Herbert H. Lehman College THE CLASS OF of The City University of New York May 28, 2020 2020 1 Dear Class of 2020: As I write this, I am reflecting on the 2018 Winter Olympics. I remember being impressed by the vignettes highlighting the personal sacrifice and commitment that led some of the most admired and talented athletes in the world to the medal stand. Those traits – sacrifice and commitment – came to mind when I thought about your graduating class of more than 3500 students. Though you did not have the privilege those Olympic athletes enjoyed to devote themselves completely to just one thing, you have shown, especially in the months leading up to this moment, that you share the same kind of commitment and sacrifices needed to help you take your place among champions. While studying, many of you have worked several part-time jobs, caring for children and relatives, commuting many hours to and from classes. Without the benefit of a financial safety net, you have also now managed to complete the disrupted term of spring term, often with inadequate internet access and with multiple challenges compounded by stay-at-home restrictions. What you have achieved would be admirable in any context but in the context of 2020, it is phenomenal. Nearly 40 percent of you have lost your jobs and critical income this spring. Some of you have battled COVID-19 yourselves, and far too many of you have friends and loved ones coping with COVID-19. It grieves me to say that at least two of your peers lost the fight with coronavirus, with the Bronx being one of the counties hardest-hit by the pandemic in the country. Yet you have succeeded and often excelled academically, and like the many Lehman graduates before you, you will go on to productive professional careers. Though you are not likely to receive the international attention of an Olympic medalist, I hope you understand that your accomplishment is no less impressive, and you deserve the same acknowledgement. To me, Lehman Class of 2020, you are all Olympians! You have been Olympians against all odds, in the most demanding environment in the history of Lehman College. And you have done it with grace and perseverance. Enjoy your time on the medal stand as you celebrate this major achievement. Once you’ve been able to celebrate and maybe get some rest, the next part begins: Putting your Lehman College education to good use. Your resilience, your insight, your learning; your dedication and your heart – these are exactly what the world needs at this very moment. I am confident that because you have stayed the course, you will be able to translate what you have learned and experienced at Lehman College into a career that will be beneficial for you, this community, and the world. The Lehman College Class of 2020 is special. You have something in common with the many great leaders in our country, including thousands of alumni: They are leaders who have been shaped for the better by the most demanding events of their times. I believe you will be no different. Congratulations, Class of 2020. Sincerely, Daniel Lemons President 2 Last August, when the school year began, we thought we were once more embarking on an academic year’s familiar cycle. None of us could know that the spring term would be most remembered for the disruption, anxiety, and loss a global health crisis brought into our homes, classrooms, and communities. None of us could guess the impact this would have—and is still having—on the simple things we take for granted, like going to work, spending time with friends, taking care of children. None of you could know that your final semester would be disrupted by events taking place across the globe. But today you are graduating. You found ways to keep your goals in sight, and did the work that had to be done so that you could reach this day. You have my great admiration, not only for the perseverance and academic achievement that got you to this point—accomplishments that graduates in any year would share—but also for the greater achievement of succeeding during a time of collective upheaval. You have endured separation from the friends, family members, and institutions that would otherwise have provided support and solace. Many of you have faced great financial obstacles. Some of you have experienced deep personal grief and loss. And nevertheless, this day is here—and you, with it. This semester, although undeniably difficult, does not—and should not—define your college career by any means. Nor should it overshadow what you have accomplished and experienced as Lehman students, from the time you first stepped onto campus until now. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you all on completing what is always an exciting and challenging journey. However, I believe that your diploma, with its 2020 date, represents even more than your academic success. It is also a document of personal growth, and unexpected life lessons, all of which will serve you far into the future. I hope you will come to consider that experience a source of strength, and a reservoir of knowledge that you can share. I hope, too, that you will all move on from Lehman with a deeper awareness of your own strength and capabilities. I believe that wherever your next steps may lead, you are well-prepared. Celebrate the day. Share it in whatever way you can with those you love, and be good to yourselves. You have not only demonstrated great achievement, but also your resilience. When you wake up tomorrow morning, let resilience be your guide. Until we convene at the in-person Commencement exercises, under a glorious blue sky on our South Field, know that you have my profound respect and best wishes always. Congratulations! Peter O. Nwosu Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success 3 Dear Class of 2020 Graduate, All of us at Lehman College are incredibly proud of you and your accomplishments. We are also proud of the resilience and ingenuity you have shown amid the COVID-19 crisis. This is not how you expected—and not how any of us expected—you would complete your Lehman degrees. Many of you have successfully navigated challenging situations in the past, and while this one is certainly both historic and unique, I am confident that we will be a strong community and that each of you will not only persevere but learn from this experience. Undoubtedly, we all will learn much from this extraordinary challenge. I encourage you to remain connected with one another and with us. Afterall, you’re about to become a member of the Lehman College alumni community of over 81,000 proud and accomplished graduates worldwide. I invite you to join the Lehman College Alumni Association. It’s a way for you to stay connected and have a life-long relationship with the College. As a member, you will have on-line access to the Career Exploration and Development Center where you can schedule a virtual career consultation. Please note you will also have in-person access once the campus re-opens. In addition, you will receive coveted invitations to many intellectual, social and cultural programs, in addition to benefits, services and discounts. What’s more, alumni membership is free to new graduates for one year; thereafter, it’s only $25 per year. For more details and to sign up for your free membership, visit www. lehman.edu/alumni. As a newly minted graduate, I hope you will take full advantage of the resources available to you and let us know how you are doing. We take pride in your accomplishments and are strong advocates for your personal and professional success. Staying in contact with us is easy! Here’s how: In-Person: Make an appointment to visit the Office of Alumni Engagement in Shuster Hall, Room 306, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm by calling 718-960-8048 Email: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/LehmanCollegeAlumni LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/125665 Once again, congratulations and best wishes! Sincerely, Robert Pagan Associate Director, Alumni Engagement & Annual Fund Office of Institutional Advancement 4 The Board of Trustees The City University of New York William C. Thompson, Jr., B.A., Chairperson Robert F. Mujica, B.A., M.G.A., J.D. Barry F. Schwartz, A.B., J.D., Vice Chairperson Brian D. Obergfell, B.S., J.D. Michael Arvanites, B.A. Jill O’Donnell-Tormey, B.S., Ph.D. Henry T. Berger, B.S., J.D. Charles A. Shorter, B.A., M.A. Una S. T-Clarke, B.S., M.S., C.D. Ken Sunshine, B.S. Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, B.A., M.P.A. Sandra Wilkin, B.S., B.S. Fernando Ferrer, B.A., M.P.A. Martin J. Burke, Ph.D., Chairperson, University Faculty Senate, ex officio Kevin D. Kim, B.A., M.A., J.D. Timothy G. Hunter, Chairperson, University Student Mayra Linares-García, B.A. Senate, ex officio Lehman College President’s Cabinet & Deans Daniel Lemons, B.A., M.S., M.Phil., Ph.D., President Stanley A. Bazile, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Executive in Charge of the Division of Student Affairs, Dean of Peter O. Nwosu, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Provost and Senior Students Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success Bridget Barbera, B.S., J.D., Counsel to the President, Labor Designee Ronald M. Bergmann, B.S., M.S., Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Jane MacKillop, B.A., Ph.D., Dean, School of Continuing and Professional Studies Susan E.