Dr. Robert A. Scott’s distinguished career in higher education administration spans several decades and multiple institutions.
 
On Wednesday, October 22, Hostos Community College proudly hosted Dr. Robert A. Scott, co-author of “Letters to Students: What It Means to Be a College Graduate,” for an inspiring presentation that celebrated the transformative power of higher education, reflection, and purpose-driven learning.
 
Moderated by Dr. Sofía Oviedo, Research Programs Director, the event started with a warm welcome by Hostos President Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis, who shared words of gratitude and hope, emphasizing that the heart of the College’s mission lies in belief, humility, and perseverance. “We encourage students to persist, to believe in themselves, and to understand that advice is always a good thing,” Dr. Cocco De Filippis said. “That is what it means to be part of a community that learns and leads together.”

Dr. Cocco De Filippis urged students to heed good advice.
 
Dr. Andrea Fabrizio, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, highlighted how Dr. Scott’s work reflects the core values of Hostos’ academic philosophy. “The value of a college education is not just in return on investment, but in finding purpose and living a life that matters,” said Dr. Fabrizio. “Dr. Scott’s book reminds us why we teach, why we learn, and why education is ultimately an act of transformation.”
 

The Hostos Research Center was filled with students and faculty for the event.
 
Professor Natasha Lorca Yannacañedo, who coordinates the First-Year Seminar and Capstone programs, introduced Dr. Scott to a packed Hostos Research Center.

Students shared some insights about college life.
 
“College is not only about preparing for a career,” Dr. Scott said early during his presentation. “It’s about preparing for life — for compassion, curiosity, and community.”
 
He continued, reflecting on the human connections that sustain students along the way: “Each of us carries a well of experiences. Every lesson, every mistake, every kindness fills it. College deepens that well, teaching us not only what to think, but how to reflect, to listen, and to grow.”
 
Dr. Scott also underscored the power of mentorship and resilience: “I almost didn’t go to college, and once there, I almost didn’t leave. But teachers believed in me — they helped me believe in myself. Every student deserves that kind of faith and guidance.”
 
Drawing from his book’s collection of letters written to students, faculty, and parents, Dr. Scott offered nine timeless suggestions for success in college and beyond:
  1. Learn History: Understand what came before to find meaning in the present.
     
  2. Be Inquisitive: Ask questions, even about the answers.
     
  3. Develop Imagination: This is not just the information age, but the imagination age.
     
  4. Show Respect for Others: Especially for those different from you.
     
  5. Value Diversity: Diversity is a virtue; equity a value; inclusion a goal.
     
  6. Be Compassionate: Move from understanding to action.
     
  7. Be Reflective: Listen actively and think deeply.
     
  8. Be Bold: Secure your footing, then extend your reach.
     
  9. Be Engaged: Participate, serve, and vote — your voice matters.
For students, the event became a moment of self-discovery. First-year student Gustavo Solórzano reflected after his conversation with Dr. Scott. “What challenges me most is being reflective while being an active listener and learner. His talk made me realize I need to listen more to my professors — to their expertise.”
 
The event concluded with a book raffle and SGA President Nichelle Hemphill got her copy.
 
After his presentation, Dr. Scott invited students to reflect on their own experiences and to answer one simple but powerful question: “What would you tell someone who’s thinking about going to college?”
 
“Ask for help — you have a support team,” said one. “Don’t be afraid of the arts. Through art, we learn about ourselves and others,” another shared. “It’s okay to be wrong,” one student reflected. “You are the point — you belong in the room.”
 
Their insights brought Dr. Scott’s nine principles to life, transforming the presentation into a dialogue of voices — a living example of what reflective, engaged learning looks like at Hostos.
 
The event concluded with a volunteer student’s reading of the poem, “Love in the Classroom,” written by Al Zolynas, and a book raffle.