October 14, 2021
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) celebrated the newest cohort of the college’s Out in Two scholarship program with a virtual awards ceremony October 13. The Fall 2021 cohort—24 BMCC students—commit to graduating from BMCC within two years of their first semester.
Out in Two Program Coordinator Jonathan Matamoros welcomed the virtual attendees and introduced BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe.
“Every student recognized today has persevered with great success earning a minimum GPA of 3.0,” said President Munroe. “You should all be proud of your achievement.
Since the scholarship’s establishment in 1999, an average 90% of Out in Two scholars have transferred to prestigious four-year institutions such as Columbia University, New York University and Cornell University, the president said.
“Remember, it’s up to you to create your map to success,” said President Munroe. “As you move forward in your academic journey, I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities offered through the Out in Two Program and seek the dedicated assistance of BMCC’s dedicated faculty and staff.”
Among the benefits offered to Out in Two scholars is $1,600 in financial assistance for each students’ three remaining semesters, a dedicated academic advisor, organized trips to senior colleges and emergency grants for temporary financial hardship.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Erwin Wong extended his congratulations to the new cohort for what they have and will accomplish during their academic career at BMCC.
“You are going to do something fantastic and positive because you are going to complete your degree in two years,” said Provost Wong. “You will be able to succeed because you have a cohort of fellow Out in Two scholars to support you as well as the Out in Two team and others at the college who will be there.”
Student Affairs Vice President Marva Craig encouraged attendees, who were watching the ceremony on the online platform zoom, to turn on their cameras.
“During these times, we need moments to smile and we need moments to celebrate,” said VP Craig. “I want to thank you for getting excellent grades, they made us smile. Thank you for the interviews that you did as part of the application process for the scholarship, they touched us. Thank you for remaining in college and receiving a scholarship, that brings us joy.”
Vice President for Institutional Advancement Lorna Malcom on behalf of her office as well as the BMCC Foundation, congratulated the 24 students on a job well done.
“The sacrifices you’ve made, the hard work, your dedication have all paid off and you’re on the right path to your next academic career path,” said VP Malcom. “We are extremely happy for you. I am encouraging you to continue to stay focused, to continue to be tenacious in achieving all your goals.”
Primary Out in Two program funders for the Fall 2021 semester include the BMCC Foundation, Resnick Endowment, and the Rosenfield Endowment.
Out in Two Coordinator Matamoros said the new students were an impressive group, especially since this is one of the cohorts who received remote instruction during their first semester.
“We recognize how challenging that can be and are excited to support them and also connect them with a community of their peers,” said Matamoros. “Though each of these scholars have different passions and goals, they all have a desire to succeed and give back. I look forward to seeing how those desires unfold during their time here at BMCC, and beyond.”
The program also featured Out in Two graduate Janice Chung, a first-generation college student who became an Out in Two scholar in Fall 2016, completed the program, then went on to John Jay College of Criminal Justice and earned a degree in political science. She currently works at BMCC as an academic counselor working primarily with students seeking non-traditional careers.
The Fall 2021 Out in Two cohort includes: Oliver Adams, Elizabeth Alfieri, Shaunasia Alleyne, Anna Alojan, Siani Amalbert, Siani Amalbert, Lina Atoubi, Rachel Gaillard, Lova Hammer, Helena Hoszman, Sage Ironwood, Maja Jurczykowska, Aleksandra Kesicka, Isabella Kouzalian, Bar Kroitoro, Farhan Mamun, Miranda Modeste, Hannah Olofsson, Madeline Rey, Shir Shachar, Michal Shahaf, Urszula Stando, Thin Yadanar Su, Yosef Niv and Marwah Zaghmouri.
In addition to Matamoros, the Out in Two program’s staff includes: Assistant Program Coordinator Maria Ramirez and Assistant Program Coordinator Sienna Lawrence.
To Learn more about BMCC’s Out in Two program, click here.
- Students in program commit to completing associate degree in two years
- Cohort program includes individual academic counseling and support services
- Many Out in Two graduates go on to prestigious four-year institutions
