President's Report for May 2026

CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING (CETL) 

As the Spring semester comes to a close, the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL) is slowing down. As always, watch your email and check the CETL website for any events that are happening around campus and from CUNY, ACUE, & the AAC&U virtually. Our primary focus in May is on Open Educational Resources (OERs) – we invite faculty grant proposal submissions by May 4, 2026, for OER projects. To support grant writing and answer questions, the OER Coordinator (Kathleen) and CETL Director (Christi) will hold open virtual office hours; please see the CETL website for dates, times, and a Zoom link. CETL also celebrates and supports the work of the Spring Student Symposium, which is scheduled for May 1, 2026. Finally, we are excited to share and attend the following ACUE events, both offered via the ACUE Commons: The Joyful Online Teacher (May 5, 2:00-3:00pm) and Mindset Matters (May 7, 12:00-1:00pm). Looking forward to seeing you at these events and around campus!

1. Overview

 Workforce Development, reports to the Provost in the Office for Academic Affairs. The division leads and implements Workforce Development Industry Certificate Programs and short-term skills-based courses for students, alumni and adult learners throughout Queens and NYC and supports their career pathways to family-sustaining Good Jobs in the NYC region. Workforce Development collaborates with Senior Administration, Faculty, Academic Departments, Continuing Education and Administrative Depts. to secure funding from government agencies, foundations, organizations & corporations for Workforce Development Initiatives.

1. Upcoming Workforce Development Certificate Programs

• Workforce Development will be receiving a grant for $327,194.16 from the New York City Department of Small Business Services for its Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) Program, “Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) Program: Healing Through Recovery Career Pathways”, for New York City residents to become certified as Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPA). The target population includes QCC, CUNY degree and non-degree students, alumni and the NYC community, and people who are eligible for job training under the US Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA), who include low-income, low-wage workers, people on public assistance, Dislocated Workers, and special populations, including individuals with disabilities, justice-involved individuals and Veterans.  QCC will recruit and train candidates, facilitate the CRPA Certification course, facilitate of enrollment of candidates in a 3-credit Public Health course, “Addictions & Dependencies”, and place into CRPA Internships and career positions 50 people, 2 cohorts, across a year time frame, beginning in August 2026.
• Resorts World: Introduction to Gaming Careers: Workforce Development and the Office of Continuing Education are collaborating on offering a no-cost Introduction to Gaming Operations course, sponsored by Resorts World, Queens. This career-focused program will be offered to up to 50 students during an upcoming 4-week course beginning on May 7^th, which will be offered virtually for 4 weeks, and in-person at the Resorts World Casino in Queens for the last day of the course. Participants will include current and alumni students of QCC and CUNY, unemployed and underemployed adults and other people in the community interested in starting a career in the Gaming Industry.

Grants Awarded

March 1st through April 13th, 2026                                                     

Physics Department                                     

National Science Foundation (NSF): $457,927, Holden, Todd & Cheung, Tak Choi; "REU Site: Research Experiences for Community College Students in Physics and Astronomy”

OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS 

The College Advisory Planning Committee (CAPC) has been meeting and has reviewed drafts of the Institutional Effectiveness Framework. The CAPC will also be discussing the CUNY Strategic Alignment Report and CUNY 360.

The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment has launched the IR Office hour and has completed its first session on April 29. 

QCC’s 65th Annual Commencement Ceremony

• As of this writing, all class of 2026 graduation candidates have received an email and/or postcard in the mail inviting them to the Friday, May 29 commencement. Graduating students who have not received an invitation should contact Commencement@qcc.cuny.edu and an invitation will be re-sent.

• All graduates who plan to participate in this year's commencement ceremony order a cap & gown set by the deadline of Monday, May 4.
  • Orders placed between Tuesday, May 5 - Friday, May 15 will incur increased shipping.
  • ASAP students may be eligible to receive a complimentary cap & gown set. The ASAP Program has already reached out to these students with instructions on how to reserve one.

• Students who plan to complete their degree requirements during the summer 2026 semester and would like to participate in the Friday, May 29 commencement must self-identify by completing the Summer 2026 Graduation Candidate Ceremony Participation Form by Friday, May 8 for consideration. To be a summer 2026 graduation candidate, a student must have a 1.9 or higher cumulative GPA and be enrolled in their remaining degree requirements for the summer 2026 semester by Friday, May 8.
• All graduates planning to participate in the May 29 commencement ceremony must RSVP online via Eventbrite by Friday, May 22.

Student Honors/Awards

QCC student and Phi Theta Kappa member, Ms., Kehinde Adekunle, has been selected to receive the GS Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship for New Students. The scholarship, funded directly by the Columbia School of General Studies, is available each academic year to PTK members. Ms. Adekunle has been a remarkable student leader and active member of the honor society. Back in March, she was named to the 2026 All-New York Academic Team in recognition of her scholarly achievements while enrolled in a New York Community College. Additionally, Kehinde is a class of 2026 graduation candidate.

Student Support Resources:

• Faculty and staff are asked to encourage our students to avail themselves of valuable and free resources offered through the QCC Advocacy Resource Center. Services provided include (but are not limited to) public benefits screening, financial coaching, legal assistance, tax preparation services, housing assistance, food pantry referrals, and more.
• Emergency funding is available to students who face a financial crisis that puts at risk their continued enrollment toward their QCC degree. Supported through a grant from The Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation, the funds provide one-time, emergency grants to students in good standing with short-term financial emergencies to enable them to remain in school, rather than being forced to leave or drop out. Students with short-term financial emergencies should be referred to Ms. Amawati Gonesh, Advocacy Resource Center Program Manager, via email at AGonesh@qcc.cuny.edu.  Additional information can be found online at QCC Scholarships.
• FAFSA Fest - The Office of Financial Services will be hosting weekly FAFSA Fest workshops to assist students with completing their financial aid applications. For the spring 2026 semester, events will take place on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the Library Building Room L-117 now through May 6. These sessions are open to both new and continuing students. Workshops for Summer 2026 are still being determined and will be added to the Financial Aid Calendar of Events once finalized.
• The Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity is not a traditional scholarship focused on rewarding academic achievement and financial need. Its specific goal is to reward and encourage innovative and creative problem-solving by honoring students who excel as creative problem-solvers and helping make their higher education goals more accessible. The scholarship award amounts range from $4,000 to $20,000 for up to four years. The deadline for applying is Friday, May 15.
• The Eye Bank of New York recognizes students with the Young Ambassador Scholarship. The annual $3,000 scholarship is intended to encourage young people to pursue learning and help spread the message about the priceless gift of eye donation. The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 15. Please visit their website for additional information and to apply.
• The NYCHA-CUNY (New York City Housing Authority) Resident Scholarship Program is now accepting applications. The program is a collaboration of the New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) and the City University New York (“CUNY”) to help low-and moderate-income NYCHA residents attending CUNY colleges, as undergraduates, realize their full potential through higher education. Annually, the scholarship awards $1000 to eligible NYCHA residents who are enrolled at CUNY colleges. The deadline for applying is June 23, 2026.

• Free and confidential HIV Testing, provided by Northwell Health, will take place every Wednesday between the hours of 11:00 am – 3:00 pm for the duration of the spring 2026 semester in the Office of Health Services, located in the Medical Arts Building – Room MC02. This initiative is open to all QCC students, faculty, and staff.

• QMRC Presents: Sing Your Heart Out – on Wednesday, May 6, the Queensborough Male Resource Center invites all QCC students, faculty, and staff to come sing their heart out, share their favorite songs, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while preparing for final exams. And come with friends! Enjoy a low-pressure time to laugh and connect with fellow students. Let’s trade library etiquette for a microphone, some snacks, and some seriously good vibes!

• The QMRC will host a graduation cap decorating event, QMRC Presents: Your Story, Your Cap, on Thursday, May 7 at 12:00 pm. All graduating students planning to participate in commencement are invited to attend and decorate their graduation cap to their liking, with supplies provided by the QMRC.

• The QCC Class of 2026 Graduation Fair/End of Semester Celebration will take place on Wednesday, May 13 at 12:00 pm in the Quad. Hosted by the Office of Student Affairs, an information table will be present for class of 2026 graduation candidates who need assistance RSVP'ing for the ceremony, ordering their cap & gown online, ordering a college ring, and more. A representative will be present for students looking to RSVP for the upcoming Lavender Ceremony and Sankofa Celebration. Free tacos, courtesy of El Toro Rojo Food Truck, will be available to the first 300 attendees.
• MRC Presents: A Film Discussion – On Wednesday, May 13 at 1:00 pm, the Queensborough Male Resource Center will host a film discussion for all QCC students, faculty, and staff featuring two powerful short films that explore identity, loyalty, and life-changing decisions. This event is sponsored by the Department of Communication, Theatre & Media Production.
• All QCC students, faculty, and staff are invited to the QMRC Spring Reset Pop Up on Thursday, May 14 at 1:00 pm. Join us at the Spring Reset Pop Up - a chill, high-impact experience designed to help you recharge, refocus, and finish the semester strong. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a quick mental refresh, we’ve got you covered.

• The PRIDE Center will be hosting a social mixer on the President’s Terrace on Thursday, May 14 at 1:00 pm. The mixer will be an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, staff, and allies to meet, engage, and build community on campus.

• LaGuardia Community College will host the 2026 CUNY Queens Lavender Graduation Ceremony on Friday, May 15 at 1:00 pm in their E-Building Atrium. LGBTQIA+ and Ally Class of 2026 graduates from Queensborough Community College, LaGuardia Community College, Queens College, York College, and the CUNY School of Law are invited to participate in this celebratory event and will be honored. RSVP is required by the deadline of Friday, May 8 for those who wish to attend.
• The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs will host the Fourth Annual QCC Day on Saturday, May 16 at 9:00 am. This event will be an opportunity to showcase QCC to the broader community by inviting them to campus to learn about student support programs, take a campus tour, and more. Prospective summer and fall 2026 new incoming students and their families will be invited to attend for admission and 2026-2027 FAFSA application assistance. In addition, the Department of Student Athletics will host their Third Annual QCC Tiger5k Run/Walk to benefit intercollegiate athletics programming at the college for our students.

• The Fourth Annual Sankofa Celebration will take place on Tuesday, May 26 at 12:00 pm in QPAC. Co-sponsored by the QCC Incubator, The Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA), and the Black Student Union (BSU), this year's event will celebrate the academic accomplishments of the 2026 graduating class who identify as Black/African American. Attendees will hear remarks from President Christine Mangino, BSU President La Shaun Dornick, and special invited guests. Following the event's conclusion, a reception will take place on The Great Lawn/Oakland Loggia.

• The PRIDE Center will host a Pride Flag Raising on Wednesday, May 27 at 12:00 pm by the Flagpole. This will be to kick off Pride month and to promote the Queens Pride Parade. Pride gear will be distrusted at the event.

I am pleased to provide the following update from the Division of Finance and Administration:

Budget and Fiscal Planning

The College has begun its annual budget development process for FY27. Divisions and departments have been provided with guidance to ensure that all budget requests are aligned with the College’s Strategic Plan, particularly in preparation for the upcoming Middle States review. Emphasis continues to be placed on transparency, accountability, and the completion of all required submission materials to support effective decision-making.

As we approach the close of the fiscal year, the Division is also working closely with departments to ensure timely processing of expenditures and compliance with year-end deadlines.

Facilities and Campus Operations

Buildings and Grounds continues to support campus operations and address infrastructure needs. I am pleased to report that the Medical Arts elevator has been restored and is fully operational. The team remains focused on maintaining safe, functional, and welcoming campus spaces 

In recognition of Earth Day, Buildings and Grounds hosted a campus clean-up and planting activity. This initiative, prompted by interest from staff, faculty and students and reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

Auxiliary Services

We are moving forward with the recruitment of a Director of Auxiliary Food Services and Hospitality Operations, a key leadership role that will oversee campus dining and catering services. The position has been structured to support both operational excellence and the enhancement of the campus experience. The search process will follow CUNY protocols, with a committee being formed to ensure a thorough and equitable review.

Grant Funds Received:

• Southpole Foundation has awarded $20,000 in grant funds for merit scholarships to Queensborough students. Since 2007, the Foundation has contributed $280,000 in scholarship funds, directly benefiting over 250 students.

• AllianceBernstein Gives has once again awarded $30,000 in grant funding to the Queensborough’s Male Resource Center (MRC). Since 2021, AB Gives has contributed a total of $180,000 to the Center. This generous and ongoing support helped equip the MRC when it first opened and helped establish The Vault, our on-campus clothing resource for students. We are deeply grateful to AllianceBernstein Gives for investing in the success and well-being of our students.

Art Gallery

Internship Program:

Museums Studies -2 Students

Flushing International High School- 2 Students

Bayside High School – 2 Students

List of exhibits/events through May 2026 – Oakland Building

April 21, 2026 through May 29, 2026 - Juried Student Exhibit, Art & Design Department 

The Juried Student Exhibition is the summation of a year of effort and brilliance by our students, the best works selected and exalted by being presented in a professional context.

April 21, 2026 through May 29, 2026 - For the Love of Turtles, Dr. Anthony Monahan 

The main subject of Dr. Monahan’s work is the turtle, Earth’s most distinct genre of animals. Turtles are beloved throughout the world. Unfortunately, it is not widely known that turtles are the most vulnerable group of animals on the planet. Over half of its 360 species faces extinction. Many of the pieces on display in this exhibit reflect their plight. Through creativity, Dr. Monahan strives to raise awareness of turtles and inform the world that they are in trouble and need our help.

After 15 years at QCC, Dr. Monahan plans to retire upon the conclusion of the spring, 2026 semester. He will then shift his professional and creative focus toward turtle conservation. He loved his time at this institution and has always felt honored to work besides his colleagues and for our students. He considers it the greatest privilege of his life to be a Queensborough Professor.

May 21, 2026 - Central Africa (Congo) Exhibit 

“Exploring the traditional Arts of Central Africa,” is an exhibition of important works of Art from both the DR Congo and Congo (Brazzaville) showcasing exceptional examples of the traditional sculpture of the peoples of this region of Africa. The show will present objects whose forms influenced Western contemporary art and still resonate with power and cultural significance.

Kupferberg Holocaust Center 

RECORDED EVENTS:

Recordings of the spring ’26 semester programs are available on the KHC’s website:

KHC public programs: https://khc.qcc.cuny.edu/recordings/

KHC curated playlists: https://www.youtube.com/user/CUNYQueensborough/playlists

KHC ORIGINAL EXHIBITIONS:

Genocide and Mass Atrocities: Connecting History, Violence and Accountability

New In Person Exhibition

This exhibition showcases a range of historical and contemporary genocides and mass atrocities, highlighting the human suffering and societal devastation. It also presents the ongoing challenges faced by communities in seeking justice, accountability, reparations, and rebuilding after large-scale human rights violations.

The Concentration Camps: Inside the Nazi System of Incarceration and Genocide

On View and Online at: https://khc.qcc.cuny.edu/camps/

The KHC continues to offer self-guided audio tours of its original exhibition which surveys the scope and brutality of the Nazi system of incarceration and genocide, underscoring the horrific consequences of antisemitism, racism, and authoritarianism. In addition to the exhibit’s text, images, and artifacts, personal testimonies from local Holocaust survivors offer painful insights into these excruciating landscapes of degradation and dehumanization.

Please email KHC@qcc.cuny.edu to schedule a tour for your class.

Queensborough Performing Arts Center (QPAC)

A national search is being conducted for the next Director of QPAC. An assessment will be conducted to determine how we can expand QPAC’s involvement in the borough and further integrate the Center with the College as we enter this next chapter in QPAC history. While a national search is launched and conducted, Mark Amsterdam, who has worked for QPAC for three decades, has been appointed Interim Director.

There are 58 total events in the theatre between May 12^th and June 28, 2026. They are as follows:

• Arts on Stage, Daytime Rentals
• Tuesday, May 12, 2026
• Wednesday, May 13, 2026
• Thursday, May 14, 2026
• Monday, May 18, 2026
• Tuesday, May 19, 2026
• Wednesday, May 20, 2026
• Music Department (Evenings)
• May 12, 2026 - Choral/Vocal Pop Choir
• May 13, 2026 - Improv Ensemble
• May 14, 2026 - Percussion/ Jazz Ensemble
• Bais Yaakov Academy - Rehearsal/Graduation
• Friday, May 15, 2026 (Daytime)
• Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (Evening)
• Moves in Motion - Evening Rental
• Friday, May 15, 2026
• Oratorio Society of Queens - Rental
• Saturday, May 16, 2026 - Rehearsal
• Sunday, May 17, 2026 – Concert
• Queens Dance Academy - Evening/Daytime Rental
• Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - Evening)
• Saturday, June 6, 2026 - Daytime
• CITE, Sage College (Graduation)
• Wednesday, May 20, 2026 – Evening
• Nurses Candle Lighting Ceremony - Daytime

• Thursday, May 21, 2026 - Rehearsal
• Wednesday, May 27, 2026 - Candle Lighting Ceremony 

• Dance Department - Repertory Company
• Thursday, May 21, 2026 - Night
• Taoli World Dance Competition - Memorial Day Weekend Rental

• Saturday, May 23, 2026 – All Day
• Sunday, May 24, 2026 - All Day 

• Sankofa - Graduation
• Tuesday, May, 26, 2026
• American Dance & Drama – Rental
• Thursday, May 28, 2026
• Perfection Dance Studio – Rental
• Friday,  May 29, 2026 – Evening
• Saturday, June 27, 2026 - Evening
• Studio E - Rental
• Saturday, May 30, 2026 - All Day
• Mary Louis Academy - Graduation
• Sunday, May 31, 2026 – Evening
• Honey Academy – Rental
• Thursday, June 4, 2026 – All Day
• York Early College (Rental)
• Friday, June 5, 2026 – Morning Rehearsal
• Thursday, June 11, 2026 – Afternoon/Evening Graduation
• MVP Dance - Rental
• Friday, May 5, 2026 – Evening
• Strut Your Stuff Dance Company – Rental
• Sunday, May 7, 2026 – Daytime
• Yeshiva University High School Graduation (Rental)
• Monday, June 8, 2026 – Evening
• ASPA Dance School - Rental
• Tuesday, June 9, 2026 – Rehearsal #1 
• Wednesday, June 10, 2026 – Rehearsal #2
• Sunday, June 14, 2026 - Shows All Day
• P.S. 224 – Rental
• Friday, June 12, 2026 – All Day
• Mossa Dance School (Rental)
• Saturday, June 13, 2026 – Shows All Day
• Yeshiva Central Queens Graduation
• Monday, June 15, 2026 – Evening
• CITE, Alfred University Graduation
• Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – Evening
• Hidden Talents Dance School – Rental
• Thursday, June 18, 2026 - Rehearsal
• Friday, June 19, 2026 – Show
• Love to Dance School (Rental)

• Saturday, June 20, 2026 – Daytime 

• Hamilton Dance School - Rental
• Saturday, June 20, 2026 – Evening
• Bodies in Motion Dance School – Rental
• Sunday, June 21, 2026 – All Day
• Medical Professions Graduation – Rental
• Monday, June 22, 2026 – Daytime
• George Washington Carver High School – Rental
• Monday, June 22, 2026 – Night
• Middle School 192 Graduation – Rental

• Tuesday, June 23, 2026 – Evening 

•  B Tech Graduation – Daytime
• Wednesday, June 24, 2026
•  RFK High School Graduation – Rental
• Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – Evening
•  Bell Academy Middle School – Rental

• Thursday, June 25, 2026 – Morning 

•  Epic High School Graduation – Rental

• Thursday, June 25, 2026 – Evening  

• Queens Preparatory High School Graduation (Rental)
• Friday, June 26, 2026 – Morning
•    Jamaica Gateway High School - Rental
• Friday, June 26, 2026 - Evening
• Dancin’ Queens Dance School - Rental

• Saturday, June 27, 2026 – Daytime 

•  Perfection Dance Center Dance School – Rental
• Saturday, June 27, 2026 – Evening
• Jump Dance School – Rental
• Sunday June 28, 2026 – Daytime
• That’s Dancin’ Dance School - Rental

• Sunday, June 28, 2026 - Night