A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

As I am settling into my new role as president of Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, I wish to thank the Hostos family for the warm welcome I have received, which began even before my first visit to the campus and has continued throughout the period of transition.  I am very happy to be here.

It is a great privilege to be part of an institution that provides students from diverse ethnic, racial, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds with access to higher education leading to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility. At the heart of its mission is the development of linguistic, mathematical, technological, and critical thinking skills that are essential for lifelong learning and success in a variety of fields.  In addition to its outstanding degree programs, Hostos also contributes to the regeneration and advancement of the South Bronx and surrounding communities by offering high-quality continuing education, inspiring cultural events, and invaluable expertise for further development.

From my own family history, I know how transformative education can be in terms of contributing to personal growth and improving one’s quality of life.  The first college graduate in our family was my grandmother, who became a teacher.  In addition to giving her a rewarding career and a stable income, her academic achievement also served as an example for future generations.  This lesson was passed on to me by my parents, who taught me to be proud of my Puerto Rican heritage, to appreciate the importance of education, and to give back to the community.

For over four decades, Hostos has been a gateway to educational advancement and professional opportunity.  It is also an economic and cultural anchor for the communities it serves.  We must never forget that Hostos was created, fought for, and nurtured by the people of the Bronx.  As its president, I hope to continue building on the achievements in student life and support, academic offerings, faculty innovation, and community involvement that have characterized this institution over the years.

In the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to meeting all of you and hearing your perspectives on how we can continue to capitalize on Hostos’ remarkable successes of the past and move this institution to even greater heights in the future.  Working together, I know we will find innovative ways to fulfill the college’s unchanging mission by meeting the changing needs of our increasingly diverse student population.

Thank you again for welcoming me to the Hostos family.  ¡Ya me siento en familia!

Your friend and colleague,

Félix V. Matos Rodríguez