History Marked With Blue and Gold
Come Commencement 2026, be on the lookout for a group of students with blue and gold cords.
No, they aren’t making a color-coded fashion statement.
Rather, these students belong to Kappa Lamda, a chapter of the Delta Alpha Pi (ΔAπ) International Honor Society. Founded in 2004, Delta Alpha Pi recognizes high-achieving, post-secondary students with disabilities.
And on Wednesday, April 22 during Queensborough’s third annual awards luncheon, “Celebrating Milestones,” these students officially joined the society’s ranks.
Indeed, this was a milestone worth celebrating.
And if the speeches from CUNY LEADS Co-Chair Dr. Suzanne Jones, Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) Director Ben Freier, and President Christine Mangino, weren’t an indicator of that, then the one from guest speaker and 2025 valedictorian Emmanuel Ford certainly was.
“Each of you have worked very hard to get to this moment. I imagine many of you have put in long days and nights just trying to complete that one assignment or studying vigorously so you can pass that important exam. Some of you must have felt nervous and anxious, let me tell you — I certainly did. However, despite all those feelings you persevered and you made it.”
“Today, each of you will be honored for your achievements.”
First and foremost, the Kappa Lamda students are the first of their ilk.
Queensborough’s Delta Alpha Pi chapter was established this year, and with only four other CUNY schools having a chapter of their own, these students are not only part of an historic moment, but they are also now in very rare company — a fact they took a great deal of pride in.
“It’s such an honor to be included or thought of and recognized within such a large community; and to be selected and inducted into the [Delta Alpha Pi] honor society is very rewarding,” said Jocelyn Esguerra. “I never thought something like this could happen for me.”
"I’m honored to be a part of this,” said Alekos Matsis. “I’ve never been inducted to something like this before, and it shows that if you work hard, keep pushing and don’t stop, things like this will come your way.”
Even ignoring the historical element, becoming a member of any honor society is a worthy feat in and of itself.
In this case, it requires inductees to have completed a minimum of 24 credits while also maintaining a GPA of at least 3.10. And keeping in line with Delta Alpha Pi’s focus on disabilities, inductees must have a (documented or self-identified) disability while also working with an advisor from a specialized office on their campus (in this case, OAS).
All that said, the inductees weren’t the only ones celebrated at the event.
True to the organizers’ — OAS and CUNY LEADS — emphasis on inclusivity, every student had their chance in the limelight.
Several students received OAS Scholarship Awards, such as the Carlos M. Herrera Award and OAS Community Services Award, while others received certificates for academic achievement.
Even members of Queensborough’s staff or faculty who helped the students reach this point in any capacity were honored, including New Student Engagement Enrollment Specialist Karen Allyne, OAS Lab Coordinators Prestine Zainuddin and Sharone Bartolomeo, Administrative Assistant Reynald Pierre-Charles, English Lecturer Susan Hock, and Chief Administrative Superintendent Vivi Tsarouhas.
The accolades didn’t stop there either, as even partners belonging to CUNY Central and even those outside CUNY altogether were recognized. In fact, arguably the only people in attendance who didn’t receive formal recognition by the end of the event were the students’ parents and unaffiliated guests in attendance.
But recognition or not, this occasion was one that everyone in the room could take pride in.
Not only in Queensborough’s demonstrated dedication to its students, but also in the students’ tenacity and drive to overcome any challenges that come their way.
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