Attendees to Event

The City University of New York (CUNY) Office of Special Programs, along with Hostos and the other community colleges of the College Discovery Program, held a 50th Anniversary Gala on December 12 at the CUNY Graduate Center.

College Discovery (CD) is an inclusive higher education opportunity program at the two-year CUNY colleges. It was established to provide comprehensive academic support to assist capable students who otherwise might not be able to attend college due to their educational and financial circumstances.

The Gala also celebrated students who have benefited from the program, including Liliete López (Class of 2010) and CarIdad Fortuna (Class of 2013), and Isaac López, a current Hostos student who performed the Beatles’ “Imagine” on the piano.

María Grieco, Hostos’ College Discovery director, was recognized for her efforts by the CUNY Office of Special Programs. Inez Barron, Chair of the Higher Ed Committee of the NYC Council, was also recognized. Other gala attendees from CUNY included Frank Sánchez, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; Jay Hershenson, Senior Vice Chancellor for University Relations and Secretary of the Board of Trustees; as well as other CUNY staff.

Earlier that week, the City Council of New York’s Higher Education Committee hosted a first-time hearing at City Hall about CD and Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge (SEEK). SEEK is another similar higher education opportunity program at the senior (four-year) CUNY colleges. The request for the meeting with City Council was made on behalf of Grieco, who also is the Chair of the University Council of CD Directors. City Council also presented a special proclamation which was read by Grieco.

“This wonderful event was a great way to both celebrate and validate all the great work we do through College Discovery. This program has helped Hostos to serve its diverse student body as we look to change lives through opportunity and education,” Grieco said.

On December 10, the City Council of New York’s Higher Education Committee hosted a first-time hearing at City Hall about CD and Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge (SEEK). SEEK is another similar higher education opportunity program at the senior (four-year) CUNY colleges. The request for the meeting with the City Council was made on behalf of Ms. Grieco, who is also the Chair of the University Council of College Discovery Directors. The City Council also presented a special proclamation which was read by Ms. Grieco at the 50th Anniversary Gala celebration.  

About Hostos Community College
Eugenio María de Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change that has been transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities since 1968. It serves as a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, as well as a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs. The College’s unique "Student Success Coaching Unit" provides students with individualized guidance and exemplifies its emphasis on student support services.

Recently named one of the top 10 finalists for the 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Hostos offers 27 associate degree programs and two certificate programs that facilitate easy transfer to The City University of New York’s (CUNY) four-year colleges or baccalaureate studies at other institutions. The College has an award-winning Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development that offers professional development courses and certificate-bearing workforce training programs. Hostos is part of CUNY, the nation’s leading urban public university, which serves more than 500,000 students at 24 colleges.