2026 Hostos Community College Foundation Benefit Inspires Generosity, Celebration, and a Transformative Surprise Gift

Warmth, pride, and a deep sense of community filled the room at the Surf Club on the Sound as nearly 250 supporters gathered for the Hostos Community College Foundation’s 2026 Annual Benefit on April 30. In its 58th year, the College celebrated not only remarkable student achievement and forward-looking initiatives, but also the collective spirit that continues to propel Hostos—and the South Bronx—forward. The evening celebrated milestones and honored leaders whose work aligns with the College’s mission to uplift communities, Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of the Seleni Institute Nitzia Logothetis and Founder, President, and CEO of Pediatrics 2000 Dr. Juan Tapia Mendoza.
 
The evening raised more than $460,000 in support of scholarships, with an additional and inspiring $100,000 surprise gift from longtime supporter Jorge Madruga. This extraordinary contribution marks a powerful step toward the College’s capital campaign for the future home of Hostos Allied Health and Natural Sciences departments at 558 Grand Concourse.  In September, The Chancellor announced that CUNY had facilitated the use of the historic Bronx Post Office building by our programs, to be leased with an option to purchase the building after five years. The new addition to campus will serve up to 5,000 additional students annually. As shared during the program, “This investment is not just in a building—it’s in the students, in their talent, their resilience, and their ability to shape the future of the Bronx and beyond.”

Emcee Rhina Valentin, cultural architect, proud Bronx native and host of OPEN on BronxNet, set the tone with heartfelt reflections on her connection to the College and its impact on generations of artists and leaders. “While I am not a graduate of Hostos Community College, the Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture has played a pivotal role in my development,” she shared, grounding the evening in both personal gratitude and collective pride. She reminded guests that “tonight, we celebrate more than a gala—we celebrate possibility, perseverance, and 58 powerful years of Hostos opening doors.”
 
Foundation Board Chair Jose A. Sanchez Kinghorn underscored the importance of philanthropy in advancing opportunity, noting that the Foundation has raised more than $40 million over the past two decades. He extended heartfelt thanks to the evening’s sponsors, whose generosity makes hundreds of scholarships possible each year, with special recognition to Premium Event Sponsor the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, as well as Diamond Sponsors Acacia, Montefiore Einstein, and Trane Technologies. He was joined in gratitude by a wide network of Community, Ambassador, and Friend Sponsors, alongside in-kind supporters whose contributions added thoughtful touches to the evening.

In her remarks, Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis welcomed an esteemed group of VIP guests and partners, including CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Executive Vice Chancellor Hector Batista, and leaders from across the University and Bronx community. She reflected on the shared belief that “we are united…through our belief in the power of quality education to transform individual lives, families, and communities,” and highlighted the College’s continued progress, made possible through collaboration and generosity.

Student speaker Steven Martínez brought the audience to its feet with a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of mentorship and scholarship support. Reflecting on his academic journey, he shared how Hostos helped him rediscover his passion: “A mentor at Hostos saw something in me…She showed me that my multidisciplinary interests weren’t a hindrance but an advantage.” His story illustrated what Hostos does best—meeting students where they are and helping them realize where they can go.
The evening also honored two extraordinary leaders whose work embodies the spirit of service and impact. Nitzia Logothetis, licensed psychotherapist and Co-Founder of the Seleni Institute, received the Global Impact Award for her pioneering work in maternal and reproductive mental health. Nitzia and her husband George founded Seleni Institute in 2011 to improve maternal and reproductive mental health through treatment, training, support, and advocacy. Seleni's commitment to supporting families and training providers worldwide reflects a belief that “If you change a mother’s life, you change a child’s life. Change a parent’s life, and you change outcomes for future generations.”

Dr. Juan Tapia Mendoza, Founder and CEO of Pediatrics 2000, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Healthcare Impact. His remarkable journey—from early academic struggles to becoming a trailblazing physician and community leader—serves as a powerful reminder that vision, determination, and hard work can move mountains, and that one moment of encouragement can change the course of a life. Dr. Tapia has been a long-time supporter of students through the Pediatrics 2000 scholarship, and he recently pledged an additional $100,000, affirming his intention to create an endowed scholarship to support Hostos students for years to come.
 
A defining moment of the evening came when CUNY’s Executive Vice Chancellor and COO Hector Batista announced a surprise $100,000 pledge from one of Hostos’ most generous supporters, Jorge Madruga. Batista recognized Madruga’s daughter, Gabriella, and thanked the family for this meaningful investment, which will kick off the capital campaign for the 558 Grand Concourse building.  The Madruga family’s generosity captured the spirit of partnership that defines the Hostos community—where investment in education is an investment in the future of the Bronx.

As the evening drew to a close, guests were reminded that the impact of their generosity extends far beyond a single night. “Scholarships change lives,” shared Vice President of Institutional Advancement Julie Gafney. “They remove barriers, create momentum, and allow students to focus on building the futures they deserve.” Development Officer Idelsa Mendez added, “As a Hostos graduate, scholarship support opened doors for me and created opportunities that changed the course of my life.”

The evening concluded with dancing to La Hora Loca—a lively jam session between DJ Ralphie Mercado Jr and Le Fiddler. A special ending to a memorable and impactful celebration of Hostos.
The College also extends its deepest appreciation to the many partners and individuals who made the evening possible, from the steadfast leadership of the Hostos Community College Foundation Board to the extraordinary generosity of its sponsors. Thank you to Premium Event Sponsor Stavros Niarchos Foundation; Diamond Sponsors: Acacia, Montefiore Einstein, and Trane Technologies; Community Sponsors: BronxCare Health System, Friends of the Chairman, Libra Philanthropies, Ponce Bank, SOMOS Community Care, Unitex Healthcare Laundry Services, and the New York Yankees; Ambassador Sponsors: AT&T, Inca Kola/Continental Food & Beverage, and Oyate Group; and Friend Sponsors Bronx Community College, Bronx Terminal Market, Great Performances, Grand Street Settlement, and Phipps Houses.

Special thanks were also extended to the dedicated internal teams whose care and collaboration brought the event to life, including the Division of Institutional Advancement, the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, the Office of the President, and the Hostos Conference Center, as well as the faculty, staff, and volunteers whose behind-the-scenes efforts ensured a seamless and memorable celebration. Together, their contributions made it possible for nearly every dollar raised to directly support Hostos students and their futures.

The 2026 Benefit was, at its heart, a celebration of what is possible when community, education, and opportunity come together with students firmly at the center. With gratitude, joy, and renewed commitment, Hostos looks ahead to continuing its mission of expanding access, uplifting voices, and transforming lives for generations to come.