at smaller schools. Petchesky elaborated further, saying that one of the target audiences of this film were “liberals who want to speak up but are afraid to be called antisemitic.” She also added that, as a Jewish person, it is harder to navigate these conversations with other members of the community, but by finding an opening with relatives such as, “I’m Zionist but I hate Netanyahu,” the discussion could begin. She went further, saying that to support Israel at this point would be “supporting ethnonationalism and settler colonialism.”

“STUDENTS HAVE A RIGHT TO TALK ABOUT THESE THINGS.” – Ruth Wangerin, Lehman anthropology professor and PSC CUNY member

The war in Gaza is one of the most contentious issues of the day, and the Lehman screening met with pushback prior to the actual event. One of the organizers, anthropology professor and PSC member Ruth Wangerin, shared that a number of posters advertising the event were torn down and replaced with a printout titled Crimes by Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas (short list)—followed by several lines of statistics such as “SYRIA: 400,000 ARE KILLED,” with no source cited, and the injunction: “Do not fall victims of anti-Semitic propaganda!!!” Three members of the PSC also voiced disapproval of the union’s decision to sponsor this event. One, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of this topic, stated, “Showing controversial political films on campus can be fine, depending on the context. But I don’t believe that publicizing the showing of this particular film was the proper role of the PSC union. There are labor/workplace issues that should be the focus of the attention of the union.” The other two members agreed, with divisiveness among students being their next biggest concern.

Given these objections, Renee Bell, a math professor at Lehman and one of the organizers of the event, said, “I was a little bit worried, but I’m in a much more secure place than the students who have a lot more on the line, and that inspires me to do something like this.” Wangerin added, “What I had in mind was to do it. To say ‘We can do it. The sky will not fall.’”

Responses to the film were mixed. One attendee stated, “It should be justice for Palestine and Israel.”

One Lehman student who attended the screening, Mohamed Morshed, said he related to the film’s message. “I’ve experienced this type of silencing and oppression,” he said. “I remember at my graduation last year I held up the Palestinian flag. I saw later on YouTube that they cut it [out].”

The goal of the event was to get as many eyes on this issue as possible, so that more people would be able to gain insight into student protests—why they are happening and what the consequences could be. Wangerin stated, “Students have a right to talk about these things. They have a right to participate, not in an underground, but an open, aboveground major event… It’s important to establish that this is okay, this is normal to do, this is what university students do.”

Lehman Celebrates A Herstory Month

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

Audio

By Genesis Stanley 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Lehman Is Supporting Vulnerable Students

Audio

By Safiya Richards and Elizabeth Perez 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speed-friending at Lehman Builds Bridges Between Students

Photo by Counseling Center Staff

Audio

By Iffath Liaquat 

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

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

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

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

Photo by Counseling Center Staff

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

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

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

CUNY Summit Spotlights Paths to Climate Justice

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

Audio

By Gilbert Areizaga

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo Credits: Victoria Moran

Audio

By Victoria Moran Garcia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audio

By: Paula Aidoo

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

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

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

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

AI isn’t perfect

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

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

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

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

The AI craze

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

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

The Dangers of AI

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

So, why should students pay attention to AI?

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

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

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

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

Food for thought

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Part 2

What is AI, and How Does it Work?

At its core, AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, enabling them to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. Unlike traditional computer programs, AI systems can analyze vast amounts of data, learn from patterns, and make decisions like humans.

AI operates on the principle of processing vast amounts of data, recognizing patterns, and making decisions based on learned insights. Machine Learning (ML), a subset of AI, facilitates this by enabling algorithms to gradually improve their performance without needing humans to explicitly tell them how to do so.

Picture by Josef Steppan. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

For example, imagine we have a dataset of handwritten digits (0-9) and want to build an AI model that can recognize and classify them. The algorithm starts with little knowledge and randomly assigns importance to different features of the digits, such as the presence of curves or straight lines. As the algorithm processes more examples of handwritten digits, it adjusts these weights based on whether its predictions match the actual labels associated with each digit.

Through programs like neural networks in Deep Learning, AI systems can comprehend complex relationships and make predictions or decisions with great accuracy. For instance, the neural network might learn that a circle-like shape followed by a straight line is characteristic of the digit "9," while a closed loop is more indicative of the digit "8." As the algorithm is exposed to more examples and receives feedback on its predictions, it refines its model, becoming increasingly accurate at recognizing handwritten digits. It may have some imperfections, but it becomes increasingly accurate over time.

To help you better understand the dynamic and, at times, confusing world of artificial intelligence, we’ve put together several terminologies that are essential in the AI conversation.

Havi. "Algorithm in Everyday Life." Havi

Algorithms: In the context of AI, algorithms refer to step-by-step procedures or sets of rules that AI systems follow to perform specific tasks. These tasks can range from simple calculations to complex decision-making processes. Algorithms are fundamental to AI development as they enable machines to process data, learn from patterns, and make decisions autonomously. Understanding algorithms is essential for students and early workers learning about AI, as they form the building blocks of AI systems and are integral to their functionality and performance.

AlphaxSalt. "Machine Learning Basics." Medium

Machine Learning (ML): ML is a subset of AI that focuses on enabling machines to learn from data without being explicitly programmed. Through algorithms and statistical models, ML algorithms can improve their performance over time as they are exposed to more data.

Mitchell, Bradley. "What Is a Neural Network?" Lifewire

Neural Network: An artificial neural network is a type of computer program that mimics how biological neural networks in the human brain process information. It helps machines learn from data and make decisions or predictions. The network learns by adjusting its weights and biases based on the difference between its predictions and the correct answers. This process involves running many examples through the network and gradually improving its performance. 

GeeksforGeeks. "Introduction to Deep Learning." GeeksforGeeks

Deep Learning: Deep learning is an advanced subset of machine learning (ML) that draws inspiration from the intricate workings of the human brain's neural networks. Unlike traditional ML methods, deep learning entails more complex algorithms that mimic the layered structure of neural networks, enabling it to process and analyze vast amounts of data with exceptional accuracy and efficiency. This sophisticated approach has propelled significant advancements in various fields, such as image recognition, natural language processing, and the development of autonomous vehicles.

"Natural Language Processing Techniques." Revolve AI

Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP allows computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. It powers virtual assistants like Siri and chatbots, enabling seamless interaction between humans and machines.

Choudhary, Pranjal. "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Computer Vision: Here’s a Look at Why It’s So Awesome." Towards Data Science

Computer Vision: This branch of AI focuses on enabling computers to interpret and understand visual information, such as images and videos, from the real world. Applications range from facial recognition to medical image analysis.

ChatGPT: ChatGPT is an AI-powered tool, among many others, that utilizes Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to generate human-like text responses. These systems are trained on large datasets of human conversations and can understand and conversationally respond to text input.

"AI Hallucinations." SuperAnnotate

Hallucination/Delusional: In the context of AI, hallucination or delusional behavior refers to the phenomenon where AI-generated outputs contain unrealistic, nonsensical, or consistently erroneous elements. This can occur due to flaws in the AI's programming or data inputs, leading to deviations from expected or logical content. 

What are AI Biases: 

AI biases can stem from training data reflecting historical inequalities, unrepresentative samples, or skewed information across demographics, locations, and contexts. For instance, an AI system used for predicting stock market trends might show biases if trained predominantly on data from certain industries, leading to inaccurate predictions for other sectors. Additionally, biases can arise from the algorithms themselves, such as through the selection of biased features or performance issues specific to certain scenarios. AI biases can lead to unreliable outcomes, loss of trust in the system, and ethical concerns.

Benefits of AI

The potential benefits of AI across sectors such as healthcare, business, and education are significant. In addition to AI's promise to revolutionize these sectors with enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and innovation, its biases and hallucinations may result in irrational outcomes and inaccurate outputs. Therefore, it's imperative to navigate these challenges responsibly to maximize the positive impact of AI on society. It's essential for students to stay updated on recent advancements and breakthroughs in technology.

In 2024, recent developments have seen significant progress in areas such as AI ethics, explainability, and interpretability. Researchers and practitioners are increasingly focusing on developing AI systems that are aligned with ethical principles. Moreover, breakthroughs in deep learning techniques and computational power continue to push AI capabilities, leading to exciting applications in fields like autonomous vehicles, natural language understanding, and personalized medicine. By staying informed about these advancements, we can better prepare to contribute to the responsible development and deployment of AI in the future.

HELPFUL RESOURCES YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

What is Artificial Intelligence? | Artificial Intelligence In 5 Minutes | AI Explained | Simplilearn

"How AI Works." Khan Academy

Harvard CS50’s Artificial Intelligence with Python – Full University Course

ARTICLES:

"Algorithm." BotPenguin

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

Audio

By: Gilbert Areizaga

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

The Numbers According to CUNY

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

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

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

Interview with Vice President of Enrollment Management Richard Finger

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

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

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

Exclusive Insights: Peter T. Grauer on Bloomberg's Vision and Commitment to Corporate Citizenship

Peter T. Grauer meeting students at networking event (Photo Credit: lehmancuny Instagram)

By Thomas Bonner

On Tuesday, October 22nd, Peter T. Grauer, the Chairman Emeritus of Bloomberg L.P., visited Lehman College for an exclusive discussion with President Fernando Delgado. Alongside Lehman’s School of Business, this event was organized by the New York Jobs CEO Council, a nonprofit dedicated to creating equal opportunities and dismantling barriers for New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds. Many business leaders allied with this organization have pledged to diversify their workforces by recruiting from underrepresented talent pools. During his visit, The Meridian was honored to interview Grauer, who shared his unique insights into Bloomberg and his experiences as Chairman Emeritus and the former CEO.

In 2009, Peter Grauer wanted Bloomberg to become the ‘most influential news source for the financial and business community.’

The Meridian: “How is Bloomberg continuing to pursue this vision, particularly as the media landscape evolves with new digital platforms and competitors?” 

Peter Grauer: “I think the hypothesis which I put on the table, as you have articulated, has been accomplished. [Achieved through] Bloomberg News around the world, through our 135 different news bureaus, and the 2,500 journalists who are writing on average about 10,000 stories a day.”

“The access that we have to newsmakers around the world and the fact that many of our competitors have shrunk during this period of time. (...)  [This] has put us in an enviable position as far as the world of finance and commerce is concerned. The foundation being built by Matt Winkler. John Micklethwait [the current Editor-in-Chief at Bloomberg] has really led the organization over the last eight years with his numbers. (…) Because of the financial status of Bloomberg, while our competitors were shrinking, we were basically able to continue to hire the best journalists in the world.”

“We have a footprint, number one. (...) Number two, we have access to the data and the analytics, [which] gives us a competitive advantage as we compete with internet providers. When I talk about Bloomberg, often I talk about a three-legged table, and the three legs of the table are news, data, and analytics, and news is as important as almost any other part of our business.”

Grauer has played a key role in shaping Bloomberg’s commitment to corporate citizenship.

M: “What role do partnerships with nonprofits and educational institutions play in Bloomberg’s vision for corporate citizenship and its global impact?”

PG: “There is [other] no organization in the world that has done the following. Number one, this will be our 43rd consecutive year of record revenue growth. So every year since Mike started the company in 1982, we’ve had record performance.”

“Number two, we operate to a high level. [With] a higher purpose, and this higher purpose is on two levels. Level number one, (...) everybody that comes to work every day understands this perfectly clearly: we bring transparency to the world of the opaque. In doing so, [we] have dramatically reduced the cost of doing business in the global capital markets and freed up money for investment in the public and private sectors. When people walk through the doors every day, they know that’s what we do. We basically deal in democratizing the flow of information.”

“The second higher purpose is that 85 cents of every dollar of value we create for our controlled shareholder, Mike Bloomberg, basically goes to his foundation. [With this,] we’re changing the world every single day.”

M: “Fascinating. Can you share a particular example?”

PG: “In September of 2019, I was on my way to India to meet, among other things, with Prime Minister Modi about some business-related issues. I went to the Bloomberg Philanthropies team, and they said they had given over $100 million to various charities in India. So we do this all over the world. Everybody who comes to work at Bloomberg knows that our higher purpose is really what drives everything. (...) It is deeply, deeply integrated into the fabric of the firm.”

Bloomberg is redefining the future of decision-making through AI-powered insights.

M: “With technology constantly evolving, how is Bloomberg leveraging AI and machine learning advancements to enhance the Terminal's capabilities and user experience?”

PG: “The first [AI] application was primarily focused on the news organization and providing news sentiment to identify trends in the markets that we could then write about. And it has progressed quite dramatically. We have just over 9,000 engineers, with about 800 focused 100% on AI, determining where we need to bring AI into product development. It tends to focus on news and research, done through a very deliberate lens, to ensure we provide the necessary resources to deliver viable products in the marketplace. It is an integral part of our business strategy, but we are embracing it with caution because, with every new technology, you have to be careful with how it’s integrated into existing systems. (...) Virtually everything we do from an AI perspective is terminal-focused because the terminal is the entry point into all of Bloomberg's financial information.”

Grauer has had a history of involvement in ‘Out Leadership’ and other diversity-focused organizations.

M:  “How do you and Bloomberg’s vision for a diversified workforce serve as a strategic asset for the company’s success, particularly in recruiting and retaining top talent?”

PG: “Well, it’s very much a work in progress. We have been focused on diversity since Mike started the company in 1982, and it’s always been integral to how we view ourselves as an organization. In 2014, I sat down with Mike and said, as chairman, I will lead our D&I effort. This focuses on various areas, including our workforce makeup, which is currently about 38% female and 62% male. These numbers have been changing in favor of more women for a while.”

"It’s not just women; it’s people of color and those of different sexual orientations. We have a world-class leadership team driving our D&I strategy, and everyone in the organization knows that. It is critically important to have a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are in a war for talent every day, so we must create the most welcoming environment possible. We spend considerable time and effort on it.”

“So everyone that comes to work knows this is an important competitive advantage. We have programs to identify individuals early in their careers for leadership investment, enabling them to take on more responsibility from a diversity point of view. This focus is important from a business perspective. I like to use the phrase, it’s a race without a finish line. And as far as I’m concerned, we’re never going to be as diverse as we perhaps should be, but we’re focusing on it. I review diversity and inclusion business plans on an annual basis and conduct semi-annual business reviews to ensure our leaders remain engaged in this area. But it’s very important for us.”

Basics of Financial Research using The Bloomberg Terminal

Audio

By Jahzanae Evans 

Attending this program with 8 fellow students shattered my understanding of the financial industry, revealing depth I never knew existed. I first heard about the course through my peer, Maria Campos, who shared the application link with me. Then, there was a group interview session, where I learned more about the program from Dr. Nunez-Torres, an Economics professor at Lehman. I remember back in the spring of 2024, I attended an event at the library, which served as a catalyst for my development in professional and academic settings. This was where I formally met Dr. Nunez-Torres and discovered the Bloomberg Terminal for the first time.

While I had my own personal doubts about my ability to succeed at something I was completely unaware of, from what I learned about Dr. Nunez-Torres, I knew that I would be in a safe environment to challenge myself. A few days after the interview, my application was accepted.  

The first three days were, frankly speaking, an overload of information, ranging from learning the basics of the Bloomberg Terminal to using those functions to find numbers and data to connect the dots about a company. A lot of the content was very unfamiliar to me, but there was no moment in time when I felt overwhelmed, in large part because of the support and guidance from my peers, who patiently helped me whenever I asked.

On June 12th, we met Connor Gustafson and Whitney Birtwell from the Wealth Strategy team at UBS and Lehman Alum Ira Cohen. We witnessed professionals in their field sell their stock to Mr. Cohen, who played the client in this hypothetical scenario. The stock in question was Amazon (AMZN), which we had spent the past few sessions familiarizing ourselves with by using the Bloomberg Terminal to identify critical factors and potential risks investors should be aware of.

After the presentation, we heard about Connor and Whitney’s respective career paths. We also got an insight into Mr. Cohen’s journey in his own business, highlighting how a research group is important to assess the risks of buying financial instruments. Before this program, I was unaware of the many different roles an individual could have, and the realization of how many paths someone’s story could take was a jolting one. The program itself had me questioning my own future, knowing that there was so much more to learn in the industry.

In the following sessions, our goal was to emulate Connor’s presentation using our own stock, Coca-Cola. Rather than being full of jacks of all trades and masters of none, we split up to research what we excelled in. By June 20th, we were as prepared as we were going to be. 

An interesting tidbit that increased the immersion was Mr. Cohen telling us that he works with UBS, who manages some of his accounts alongside some family members. He told us that Coca-Cola was already in his portfolio, but despite that, he said our presentation would have influenced him to buy the stock. 

This new program was made possible through a collaboration between several key figures and departments at Lehman. Dr. Nunez-Torres, who nurtured this vision for many years, had attempted to launch a similar program with the help of a former sponsor, but unfortunately, it did not come to fruition. However, his persistence in creating an experiential course remained strong, which led to the program being recognized in the form of a scholarship. It was designed not only to reward academic excellence but to address a critical issue for many students – the lack of time and resources to explore the wide variety of career opportunities available within the finance industry. Thus, BBA 206-Basics of Financial Research was created.

Dr. Nunez-Torres informed me that the program's success was far from a solo effort. The Dean of Lehman’s School of Business, Dene Hurley, made it possible for the program to run as smoothly as it did. Advisors from the School of Business, Deirdre Constant and Griselda Poe, worked tirelessly to inform students of the program through outreach. Additionally, the library staff played an essential role in having the Bloomberg Lab open for us. This collection of people created the foundation necessary for the program to thrive. 

As an alum of Lehman College, Mr. Cohen is deeply committed to giving back to the college. His desire to support future generations of students, especially those within the finance industry, made the program possible. Listening to him talk about his personal journey with his own company was inspirational, and the feedback he gave us after our presentation towards the conclusion of the program was invaluable.  

I interviewed some of my fellow classmates, and hearing some of their takeaways from the shared experience was enlightening. Each of these takeaways highlighted different aspects of our personal and professional growth.  

Wadah Rajeh's hands-on experience with researching and analyzing company data gave him crucial skills in navigating the Bloomberg Terminal, an essential tool in the finance industry. 

Jose Meza emphasized the broader scope of the finance world, stating that it extends far beyond textbook studies. He came to the realization that much of the success in finance comes from the relationships and the experiences built through daily work. In his words, “Finance is a vast world full of many surprises and connections.” 

Curtis Asante, another participant, echoed these sentiments, sharing how this experience gave him a glimpse into the work environment he wishes to enter after graduating. “This program impacted me a lot. I met people I never would have met in the first place. Gaining those connections helps us learn how to navigate the finance and business world a little better.”  

When I interviewed Dr. Nunez-Torres, I asked him how he believes the course will impact students as they go on through college and into their careers. He emphasized the importance of experiential learning and the confidence gained from providing a unique environment for students to test their abilities in a real-world setting.   

As student interviewees told us, this enhanced their understanding of financial research because the program was designed for them to see firsthand what it would be like to commit to researching a stock and presenting it to a real investor. This level of engagement is difficult to replicate in a traditional academic setting. 

BBA 206 was far more than a course—it was a transformative experience that opened doors and provided insights many of us did not know were possible at Lehman. This program is a testament to what can be achieved when passionate students, faculty, and alumni collaborate with a shared vision for student success.  

As a final word, the most important advice I can offer is to never underestimate the power of getting involved beyond the classroom. I cannot stress this enough: take full advantage of Lehman's resources and support because you never know which opportunity might shape your future.