BC News Archive - 2021

Holiday Shopping Trends for 2021

Professor Ngoc Cindy Pham Explains the Positives and Negatives in the COVID-19 Retail Market

2021 Year in Review at Brooklyn College

Despite the ongoing pandemic, there was a lot to celebrate in a year that saw new institutional alliances, big initiatives, prestigious awards, and a safe and successful partial return to campus. 

President Michelle J. Anderson Named to Brooklyn Borough President-Elect Antonio Reynoso’s Transition Committee

Serving as an expert on education, Anderson will work with other top community leaders to help move the borough of Brooklyn forward. 

Composer Thomas Nazziola ’06 Nominated for Grammy Award

The former Conservatory of Music student brings a global array of musical influences to an album that he hopes takes listeners on a journey. 

Brooklyn College Featured in The Princeton Review’s “Guide to Green Colleges” 2022 Edition

The campus was picked with 419 others from across the globe that prove their commitment to the environment and sustainability and educating students in these areas. 

Steven Spielberg Discusses West Side Story With Brooklyn College Community

Drawing an online audience of hundreds, the iconic director talked about everything from the cultural and historical significance of the new film breaking down barriers, to the challenges of making a musical for the first time. 

A Look in The Modern Window

Assistant Professor Derrick Adams continues to celebrate moments of everyday Black life in an installation at the Museum of Modern Art.

Junior Kevin Reyes Reflects on Importance of Mentorship

The finance major believes in testing the business waters through more than one internship in the field and hopes to one day give back as a career mentor. 

Brooklyn College Welcomes Steven Spielberg for Special Lecture

The college closes its West Side Story: The Brooklyn Connection series with a conversation with the new film’s iconic director.

Junior Zahra Jamil Awarded Belle Zeller Scholarship

The award frees Jamil to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, and helps lay the foundation for her to join the ranks of women scientists doing research in that field.

Brooklyn College Ranked in Top 10 Nationwide on Latest Social Mobility Index Report

The study benchmarks four-year U.S. colleges and universities according to how effectively they enroll students from low-income backgrounds and graduate them into good-paying jobs.

She Goes in Peace

An alumna searching for answers to some big questions travels to Rome for a unique master’s degree program that feeds her desires to affect change. 

David Prerau, Expert on Daylight Saving Time, Speaks on the Much-Debated Practice

Says switching to standard time during the winter months is still the best compromise. 

Jan-Kristòf Louis-Mansano ’13, ’16 M.S. Looks to Fill the Equity Gaps in Education

An internship through the Brooklyn College Career Center helped Louis-Mansano more easily achieve his goal of becoming an educator. Today he believes that leadership can be fostered in students by full access to public education and curricula that match their interests and lived experiences.

Finding Her Focus

An alumna was inspired by a class assignment to make a documentary on the Young Lords. Now it’s being shown on The New York Times’ Op-Docs. 

Brooklyn College Was Well-Represented in New York City Elections

Jumaane Williams was re-elected as public advocate as Shahana Hanif becomes the first Muslim woman elected to NYC Council.

Mining the Resources

Inspired by her mentors, whom she met through the Magner Career Center, Ariel Abramova has gone on to become a peer mentor herself and, through internships, is already gaining valuable experience in her chosen career of human resources. 

Brooklyn College Undergraduate Students Screen Their Documentaries at DOC NYC Film Festival

The showcase is free and being offered both live and streamed online.

Brooklyn College Welcomes Lisa Lowe, Ph.D., as Its 2021–2022 Hess Scholar in Residence

Professor of American Studies at Yale University will headline discussions on the Asian-American experience, legacies of settler colonialism, slavery, and empire in the contemporary United States.

Brooklyn College Announces the Opening of New Cancer Center to Address Health Disparities in the Fight Against Cancer

The Brooklyn College Cancer Center (BCCC-CURE) is the first education-based center of its kind in Brooklyn focused on research and community partnerships.

A Tech Pipeline Program at Brooklyn College Leads Computer Science Majors to Success

In its third year, the program gives students training in soft skills, industry experience, a head start in technical careers, and adds new talent to the New York City workforce.

Brooklyn College Cancer Center (BCCC-CURE) to Host First Brooklyn Breast Cancer Symposium

Brooklyn College Cancer Center (BCCC-CURE) joins Maimonides Medical Center (MMC), SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) for an all-day free public outreach event.

Brooklyn College joins Bloomberg LP, Centerbridge, and Goldman Sachs to Launch “CUNY Futures in Finance,” a Comprehensive Financial Sector Careers Program

Students join others from City College and Lehman College to train for careers with industry leaders and support New York City’s recovery.

The Heart of Brooklyn College to Undergo Major Improvements

East Quad to get new trees, plantings, and infrastructure improvements aimed at building on the historic character of the college’s most iconic space.

Tony Awards Salute Brooklyn College Faculty and Alumni

Professor Justin Townsend wins a Tony Award for Best Lighting and alumni Jiyoun Chang ’01 and Woodie King Jr ’99 are recognized. 

Brooklyn College Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month With Free Public Events

The programs include a lecture series on the artistic and cultural Impact of West Side Story 

Anthropology Professor Naomi Schiller Speaks on Urgent Tasks Facing U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Accessibility to healthy and sustainable homes is a top priority says Schiller.

Brooklyn College Welcomes Back Alumnus and Television/Broadway Performer Damon Evans

Member of Class of 2019 will share his experiences of being at the Stonewall Riot, being a performer in theater and on TV, navigating Brooklyn College as an older student.

Brooklyn College Ranks First for Ethnic Diversity by U.S. News & World Report for Fourth Straight Year

U.S. News & World Report also recognizes the college as a leader in helping students ascend the socioeconomic ladder.

The Essentials

While many students, staff, and faculty members have now returned to Brooklyn College for the first time since March 2020, a crew of more than 200 employees per day has held the campus down since early in the pandemic. 

Brooklyn College to Toll Bells in Memory of Those Lost on September 11

The college community is asked to observe moments of silence at solemn times.

Big Apple Teaching Award Winner Is Redefining Physical Education

Brooklyn College School of Education alumna Sasha Roopchand ’16 teaches health care and physical education alongside math and reading, believes working with her students and families comes first. 

Sociologist Gregory C. Smithsimon on the Legacy of September 11

Author of September 12: Community and Neighborhood Recovery at Ground Zero offers unique perspectives on the 20th anniversary.

Brooklyn College Featured in The Princeton Review’s “Best 387 Colleges” Guide for 2022

Leading senior CUNY college joins only approximately 14% of America’s 2,700 four-year institutions that are profiled in the 30th anniversary edition of the book.

Brooklyn College’s Department of Puerto Rican and Latino Studies Presents Educational Series on West Side Story

Part of the New York Latinx Culture and the Arts Curriculum, the program focuses 
on the iconic film’s Brooklyn connection and lasting social and cultural impact. 

Haitian Studies Institute Receives $1 Million From New York City Council

As the Haitian diaspora deals with twin calamities from the recent earthquake and the assassination of its president, the funding brings resources to help address a wide range of issues.

Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema Lands on Two Prestigious Lists

The only film school in the nation located on a working film lot named one of the best by both The Hollywood Reporter and MovieMaker magazines. 

Brooklyn College Center for Achievement in Science Education Wins National Award for Its Inspiring Programs in STEM

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine recognizes the college as a leader in supporting traditionally underrepresented students who pursue degrees in science and technology.

Professor Earns Fellowship from New York Foundation for the Arts

The award will help fund Irina Patkanian’s latest documentary on Cuba’s political and economic transformation. 

Lila Hassan ‘ 16 Earns Investigative Reporting Fellowship

The former Brooklyn College Scholars Program student will spend a year investigating ICE arrests and accountability. 

Associate Provost Interviews American Council on Education President for Web Series

Tammie Cumming co-hosted a talk that explored emerging changes in campus practice.

Brooklyn College Celebrates New Healthcare Career Alliance

The new Healthcare Career Hub of Central and South Brooklyn: Brooklyn College, Kingsborough Community College, and Medgar Evers College—Building the Workforce Ecosystem aims to expand healthcare workforce.

Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema Named One of Best in North America

MovieMaker magazine lauded the school’s outstanding film training and mentorship as some of the best in the United States and Canada.

Brooklyn College Library to Create Hasidism in America Film Archive

New material will enrich scholarship in a broad range of humanities disciplines, including religious studies, immigration history, and urban studies, among others. 

Brooklyn College Offers First Undergraduate Business Program Focused on Diversity and Inclusion at the Koppelman School of Business

The new program of study within the business administration major will incorporate liberal arts and focus on addressing racial, ethnic, and gender inequities.

Recent Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music Graduate Thrives in International Online Competitions

Martyna Kucinskaite '21 M.M. had to adapt to not playing for live audiences during the pandemic, but persevered to win major awards.

College Group Launches Asian American Faculty and Staff Association

Spurred by events across the country and support from the BC administration, a group that had been in discussions for some time makes it official. 

Four Brooklyn College Students Earn Fulbright Internships

The rising juniors and seniors will work on diverse research topics, from how the brain processes music to a water-purification technique. 

Brooklyn College Undergraduate Film Festival Scheduled for June 24, 25

39th annual event will be held online and is free and open to the public. 

Brooklyn College Department of Chemistry Earns 2021 Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences

The award celebrates the successful recruitment and promotion of women and faculty of color at the college, which has led to a significantly more diverse faculty.

Brooklyn College Distinguished Professor Emeritus Tania León Receives Pulitzer Prize in Music

The prominent award adds to a long list of notable accolades for the former director of music composition. 

Brooklyn College Raises More Than $2.1 Million to Help Students Overcome Financial Challenges Brought on by Pandemic

A combination of donations and other financial assistance from various supporters was key to student success.

Brooklyn College Recognizes Class of 2021

“Resiliency and Hope” is the theme as 4,699 graduates celebrated with special guests at online celebration.

Brooklyn College to Salute the Resilient Class of 2021 Through Online Commencement

The College will celebrate the accomplishments of 4,738 total students and recognize Fatima Goss Graves as its 2021 Honorary Degree recipient.

#BCGrad2021 Celebrates Resilience and Hope: Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center Is the Honorary Degree Recipient for Commencement 2021

Her unflagging support for women’s rights and role as a defender of equality and fairness have resulted in lasting progress.

#BCGrad2021 Celebrates Resilience and Hope: Striving Toward Success

A master’s degree candidate in biology says that every semester was a chance to network. 

#BCGrad2021 A Future Health-Care Warrior

Graduating senior Samuelle Delcy says the research opportunities she gained at Brooklyn College helped prepare her to take on the world. 

#BCGrad2021 Celebrates Resilience and Hope: Finding Her Dream College

Graduating senior and future speech pathologist says Brooklyn College provided many opportunities to grow. 

#BCGrad2021 Celebrates Resilience and Hope: Learning From Her Peers

A political science graduate reflects on the classes and classmates that helped expose her to new viewpoints. 

#BCGrad2021 Celebrates Resilience and Hope: Finding Her Passion

A graduating film student recalls major academic highlights like creating her senior thesis project. 

#BCGrad2021 Celebrates Resilience and Hope: Hang Around, Learn a Lot

A Feirstein graduate says he has made good connections and learned perseverance.

#BCGrad2021 Celebrates Resilience and Hope: Brooklyn College is Proud to Announce Joanne Waldstreicher, M.D., as Distinguished Alumna for Class of 2021 Commencement

Brooklyn College Foundation trustee and Chief Medical Officer at Johnson & Johnson also serves on the advisory board of the recently launched Brooklyn College Cancer Center. 

#BCGrad2021 Celebrates Resilience and Hope: Getting a Jumpstart on Her Career

School of Education graduate leaves with lots of fond memories and the tools she will need to succeed. 

#BCGrad2021 Celebrates Resilience and Hope: Reaching Major Goals

A School of Education master's degree candidate explains how a professor made math intriguing. 

Junior Named Jeannette K. Watson Fellow

Lexcy Alexis, a chemistry major, will kick off her first internship through the program this summer at a non-profit dedicated to the protection and restoration of wildlife and plants.

#BCGrad2021 Celebrates Resilience and Hope: Asma Awad Named Valedictorian for Class of 2021

Computer science major to work as software engineer at JPMorgan & Chase Co. after graduation.

Redirect: 210422 Feirstein Story

Brooklyn College Professor Urges More Engagement, Critical Understanding of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Experience

With May being Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, sociologist Yung-Yi Diana Pan discussed its significance, the recent rise in anti-Asian violence, and how she is using this challenging time to educate the next generation of positive change makers.

Junior is One of Two BC Students to Win 2021 Goldwater

Patrick Ihejirika gets his tuition covered but is most excited to join the community of scholars. 

The Princeton Review Ranks Brooklyn College 35th Among Public Institutions in the U.S. as a “Best Value College”

Brooklyn College also ranked 20th among public colleges for amount of financial aid awards.

Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema Students’ Film Selected for Museum of Modern Art and Film at Lincoln Center’s Prestigious “The New Directors/New Films Festival"

“More Happiness” will be featured at 50th anniversary edition of the festival, April 28 – May 8. 

Finance Professor Abraham Lin on New U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo

Acting chair of the finance department at Koppelman School of Business offers his opinion on the greatest challenges moving forward. 

Julia Solomonoff: A Champion of Diversity in Film

The head of the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema’s directing program is inspiring the next generation of diverse filmmakers.

Not Enough Books with Characters of Color? ‘No Problem,’ Says Alexis Clark ’20 M.S.

The elementary school teacher saw a need for books that feature children of color to use in her classroom, so she wrote and published her own. 

Piano Professor Jeffrey Biegel to Perform with Dallas Symphony Orchestra for World Premiere of New Work Honoring the Late Ruth Bader Ginsburg

 Composition by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich will also feature Mezzo-Soprano Denyce Graves.

Ready for Combat

Philip Napoli, associate professor of history, describes the task ahead for the new secretary of veterans affairs. 

Brooklyn College Ranked #1 in Nation for Affordable Quality Education

Several Academic Programs Also Ranked in the U.S.  

Economics Professor Merih Uctum on the New U.S. Secretary of the Treasury

Uctum weighs in on the challenges facing Janet Yellen.

A Texas-Size Catastrophe

Associate Professor Michael Menser says the disaster in the Lone Star State provides important lessons on public policy and climate change. 

Lester Young Jr. ’73 Named Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents

The former New York City school teacher with decades of experience and tons of accolades for his leadership takes on a big post at a precarious time. 

Dealing With Death and Dying During the Pandemic, With Corinne Cavuoti

Thanatology expert offers coping advice during this difficult time.

Brooklyn College Professor of Anthropology Helps Describe the Earliest Primate Fossils

First fossils of ancient, small-bodied primates provide a big glimpse into how our earliest primate relatives lived 66 million years ago after an asteroid wiped out dinosaurs.

There’s No Place Like Home

After traveling the world as a sought-after choir director, Richard Hartley ’85 settles back into his hometown church and a new reality show on USA Network. 

Psychology Professor Discusses Staying Connected During COVID-19

Relationship expert Cheryl Carmichael says getting out of your routine and doing something different can make this Valentine’s Day enjoyable, despite the isolation of the pandemic. 

Thankful for His Service

A film major and military veteran says his years in uniform gave him the character and discipline to pursue his dreams. 

Brooklyn College Ranked One of the Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges in Nation

 This latest distinction emphasizes the college’s commitment to teaching critical thinking, effective communication, and analytical skills.

Professor David Bloomfield Recognized as an Education Leader in City & State

The expert on educational leadership, law, and policy weighs in on some of the unprecedented challenges facing New York City schools. 

Professor Gunja SenGupta on Kamala Harris: Race and Democracy in Historical Perspective

History professor and noted author weighs in on the historic, cultural, and political ramifications of the first woman of color becoming vice president of the United States. 

Brooklyn College Announces New “We Stand Against Hate” Events

Free, online programs reflect the College's ongoing commitment to elevating dialogue and celebrating diversity. 

The Law in His Hands

Finn Mayock ’20, a first-year student at Brooklyn Law School talks about his journey from his childhood home on a farm in Connecticut to Brooklyn College, his decision to go into law, and how his work in the public defender’s office had him doing everything from interrogating crime victims to passing the smokes in the bodega. 

Ingersoll’s Sam Skurnick Lecture Hall Wins Award for Outstanding Design

 The winning space was built in memory of Wall Street investor and Brooklyn College alumnus.

Best of BC, Faculty Voices: MLK’s Image Is “Clouded by Myth” Says Political Science Professor Jeanne Theoharis

Two of the myths are that he criticized Northern racism, and that more than 70 percent of Americans in his time disapproved of him.

Best of BC, Faculty Voices: A Mathematical Formula for Less Division

Math Professor Jeff Suzuki offers an axiomatic way to look at our political system. 

Brooklyn College Political Science Expert Discusses Riots in Washington, D.C.

Anna O. Law Offers Expertise on the Unprecedented Breaching of the Capitol

Best of BC Alumni: NY1 Television Producer Dylan Campbell ’18

A young alumna encourages current Brooklyn College students to “make mistakes,” be open to new experiences, and be patient.

Brooklyn College Receives $1 Million from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to Continue Transformative Program That Supports Transfer Students

The Mellon Transfer Student Research Program successfully empowers transfer students through independent and group research, as well as peer mentoring while significantly improving grades, retention, and graduation rates.