On Tuesday, May 31, 2022, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College held the first of two 52
nd annual commencement ceremonies. Despite the challenges the COVID pandemic brought to students in the South Bronx, a record 1110 candidates were registered for graduation.
Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis was delighted to welcome 138 graduates in the College’s Main Theater to the day’s ceremony – the first in-person commencement since 2019. Noting the “disruption and challenges” presented by the global pandemic, President Cocco De Filippis praised “the dedication shown by faculty, staff and students” over the last two years and the positive effect they’ve had on “the health of the institution as a place of learning and as an anchor institution in the South Bronx.”
President Cocco De Filippis welcomed this year’s Keynote Speaker, Mr. Elias Alcantara, the SVP of Corporate Affairs for Macquarie Group in their Infrastructure and Real Assets department and the Founder/CEO of Bronx Element Strategies.
Six individuals received Presidential Medals for their contributions to the Hostos community. They are Bouampoundi Thiombiano, 2022 Graduate and Class Valedictorian; Professor Yoel Rodríguez of the Natural Sciences Department and Professor Cynthia Jones of the English Department; Ms. María Vasquez, Nurse, Student Health Services; Ms. Esther Rodríguez-Chardavoyne, Senior Vice President of Administration & Finance; and Mr. Aldrin Rafael Bonilla, Executive Vice President, Fund for The City of New York.
The commencement ceremony welcomed to the stage US Senator Charles Schumer who continues to champion Hostos and the CUNY colleges as integral to the economic and cultural health of the City. His presence during the past two virtual ceremonies has been missed and Hostos was thrilled to have him back. Local Bronx elected officials also made their presence known at Hostos. The graduating class received video messages from Congressman Richie Torres, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, State Senator José M. Serrano and Assemblymember Amanda Septimo.
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez also made his presence felt. His message was made special for the Hostos family he knows so well and shared a heartfelt congratulations to his longtime friend, the legendary cultural activist, Elba Cabrera.
Ms. Elba Cabrera will receive an Honorary Degree in Humane Letters for her long-time commitment to the College as part of the June 2 commencement ceremony.
“These wonderful people embody the Hostos principles,” said President Cocco De Filippis, “by embracing diversity and providing a home for all who seek to create a better world for themselves, their families, the nation and the world.”
Professor Joyce Dais of Allied Health Sciences served as Grand Marshal and Professor Linda Hirsch of the English Department served as Mistress of Ceremonies.
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