The Fall 2025 BBQ has become an annual celebration to uplift the spirits of the Hostos community and help them take on the school year with positivity and good energy.

The smoky aroma of the grill drifted down the Grand Concourse, mixing with music beats and the chatter of faculty, staff, and students. Their voices carried across Evelina Antonetty Playground on Thursday, August 28, when Hostos’ Division of Student Development and Enrollment Management (SDEM) turned the sunny end-of-summer afternoon into a full-on block party vibe with the annual Start of Fall BBQ. 


Across the playground, tables from various offices on campus shared resources to support student success.

 
President Cocco De Filippis was delighted with the community gathering.


After a warm introduction from Althea Sterling, VP of SDEM, President Daisy Cocco De Filippis expressed her joy for the College coming together as a family to celebrate the beginning of the school year. She said, "Hostos continues to grow and thrive; I’m thrilled with the turnout, and I am just so grateful to SDEM for their work organizing this, to my team in the President’s Office for their support, and all those who made this lovely gathering possible."


Attendees customized their burgers and hot dogs with an array of condiments and toppings.


A long line stretched along the Grand Concourse as students waited to sample the sizzling hamburgers and hot dogs prepared by MBJ Food Services, now the exclusive caterer for all Hostos events. Across the park, tables from each of the SDEM-affiliated offices welcomed students with resources dedicated to their success. Staff connected with attendees, sharing information and handing out Hostos swag – shirts, tote bags, and more – to the newest members of the Caiman family.


SDEM staff handed out cupcakes, adding a touch of sweetness to the day.


Senator José M. Serrano, a loyal friend of the College, turned up for the party.


Several elected officials and campus leaders addressed attendees during the celebration. New York State Senator José M. Serrano, a longtime supporter of the College, joined the gathering and offered words of encouragement to students. “I want to congratulate all of you who are part of the magic of what Hostos is,” he said. “As your State Senator, it gives me great pleasure and honor to wish you a tremendous school year.”


Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson has invested millions to support Hostos’ growth.


Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, with her typical soaring oratory, shared her appreciation for the Hostos community, saying, “I am one of the biggest supporters of Hostos. I love this amazing institution for the work that it does each and every year. I’m so grateful to be here and energized after traveling all over the Bronx throughout the summer. This is where we build careers and build dreams for our students. I am proud to be investing millions of dollars in Hostos’ growth, because there is no greater investment than public education.”


The new SGA President, Nichelle Hemphill, encouraged her fellow students to reach out to her organization for support.


Her words were followed by the new Student Government Association President, Nichelle Hemphill: “I am proud to be here welcoming you to Hostos. I want to let all my fellow students know that I am here for you, and the rest of my team is too. Visit us in our offices, talk to us, and let us know what you need.”


The President, José M. Serrano and Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson were joined by the SGA leadership.


Attendees were excited to dive into the delicious hamburgers and hot dogs prepared by MBJ Food Services.


To close the afternoon’s greetings, Interim Associate Dean of Enrollment Carlos Rivera invited several students to the podium to introduce themselves, share their majors, and explain why they chose Hostos as their academic home. By centering student voices, Dean Rivera highlighted the diversity of interests at Hostos and created a space for students to share their goals with the entire community.
 
“The BBQ was really amazing. It was nice to see that apart from the routine, we can see all the Hostos community coming together,” said Ashley Walker, Business Management major, who also leads the Rainbow Club on campus. She added, “It’s important to connect not only with other students but with faculty members as well. As a LGBTQIA+ student, I felt included and celebrated at the BBQ, and hope we continue this tradition going forward for the future of all our Hostos community.”

We wish everyone a productive and inspiring semester ahead!