Class IS In Session For CUNY’s Freshman Presidents

This week, as thousands of new college students journey through their first day of class at one of the boroughs many city universities, a new and quite different freshman class will sink its teeth into new challenges. The face of CUNY will change dramatically this fall, as three new college presidents take the helm at some of the boroughs most prestigious universities.
For the first time in 32 years, Queensborough Community College has appointed a new president, life-long educator Eduardo Marti. Traveling west down the Long Island Expressway, LaGuardia Community College has welcomed Dr. Gail O. Mellow, a nationally recognized leader in community college education into the presidents office. And, although the position is only temporary, Queens College, considered by many the crown jewel of the City University of New York, has introduced Dr. Russell K. Holtzer, former dean of Academic Affairs at CUNY as its new leader.
Queensborough, long a breeding ground for prospering young students plans to initiate a renaissance of sorts this year, as they transform themselves into a university that draws upon the boroughs best and brightest, while continuing to offer its open admission policy.
"I believe strongly that we have a more positive approach to providing education than other schools," Marti told The Queens Courier. "With a little tweaking this place could become not only one of the perennial schools in CUNY, but in the nation."
Marti, a Cuban immigrant with over 18 years of experience within CUNY, has developed a three-part plan to promote and support the educational resources that Q.C.C. offers. Cosmetically, Marti envisions a campus whose physical plant generates a sense of pride in his students, while offering them an environment conducive to learning. While minor projects such as removing gum from classroom seats and adding automatic flushers to campus bathrooms have already begun to take shape, by semesters end, the "Envelope Project," an initiative to replace many of the campus rooftops will reach its apex. Q.C.C.s most extensive undertaking will be the renovation of the Oakland Art Gallery, which, Marti proudly boasts, will be transformed into a "museum quality gallery" without spending a penny of city funding.
Key on the presidents priority list is creating a master-plan for the university as a whole. Part of the plan includes replacing the aging technology building with two, newer, more modern facilities. Beginning in September, a new venture, introducing two new education-based workshops will be introduced to students. And, although he recognizes the first-class talents of Q.C.C.s current staff and faculty, he acknowledges that even the best of situations can still be improved. "I want the most distinguished faculty that CUNY has to offer here," said Marti.
Near the top of his to-do list is implementing a strategic approach towards re-educating the general public of the need for community colleges. "We want to erase the standards that we are by nature poor, and have low standards," adds Marti. With nearly a 35 percent immigrant population, Queensboroughs reputation is as a home away from home for newcomers representing over 115 countries. "We are a safe harbor for the immigrant community," said Marti. "We are very proud of that."
The most important strategy Marti plans to implement at Queensborough is to open up the lines of communication between faculty and staff, providing for a campus that reflects the vision and ideals of both. "We are planning a campus-wide discussion to see where we are headed," he said. "I want the college community to come together and design a set of goals."
One of the most anticipated reigns of any new college president is guaranteed to be that of Dr. Russell K. Holtzer, the new man at the helm of Queens College. Although only an interim president, Holtzer will be under the microscope this year, as he attempts to rejuvenate interest in a $30 million AIDS research center, left in limbo when former President Allen Lee Sessoms stepped down in April. Sessoms came under fire last spring for failing to raise sufficient funds for the center, despite reportedly making statements to the contrary.
Holtzer, who refused to be interviewed for this story, previously served as vice-president and dean of Academic Affairs at Q.C.C. from 1984 to 1996 and on their Mechanical Engineering Technology and Design faculty in 1971.
Rounding out the new faces is LaGuardias new administrative leader Gail O. Mellow. A graduate of Jamestown Community College, she knows all too well the power of a community college education. "Ive lived their lives," Mellow told The Queens Courier. "And, I know the power of education."
Poised for a new era in learning, Mellow envisions LaGuardia not as a two-year rest stop between two-and four-year schools, but as the prime training ground for the 21st century employee. Integral to that training is providing her students with access to the most modern computer technology available within the CUNY system. "Who will create the web sites and figure out how to secure the financial transactions?" asks Mellow.
Focused squarely on workforce development, LaGuardia requires all students to complete at least two work internships and a multitude of associated courses prior to graduation. In the program, students are paired with local business owners in a variety of fields, ranging from politics to journalism (Editors noteThe Queens Courier is actively looking for bright young students for fall internship.)
"Learning on the job is as important as any classroom learning," said Mellow. "And, were on the cutting edge, because we send students into the business world, and they (business owners) report to us what the interns know and what they need to know."
Similar to Queensborough, LaGuardia prides itself on its cultural diversity, with 136 different languages spoken by students at the university. An open-admissions policy, coupled with a relatively low- cost tuition, allows students, both native and foreign alike, the opportunity to pursue their collegiate dream.
"Community colleges are the only American form of education that is not based upon money," explains Mellow. "We are just about offering the students the ability to learn."
With millions of dollars in city funding allocated towards renovating the Stillman and Thomson building, adding a second facility to their budding campus, LaGuardia is seemingly a school on the rise. However, despite promoting an atmosphere of infinite opportunity, Mellow recognizes the challenges that still await her.
A $1.5 million grant devoted to the new "Gear Up" program will begin training middle school students for their college years long before most of them will ever fathom the idea. "We are going to fundamentally re-think the way we deliver education," said Mellow. "And, if we are to succeed we must face these challenges."
With an enthusiasm for schooling young minds, three lifelong educators have embarked upon the challenge of molding a new generation of students. Undoubtedly, the boroughs next crop of businessmen, doctors, politicians, and journalists will be among those who will proudly boast that they received their education at one of Queens premier universities.
"Were passionate about Queens," adds Mellow. "And, I really think we have something to show them."