March 20, 2025
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) welcomed 36 new scholars into the College’s Out in Two scholarship program during a March 19 ceremony at Fiterman Hall conference center.
The donor-funded Out in Two scholarship program is unique to BMCC, having been founded by former BMCC President Antonio Pérez. The program creates a supportive community designed to help each scholar graduate from BMCC within two years and transfer to a senior college.
Other benefits include a book stipend, MetroCard, dedicated academic advisor and a scholarship up to $1,600. Among other criteria, eligible students are first-time freshmen at the time of enrolling at BMCC, with at least 12 credits earned in their first semester
“The Out in Two program is more than just a scholarship, it’s a supportive community that helps students accelerate their studies, empowering them to achieve their goals and pursue meaningful change,” said Out in Two Program Coordinator Maria Ramirez, who welcomed the scholars to the ceremony. “We’re excited to see the many ways these scholars will continue to grow, inspire others, and make meaningful contributions.”
In his remarks, Vice President of Enrollment Management Sanjay Ramdath, commended the scholars for their tenacity and ability to persevere.
“We’re going to need your determination and perseverance not only in your academics, but everything you do,” said VP Ramdath. “You are the next generation of leaders that people will look to for direction, guidance and to make change on so many levels.”
Out in Alumni Gabrielle Levy, who is currently a student at Columbia University sent remarks that were read by current Out in Two scholar Heather Thar.
“The Out in Two program gave me the structure, support and resources I needed to not only finish my education at BMCC, but to excel beyond what I thought was possible,” wrote Levy in her remarks. “My journey wasn’t easy, I faced personal struggles that could have derailed my future, but what I found within the Out in Two community was something truly special. I found people who believed in me, when I couldn’t believe in myself.”
She said the mentors, advisors, as well as her peers who guided her through the challenges and pushed her to reach higher.
Computer Information Systems major Mahumevo Godwin Akpo, a current Out in Two Scholar who was recently named a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke undergraduate transfer scholarship also spoke to the new cohort of students.
“I realized quickly just how impactful the Out in Two community can be,” said Akpo. “Like many of you, my life before Out in Two was challenging. “The program has offered me so much more than financial assistance, it provided me with a supportive network of mentors, advisors, as well as peers who motivate and uplift me every step of the way.”
The 2025 Out in Two Scholars are:
Carlos Aguilar Castillo- Psychology
Christina Ally- Psychology
Khisha Callicharrun- Mathematics
Michail Angelos Chatzinikolas Georgas- Computer Science
Giannica Cicero Garcia- Political Science
Emely Dominguez Urena- Human Services
Daneille Duncan- Science for Health
Daniel Duncan- Accounting
Noor Fatima- Biotechnology
Sofia Filippova- Psychology
Yslim Triciani Fiuza Nunes- Psychology
Sarai Garris- Criminal Justice
Dakota Gil- Digital Marketing
Jessica Amanda Gomes Rodrigues- Business Administration
Chengye He- Mathematics
Michael Horowitz- Political Science
Soha Ilkhomov- Business Administration
Nowrin Jahan- Computer Network Technology
Pola Juvida- Business Administration
Sara Khan- Science
Abdul Ahad Khanani- Computer Science
Sethimonea Long- Business Administration
Dylan Lopez Bosch- Psychology
Simmonette Macey- Science for Health
Anna Makarova- Psychology
Ana Nazaruk- Computer Science
Patricia Okrah- Psychology
Salvador Palos Gil- Business Administration
Seoyeon Park- Liberal Arts
Xander Pereira- Digital Marketing
Yuval Porat- Political Science
Baina Shikdzhieva- Criminal Justice
Tiffany Sun Ting- Communication Studies
Paulina Zgrajek- Digital Marketing
Haoyang Zhen – Business Administration
Special Thank You to Out in Two donors;
The Herbert and Audrey Rosenfield Fund (endowment)
The Resnick Family Scholarship Fund (endowment)
The Southpole Foundation
- Out in Two Program unique to BMCC
- Program provides students with supportive community
