For Greenfield, giving back to the institution that helped launch his career is both an act of gratitude and a deeply personal tribute. The professorship honors his late daughter, Jennifer Beth Greenfield (1958鈥�84), a gifted young scholar whose passion for cultural anthropology was cut short when after completing a master鈥檚 degree she was killed in an automobile accident before beginning her doctoral. By bearing her name, the professorship ensures that her intellectual curiosity and commitment to understanding cultures and communities will continue to inspire future scholars.

“Sidney Greenfield鈥檚 gift honors his daughter and strengthens study that will guide future scholars,鈥� said President Michelle J. Anderson. 鈥淲e thank him for a commitment that will shape learning for years to come.鈥�

Greenfield is thankful to 可乐视频 for helping him discover anthropology and providing the intellectual foundation for a career that has taken him around the world.

鈥淭he education I received at 可乐视频 transformed my ambitions and set me on a path of lifelong scholarship,鈥� said Greenfield. 鈥淓stablishing this professorship in memory of my daughter, Jennifer, is deeply meaningful to me. She possessed a genuine love of anthropology and an enduring curiosity about the world. I hope the Jennifer B. Greenfield Professor of Cultural Anthropology will ensure that her spirit lives on through the work of faculty and students who seek to better understand cultures, communities, and the human condition.鈥�

A Scholar Shaped by 可乐视频

A 1950 graduate of Franklin K. Lane High School, Greenfield arrived at 可乐视频 intending to study to become an accountant. He graduated magna cum laude with honors in economics in 1954, was elected to Alpha Kappa Mu in 1953 and to Phi Beta Kappa in 1954. Having 鈥渄iscovered鈥� anthropology in his senior year at 可乐视频 he went on the earn a Ph.D. at Columbia University where he studied under renowned economic historian Karl Polany and anthropologist Conrad Arensberg. His economics major at 可乐视频 drew the attention of Arensberg and Polanyi who invited him to join a seminar they offered that had a long-term influence on his research. Greenfield鈥檚 dissertation research, conducted in Barbados, examined family organization鈥攁n early sign of the interdisciplinary approach that would define his career.

Approved by the CUNY Board of Trustees in April 2025, the Jennifer B. Greenfield Professor of Cultural Anthropology will now help 可乐视频 attract and support outstanding faculty members while expanding opportunities for students to engage in innovative scholarship. Anthropology Professor Patricia Antoniello will serve as the inaugural holder of the chair, bringing her long record of teaching, mentorship, and community-engaged scholarship to this new role.

In creating this enduring legacy, Greenfield has made an investment not only in 可乐视频, but also in the future of anthropology and in the generations of students who will carry that work forward.

A Career of Global Reach and Intellectual Range

Greenfield鈥檚 scholarly life has been marked by deep, sustained engagement with the cultures of the Atlantic world. His early academic appointment at Purdue University took him to Minas Gerais, Brazil, where he spent a summer studying and advising on USAID鈥檚 emerging agricultural extension program. Brazil became his lifelong intellectual home: He has returned 23 more times for extended research visits.

His work also took him to Portugal in 1972鈥�73, where he investigated the origins of the Portuguese Atlantic slavery system and the patronage and clientage structures of 15^th-century Portuguese society.

In 1963, Greenfield joined the University of Wisconsin鈥揗ilwaukee Departments of Sociology and Anthropology, where he spent 34 years and served as department chair of the Anthropology Department from 1990 to 1993. His scholarship spans an extraordinary range: family and kinship, patronage and politics, plantation slavery, entrepreneurship, Spiritist (Kardecist) surgery, religion and healing, spirit mediumship, syncretic religions, and the rise of Evangelical Protestantism in Brazilian politics.

He is the author or editor of nine books, producer and director of five video documentaries, and the author of approximately 150 articles and reviews. Representative works include Spirits With Scalpels: The Cultural Biology of Religious Healing in Brazil (2008), Reinventing Religions: Syncretism and Transformation in Africa and the Americas (2001), and Entrepreneurship and Social Change (1986).

Greenfield continues to serve as co-chair of the Columbia University Seminars on Brazil, Studies in Religion and Contents and Methods in the Social Sciences. He is past president of the Association of Senior Anthropology and the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness, both sections of the American Anthropological Association.

In 1954, Greenfield married Eleanor 鈥淓llie鈥� Stolz (1936鈥�2023), whom he met at summer camp when she was 16. Ellie, a Hunter College (CUNY) and University of Wisconsin鈥揗ilwaukee graduate, taught in the Milwaukee Public Schools and was known for her skill in evaluating children with learning disabilities. After Sidney鈥檚 retirement from UW鈥揗ilwaukee, the couple returned to New York in 1997.

Through this remarkable gift, Greenfield has ensured that both 可乐视频 and the memory of his daughter, Jennifer, will continue to inspire discovery, scholarship, and cross-cultural understanding for generations to come.

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鈥淎 quarter century later, we continue to remember those we lost and the many lives forever changed by September 11,鈥� said 可乐视频 President Michelle J. Anderson. 鈥淲e also remember how our 可乐视频 community came together with compassion, strength, and resilience, and we carry that spirit forward.鈥�

Read a special message from President Anderson .

Pausing to Remember

Twenty-five years later, 可乐视频 continues its annual remembrance through the ringing of the听library tower bell.

Since 2002, the bell has tolled six times at 8:46, 9:03, 9:37, 9:59, 10:03, and 10:28 a.m., marking the pivotal moments of that morning and inviting the community to pause in memory of those whose lives were lost.

Honoring Alumni Lost That Day

Below is a list of the 可乐视频 alumni who were tragically lost on September 11, 2001.

Ernest Alikakos ’89
Auditor,听New听York听State听Department of Taxation and Finance

Ezra Aviles ’86
Senior听manager,听strategic听planning and听development,听Port Authority

Eustace Bacchus ’83
Independent听trader,听American Stock Exchange, attending听a听meeting at Windows听on听the World

Steven Berger ’79
Supervisor of corporate tax auditors,听New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

Andre Cox ’01
Cafeteria worker, 101st floor of World Trade Center

James R. Coyle (attended 可乐视频 in听the 1990s)
FDNY firefighter, Ladder 3

Peter Freund ’84
FDNY听lieutenant, Engine Co. 55

John Giordano ’80
FDNY firefighter鈥� Hazardous Materials 1

Michael Gogliormella ’80
Technology Division eSpeed, Inc., a division of Cantor Fitzgerald

Joseph Grillo ’77
Risk finance analyst,听Port Authority

Jeffrey Hersch ’81
Accountant,听Cantor Fitzgerald

Lorraine Lisi ’80
Vice President, Fiduciary Trust International

Paul Lisson ’80
Records听clerk,听Aon Corp.

Robert Mayo (attended 可乐视频 1973鈥�76)
Deputy听fire听inspector,听World Trade Center

Robert Miller ’76
Conferee,听New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

Gregory Saucedo ’92
FDNY Firefighter, Ladder 5; Firefighter Gregory T. Saucedo Triangle on Avenue T is named in his honor

Ian Schneider ’78
Senior managing director,听Cantor Fitzgerald

Craig Silverstein ’88
Equity trader,听Sandler O’Neill and Partners

Arthur Simon ’69
Equities trader,听Fred Alger Management; died along with son Ken, Cantor Fitzgerald

Robert Twomey ’78
Trader,听Harvey Young Yurman; attending a breakfast meeting at Windows on the World

Abraham J.听Zelmanowitz (attended 可乐视频 1965鈥�1969)
Computer programmer,听Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Prokopios “Paul” Zois ’78
Consultant,听Marsh & McLennan;听travel specialist,听American Express; taught at Kingsborough听Community College Department of听Tourism and Hospitality

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Located at Steiner Studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Feirstein emphasizes learning by doing, giving students extensive opportunities to create film after film while applying classroom theory in real-world production environments. Students have access to four professional soundstages, a scene shop for set construction, and industry-standard equipment from leading manufacturers, including ARRI Alexa and Blackmagic Design.

MovieMaker highlighted Feirstein鈥檚 production-focused curriculum, accomplished faculty, and strong industry partnerships. Among the school’s faculty is Ed Decter, writer of There鈥檚 Something About Mary and creator of the television series Shadowhunters. Students also benefit from networking opportunities through collaborations with organizations such as the Brooklyn Film Festival.

鈥淭his recognition reflects Feirstein鈥檚 mission to provide aspiring filmmakers with an immersive, professional-level education that combines artistic vision, technical excellence, and practical experience,鈥� said Feirstein鈥檚 director, Charles Haine. 鈥淲e are proud to be recognized among the nation鈥檚 top film schools and to continue preparing the next generation of storytellers.鈥�

This recognition comes off the heels of Feirstein being named a top film school by The Hollywood Reporter for the sixth consecutive year.

The three-year graduate program offers an affordable pathway into the film industry, with tuition and fees totaling approximately $50,000 for New York State residents. Financial aid opportunities and a $2,000 creative fund for second-year film projects help support students as they develop their portfolios and careers.

The inclusion on MovieMaker鈥檚 2026 list further reinforces the 可乐视频 Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema鈥檚 reputation as a premier destination for emerging filmmakers seeking rigorous, hands-on training in one of the world鈥檚 leading filmmaking hubs.

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In addition to being featured in The Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition, 可乐视频 was also included among The Princeton Review’s Best Value Colleges, Best Northeast Colleges, and Green Colleges.

The Princeton Review does not assign an overall numerical ranking to the colleges included in The Best 392 Colleges. Rather, the publication highlights institutions it considers academically outstanding based on student surveys, institutional data, and the assessments of its college experts. According to The Princeton Review, the 392 colleges featured in the guide represent only about 14% of the nation’s nearly 2,800 four-year colleges.

The Princeton Review’s 2027 guide is based in part on surveys completed by approximately 172,000 students attending the 392 featured institutions. The surveys collected feedback on academics, campus life, administrative services, financial aid, student support, and other aspects of the college experience.

可乐视频’s inclusion in several Princeton Review categories underscores the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, affordability, sustainability, and student success. Recognition as a Best Value College highlights the college’s strong combination of educational quality and affordability, while the Best Northeast Colleges and Green Colleges lists acknowledge 可乐视频’s academic reputation and environmental stewardship.

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A Brooklyn native, Murray served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before returning home to pursue his education at 可乐视频, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, graduating cum laude. He credited 可乐视频 with opening doors that shaped the course of his life, and he devoted himself to ensuring that future generations of students would have access to those same opportunities.

“Murray Koppelman never forgot the opportunities 可乐视频 provided him,” said 可乐视频 President Michelle J. Anderson. “As a distinguished alumnus, dedicated trustee, and transformative philanthropist, he worked to make those opportunities possible for others. His generosity and commitment to our students will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Murray Koppelman 鈥�57

Murray’s support of 可乐视频 included a landmark gift in 2015, one of the largest contributions in the college’s history. Combined with additional support inspired by his leadership, the gift led to the naming of the Murray Koppelman School of Business and strengthened the college’s ability to prepare students for success in business and beyond.

Anthony R. Castellanos 鈥�85, chair of the 可乐视频 Foundation Board of Trustees, reflected on Murray’s impact:

“Murray understood the power of education to change lives,” Castellanos said. “He believed in 可乐视频 and in the potential of its students. As a valued member of the 可乐视频 Foundation Board of Trustees, he dedicated himself to advancing the mission of the college and supporting its students. We are honored to carry forward his legacy of service to the 可乐视频 community. His generosity helped shape the future of this institution, and his example will continue to inspire all of us.鈥�

Shalei V.K. Simms, dean of the Murray Koppelman School of Business, noted that his values remain central to the school’s mission.

“Mr. Koppelman believed that talent, determination, and opportunity should go hand in hand,” Simms said. “His visionary generosity transformed opportunities for our students and strengthened the school in lasting ways. We are deeply grateful for his transformative generosity, which has left an indelible mark on our students, our school, and the future they will help shape.鈥�

When the School of Business was named in his honor, Murray expressed what mattered most to him:

“If the Murray Koppelman School of Business means that young men and women whose prospects might have been unlikely, improbable, or even impossible have a shot at their dreams, then I can say that I have lived a worthwhile and fulfilling life. And a happy one.”

Throughout his career, Murray built a successful accounting practice, entered investment banking, and founded Eastlake Securities. While his professional accomplishments were significant, he remained committed to service. In addition to his leadership at 可乐视频, he served as president of American ORT and 可乐视频 Hillel, as a board member of the Anti-Defamation League, and as a trustee and advocate for educational and charitable organizations.

Murray’s legacy is measured not only by his generosity, but by his belief in the transformative power of education. He understood how opportunity can change the trajectory of a life, and he made it his mission to extend that opportunity to others.

On behalf of the entire 可乐视频 community, we extend our deepest condolences to Murray’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his life and generosity.

We honor Murray Koppelman’s life, his service, and his enduring commitment to educational opportunity.

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Simms currently serves as Dean of the School of Business at SUNY Old Westbury, where she leads an鈥疉ACSB-accredited鈥痵chool serving one of the most diverse student populations in the SUNY system. A tenured faculty member and accomplished academic administrator, she brings extensive experience in business education, accreditation, faculty development, fundraising, and student success at public, mission-driven institutions.

At SUNY Old Westbury,听Simms successfully led the School of Business through its鈥痠nitial听AACSB accreditation, strengthening academic quality, assessment, and faculty scholarship. She has guided strategic planning, expanded online and flexible program delivery, secured philanthropic and grant support, and cultivated industry and community partnerships that enhance experiential learning, internships, and career pipelines for students.

鈥淒ean Shalei V. K. Simms鈥櫶齟xperience at听a public, AACSB-accredited business school听made her a strong choice听to lead听the Koppelman School of Business,鈥� said Michelle J. Anderson, President of 可乐视频. 鈥淗er commitment to access, excellence, and social mobility also听aligns听with our mission.鈥�

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs听April Bedford听emphasized the importance of preparing students to translate their academic experience into real-world impact. 鈥淥ur students are already developing critical thinking, communication, analytical, and collaborative skills in our classrooms every day,鈥� Bedford said. 鈥淲e have an opportunity and a responsibility to help them recognize, articulate, and apply those skills in ways that open doors after graduation. We are looking forward to听Dean Simms听leading that work at the Koppelman School of Business.鈥�

A nationally recognized leader in鈥痠nnovative program development,听Simms has spearheaded initiatives in online learning and launched an鈥疉I Across the Curriculum鈥痚ffort to ensure students graduate with the ethical and technological competencies听required听in a rapidly evolving business landscape. She has also secured millions of dollars in public and private funding to support high-impact practices, retention, and graduation outcomes for first-generation and high-need students.

As the鈥痮nly business school in Brooklyn accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)鈥攖he world鈥檚 leading accrediting body for business education鈥攖he Murray Koppelman School of Business offers rigorous and affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting, business administration, economics, finance, and information systems, preparing students for leadership in New York City鈥檚 global economy.

鈥溈衫质悠� has a powerful legacy as a driver of opportunity and social mobility,鈥澨齋imms听said. 鈥淚 am honored to join this extraordinary institution and look forward to working with faculty, students, staff, alumni, and partners to strengthen academic excellence, expand innovation, and ensure that Koppelman graduates are prepared to lead with skill, integrity, and purpose.鈥�

Prior to her deanship,听Simms served as鈥疉ssistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at SUNY Old Westbury, where she supported academic planning and accreditation across multiple schools and departments, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and oversaw federally and state-funded student success initiatives. Her earlier roles include Director of Graduate Programs and faculty appointments at SUNY Old Westbury, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Rutgers University, and the University of Connecticut.

Simms holds a鈥疨h.D. in Organizational Management from Rutgers Business School鈥痑nd is an internationally published scholar whose research focuses on social identity, decision-making, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership. She has received听numerous听honors for her scholarship and professional leadership and serves on several nonprofit and financial institution boards.

Simms succeeds Interim Dean James Lynch. The 可乐视频 community welcomes her leadership as the Murray Koppelman School of Business听builds on听its听strong foundation听and advances its impact for students, the city, and the region.

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Families, friends, staff, faculty, alumni, and distinguished guests gathered to honor the Class of 2026 as the ceremony opened with the traditional academic processional and the presentation of school banners representing the Murray Koppelman School of Business, School of Education, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, and School of Visual, Media and Performing Arts.

In her remarks to the Class of 2026, President Michelle J. Anderson celebrated the accomplishments and global diversity of the graduating class.

President Michelle J. Anderson

鈥淭oday鈥檚 graduates come from 93 countries around the world and speak 19 languages,鈥� Anderson said. 鈥淥n this joyful day, 4,117 students will graduate from 可乐视频. You made it, and we are all so proud of you.鈥�

Special honorees included three nationally acclaimed leaders in law, civil rights, public policy, and international affairs, underscoring 可乐视频鈥檚 longstanding commitment to preparing graduates not only for professional success, but also for lives of civic engagement, advocacy, and leadership in diverse communities.

Patrick Gaspard

Receiving an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters was Patrick Gaspard, a distinguished senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and former president and CEO, who also held senior roles in President Barack Obama鈥檚 administration, including U.S. ambassador to South Africa and director of the White House Office of Political Affairs. He also advised and helped elect New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in his historic campaign. He most recently served as president of the Open Society Foundations, leading global initiatives on civil rights, public health, and democracy, building on a career that began as a union organizer and national political leader. Gaspard was also a guest of the college鈥檚 Presidential Lecture Series in 2023.

Melissa Murray

An Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters was also conferred to Melissa Murray, widely known to the 可乐视频 community as the 2024鈥�25 Robert L. Hess Scholar-in-Residence, who also gave the 2023 Samuel J. Konefsky Memorial Lecture at the college. A nationally renowned public intellectual and legal scholar at New York University School of Law, Murray has helped shape contemporary debates on constitutional law, democracy, and reproductive rights, while advancing the public鈥檚 understanding of the law鈥檚 potential to build a more just and inclusive society.

Cecillia D. Wang

Awarded with a Presidential Medal of Honor was Cecillia D. Wang, the National Legal Director at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), whose work has profoundly shaped the defense of immigrants鈥� rights in the United States. Over more than two decades at the ACLU, Wang has defended civil rights and civil liberties around the United States, including landmark cases challenging racial discrimination and unlawful policing and detention policies. On April 1 of this year, Wang argued before the United States Supreme Court to uphold birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment.

Together, Gaspard, Murray, and Wang embodied the spirit of a commencement ceremony centered on academic achievement, resilience, and the diverse experiences that define the 可乐视频 community. Their careers demonstrated how education can empower individuals to advocate for others, expand opportunities, and lead with purpose across law, government, international affairs, and public life.

Emersen Bribiesca 鈥�26

A highlight of the ceremony was the valedictory address delivered by computer science major Emersen Bribiesca 鈥�26, who graduated summa cum laude with a perfect 4.00 GPA. In a deeply personal speech that celebrated the spirit of resilience, Bribiesca reflected on how 可乐视频 and his own grit and determination helped him rebuild his future.

Bribiesca shared how his carefully planned future at the United States Military Academy was unexpectedly upended just months before graduation in 2021. With that path suddenly altered, Bribiesca arrived in Brooklyn without a clear plan and took a job at a diner while searching for a new direction. That period of uncertainty ultimately led to him enrolling at 可乐视频, and more determined than ever to finish what he started.

For Bribiesca, 可乐视频 became a place of renewal, offering evening classes, supportive professors, and a student community that emphasized perseverance and belonging. Through long workdays and late-night classes, he rebuilt both confidence and purpose, just like many of his fellow graduates.

鈥淭here are hundreds of different versions of my story in this room,鈥� Bribiesca told the Class of 2026. 鈥淪emesters that threw more at you than you鈥檇 expected; emergencies that required your undivided attention; work-life balance that felt extremely unbalanced. I don鈥檛 know exactly how you got here, but I know that you鈥檙e here because when things didn鈥檛 go according to plan, you were willing to keep moving forward, to see uncertainty as an opportunity to overcome, to persevere in the face of adversity. Isn鈥檛 that the spirit of this school? Nothing without great effort. Our grit will carry us further in life than well-defined plans ever could.鈥�

Emersen Bribiesca 鈥�26, Hideka Minami 鈥�26, and Nariba Cintron 鈥�26

The ceremony also honored a pair of standout salutatorians: Hideka Minami, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art, and Nariba Cintron, who earned degrees in psychology and communication sciences and disorders. Both graduates achieved perfect 4.00 GPAs, exemplifying academic excellence and leadership across the 可乐视频 community.

Greetings were also delivered by New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams 鈥�01, 鈥�05 M.A. and Brooklyn Deputy Borough President Kim Council. Members of The Board of Trustees of the City University, university leadership, and the 可乐视频 Foundation Board of Trustees were acknowledged during the ceremony, including CUNY Trustee Ken Sunshine, who delivered greetings on behalf of the board. Provost April Bedford acknowledged CUNY Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Denise Maybank, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Ian James, and University Director for Student Life Joseph Awadjie, a 可乐视频 alumnus.

The college also recognized student leadership and academic excellence, including Undergraduate Student Government President Cyle Paul and Graduate Student Organization President Luis Lucero-Tacuri. The ceremony featured a stirring performance of the National Anthem by graduate student Chisom Maduakor of the Conservatory of Music, accompanied by the 可乐视频 Brass Ensemble under the direction of Professor George Rothman.

With cheers, applause, and a shower of confetti, the Class of 2026 exited the arena as graduates ready to shape the future in Brooklyn, New York City, and beyond.

Watch the 2026 可乐视频 commencement !

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This year鈥檚 ceremony marks a milestone not only in academic achievement, but the extraordinary resilience and determination of a deeply diverse student body. Students arrive at 可乐视频 from across New York City, the United States, and around the world, bringing with them a wide range of lived experiences, identities, and aspirations. Their journeys have been shaped by perseverance through personal, economic, and global challenges, and they now stand ready to step into leadership roles in their professions and communities.

鈥淭he Class of 2026 came to 可乐视频 from across the globe, bringing extraordinary talent, perspective, and determination,鈥� said President Michelle J. Anderson. 鈥淎s they graduate, we celebrate not only their academic success, but the transformation they have undergone here, becoming the scholars, professionals, artists, and leaders who will help shape a more just and compassionate world.鈥�

The ceremony will also recognize three nationally distinguished leaders whose work reflects 可乐视频鈥檚 values of public service and intellectual impact.

Melissa Murray

An honorary Doctor of Humane Letters will be conferred to , widely known to the 可乐视频 community as the 2024-25 Robert L. Hess Scholar-in-Residence, who also gave the 2023 Samuel J. Konefsky Memorial Lecture at the college. A nationally renowned public intellectual and legal scholar at New York University School of Law, Murray has helped shape contemporary debates on constitutional law, democracy, and reproductive rights, while advancing the public鈥檚 understanding of the law鈥檚 potential to build a more just and inclusive society.

Patrick Gaspard

Also to be conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters is , a distinguished senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and former president and CEO, who also held senior roles in President Barack Obama鈥檚 administration, including U.S. ambassador to South Africa and director of the White House Office of Political Affairs. He most recently served as president of the Open Society Foundations, leading global initiatives on civil rights, public health, and democracy, building on a career that began as a union organizer and national political leader. Gaspard was also a guest of the college鈥檚 Presidential Lecture Series in 2023.

Cecillia D. Wang

A Presidential Medal of Honor will be awarded to , the National Legal Director at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), whose work has profoundly shaped the defense of immigrants鈥� rights in the United States. Over more than two decades at the ACLU, Wang has defended civil rights and civil liberties around the United States, including landmark cases challenging racial discrimination and unlawful policing and detention policies. On April 1 of this year, Wang argued before the United States Supreme Court to uphold birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment.

This year鈥檚 student honorees further reflect the depth and diversity of the graduating class.

Valedictorian Emersen Bribiesca, a computer science major, combines technical innovation with advocacy in LGBTQ+ communities, legal technology, and artificial intelligence research, alongside professional experience in the tech industry. Salutatorian Hideka Minami, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting, brings a global and non-linear academic journey shaped by migration, motherhood, and artistic exploration of identity and memory. Salutatorian Nariba Cintron, a first-generation college student double-majoring in communication sciences and disorders and psychology, has distinguished herself through research on bilingualism, language variation, and neurodiversity, grounded in a commitment to equity and culturally responsive care.

As preparations continue, departments are reminded to ensure that all graduating students receive timely guidance regarding ceremony logistics, regalia, and lineup procedures. Commencement remains one of the most significant institutional moments of the year, requiring coordinated effort across the campus community to ensure a seamless celebration. We salute the Class of 2026!

听Full Student Valedictorian and Salutatorian Bios

Valedictorian: Emersen Bribiesca

Emersen Bribiesca

Emersen Bribiesca is graduating this spring with a degree in computer science.

Bribiesca鈥檚 path to 可乐视频 began at the United States Military Academy, where he studied history and English and led the Academy’s LGBTQ+ diversity organization for two years.

After leaving the Academy, Bribiesca moved to Brooklyn and threw himself into advocacy work. He volunteered across the city鈥攚orking the front desk at the Brooklyn Community Pride Center, serving free community breakfast with the New York City chapter of Gay4Good, and digitizing unpublished collections at the Lesbian Herstory Archives in Park Slope.

Bribiesca initially returned to college at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (CUNY), where he earned an associate degree of science in computer science. While at BMCC, he worked full time at a feminist employment discrimination law firm in Downtown Brooklyn, assisting survivors of abuse and discrimination in seeking justice through the courts. He also began combining his technical skills with his passion for social change through Out in Tech鈥檚 Digital Corps, building websites for LGBTQ+ nonprofit organizations around the world.

After transferring to 可乐视频 to complete his bachelor’s degree, Bribiesca was named a Point Foundation Transfer Scholar. During his first semester, he made the move into the tech industry and began working as a legal operations analyst at Datadog. During his final semester, he joined a 可乐视频 research project using artificial intelligence to analyze Wall Street filings and develop course materials for finance and computer science students across CUNY.

Bribiesca lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two cats. He enjoys running in Prospect Park and is training for his third marathon this fall. After graduation, he is excited to continue his career in tech and to keep supporting social justice efforts through digital work.

Salutatorian: Nariba Cintron

Nariba Cintron

Undergraduate Nariba Cintron maintains a 4.00 GPA. As a first-generation college student, her academic journey reflects both excellence and resilience. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Cintron migrated to the United States at a young age and faced uncertainty and hardship during her early years. As a former DREAMer recipient, her experiences have shaped her commitment to multicultural inclusivity, and her advocacy for destigmatizing the assumption that ethnic and minority dialects and languages are inferior to their standardized counterparts. Her path to higher education was not traditional. After leaving high school, she later earned her GED, an experience that marked a turning point in her academic trajectory. Determined to continue her studies, she enrolled at LaGuardia Community College (CUNY), where she graduated with an associate degree in education with a 4.00 GPA before transferring to 可乐视频.

At 可乐视频, Cintron pursued dual degrees in communication sciences and disorders and psychology, along with a double minor in neuroscience and philosophy. She has been consistently recognized on the Dean鈥檚 List and is a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and Psi Chi Honor Society. Cintron鈥檚 academic interests include cross-cultural learning, bilingualism, style-shifting, code-switching, accent bias, pitch perception, language acquisition, and mental health awareness. She is also particularly interested in neurogenic speech disorders and the intersection of neuroscience and communication. Her professional and research experiences reflect these interests. As a former participant in the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, she conducted research examining speech patterns and linguistic variation in Caribbean English, and English-lexified creoles, including Trinidadian Creole and Jamaican Patois. She has more than a decade of experience supporting young children in early childhood settings, with a focus on language development and social communication.

Her personal experiences have shaped her passion for culturally responsive care and her goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist serving underrepresented communities. Inspired in part by her mother鈥檚 diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, Cintron plans to pursue graduate study and contribute to research and clinical practice, with an interest in neurodegenerative conditions and a commitment to equity and access. Outside of her academic work, Cintron enjoys reading across a wide range of genres, particularly dystopian, science fiction, and philosophical texts. She also enjoys traveling and spending time at the beach. She credits God for her accomplishments and remains deeply grateful for the people who have supported her along the way. Cintron鈥檚 journey reflects perseverance, purpose, and a commitment to uplifting marginalized and underserved communities.

Salutatorian: Hideka Minami

Hideka Minami

Born to Japanese parents who emigrated to Hong Kong under British colonial rule, Hideka Minami grew up as a third-culture kid, navigating and integrating multiple cultural identities from an early age. She later moved to Japan to attend an international school for middle school, further shaping a perspective grounded in adaptability and an awareness of how environments and lived experiences intersect.

She first came to the United States to study special effects makeup, drawn to visual storytelling and transformation. She later continued her education in Los Angeles at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), where she earned an associate degree. Although she began her academic journey early, she did not complete her bachelor鈥檚 degree at that time.

While navigating familial illness, financial challenges, immigration processes, and broader economic instability, Minami worked alongside her husband to build a family business.

Years later, as a mother, she returned to higher education with renewed intention. She is now graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, with a focus on painting. Her work explores how delayed recognition can distort and reshape experience, approaching identity and memory as fluid rather than fixed.

Her journey reflects a commitment to growth on her own terms and a belief that education is not defined by timing but by purpose.

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The Rosen Fellowship reflects Florence Cohen Rosen鈥檚 remarkable generosity and vision: a proud 可乐视频 alumna who chose to give back in a way that expands opportunity for future generations.

Since founding the fellowship in 2011, Rosen 鈥�59 has created more than just financial support for students; she has opened doors to bold, unconventional experiences that they might never otherwise pursue. Her delight in nurturing potential and her enduring faith in 可乐视频 students, whose work, she notes, renews her 鈥渇aith鈥n the future of America,鈥� shine through every fellowship awarded, embodying a legacy of curiosity, ambition, and imagination.

This year鈥檚 fellows represent a diverse range of academic interests鈥攆rom archaeology and environmental science to music technology, public health, visual arts, and documentary filmmaking鈥攄emonstrating the creativity, curiosity, and impact-driven work that define the 可乐视频 community.

2026 Rosen Fellows

• Ellery Canesper will attend the HARP Archaeology Field School in Scotland.
• Julia Lucinda Fernandez will participate in the Gabii Project, an archaeological excavation of the ancient city of Gabii near Rome focused on urban development and cultural interaction in early Italy.
• Noah Hopkins will create to-scale Pok茅mon figures and photograph them in natural environments to share knowledge about ecology and conservation through a collaborative art project.
• Leon Isaacs will take part in a weeklong tree-climbing expedition with Cornell University.
• Raymond Thomas Jones will create a digital instrument and synthesizer sample catalog using sounds from natural environments and electrical signals of plants in Iceland.
• Dima Muhieddine will study how diet, lifestyle, and access to preventive care shape oral health in Spain and Morocco through immersive observation.
• Chavely Reynoso will produce a chronology of Dominican art history from Indigenous Ta铆no works through contemporary art, resulting in a digital and print publication and database.
• Iggy Jerell Strickland will design and produce a drag costume, prosthetics, and character portfolio rooted in horror and performance.
• Brent Thomas Whiteside will begin a feature-length documentary on blues musician Bobby Rush.

The 2026 Rosen Fellows exemplify 可乐视频鈥檚 commitment to experiential learning, interdisciplinary exploration, and socially engaged scholarship. Their work reflects the breadth of inquiry and creative practice fostered across the college. We congratulate this year鈥檚 Rosen Fellowship recipients and look forward to following their projects in the months ahead.

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(Left to right) Tykeen Robinson, New York City Department of Health; Paige Bellenbaum, Paige Bellenbaum Consulting; Alison Baker, Seleni Institute; Dr. Moshe Moeller, HERO Dads/ Montefiore Einstein Hospital; and 可乐视频 professors and leads for the college鈥檚 perinatal health courses Haroula Ntalla and Jacquelie Shannon at the 2026 可乐视频 Perinatal Mental Health Summit April 24. Shannon and Ntalla also led the efforts at the college to organize this and last year’s inaugural summit.

Titled 鈥淩elational Beginnings: Advancing Perinatal Mental Health for Parents, Infants, and Families,鈥� the second annual summit was held in partnership with United for Brownsville and the New York City Health Department at the Greg Jackson Center, for Brownsville. It focused on perinatal grief and the postpartum experience, and both maternal and paternal mental health, with particular attention to the importance of father support. The summit also highlighted dyadic and reflective group interventions grounded in relational and attachment-based approaches, along with culturally responsive, trauma-informed care for Latina mothers and families in underserved communities.

The Summit brought together a distinguished lineup of perinatal experts, highlighted by keynote speaker Solimar Santiago-Warner (DSW, LCSW, PMH-C) an accomplished clinician-scholar, educator, and leader in perinatal mental health with nearly two decades of experience across pediatric, neonatal, and perinatal hospital systems.

The event underscored 可乐视频鈥檚 commitment to addressing the national perinatal mental health crisis through its dynamic course offerings, community partnerships, and workforce development, all of which has garnered the support from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and most recently, Congressional funding championed by Senator Chuck Schumer.

鈥淧erinatal mental health is foundational to the well-being of families,鈥� 可乐视频 President Michelle J. Anderson said. 鈥淚 am grateful to Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Senator Chuck Schumer for strongly supporting the College in establishing the Advanced Certificate Program in Perinatal Mental Health.鈥�

Held on the heels of Black Maternal Health Week, this event drew over 200 community members, clinicians, educators, students and others, and featured more than a dozen interdisciplinary health and mental health experts and served as a crucial platform to address one of the most urgent health care challenges facing Brooklyn and the nation today.

(Left to right) Paola Amaya-Rodriguez, LCSW, PMH-C, of Chances for Children, and Silvia Juarez-Marazzo, LCSW-R, NCPsyA, also of Chances for Children and an adjunct instructor at 可乐视频, co-presented on a panel focused on supporting Latina mothers.

鈥淲e designed this Summit to meet professionals where they are by partnering with the United听for听Brownsville and New York City Health Department in Brownsville to create space not only to learn, but to connect alongside interdisciplinary colleagues within our communities in meaningful ways,鈥� Shannon said. 鈥淏y integrating clinical expertise in early relational development, with a deep understanding of the social factors and inequities often shaping families鈥� lives, we鈥檙e advancing equitable perinatal care for all families by preparing students and practitioners to respond in ways that can truly transform outcomes for parents and their children.鈥�

The Summit featured a distinguished lineup of perinatal experts, including keynote speaker Solimar Santiago-Warner, DSW, LCSW, PMH-C, a clinician-scholar, educator, and leader in perinatal mental health who brought nearly two decades of experience across pediatric, neonatal, and perinatal hospital systems. At the summit, she spoke about integrating trauma-informed and culturally responsive frameworks into perinatal and reproductive mental health care, emphasizing how systems could better support families suffering from pregnancy and infant loss. Throughout her talk, she highlighted the need to bridge research, clinical practice, and lived experience to transform care systems in ways that honored both evidence and the realities of families.

The Panel on 鈥淟atina Mothers and Perinatal Mental Health: Barriers, Culture, and Pathways to Care鈥� included (left to right) moderator Silvia Juarez-Marazzo (LCSW-R, NCPsyA, from Chances for Children, and 可乐视频 adjunct Instructor); Laudy Burgos (LCSW-R, PMH-C, Associate Director, OB/GYN and NICU, Mount Sinai Hospital, who is taking perinatal mental health courses at 可乐视频); Mahbuba Choudhury (LMSW, OB/GYN, Mount Sinai Hospital; and Carmen Mu帽oz-Medrano, Hispanic Federation, also studying perinatal mental health at 可乐视频).

鈥淎s clinical faculty at 可乐视频, we are deeply connected to one of the most diverse campuses and communities in the country,鈥� Ntalla said. 鈥淥ur perinatal mental health initiative, which includes this summit and our accompanying coursework, allows us to partner closely with local health and mental health providers and families to address challenges and drive meaningful, education-based change to what is a national crisis.鈥�

Georgina Gooden is a parent leader, early intervention advocate, and community strategist based in Brownsville, Brooklyn. She also consults through Grassroots Perspectives LLC, providing community-based insights on programs impacting families, and works with United for Brownsville as an early intervention advocate, supporting families and elevating their voices in policy and decision-making spaces. strengthen family-centered systems. She has completed two perinatal mental health courses at 可乐视频 and is enrolled in two more. Gooden has also helped coordinate two 可乐视频 Perinatal Mental Health Summits.

Georgina Gooden

“Both the summit and the perinatal mental health courses at 可乐视频 are strengthening how I support families, giving me the language, tools, and clinical insight to pair with lived experience, so I can advocate more effectively and help shape systems that truly meet families where they are,鈥� Gooden said.

The summit was preceded by a Presidential Lecture Series event on April 23 at Brooklyn Borough Hall with President Anderson and nationally recognized leader Liz Dozier who engaged in a timely discussion on the Black maternal health crisis in the United States. The event was also attended by Borough President Reynoso. Read more about that event here.

(Left to right) Liz Dozier engaged in a timely discussion on the Black maternal health crisis with President Michelle J. Anderson as part of 可乐视频鈥檚 Presidential Lecture Series on April 23. The event was also attended by Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who has lent his support of the college鈥檚 perinatal mental health curriculum and programming.

2026 Perinatal Mental Health Summit Lineup:

• Greetings: President Michelle J. Anderson and 可乐视频 perinatal health curriculum leaders Jacqueline Shannon and Haroula Ntalla, Early Childhood Education/Art Education Department, 可乐视频.
• Opening Remarks: Mimi (Paulomi) Bhatt, PhD, MPH, CNM, FACNM, Assistant Professor at Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University.
• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Solimar Santiago-Warner, DSW, LCSW, PMH-C, Solmaterna Therapy & Consulting: 鈥淧erinatal Grief and the Postpartum Body.鈥� Solimar Santiago-Warner explores perinatal loss through an embodied, trauma-informed, and interdisciplinary lens, centering the postpartum body as a site of grief, memory, and resilience. Drawing from clinical practice, phenomenology, affect theory, and perinatal palliative care, the presentation examines how grief is experienced physiologically and relationally following stillbirth, late miscarriage, or early infant loss. Designed for a multidisciplinary and community-based audience, the talk offers practical tools, language, and interventions that professionals can immediately apply within their respective roles. Participants will gain approaches to support bereaved parents with greater dignity, compassion, and relational awareness across healthcare, mental health, and community settings.
• Panel 1: Fathers Matter: Perinatal Mental Health, Partnership, and Early Relationships
  Panelists: Paige Bellenbaum, LCSW, PMH-C. Paige Bellenbaum Consulting; Alison C. Baker, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Director, Seleni Institute; Moeshe Moeller, Ph.D., Director, HERO Dads, Montefiore Einstein Hospital. Moderator: Tykeen Robinson, MSW, Mental Health Program Manager, Bureau of Maternal, Infant, and Reproductive Health, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
  Overview: Fathers/Non-Birthing Parents and Perinatal Mental Health. While much of the perinatal mental health conversation centers around mothers and birthing people, up to one in 10 fathers and partners experience significant mental health challenges during the perinatal period鈥攐ften in silence. Shame, stigma, and a lack of culturally responsive care prevent many from seeking support, leaving mental health conditions untreated. Limited support and access to appropriate care can impact not only the father鈥檚/non-birthing parent鈥檚 well-being but also the child鈥檚 development and the stability of the family system. One of the strongest predictors of paternal depression or anxiety is the mental health status of the mother/birthing parent. As such, an inclusive, family-centered approach to perinatal mental health is critical. This talk will explore the often-overlooked experiences of fathers and partners during the perinatal period. Participants will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in fathers/non-birthing parents, explore the barriers they face in accessing care, and review practical, evidence-based strategies for engagement and intervention.
  The Transition to Parenthood: Supporting Both Parents. Perinatal mental health conversations often center on the birthing parent, but the transition to parenthood is a profound shift for both individuals in a relationship. This discussion will explore the emotional and relational changes that occur as couples move from partners to co-parents, including shifts in identity, roles, and expectations. Particular attention will be given to the often-overlooked experiences of non-birthing parents, who may face their own psychological challenges while feeling pressure to prioritize supporting their partner. Research shows that men whose partners experience postpartum depression are at significantly higher risk of developing depression themselves, yet they are far less likely to seek support.
  The Silent Partner: Fathers, Postpartum Stress, and the Couple Relationship. This presentation explores the often-overlooked experiences of fathers during the postpartum period. Drawing on clinical work with couples and the HERO Dads program, it highlights the emotional, relational, financial, and mental health challenges many fathers face while supporting partners with postpartum mood disorders and adjusting to the transition to parenthood. It will also address paternal postpartum depression and the importance of including fathers in perinatal mental health support.
• Presentation: A Relationship Held From the Beginning: Lessons from Dyadic Psychotherapy and Reflective Groups in Infant Mental Health Practice. Presenters: Silvia Juarez-Marazzo, LCSW-R, NCPsyA, Chances for Children, Adjunct Instructor, Early Childhood/Art Education Department, 可乐视频; Paola Amaya-Rodriguez, LCSW, PMH-C, Chances for Children.
  Overview: This presentation explores the power of early relationships through the lens of dyadic psychotherapy and reflective group practice in infant mental health. We will examine how perinatal and early relational experiences shape both maternal mental health and the developing parent鈥搃nfant relationship, influencing the trajectory of early relational health and overall well-being for years to come. The session highlights how perinatal and infant mental health interventions intersect and are essential, particularly for families from marginalized communities who face systemic inequities, racial health disparities, and the impact of intergenerational and collective trauma. As profound shifts in social policies impact the social environment of families, this presentation underscores the effectiveness of dyadic approaches as a catalyst for repairing trust in relationships and fostering hope. It further emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize relational, culturally responsive supports for mothers and their babies.
• Panel 2: Latina Mothers and Perinatal Mental Health: Barriers, Culture, and Pathways to Care. Panelists: Laudy Burgos, LCSW-R, PMH-C, Associate Director, OB/GYN and NICU, Mount Sinai Hospital, also studying perinatal mental health at 可乐视频; Kimberly Polanco, MSW, PMH-C, Birth and Abortion Doula and Childbirth Educator, OB/GYN, Mount Sinai Hospital, also studying perinatal mental health at 可乐视频 with Mahbuba听Choudhury, LMSW, OB/GYN, Mount Sinai Hospital; and Carmen Mu帽oz-Medrano, Health Program Coordinator, Hispanic Federation. Moderator: Silvia Juarez-Marazzo, LCSW-R, NCPsyA.
  Overview: Beyond Silence: Understanding and Responding to PMADs in Latina Mothers. Latina mothers experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) at rates equal to or higher than non-Latina White women, yet these conditions are often under-recognized and under-treated. Symptoms may be expressed through physical complaints rather than emotional language, leading to missed diagnoses. Many Latina mothers face compounding stressors, including immigration-related fears, language barriers, economic hardship, and experiences of racism within healthcare systems. Cultural values such as familismo, marianismo, and respeto, along with stigma surrounding mental health, can influence whether help is sought. Structural barriers鈥攊ncluding limited insurance coverage, lack of bilingual providers, and logistical challenges鈥攆urther restrict access to care. Despite these obstacles, Latina mothers demonstrate strong resilience through family networks, spirituality, and community support. Addressing PMADs effectively requires culturally responsive, trauma-informed care that integrates mental health into perinatal services and centers the strengths and lived experiences of Latina mothers.
  Barriers, Stigma, and Strength: The Lived Reality of Latina Mothers鈥� Mental Health. Structural barriers such as limited access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care, lack of insurance coverage, immigration-related stress, and fear of engaging with formal systems can prevent many Latina mothers from receiving timely mental health support. Language barriers and the limited availability of Spanish-speaking providers can further complicate communication, increasing the risk of underdiagnosis or misinterpretation of symptoms. In addition, many Latina mothers face heightened economic stress, unstable housing, and demanding work conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period, all of which can increase vulnerability to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Cultural expectations and stigma surrounding mental health also shape how Latina mothers experience and express emotional distress. Many feel pressure to embody ideals of strength, sacrifice, and self-reliance, which may discourage them from seeking help or openly discussing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma. Family dynamics, migration-related separation from support networks, and experiences of discrimination within healthcare settings can further contribute to feelings of isolation. Addressing these issues requires culturally responsive care that centers language access, community trust, family engagement, and providers who understand the cultural context of Latina motherhood while recognizing the resilience and strengths present within these communities.
  From Barriers to Community Care: Culturally Grounded Support for Latina Mothers. Latina mothers face significant structural and cultural barriers that impact their mental health during the perinatal period. Postpartum depression and anxiety are often under-identified and untreated due to language barriers, stigma, socio-environmental stressors, and limited access to culturally responsive care. Many mothers prioritize family needs over their own well-being, delaying help-seeking, while unfamiliarity with the healthcare system and broader sociopolitical concerns further limit access to care. Culturally grounded, community-based approaches are essential in addressing these disparities. Programs like the Por Nosotras Maternal Mental Health Workshops, developed through the Hispanic Federation, create trusted spaces for open dialogue, peer support, and psychoeducation. By combining emotional support with practical resources, these initiatives reduce isolation and empower mothers. Expanding such programs and strengthening partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations is critical to improving outcomes and ensuring equitable, culturally responsive care.
• Closing Remarks: Ashanda Saint Jean, MD, FACOG; Associate Professor, Department of OB/GYN, New York Medical College.

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