On Thursday, August 19, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College celebrated the start of the upcoming 2021-2022 academic year. President Daisy Cocco De Filippis was proud to welcome over 100 students, faculty, staff, and alumni to the Hostos Welcome Festival, which took place at the new Evelina Antonetty Playground.
The festival was open to all members of the local community and included free food, raffle prizes, and information tables from various Hostos departments. Representatives from the MTA and honored guests including New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, Assemblymember Karines Reyes, and representatives from Assemblymember Kenny Burgos’ office were also in attendance.
Comptroller DiNapoli said, “It was a pleasure joining Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis and members of the Hostos community to welcome the start of another academic year. A safe reopening of our schools is critical as our economy continues to reopen. The pandemic has presented educational institutions with significant challenges, but it is no surprise that Hostos is meeting the moment under the leadership of Dr. Cocco De Filippis. Yesterday’s welcome back event was a testament to the efforts of the faculty at Hostos ahead of this fall. I am grateful for their efforts and wish each student many successes this academic year.”
Comptroller DiNapoli also surprised the College with a check in the amount of $9,986, returning to Hostos the institution’s previously unclaimed funds, which will be used for student emergency funds, providing financial assistance to students on the road toward degree completion.
Councilmember Salamanca said he was happy to see students back on the College’s campus. “It’s wonderful to see members of the community and the Hostos family out in such high spirits after the year we’ve had,” he said. “Students are ready to get back in the classrooms, and I’m happy to lend my support to Hostos.”
Assemblymember Amanda Septimo echoed Salamanca’s sentiments. “After 18 months that have tested our resiliency, it is wonderful to be moving forward together as a community,” she added. “I wish Hostos faculty, staff, and students the best in the upcoming academic year."
Ahead of the new semester, Senator José M. Serrano reflected on Hostos’ role and impact-past, present, and future-on the local community in a statement. "For decades, Hostos Community College has been improving the lives of Bronx residents, serving as an affordable path to lifelong learning, economic mobility, and professional achievement. As we continue our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and enter a new academic year, it's important that institutions like Hostos continue to safely offer students a quality education that will set them up for success.”
Assemblymember Reyes, who was in attendance, said, "It's been a difficult year and a half, but I am so proud to stand with Hostos, with President Cocco De Filippis, and especially with the Hostos students as they prepare for a new academic year."
"It was great to have the Hostos community out in full support of its faculty, staff, and students,” said Assemblymember Burgos. “After a difficult year and a half, I look forward to a successful year for this fine academic institution as they embark on a new chapter."
“We are thrilled to welcome students, faculty and staff back to school—and can’t wait to see them on the subway and on the bus again,” said Sarah Meyer, MTA Chief Customer Officer. “Those heading to Hostos by bus can count on faster, reliable service on our 149 St. bus lane, and those using the subway can take the train right to 149 St.-Grand Concourse.”
Despite some threatening clouds, the rain held off long enough for everyone to enjoy the festival.
“It was an important and beautiful moment to celebrate the resilience of the Hostos Community College family, and our ability to engage in safe practices, as we move gradually, according to the CUNY and State and City guidelines to bring necessary in person services to our very determined and engaged students and colleagues,” President Cocco De Filippis shared.
The College extends heartfelt thanks to its dedicated staff and faculty members, whose hard work made the Welcome Festival possible.
The new school year for Hostos Community College begins on Wednesday, August 25.