Kandace Rodriguez, Dr. Antoniades, and Bahira Akramy at a luncheon at CSI.

National Grid empowers tomorrow’s workforce through sustained commitment to the College of Staten Island (CSI) and STEM students

National Grid has a long- standing partnership with CSI providing scholarships to support students interested in advancing in engineering, and in general math- and science-related careers, and supporting workshops to engage high school students in the STEM curriculum.

The company has provided a grant, which has been allotted to the College over a three-year period to support STEM scholarships and National Grid’s Engineering Workshop Series with local high schools. Scholarship recipients are selected by the College of Staten Island’s Scholarship Selection Committee of the Career and Scholarship Center. Any number of scholarship awards in any amount may be made each year, up to the fund balance available for spending. Qualified students must submit the appropriate College-approved financial aid form each year to be eligible for an award.  This year, there were 11 scholarship recipients.

There was a time when Kandace Rodriguez ‘17 worked two jobs while attending school full time, and the 27-year old College of Staten Island (CSI) Electrical Engineering student is well aware of how stressful this schedule can be. As a recipient of the National Grid Scholarship, Rodriguez can focus less on funds and more on her studies.

“This scholarship will allow me to continue to pursue my degree. Tuition can become quite a burden and while studying engineering, it is very difficult to have a job and a great GPA,” commented Rodriguez, who plans to pursue a Master’s in Bioelectronics or Electrical Engineering. “Sustainable power systems intrigue me, and in the future, I would love to be a part of the innovation in more green and sustainable power systems,” she said.

Rodriguez, a member of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program and the Black Male Initiative, is grateful for the Scholarship as well as the support she receives at CSI.

“The CSI Engineering program is outstanding. I previously attended a large university and remember feeling very disconnected when I could not speak with a professor or advisor concerning difficulties,” noted Rodriguez.

Another elated and grateful Scholarship recipient, Bahira Akramy ‘19, plans to use skills she obtained at CSI to become a Professional Engineer (PE).

“I was so happy because I felt that my hard work had been recognized and this made me feel motivated to work even harder,” commented 19-year old Akramy, a Verrazano Honors student who is also a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Roosevelt Clubs.

The scholarship recipients were recognized at a meet-and-greet event at CSI where representatives from National Grid Inc. congratulated students on their success, learned about the value of the opportunity provided to them, and commended them for their hard work.

“National Grid – and the energy industry as a whole – needs to get young people on board with sustainability and inspire a new generation of STEM professionals,” said Frank Lombardo, Director, Construction and Maintain, National Grid.  “The company is committed to focusing our community investment on building a qualified and skilled workforce for the future and our partnership with CSI helps support students who are interested in developing productive math- and science-related careers.”

“National Grid has been extremely generous and supportive of our high school student outreach as well as the college student scholarship programs for the last seven years. Their passion for STEM starts from their top management and trickles down to their technical staff as is evident by recent visits to CSI by their executives as well as their amazing engineers and management teams. Their support of our programs has resulted in spectacular increases in student enrollment in STEM at CSI and in particular in Engineering where we have experienced a student enrollment growth of over 150% over the last three years and the emergence of several new programs,” said Prof. Neo Antoniades, PhD, Chairman of the Department of Engineering Science and Physics and National Grid Inc. Workshop principal investigator.

“National Grid is committed to enhancing STEM education in our communities and developing the next generation of engineers and scientists,” said Mauri Myers Solages, Manager Corporate Citizenship.  “Our partnership with CSI supports National Grid’s ‘Engineering Our Future’ initiative to build a qualified and skilled workforce.”

The team worked for months to perfect every aspect of their presentation.

In only their second year of involvement in the American Marketing Association (AMA) Collegiate Case Competition, students from the College of Staten Island (CSI) returned from the finals in New Orleans with a third place ranking. More than 100 teams from across North America submitted a Letter of Intent to participate in the annual competition, with the CSI group placing among the nine finalist teams that were invited to present their submission to a panel of eBay judges.

“Our students have done exceptionally well, particularly as new entrants. Other veteran institutions could not believe that the College of Staten Island was able to place among the finalists without a lengthy track record of attempts. It is my understanding that all of the other finalists had extensive experience entering this prestigious competition,” noted Susan Holak, PhD, Dean of the School of Business.

According to the AMA Website, the Collegiate Case Competition began in 1986 and is a yearlong event that brings together top marketing students to work on a marketing challenge submitted by a sponsoring organization. The case sponsor provides a detailed marketing problem for which it is looking to gain the perspective of North America’s best students, who compete by developing a marketing strategy as part of this nationally recognized competition. The sponsor, this year, was eBay, who was seeking ideas for expanding its market share among the Millennial and Generation Z populations.

CSI team members Jacqueline Barbarino, Joseph Curcio, Toufic Eid, Caitlin Fontana, Kimberly Hayes, Sydney Mojica, Margot Noyola, Tian Richards, and Nisma Zakria are enrolled in a new Advanced Marketing Strategy course with Dan Zhang, PhD serving as their faculty instructor and team mentor.

The team left New York early to avoid a snowstorm and arrived in New Orleans with plenty of time to prepare.

“I want to commend the efforts of Professor Dan Zhang, who worked tirelessly to prepare our students. This transformational learning experience will be a wonderful addition to our repository of information documenting how the School of Business meets AACSB standards related to student-student and student-faculty interaction as well as career and professional development,” Dr. Holak commented. AACSB, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, is an international accreditor of business schools.

Professor Zhang spent countless hours working with the students on all aspects of their marketing plan, including the presentation of the plan to the eBay judges. Everything about the plan and the presentation was developed as a coordinated team effort, including handouts, media materials, and the team members’ posture, diction, and attire.

Professor Thomas Tellefsen, Chair of the Department of Marketing, says that this is one of the premier competitions in the country for marketing students, and that the team’s accomplishment was remarkable. “Their success is the equivalent of winning the bronze medal in the Olympics. The CSI team faced very stiff competition and outperformed teams from some of the top business schools in the country.”

“Reflecting back on my journey as a member of the eBay Case Competition, it’s hard to focus on just one aspect of it all,” said team member Fontana.  “From the process of compiling information for the case to the trip to New Orleans and eventual presentation in front of the eBay judges, it would be an understatement to say I have merely learned how to market.  This case has opened my eyes to the potential within myself and other CSI students like my colleagues. It has shown me that when you least expect it, great things can happen where hard work is put in.”

This year’s team built upon the experiences of a group that began exploring the competition in 2016, alongside Professor Zhang’s development of the Advanced Marketing Strategy course. Those students opened the door to full participation by registering the School’s Marketing Association as an AMA student organization.

As the School of Business continues to develop its emphasis on experiential learning, outstanding students looking for intensive, immersive learning experiences in the School of Business will be able to seek further success in the coming years. eBay team member Sydney Mojica summed up some of the value of experiential learning, saying that the case competition “was something that you could never get in a traditional classroom and it’s something I think I will cherish for the rest of my life. Learning about the marketing world hands on and networking with other schools and marketing professionals really has made an impact in my career as a future marketer.”

Tim Sweeney '17 has been accepted to a Master's Program at Columbia University.

College of Staten Island (CSI) student Tim Sweeney ’17 continues to swim in success as the captain of the CSI Men’s Swimming and Diving Team has been accepted to the Master of Science in Actuarial Science Program at Columbia University.

A Macaulay Honors College (MHC) student majoring in Mathematics, Sweeney led his team to three CUNYAC Championships in a row.

He is also a member of the Student Athletics Advisory Committee (SAAC) and a research assistant under Professor Jonathan Peters of the Finance Department at CSI. He showcased his project, “Geospatial Analysis of New For-Hire Vehicle Services in New York City,” at the 2016 CSI Undergraduate Research Conference.

Read more about Sweeney on CSI Today.com.

Dr. Vonfrolio (center in red) with CSI Nursing faculty, Success Coaches, and students.

More than 130 students, faculty, alumni, and nurses attended the “Making a Million in Nursing Seminar” that took place on April 4 in the Williamson Theater at the College of Staten Island (CSI). Keynote speaker Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio RN, PhD, presented various entrepreneurial opportunities in the nursing field such as invention development, starting a CPR business, developing seminars, DVD and app development, as well as publishing, marketing, and advertising strategies.

A nurse for more than 40 years, Dr. Vonfrolio is the President of Education Enterprises, a national nursing seminar company offering seminars, vacations, and educational products for nurses.

Karen Arca-Contreras, DNP, Department of Nursing Lecturer and Success Coach Coordinator in the Nursing Student Success Coaching and Retention Program, was pleased that, “The ‘Making a Million in Nursing Seminar’ gave participants detailed and expert insight on potential future opportunities available in the profession of nursing. I’m grateful to Dr. Vonfrolio for truly enlightening our students and opening their minds to areas of nursing that they may have never considered.”

Through the Nursing Student Success Coaching program, faculty success coaches assist students in developing, implementing, and evaluating a strategic plan to achieve short and long term educational goals.

“The literature indicates that all students can benefit from proactive and ongoing nursing support strategies, especially prior to and during the first semester,” Dr. Contreras stated.

Dr. Vonfrolio has appeared on Nightline with Ted Koppell and Good Morning America. She was on the cover of Income Opportunities and was featured in The Wall Street Journal three times. The author of 11 books and numerous articles, Dr. Vonfrolio has held positions of staff nurse, staff development instructor, and tenured Assistant Professor of Nursing at CSI.

(From left to right): Dr. Lindo-Artichati, Jessica Scicchigno, and Tatiana Vasyleva pose by their research vessel.

While many students choose to lounge on the sunny sands of exotic islands during the lazy days of Spring Break, three College of Staten Island (CSI) undergraduates are enjoying the tropics in a different way.

Lillian Morales ’17, Jessica Scicchigno ’17, and Tatiana Vasyleva ’17 are participating in a land and sea research project based in Puerto Rico.

Organized by Professor David Lindo-Atichati, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering and Physics at CSI, the marine research expedition will span from Puerto Rico to Saint Croix.

Vasyleva, a Physics major, and Scicchigno, double majoring in Psychology and English, will conduct hands-on research aboard the federal Research Vessel Nancy Foster from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Meanwhile, Morales will remain ashore to conduct outreach, including writing a blog in English and Spanish entitled “Ocean Expedition to the Virgin Islands: Undergraduate women rocking science!”

According to Dr. Lindo-Atichati, “The on board team will deploy ocean instruments and sensors into the ocean to better understand the cross shelf transport of water masses and the implication of these ocean motions for the recruitment of baby fish. That work is important to understand the non-linear motions of seawater and nutrients near the shelf break, and critical to manage marine protected areas in the US Caribbean.”

As Morales loyally reports from the shores of San Juan, she describes a trip filled with hard work and also time for some recreation.

Lillian Morales is writing a blog about the team's adventure.

On Day 3 of her blog, she writes, “Despite their hard work at the labs, the researchers are able to enjoy themselves and the beautiful view that comes from working on this vessel. They have described their time out in the ocean to be peaceful and also amazed of how beautiful the ocean looks and sunsets. They have also enjoyed some time at the gym and despite the rocking of the vessel, Tatiana mentions that yoga there is very fun to do. Not only do they collect sample and data, they were also able to enjoy in a game of Easter egg hunt! Not only was that pretty cool today but Giovanni states that were able to deploy CTD’s to a depth of 2,110 meters. And now after a few stations they were finally had the first XBT deployment, expandable bathythermographs. They are not meant to be collected they just fall to the bottom of the ocean. What an exciting day!”

Morales is majoring in Education with a minor in Geology.

Impressed with the bilingual blog, Dr. Lindo-Atichati comments, “Outreach efforts like these show people (not only scientists) what we do, why we do it, and what society gains from it. In short, the goal of this effort is to deliver our science beyond the margins of a scientific paper, and beyond the walls of the classroom.”

After months of extensive renovation to what was formerly called the President’s Board Room, located on the fourth floor of Building 1A, CSI President William J. Fritz, Provost Gary Reichard, College Vice Presidents and Deans, and other distinguished members of the faculty gathered to inaugurate the new state-of-the-art meeting space, the Gordon and Lorraine Di Paolo Board Room.

Thanks to a generous grant from Lorraine and Dr. Gordon Di Paolo, the facility now boasts furniture and technological upgrades, including new tables and chairs, as well as a new sound amplifier and speaker array, a wireless microphone system, and enhanced high-definition telecommunications functionality, which are all connected to a powerful and unified audio-visual processor unit that is operated via a wall-mounted touch panel.

Khatmeh Osseiran-Hanna, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs and Executive Director of the CSI Foundation, warmly welcomed guests by highlighting the Di Paolos’ “lifelong commitment to students through scholarship opportunities and contributing to the excellence of the CSI experience.” She noted with pride that Dr. Di Paolo joined the faculty in 1971, earned the Dolphin Award for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the College by a Member of the Full-Time Faculty in 2015, and is now the College’s first one-million-dollar lifetime benefactor.

Dr. Fritz continued, underscoring the long history of support that the College and its students have received from the Di Paolos, “This room represents but a part of the ongoing generosity and support that Gordon and Lorraine have shown for our students, and our College over the years. We also have them to thank for the Gordon and Lorraine Di Paolo Overseas Scholarship and the Di Paolo Commencement Awards in Marketing and Management, which, respectively, broaden our students’ worldviews and global experience, and ensure that they complete their degrees so that they may fully pursue their professional goals. They have also established other scholarships and provided funds for disabled students; the College, in general; and other critical initiatives. For their enormous contributions, they were honored in 2009 at the First Annual Celestial Ball with President’s Medals.”

“Today is a tribute to all of you. I have worked forty years as a classroom teacher and I loved the challenge of making the material interesting. Now, as a part of the governance and leadership team, I discovered that CSI has the most impressive, hardest working and brightest people I have ever met. Your warmth nourishes me and my soul, and I thank you for that,” commented Dr. Paolo, as a retrospective slideshow from his personal and professional life graced the large monitors encircling the room.

“Lorraine and I are very fortunate,” he continued. “We both have jobs we love and are surrounded by people we respect. But we do not have our own children… the students at the college are our kids, and we are pleased and proud to support them as if they were our own. Thank you.”

Lucinda Zawadzki will attend the University of Oxford in the fall.

Macaulay Honors College (MHC) alumna, Lucinda Zawadzki ’15 has received a full scholarship to the University of Oxford to pursue a PhD in Zoology.

Through the Oxford-Christ Church-Natural Motion Graduate Scholarship, Zawadzki will study full time at the University from October 2017 to September 2020 with all tuition, college fees, and living costs covered.

“I am extremely excited to attend the University of Oxford for my graduate studies. After finding my passion studying birds, I knew that I wanted to continue my studies in graduate school, but I never imagined being able to do so at such an amazing institution. This opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I cannot wait to begin my studies in the fall,” said Zawadzki, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science with honors in Biology, minoring in Biochemistry and Chemistry, and was the Class of 2015 Salutatorian and recipient of multiple scholarships while at CSI.

At the University of Oxford, Zawadzki plans to study vagrancy in birds as an indicator of climate change by conducting research with the Oxford Navigation Group.

Zawadzki plans to study Zoology.

“Through use of existing databases and fieldwork, I will be studying how vagrancy drives movement in bird populations, and whether vagrancy is due to misorientation or an adaptation. To date, no such analysis has been performed. This work is important in terms of climate change, as many organisms will need to adapt to changing conditions through dispersal,” Zawadzki said.

She was also selected as a finalist in the very prestigious British Marshall Scholarship, a first for CSI in this particular scholarship competition. She has also received honorable mentions from the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship, as well as two honorable mentions for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Zawadzki reflects that, “I have learned that if you have a dream, never give up. I knew this already from college, when I faced the dilemma of switching majors and changing research directions after I discovered my love of biology… challenges do not end in school; they continue after you graduate. However, no matter what roadblock may stand in your way, if you have a goal, and you work really hard, you will achieve it. From senior year of college I knew that I wanted to study birds for a living, and now I have a real path to that dream. I worked hard to get here, and now, day by day, I am slowly making my dream a reality. And I could not be happier.”

Read more about Zawadzki on CSI Today.com.

Keegan Fernandes is the recipient of a Jonas Salk Scholarship.

College of Staten Island (CSI) alumnus Keegan Fernandes ’15, ’16, ‘17 has won a Jonas Salk Scholarship.

Through the Scholarship, in fall 2017, Fernandes will attend the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine at Campbell University in North Carolina, where in addition to pursuing a Doctor of Osteopathy degree, he will also conduct research relating to epileptic seizures and type II diabetes.

“I am so humbled and want to express my deepest gratitude for being awarded the Jonas Salk Scholarship. This prestigious award will allow me to pursue my dreams and for that I cannot thank the Jonas Salk committee enough,” said Fernandes.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Fernandes has received a Purple Heart Medal and Ribbons denoting Army Commendation, Army Service, NATO Service, and Global War on Terrorism.

“Having spent seven years in the military, retuning to civilian life was difficult. I was grateful to find a home with the Veteran Support office where Laura Scazzafavo helped me focus on reaching the dream of becoming a doctor,” remembers Fernandes, who graduated with both a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2015 and went on to complete a Master of Science in Biotechnology at CSI in spring 2016. The graduate student is slated to receive a second Master of Science in Neuroscience and Developmental Disabilities in spring 2017.

While in the Army, Fernandes served as the lead medic for his platoon and found his inspiration to become a physician after saving the life of his friend (and fellow soldier) in Afghanistan, who was severely injured by an improvised explosive device.

At CSI, Fernandes instructed tenth grade high school students in neuroscience and mathematics through the CSTEP Program, received honors in his major and served as a Veteran Support Specialist and a member of the Armed Forces Club and the Pre-Medical Society at CSI.

As an undergraduate, Fernandes worked in a laboratory with Dan McCloskey, PhD, examining the paradoxical lack of brain Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the African Naked Mole-Rat.  According to Dr. McCloskey, “He helped develop first neuronal cell culture studies on this species and his research revealed that this unusual mammal uses alternative strategies to grow new blood vessels in the brain, which allows them to handle low oxygen environments in their native habitat. This work informs us of new strategies for human vascular growth to counteract stroke and heart disease.”

“Academically, the professors that I have crossed paths with saw my truest potential even when I couldn’t see it in myself. Having the backing that was offered at CSI has played a huge role in receiving this award,” said the student, who in particular recalls the support of Bill L’Amoreaux, PhD; Abdeslem El Idrissi, PhD; and Dr. McCloskey.

“Without their belief in me I would not be finishing my degree. Their mentorship held me up when life was too much, and here is the proof that anything is possible,” he said.

Dr. McCloskey, who serves as the student’s research mentor and pre-med advisor, added that, “Keegan has propelled himself toward this award. I have been fortunate to work with truly great students here at CSI, including previous Salk Scholarship Awardees, but I have never met a student like Keegan. I have no doubt that he will go on and continue to do amazing things.”

“CSI is very proud of Keegan for his academic achievements as well as his brave service to our country. He is to be commended for his involvement in research throughout his academic program here. There is no doubt that the outstanding mentorship by Dr. McCloskey provided a major boost toward his securing this great recognition,” noted Gary Reichard, PhD, CSI Provost.

The hard-working student and soldier believes, “No matter how long or tough the road is, if you stay with it and you really want it, you will achieve it. This journey is not over. It is the stepping stone to the future I am now certain of, given every challenge I have conquered.”

History of Salk Scholarships recipients

2017

Keegan Fernandes ’15, ’16, ‘17

2015

Anton Mararenko ’15

2014

Christina Vicidomini ’13

2012

Eric Rios-Doria

Abigail Brown was on the winning team at the Motorola competition.

College of Staten Island (CSI) student Abigail Brown ’20 may have been “intimidated” when she first arrived at the Motorola headquarters in Chicago. However, that sentiment changed when it was announced that Brown’s team was one of only two grand prize winners in the Motorola Moto Z – Moto Mods Pitch competition.

Her team, MACAY Labs©,  one of 13 teams competing, founded MACAY Labs​© TrueSound HiFi©. They will receive up to $1 million in investment funding from Lenovo Capital and were offered enrollment in the first class of Motorola’s new Moto Mods Accelerator Program. MACAY Labs​© is comprised of five founders: three Staten Island Technical High School (SITHS) students; Brown, a SITHS alumna; and one Stevens Institute of Technology student.

“When we found out we won the investment, we were almost in tears. At first, I was too shocked to react, then people were coming up to us and shaking our hands. We were dumbfounded. Full-grown professionals were thanking us, teenagers, for sharing our time with them. They were congratulating us. It was a surreal experience,” exclaimed Brown, who notes that she was one of the youngest competitors and the only woman. The student first worked with CSI staff through the 30,000 Degrees initiative, when SITHS reached out to the Staten Island Small Business Development Center at CSI as well as the CSI Tech Incubator to assist Brown.

“30,000 Degrees brings together educators from P-12 and college settings to support student aspirations and success. In Brown’s case, the CSI team of business experts who helped her and her teammates prepare for the Chicago competition were palpably excited by Macay Labs. Given the impression she and her teammates made on the group, I am not at all surprised by the outcome of the Motorola competition,” declared Kenneth M. Gold, PhD, Founding Dean of the School of Education

Currently taking non-degree classes in order to focus on the Motorola project, Brown will be a full-time student at CSI in the fall, majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

The Bay Terrace resident has worked as an instructor at the Staten Island Hebrew Academy’s Intro to Lego Robotics course, an Engineering counselor at SITHS’s Summer STEM Camp, and an IT/Media Consultant at Lifestyles for the Disabled. She is also trying to start an independent Intro to Engineering course for kids.

Brown plans to pursue an undergraduate and then graduate degree in her field, with future plans to have her own consumer electronics company, and eventually teach engineering to high school students “to impact their lives like my teachers impacted mine.”

Read more about the competitors and their products on the Motorola Blog.​

View the video on NY1.

The top 12 finalists pose on stage.

“If we’re all brought together by music, that’s all that matters.” These poignant words came from Xavier Santiago ’21 as the “CSI’s Got Talent” winner proudly accepted his $2,250 prize at the Center for the Arts. The sixth annual event took place on April 26, as 12 hopefuls duked it out to see who would take home the top three prizes. $750 went to runner up Taronuhi Hacjana and $250 for third place winner Kristiana Tattos.

The night kicked off with a slew of laughs as Staten Island natives Sal Vulcano of truTv’s hit show Impractical Jokers, and Jay Miller of Midevenings with Jay Miller, joked, “If you lack skill it’s going to be curtains for you!”  Prior to the talent hitting the stage, the event (funded by WSIA-FM, Student Government, and the Campus Activities Board) rules were explained as follows: five points for creativity/originality, skill, stage presence, and audience reaction, and ten points for performance. Joined by judges Alan Hoffner, Richard Krystoforski, Serena Medina (Winner of 2016 CSI’s Got Talent), Frances Melendez, Emanoil Shafik, and Alexis DiBenedetto, the audience sat anxiously awaiting the night’s shining stars.

With these rules in mind, the top 12 rose beyond everyone’s expectations. Performers Joe Grahek and Olivia Angioli started the night off with serenades, smoothly singing through their renditions of “If I Could Dream,” and “Secret Love Song, Part Two,” respectively. Jennifer Hernandez and her partner raised the temperature in the building with their Columbian-inspired dance number “La Bella,” while Rachel Waldman left judge Shafik “speechless” with her cover of Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball.”

Jordan Corman passionately strummed his way through the soft punk ballad “Drowned,” which Desiree Sanchez followed with an upbeat performance of Meghan Trainor’s popular summer hit “Me Too.” With the audience on a sonic high, Xavier Santiago melted hearts with his emotionally drenched version of “Everything I Do.” Ramzi Braktia offered a humor-filled dance routine titled “Wolfstein.” GeGe Ahmed belted out a soul filled “Who’s Loving You” that would have arguably made Michael Jackson himself proud, and Kristiana Tattos offered a beautiful and vulnerable “Medicine,” which cured any doubt in the crowd of this campus’s talent.

Xavier Santiago took home the grand prize.

Rounding out the top 12, Ariel Lontac bravely took on Adele’s “One & Only,” while Hacjana stood as the only contestant to perform an original song, “Wonder.” With the immense talent filling the room, it was clear that the judges had a lot to debate before choosing the top five.

After a brief intermission, the hosts kept the good energy going with countless punchlines referencing their “favorite band” Coldplay, and an impromptu skit featuring the “unsuspecting,” audience member Tim, who was duct-taped to a chair for most of the remainder of the show. With everyone sitting on the edge of their seats, the top five finalists were revealed in no particular order. Jennifer Hernandez, Rachel Waldman, Xavier Santiago, Kristiana Tattos, and PYOR, advanced to the competition’s final round, and they came to win.

Jennifer and her partner were “hot! hot! hot!” with their second dance routine of the night, which left just about everyone in the room reaching for something to fan themselves. Rachel Waldman followed up with a chilling interpretation of “Hallelujah,” while Tattos concluded her second live performance in four years with “Burning House.” As the show ended, Hacjana debuted another original tune with “Close,” bringing audience members to their feet. However, it was Santiago’s performance of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel,” which stole the show, and judge’s hearts. Placing a single rose on the judge’s table, Santiago’s vocals filled the Williamson Theatre as the crowd couldn’t help but cheer and scream.

After a lengthy deliberation in which the hosts treated the crowd to a comedic cover of “It’s Raining Men,”—the judges made what was arguably the toughest decision of the night. Coming in third, Kristiana Tattos gracefully accepted her prize, while runner up Hacjana thanked the crowd for the “best part,” their cheering.

After collecting his first-place grand prize, Santiago proudly held his earning over his head as he gazed out into a crowd of chants.

Perhaps the most touching moment of the time came in the form of solidarity. Despite their differing ages, races, genres, and talents, every performer repeated a single phrase that could have strung together to form a song, “Good luck to the other contestants, and congratulations.”

Dean Gold (far left) and Dr. Lyublinskaya (far right) with CSI students holding their completion certificates.

While approximately 5,379 miles lie between the College of Staten Island (CSI) and Russia, that did not stop ten CSI students from collaborating with students at the Pedagogic Institute of Vladimir State University in Russia on the “Development of Elementary School Technology-based Geometry Curriculum and Field Testing of Materials with Pre-Service Elementary School Teachers” Project.

Made possible through a $40,000 grant from the Eurasia Foundation U.S.-Russia University Partnership Program funded by the U.S. Department of State, the project was comprised of several components. First, CSI Education students worked with their Russian counterparts via Skype on learning how to use and effectively teach with an app called GeoGebra. Once adequately trained through a series of Saturday workshops, students then applied their new skills, teaching elementary school children using the app at three Staten Island schools: PS 31, 45, and 48.

Led by Irina Lyublinskaya, PhD, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at CSI, the initiative is a partnership between the School of Education at CSI and the Pedagogic Institute at the Vladimir State University. As part of the project goals, Dr. Lyublinskaya and Dr. Svetlana Tikhomirova, her counterpart at Vladimir State, also developed curriculum materials for an elective short course for pre-service teachers during their student teaching experience. This course provides professional development on teaching geometry with computer technology in elementary schools.

Dr. Lyublinskaya also provided the expertise in technology, integrating mathematics teaching and learning, with Dr. Tikhomirova, Professor of Mathematics at Vladimir State.

“While the U.S. education system is well known for the implementation of inquiry-based approaches to teaching and for using educational software for student explorations and learning, the Russian education system is well known for its rigorous approach to mathematics content starting as early as elementary school, and for strong foundations in mathematics teaching methods. Combining expertise from both countries will lead to an enhanced experience for pre-service teachers in both universities,” said Dr. Lyublinskaya.

The project culminated in a ceremony when participating students received completion certificates from Kenneth Gold, PhD, Founding Dean of the School of Education, and also small gifts that Dr. Lyublinskaya brought back from Russia. Professor Ruth Silverberg, Chair of the Department of Educational Studies; Deirdre Armitage, PhD, Director of Fieldwork; and Margaret Berci, PhD, Chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction were also present, engaging in introspective questions with the students regarding their confidence in teaching mathematics with technology.

“My students loved working with the iPads since they do not get to use technology too often in the classroom… Incorporating technology really made it a fun learning experience. I will definitely be using GeoGebra in my future lessons,” noted CSI student Ermina Dragovic ’17.

“Working with GeoGebra was a rewarding experience. Not only did I gain confidence in integrating technology into my lessons, but also feel more comfortable teaching mathematics. The students, with all different learning abilities, all did equally well on the activity. I am going to continue using this APP in future mathematic lessons, while also researching about other APPS to use for literacy, too!,” said Emily Arredondo.

“The most enjoyable aspects of the workshops were being able to collaborate with student teachers in another country, working together as a group to participate in this research, and learning more about the use of technology in the classroom though mathematics,” commented CSI student Gabriela Belfiore ‘17.

“I am so pleased that students benefitted from an outstanding exchange program without having to leave their home country.  This was very much a project of the 21st Century.  Through technology, Russian and U.S. students collaborated on the teaching of mathematics with technology,” noted Kenneth M. Gold, PhD, Founding Dean of the School of Education.

The U.S.-Russia University Partnership Program (UPP) is an initiative for mutual cultural and academic collaboration that connects higher education institutions in Russia and U.S. with one another, and supports the launch of new bilateral partnerships. UPP is implemented by the Eurasia Foundation (U.S.) and the National Training Foundation (Russian Federation) with funding from the U.S. Department of State.

"Savor the Flavors" thrilled attendees while raising money for scholarships.

For the tenth straight year, “Savor the Flavors,” the CSI Alumni Association’s signature event, provided a broad and exciting showcase of the Island’s finest cuisine, while raising much-needed funds for student scholarships. More than 300 people were on hand to enjoy the culinary delights on April 7.

Donna Garambone, Development Specialist, underscored the importance of the event for CSI students. “This wonderful event gives the community a chance to come together and sample some amazing food and drink. Most importantly, over the past nine years, “Savor the Flavors” has raised enough funds to grant 45 Alumni Legacy Scholarships to CSI students, making a significant impact in their academic lives.”

This year, there were some changes to the event. First of all, this is the first year that “Savor” has partnered with the Staten Island Advance’s Cookbook Taste-off, where 15 finalists presented their recipes/dishes and were judged separately. Also, because of this collaboration and an expected increase in attendance, the venue for the event was moved to the Sports and Recreation Center.

As in year’s past, judges from the Food Network’s Chopped, Rob Burmeister and Sean Quinn, picked the best dishes. The winners were:

-Best Dish: Port Richmond High School Culinary Arts Program

-Best Dessert: Mark’s Bake Shoppe Carrot Cake

-Most Unique: J’s on the Bay Jellyring Shake

-Best Décor: Ho’Brah Taco Joint

The attendees also had a chance to voice their opinion with the People’s Choice award, which went to the Jellyring Shake from J’s on the Bay.

The event, which was chaired, once again, by James McBratney ’05, received support from student volunteers from The Verrazano School Honors Program.

Restaurants and businesses, which graciously donated food and beverages for the event, included: Beans and Leaves, Board and Brush, Cake Chef/Cookie Jar/Piece-A- Cake, Canlon’s Restaurant, Chef Mike’s Rodizio Grill, Corner House BBQ, Dave & Busters, Don Chucho Restaurant, Flagship Brewery, Ho’Brah Taco Joint, Il Pallino, Jimmy Max, J’s on the Bay, Leo’s Deli, Lobster House Joes, Mark’s Bake Shoppe, Melissa’s Sweets & Treats, Miller’s Ale House, Mother Moose, On Your Mark Chocolatier, Oriental Plaza, Panini Grill, Park Café, Port Richmond High School Culinary Arts Program, Project Brunch, Real Madrid Restaurant, Sofia’s Taqueria, Staten Island Winery, Stone House, The Burrito Shoppe, The Chef’s Table, The Kettle Black, and Violette’s Cellar.

L to R, Vice President Ken Iwama and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs Cheryl Adolph

The College of Staten Island was the recipient of a prestigious Accolade Award at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District II Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA on March 25, 2019. CSI received Honorable Mention honors in the category of “Community Relations Programs, Projects and Special Events” for its Legacy Initiative that has advanced the College’s re-engagement with community and mission. This is the first CASE District II Accolade Award ever received by the College of Staten Island.

Commenting on the award, Ken Iwama, CSI Vice President for Economic Development, Continuing Studies, and Government Relations, said, “We are thrilled that the College’s Legacy Initiative has been recognized by the prestigious organization CASE District II. Most rewarding is the overwhelmingly positive impact this initiative has had upon both the College and Staten Island community.”

The award recognized the leadership and vision of the College’s President William J. Fritz–in collaboration with Vice President Iwama, with support from the Division of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs–to embark upon an ambitious, three-year public relations and community engagement campaign to reconnect with Staten Island through the College’s strong, but largely forgotten or ignored, legacies within the community. The campaign included the creation of videos, development of collaborative community/College projects, and facilitation of colloquia and speaking engagements at major events within the College and across Staten Island–all of which focused upon our Legacy trilogy as follows:

Legacy of Institution – incorporating CSI’s predecessor institutions, Staten Island Community College (1956-1993) and Richmond College (1967-1993), in the discourse and dialog of our history to successfully create greater connections with alumni and community members who were affiliated with these predecessor institutions.

Legacy of Place – remembering and honoring CSI’s current campus location as the former site of the infamous Willowbrook State School–which became the epicenter of the national disability civil rights movement to cease the institutionalization of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities–and to successfully reengage the disabilities community on Staten Island.

Legacy of Mission – embracing CSI’s original Mission of access, opportunity, and excellence, dating back to the establishment of its first predecessor institution Staten Island Community College in 1956, to successfully create new initiatives to advance student academic success and social and economic mobility within the community.

Among other major outcomes, the Legacy Initiative Legacy Initiative fostered a new commitment to community engagement that is now reflected as one of the six major strategic priorities of the College’s new Strategic Plan –“Borough Stewardship”–which encompasses our goal to fulfill our status and role Staten Island’s anchor institution.

According to the CASE Website, “The largest of the eight CASE districts, District II helps members build stronger relationships with their alumni and donors, raise funds for campus projects, produce recruitment materials, market their institutions to prospective students, diversify the profession, and foster public support of education. CASE District II is a regional organization of advancement professionals in the areas of alumni relations, communications, and philanthropy. It is our purpose to advance the knowledge and wisdom of our colleagues through district training programs, communication vehicles, and networking opportunities. We value the spirit of volunteerism which is implicit to the character and nature of our profession. We are committed to seeking individual and institutional diversity among our volunteers.”

Ken Iwama, JD,

NY1 – After serving tours in Afghanistan and Antarctica, Jason Loughran says his transition out of military life was rough. Read and see more at NY1.

2019 Valedictorian, Anastasia Tataru, addresses the audience at the 70th Commencement.

The College of Staten Island’s 70th Commencement celebrated the academic achievements of this year’s 3,108 graduates on May 30 on the Great Lawn.

The ceremony’s Presiding Officer, CSI Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. J. Michael Parrish, provided opening remarks, and introduced CSI President Dr. William J. Fritz. In his address, Dr. Fritz noted that both Staten Island and the College of Staten Island are on the rise. After briefly listing some of the most recent accolades that CSI has received, including U.S. News & World Report naming CSI Master’s programs in Nursing and Social Work to its 2019 Best Graduate Schools rankings, he underscored why the College is important to so many people. “We are an access institution that provides an opportunity for people from all walks of life to improve their situation. From certifications through our Workforce Development programs to degrees in our Master’s or Doctoral programs, we offer people many opportunities and that is an exceptional achievement. We help students achieve their dreams!”

Near the end of his remarks, the President looked to the future. “Today we celebrate that everyone graduating has developed their talents at this College and will use those talents to ascend and help others improve their lives. Whether you are receiving an Associate’s, Baccalaureate, Master’s, or Doctorate today, you all have the skills to make a difference in your own lives and the lives of others.” He concluded by urging the new graduates to spread the word about the exceptional educational opportunities that CSI provides.

This year’s recipient of the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters was former Staten Island Advance reporter Jane Kurtin, who played a vital role in shining a light on the horrific conditions that were then in effect at the Willowbrook State School, which at its peak housed more than 6,000 developmentally disabled residents in a facility designed to accommodate 4,000 patients. Her brave efforts on behalf of the patients at the school constituted a powerful victory for social justice and for the rights of the thousands of developmentally challenged residents of the school, ultimately culminating in a subsequent class action lawsuit by relatives of school residents that was instrumental in the passage of the 1980 Civil Rights of Institutional Persons Act and other legislation.

Those in attendance also heard from this year’s valedictorian, Anastasia Tataru, who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics.

Anastasia, who emigrated to the U.S. from Moldova, discussed the major hurdle that she had to overcome on her academic path, the language barrier. However, she noted that the support and patience of her professors gave her the strength that she needed to carry on and not only earn her degree, but become Valedictorian.

After reporting that she has already landed a job with PJM Interconnection, a company that operates the largest electrical grid in North America, she offered the graduates this advice, “Don’t let yourself be discouraged by anything! Go and apply to the best jobs, your dream jobs. We are students with so much potential, that have worked so hard to get ourselves to this point and we deserve the best opportunities out there. At the end of the day, it is our determination that will drive us to reach beyond our expectations.”

Also in attendance at this year’s Commencement was CUNY Trustee the Honorable Michael Arvanites.

CSI Sustainability is one of the distributors of compost from the NYC Sanitation Department.

NY1 – At parks across the five boroughs, flowers are blooming with the help of city trash.

It all starts when garbage trucks pick up brown bins filled with food scraps and leaves. Read and see more on NY1.

A total of ten benches and four Solar Power-Doks were unveiled at a dedication event on CSI's Willowbrook campus, last Tuesday.

This past Tuesday, the College of Staten Island hosted a heartwarming Adopt a Bench dedication event to celebrate the generosity and devotion of its inaugural Adopt a Bench campaign donors.The festivities included the unveiling of four Solar Power-Doks and ten new benches with personalized plaques in memory of loved ones, or showcasing favorite quotations. The event was held on behalf of the College of Staten Island Foundation, which is leading the campaign, as well as College President Dr. William J. Fritz.

At the event, Dr. Fritz acknowledged that the Adopt a Bench campaign is a powerful way for community leaders to demonstrate their support for the beautification of the College’s 204-acre campus and CSI’s greatest needs. He also announced that benches are available for sponsorship along The Willowbrook Mile, which honors the history and legacy of the former Willowbrook State School. In addition, Jay Chazanoff, ‘65, Chair of the Adopt a Bench committee, underscored his commitment to the campaign and the College of Staten Island. Stressing the urgent need for campus resources, Mr. Chazanoff called upon other people who are connected to the College to step up and provide their support.

A total of ten benches were unveiled at Tuesday’s dedication. It is hoped that these benches will serve as a catalyst for further engagement with community members, businesses, and organizations in an effort to expand the campaign’s mission. Also unveiled outside the Campus Center were four Solar Power-Doks, state-of-the-art solar-powered charging stations and WiFi hotspots that complement the CSI campus, providing a place for students and other members of the campus community to recharge electronic devices while they meet, study, or relax.

For more information on the Adopt a Bench Campaign, contact Jennifer Lynch in the Division of Institutional Advancement at 718.982.2293.

Marguerite Maria Rivas was named Staten Island's first poet laureate on Thursday June 13, 2019. (Photo by Willie Chu)

SI Live – A lifelong Staten Islander will be named the borough’s first poet laureate later this month. Read more on SI Live.

The College of Staten Island has received a $7.5M cash gift from Class of ’65 alumni Lucille and Jay Chazanoff to benefit the School of Business.

The College of Staten Island has received a $7.5M cash gift from Class of ’65 alumni Lucille and Jay Chazanoff to benefit the School of Business. The gift is the largest individual donation ever made to a nonprofit within the Borough of Staten Island. With the potential to dramatically transform the work of the School, the Fund will be used to support the Lucille and Jay Chazanoff School of Business, including accreditation pursuant to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – an international organization that is the preeminent accrediting body for business schools in the United States. There are 845 business institutions in 56 countries and territories that have earned AACSB accreditation.

The income generated by the Fund will support a wide range of objectives, including retaining faculty, many of whom have garnered national recognition as Fulbright Scholars, National Science Foundation grant recipients, and National Academy of Science expert panel members. CSI Business faculty hold positions on journal editorial boards, occupy leadership roles in professional organizations, and consult to federal, state, and local governmental agencies.

The College will also use this endowment to undertake a well-defined series of strategic program improvements that will significantly strengthen both CSI and the Lucille and Jay Chazanoff School’s national standing and improve student success.

College President William J. Fritz commented that “the Fund will greatly augment the effectiveness, impact, and reach of our School of Business, providing levels of instruction and excellence that were once only imagined. In addition, it exemplifies the power of personal legacy through private philanthropy, which strengthens our College and, ultimately, our community by giving us an Opportunity to Ascend consistent with our Strategic Plan. Lucille and Jay are part of the fabric of this Island, and we are deeply grateful for their support of the School of Business and the College of Staten Island.

Founding Dean of the School of Business, Susan L. Holak, remarked that “we are exceedingly grateful for this generous, transformational gift that will provide expanded opportunities for experiential learning and student success; support faculty hiring, retention, and scholarship; and raise our level of community engagement. The Chazanoff CUNY Fund demonstrates confidence in our School’s mission and programs, while affording us the flexibility and capacity to innovate at a faster pace. Lucille and Jay Chazanoff are exemplary alumni, exceptional members of our community, and generous philanthropists. We are immensely proud that our School will bear their name.”

The donors, Lucille and Jay Chazanoff, stated that “it is an honor to have the opportunity to support the School of Business, and the College of Staten Island. We met at Staten Island Community College and the education we received there gave us the foundation to launch successful careers and lives. We are proud to pay it forward to future students with the hope of giving them greatly enhanced career opportunities so that they may follow in our footsteps.”

Lucille and Jay Chazanoff met while attending classes at Staten Island Community College, a predecessor of CSI. They are longtime benefactors of the College of Staten Island and the community at large. Previously, they established the $100,000 Jay and Lucille Chazanoff ’65 Endowed Scholarship Fund that provides support for full-time Business majors. Their philanthropy within the community includes the establishment in 2004 of the family-run Carmine and Robert DeSantis Charitable Foundation, named after Lucille’s late brothers. The Foundation, whose motto is “one child at a time,” assists children with special needs on Staten Island, providing more than $1M in support to date. In addition, the Chazanoffs are the lead benefactors of the JCC of Staten Island-sponsored Lucille and Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp, a free camp for children affected by cancer and their siblings.

Lucille, also a graduate of Pace University, worked as a CPA in the international accounting firm Arthur Young & Co. for four years, before joining the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), eventually rising to the position of Vice President and Controller. After a seven-year career with NBC, Lucille returned to her Staten Island-based family business, Royal Press, serving as COO until her retirement in 2012. Upon returning to Staten Island, Lucille began to take on leadership roles with various nonprofit organizations, including the Visiting Nurses Association and Meals on Wheels, which culminated in her being acknowledged as a Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement in 1994. Lucille served on the CSI Foundation Board of Directors for 12 years, including as the Founding President of the Board of Directors (1992-1994) and remains active on the Boards of the Northfield Bank Foundation and Richmond University Medical Center Foundation, where she serves as Treasurer.

Jay also earned his Bachelor’s degree from Pace University and an MBA from Long Island University. He began his career as a CPA at the international accounting firm Ernst & Ernst, prior to joining a young publicly traded financial services company in 1973, where he rose to become a senior executive over a 20-year term as the company grew into Fortune 500 status. After managing the company’s corporate restructuring as the COO and President in the early 1990s, he began his second career as an entrepreneur by co-founding a technology-based claims management company to provide services to the corporate reorganization industry.  The company grew to become the nation’s largest claims administrator and Jay oversaw the company’s successful sale to a publicly traded company in 2003. In 1997, Jay also became a partner in Pembroke Companies, Inc., a commercial and residential real estate investment, development, and management enterprise. Over the years, Pembroke Companies, Inc., has been actively engaged in the real estate industry and currently, among its various projects, serves as an operating partner with The Blackstone Group, managing a large, multifamily real estate portfolio. Jay has served the Staten Island community extensively, notably as a representative and Board member of the former St. Vincent’s Hospital of Staten Island, as part of the team that brought cardiac surgery to the Borough, also serving for two years as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of The Heart Institute. He is currently the Vice President of the Jewish Community Center on Staten Island, where from 2004-2006, Lucille and Jay co-chaired a $40M capital campaign. Jay has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the College of Staten Island Foundation since 2013, and is slated to join the UJA-Federation of New York Board of Directors this July.

Visiting Chinese physicians and members of the CSI Faculty toured Richmond University Medical Center.

Nine members of the U.S. Health Care Physician’s Observation Program had the opportunity to tour Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) yesterday.

The Program brings nine physicians from Anhui Provincial Hospital, China to the College of Staten Island from May 3 to July 30 so that they may explore all aspects of the U.S. health care system. While at CSI, participants will be provided with clinical observational opportunities, meet with various community agencies, visit health care providers, and participate in various educational, social, and cultural activities in the New York City area. The Program is conducted by the Center for Global Engagement with the support of the School of Health Sciences at the College of Staten Island.

The tour of RUMC included a meet and greet with RUMC President and CEO Dr. Daniel J. Messina; a  tour of the RUMC Emergency Department with Dr. Kopolovich of the Department of Emergency Medicine; and a tour of the hospital with Alex Lutz, RUMC Director of Public Relations and Marketing.

Besides the nine visiting physicians, Dr. Messina, Dr. Kopolovich, and Mr. Lutz, other participants included Dean of the CSI School of Health Sciences Marcus Tye; Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Biology Dr. Chang Hui Shen; Dr. Muhammad Zia from the Department of Biology; and Winnie Brophy of the Center for Global Engagement.

The visiting physicians and their specialties are:

Dr. Yunqin Liu, Deputy Chief Physician, Radiotherapy

Dr. Jie Tang, Deputy Chief Physician, Geriatric Cardiology

Dr. Mao Zheng, Deputy Chief Physician, Endocrinology

Dr. Shao Hui Cheng, Deputy Chief Physician, Intensive Care Medicine

Dr. Zhili Pan, Deputy Chief Physician, Radiology: Medical Imaging (leader)

Dr. Haibo Wu, Deputy Chief Physician, Pathology

Dr. Lei Wen, Deputy Chief Physician, Ophthalmology

Dr. Fei Yin, Attending Physician, Otorhinolaryngology

Tong Tong, Head Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacology

They are currently residing on Staten Island in the West Brighton neighborhood during the Program.