Thank You
August 17, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
I write to express my gratitude for the many warm welcome wishes that I received today. I am inspired, energized, and ready to work together to ensure the success of our students.
On this first day, I had the privilege of bringing physically distant greetings to those Public Safety Officers who are working to keep the campus safe in our absence. I also had a virtual meeting with students and alumni who excelled in academics, athletics, community service, and leadership. They shared with me stories of how Queensborough empowered and transformed their lives.
• Biling Chen, ’19, for example, arrived from China with little understanding of the English language, and a passion to explore the world of science. Through her own will to succeed, coupled with the guidance of her faculty mentors, Biling’s hard work led to some of the most prestigious awards in the country, namely, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship as well as CUNY’s Thomas Tam Scholarship.
• Another Jack Kent Cooke recipient, Kyle Chin-How, ’15, discovered his desire to pursue public interest law and became an advocate for public education and DREAM Act legislation. Originally from Guyana, Kyle interned for Vice President Joe Biden and became a NYS Model Senator. Kyle is a graduate of The City College of New York in the Skadden, Arps Honors Program in Legal Studies.
• Paola Beniquez, ’17, is an elite athlete who commanded the volleyball court since she first enrolled at Queensborough. The wave of recognition she received, which included the CUNY Scholar Athlete of the Year Award, was spectacular. Paola shared with me heartwarming stories of growing up in Puerto Rico, and how the Queensborough community came together to support her when she went back to her island home to help those ravaged by Hurricane Maria.
These are just a few of the students who have experienced great success because of the difference Queensborough has made in their lives. And they are wonderful reminders of the great impact each of us has in the lives of all of our students. I could not have asked for a better way to begin our journey together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Christine Mangino
President
Queensborough Community College
The City University of New York