Hostos Community College officially unveiled the brand new facilities of the Hostos Advisement Center on Thursday, Feb. 29. Situated at 429 Grand Concourse, the space is tailored to meet the diverse needs of students by accommodating key advising units, including the Student Success Coaching Unit (SSCU), ASAP and soon the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC).
President Daisy Cocco De Filippis delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the pivotal role of this space in empowering students in the South Bronx to attain their academic and personal goals.
“We salute the thousands of individuals who diligently labored to see this day arrive and celebrate our impressive students who are moving forward on their educational journey in the company of wonderful mentors,” she said.
After the president’s message, Senior Vice President of Administration and Finance Esther Rodríguez Chardavoyne, who moderated the ceremony and spearheaded the initiative to secure the space, proceeded to introduce District 17 Council Member Rafael J. Salamanca. Having been instrumental to the development of the building, which is the tallest of the Grand Concourse, Salamanca underscored the significance of this new space as a catalyst for positive community development, affirming its potential to foster growth and prosperity in the area.
Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives and Hostos alumna Ana Almanzar shared poignant reflections on the importance of the college in her leadership journey.
“It’s great to be here to see how the institution has grown. This is returning home. I was very fortunate to learn English here and apply for scholarships that allowed me to obtain a bachelor’s and a master’s at no cost so I could focus on my studies,” she stated. “I’m forever grateful to this institution and its namesake, who dedicated himself to teaching and freedom. Thanks to a thinker like him, I can stand here today because he inspired us to dream and think bigger than we could ever imagine.”
On behalf of Mayor Eric Adams, Almanzar presented Hostos with a proclamation declaring Feb. 29, 2024, as “Eugenio María de Hostos Advisement Center Day.”
Following the remarks, the ribbon-cutting ceremony featured the enthusiastic participation of college leaders and all directors of the offices housed at 429 Grand Concourse. The directors, whose new offices seemed a fitting reward for their tireless dedication to student success, are Marie Ortiz (ARC), Jason Pelosi (SSCU) and Siddique Mohamed (ASAP). Attendees then enjoyed refreshments and toured the facilities.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, a staunch supporter of Hostos who has enabled infrastructure improvements and new developments, attended the ceremony and officially presented the college with a $1.5 million check. This funding is earmarked for cafeteria renovations, an effort to continue enriching the college’s facilities.
Other officials in attendance were Bronx Regional Representative at New York State Executive Chamber Fidel Malena, NYC Mayor’s Office Bronx Borough Director Leonardo Coello and Senator José M. Serrano’s staff member June Soto.
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