Hostos Community College

On July 7, Hostos President Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis welcomed participants in the Families United in Education (FUiE) program for a special luncheon honoring the completion of the 2025–26 academic year.

As one of Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives, FUiE supports Hostos students and their families with book vouchers, OMNY cards, counseling services, academic scholarships, and cultural experiences that help make educational goals possible.

Students shared heartfelt reflections on the impact of the program and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Christeen Francis, FUiE Program Manager.

Four of the students being honored recently graduated from Hostos and will continue their academic journeys at CUNY senior colleges.

The gathering also featured a moving reading of “Pan” (“Bread”) by Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral, a fitting tribute to an afternoon spent breaking bread and celebrating achievement, resilience, and new beginnings.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates and the announcement of academic scholarship recipients who maintained strong academic standing throughout the year.

Students in attendance included Linda Akokre, Yolima Angel, Karitio Aicha Diarrassouba, Yasmina Gislaine Glele, Richelle Ortiz, and Seynabou Thiam. President Cocco De Filippis was joined by Diana Kreymer, Executive Chief of Staff and Deputy to the President; Dr. Sofia Oviedo, Research Programs Director; Fabián Wander, Director of the Counseling and Health and Wellness Center; and Ursula Sanders, Assistant Director of the Health and Wellness Center; and Christeen Francis.

Congratulations to all of our FUiE students. Your determination and commitment inspire our entire Hostos community!

More than 850 graduates. 155 countries. 28 states. One extraordinary Class of 2026!

We proudly celebrated our 56th Commencement Ceremonies, honoring a graduating class that reflects the promise of the South Bronx.

This year’s graduates represent 155 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, and 28 states throughout the nation. The youngest graduate is 17 years old and the oldest is 64. Twenty-seven students from Hostos Lincoln Academy earned associate degrees alongside their high school diplomas, while the HERO Early College High School program celebrated two graduates. Liberal Arts was the largest field of study, with 276 graduates.

Presiding over both ceremonies, President Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis celebrated the accomplishments of the graduating class and the communities that helped them succeed.

The ceremonies were led by Master of Ceremonies Fabián Wander, Director of Health and Wellness, while Sociology Professor Sarah Hoiland served as Grand Marshal. Graduates were inspired by remarks from CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, elected officials, trustees, faculty, and staff.

The College also conferred an Honorary Associate of Humane Letters degree upon Dr. Amarilis Jacobo for her leadership and service to educational opportunity.

Commencement speaker Benny Lorenzo, Managing Partner of Aspira Capital Management, L.P., shared his journey as an immigrant, reflected on the influence of his mother, and encouraged graduates to embrace confidence and purpose.

Valedictorian Lusdeliza Paulino Reyes reminded her classmates that every graduate has a story of sacrifice and determination behind their achievement.

The ceremonies also honored members of the Hostos community with Presidential Medals: Benny Lorenzo; Professors Anna Ivanova, Antonios Varelas, Inmaculada Lara-Bonilla; staff members Jason Libfeld and Brenda Linen-Paulin; alumnus Víctor Santana; administrator Dr. Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham; and Valedictorian Luzdelisa Paulino Reyes.

As graduates crossed the stage, they joined a legacy spanning more than five decades of educational excellence, opportunity, and transformation in the South Bronx.