Hostos Community College

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An educational change agent in the South Bronx. The Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture (HCAC) is one of the pre-eminent Latino arts centers of the northeast.

Hostos Community College is an educational agent for change, transforming and improving the quality of life in the South Bronx and neighboring communities since 1968. Hostos serves as a gateway to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility, and a point of departure for lifelong learning, success in professional careers, and transfer to advanced higher education programs. The College’s unique "student success coach" program, which partners students with individualized guidance, is emblematic of the premier emphasis on student support and services. Hostos offers 29 associate degree programs and 5 certificate programs that facilitate easy transfer to The City University of New York (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. The HCAC has distinguished itself for showcasing traditional art forms as well as emerging and internationally renowned artists. Hostos Community College is part of CUNY, the nation’s leading urban public university serving more than 480,000 students at 24 colleges.

10/28/2026

On Tuesday, Hostos celebrated Italian Heritage Month with a presentation by York College Professor Samuel Ghelli titled “Mangia, Mangia: Two Words, More Than One Story.” The insightful talk explored how the phrase “mangia, mangia” (“eat, eat”) goes beyond food, symbolizing family, heritage, connection, and more.

President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, whose husband is Italian, shared her pride in honoring family heritage and celebrating the beauty, traditions, and global contributions of Italians and Italian Americans.

The presentation was facilitated by Allied Health Professor Charles Drago and included additional greetings from Andrea Fabrizio, Provost & VP of Academic Affairs, and Philip Oliveri, Chief Diversity Officer — both of whom are of Italian descent and reflected on how food and family meals connect them to their roots. Dr. Donna Chirico, Professor at York College representing the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, was also present. She recognized Hostos history professors Marcella Bencivenni and Stephen J. Cerulli, who specialize in the Italian diaspora, as “outstanding in the field.”

For the main event — the entree, if you will — Ghelli explained that “mangia, mangia” is more than an invitation to eat. “A simple translation cannot capture the voice, the gesture, or the relationship that gives the invitation its meaning,” he said. “Some of us may hear a parent or grandparent offering a plate, adding another helping or insisting when we thought the meal was over.”

Tracing the phrase from 19th Century Sicily to the Italian American table to contemporary media, he showed how its meaning changes depending on context — becoming an offer of sustenance during times of hunger, practical support during times of distress, or a bridge connecting generations over language barriers and different experiences. It can also transcend personal experience and sometimes become a stereotype.

Ghelli concluded the talk with a reflection on how “words can preserve a voice, introduce an experience, or turn a person into a recognizable type.” He continued: “That is what makes their survival worth studying.”

10/28/2026

At Hostos, standing with immigrants is a commitment to one another, to our shared humanity, and to the belief that everyone deserves to feel respected and valued in the communities they call home.

On October 27, we came together for the “I Stand with Immigrants” Day of Action. Community organizations tabled in the C-building lobby, sharing essential resources and information to support immigrants. Students, faculty, and staff also showed up to demonstrate their support, reminding us that solidarity is something we practice.

Led by Marina Esquilín, coordinator of the Hostos Scholarship Office, and organized in collaboration with CUNY LEADS, the Health and Wellness Center, the I Stand with Immigrants Initiative, the Scholarship Club, and Veteran Affairs, the event reaffirmed what makes Hostos special: a community that recognizes our differences as strengths and understands that we are stronger when we stand together.

“This event fosters understanding and respect and affirms our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for immigrants,” said Esquilín. “We also want to call attention to injustices in immigration policies and procedures and their impact on people’s lives, including the case of Pierre Damas Bel, a Haitian immigrant and honor student studying neuroscience in Ohio who died by su***de in August 2026 after facing the devastating uncertainty surrounding the revocation of his Temporary Protected Status (TPS).”

At a time when immigrant communities face uncertainty and challenges, our message is clear: Your stories matter. Your contributions matter. You belong here, and you are part of our community every single day.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or anxiety related to immigration issues, support is available. You can contact the Hostos Counseling Center at (718) 518-4461 or (718) 518-4351 or visit Room C-330. You can also call or text the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org. You do not have to navigate these challenges alone.

10/27/2026

This morning, Hostos staff prepared a beautiful ofrenda/altar in the C-Building lobby in honor of Día de los Mu***os (Day of the Dead), celebrated November 1-2.

Observed in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, as well as in the U.S., the multi-day celebration honors deceased loved ones. Hostos’ ofrenda features photos of beloved members of the College community who have passed away, and includes traditional elements such as food, candles, flowers, and papel picado — decorative tissue paper cut into intricate patterns. Celebrities who passed away this year are also included in the display.

The College began celebrating Día de los Mu***os more than a decade ago in response to students’ desire to celebrate the rich tradition on campus, and Jerry Rosa, Director of Student Activities, has kept it going in the years since. This year, Melanie García, College Assistant in the Office of the Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, and Magdalena Díaz, one of CUNY EDGE’s advisors, supported Rosa in preparing the altar.

Do you celebrate Día de los Mu***os?

Visit the ofrenda in the C-Building lobby if you have a moment this week.

***os

10/26/2026

Congratulations to Fabián Sergio Wander, Director of Health and Wellness at Hostos Community College, on his selection for the 2026-27 HACU Leadership Academy (La Academia de Liderazgo)!

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ prestigious yearlong fellowship brings together experienced higher education professionals from across the country to strengthen their leadership skills and prepare for senior executive roles in higher education.

As part of this distinguished cohort, Fabián will deepen his expertise in institutional strategy, finance, strategic planning, enrollment management, and community engagement. A $10,000 Capital One Scholarship supports his fellowship, which he received as part of his Academy application.

Reflecting on this opportunity, Fabián shared: “I see the Academy as an opportunity to expand my leadership perspective, challenge myself, and prepare for the next phase of my career while remaining grounded in the values that brought me into higher education in the first place.”

Throughout his more than a decade at Hostos, Fabián has championed a holistic approach to student success, recognizing the connections between mental health, physical wellness, belonging, and academic achievement.

We are proud to celebrate Fabián’s achievement and his continued dedication to advancing student success, expanding opportunities, and preparing the next generation of higher education leaders. Congratulations, Fabián!

10/23/2026

Meet Alex Dankwa, the new Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach for our men’s and women’s programs! A proud Bronx native, Coach Dankwa’s journey has taken him from accomplished collegiate sprinter to an inspiring leader for our Caimans.

Dankwa started running as a high school freshman, where he competed in sprints and long jump events. At Mohawk Community College, he became the 2015 NJCAA Indoor Region III 60m champion and contributed to a record-setting 4x400-meter relay before going on to compete and study at Buffalo State University. Dankwa went on to build a diverse professional track record, coaching at both the NCAA Division I and NJCAA Division III levels. He started as a volunteer coach for the Eclipse Track & Field Club, then he returned to Mohawk CC to assist with relays. After leading sprints at Niagara University and Cross Country/Track & Field at York College, Dankwa returned to the Bronx.

“It feels really good to be able to come back here and actually give back to the community where I'm from, especially with track and field,” he said. “This has helped shape me as a person and helped shape my character as a whole, so to be able to come back to the division that I ran at — the NJCAA Division III — it actually means a lot to me.”

Dankwa’s coaching style focuses on holistic development, combining athletics, academics, and personal growth. He emphasizes the “student’ in “student-athlete” and believes community college sports pave pathways to success, from transfer opportunities to scholarships.

Dankwa also sees running as a way to build resilience. “As we’re running, the body releases endorphins — that feel good chemical in the brain,” he explains. “It helps build structure, it helps build discipline, and it helps us realize that even when things are feeling difficult, we can get through it.”

His mantra: "Life isn't ruffling your feathers — it's lifting your wings."

Dankwa is confident in both the men’s and women’s teams, which include experienced track and field athletes and athletes who are new to the sport. They are currently training for the spring season, which begins in March.

10/22/2026

Prevention is powerful, and knowledge can save lives!

On Wednesday, October 21, Hostos’ Office of Health and Wellness brought the community together at the A-Atrium for our Breast Cancer Awareness Month Fair, celebrating health education, early detection, and the strength of survivors!

From informational tables sharing resources on breast cancer awareness and early detection to free blood pressure and glucose screenings, the event, which was part of the national Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebrations, created space for learning, connection, and taking charge of our health. And, of course, there were snacks and plenty of positive energy!

A big thank you to Nurse Vásquez and her team, and everyone who participated in making this event a reminder that awareness matters, prevention starts with education, and supporting survivors means standing together as a community.

At Hostos, we believe that caring for our community starts with empowering one another!

10/19/2026

Hostos Community College is in the spotlight! We invite our community to watch a special episode of ABC7’s award-winning program “Tiempo,” which aired Sunday, October 18, at 11:30 a.m. Link in bio!

Titled “Trailblazers and Unsung Heroes,” the episode celebrates the people and institutions making a difference in Latino communities throughout the New York metropolitan area, with Hostos serving as the backdrop for this historic broadcast.

Taped before a live audience in the Hostos Main Theater on September 24, the special marked the first time in the program’s 43-year history that “Tiempo” took its production on the road. Hosted by ABC7 journalist Joe Torres, the program brought together Latino leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and community advocates whose work continues to shape their communities.

Hostos President Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis reflected on the College’s history and mission, highlighting its enduring commitment to educational access and opportunity in the South Bronx.

The episode also featured Dr. Julie Gafney, Hostos Vice President for Institutional Advancement, who joined Hispanic Federation President and CEO Frankie Miranda and Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson for a conversation on Latino leadership.

Hostos alumna Ianna Andrade, a graduate of the College’s Dental Hygiene program and founder and CEO of Hire Up Services, shared her journey from student to entrepreneur, highlighting the impact of her Hostos education on her professional success.

Other featured guests included Sunny Hostin, co-host of ABC’s “The View”; David Caba, founder of Bronx Rising Against Gun Violence; community outreach worker Kunta Lugo, also known as Nelly; sportswear designer Kevin Leonel; café owner Héctor Carvajal; Broadway performer Rick Negrón; and multi-Grammy Award-winning musician Arturo O’Farrill, who performed with his band ahead of the taping.

Watch the special and celebrate the leaders, changemakers, and community voices making a difference across the region.

10/16/2026

WE’RE ON THE AIR! This SUNDAY, October 18, tune in to a special “Tiempo” episode filmed at our beloved Hostos. You can catch it at 11:30 a.m. on WABC-TV (Ch. 7) New York OR WABC-DT2 (Digital Ch. 7.2)!

From our community, you will hear from Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Hostos President; Dr. Juley Gafney, VP of Institutional Advancement; and Ianna Andrade, Hostos alumna.

10/15/2026

How can families help shape the digital media their children consume? A research project at Hostos Community College shows the value of putting parents and caregivers at the center of media design.

On Wednesday, October 14, Dr. Mariana Díaz-Wionczek, Assistant Professor in the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department and IDEAS and ADELANTE grantee, presented findings from “Alma in the Bronx,” a community-engaged research project conducted in partnership with the Hostos Children’s Center. The presentation, “From Community Voices to Media Design: Lessons from ‘Alma in the Bronx,’” was part of the Fall 2026 Hostos Research Center Colloquium Series and explored how families’ experiences and perspectives can inform the development of children’s media.

The project brought together 21 parents and caregivers from the Hostos community, with children ages 3-6, for bilingual focus groups and co-design workshops inspired by “Alma’s Way,” an animated preschool series set in the Bronx. The participants developed six original game concepts grounded in everyday neighborhood experiences, including shopping at C-Town and playing basketball in the park.

The families’ contributions are already informing a new “Alma’s Way” digital game in development. With support from an ADELANTE award, the research team is also developing a bilingual community brief for families and a design guide for media creators.

Hostos students Maddison Plunkett, Lucía Figueroa, and Branden Rodríguez supported the initiative as research assistants.

“Families don’t just give feedback. When you invite them in, they bring knowledge, creativity, and a vision for their children that no expert could have produced alone,” noted Dr. Díaz-Wionczek.

The project received funding through Hostos IDEAS (2025), ADELANTE (2026), and a PSC-CUNY Research Award.

10/15/2026

We look good on News 12 The Bronx! We continue celebrating our renamed and accessible subway station!

Address

500 Grand Concourse Street
New York, NY
10451

Telephone

+17185184444

Website

http://www.hostos.cuny.edu/

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