Hostos Community College

Many alumni find their experiences at Hostos are a source of strength and inspiration they take with them wherever they go. This is certainly the case for alumna Carmen Roque Escarfulleri. “My time at Hostos provided a welcoming and supportive environment that helped me grow both academically and personally," she said. That experience played a crucial role in building the academic foundation for her transfer to Lehman College, where she recently graduated summa cm laude.

Born in the Dominican Republic, she moved to the United States in 2019. After working and supporting a family, she set off on her academic journey, motivated by “the strong desire to make a difference through education.”

She began that journey at Hostos, where she studied Mathematics. Professors Armando Amador, Dionicio Taveras, Tanvir Prince, and Nieves Angulo (“my mentor”) were among the faculty members who had the greatest influence on her.

In addition to her coursework, she served as a Student Peer Leader in Mathematics through the Supplemental Instruction Program, which gave her ample opportunity to hone her leadership, communication and teaching skills. She was also a member of the Mathematics and Computer Science Scholars (MACSS) Program.

After transferring to Lehman College in 2024, Ms. Roque Escarfulleri continued her studies in Mathematics and minored in Secondary Education. Rigorous coursework, field experiences and pedagogical training gave her a deeper understanding of both mathematics and effective teaching practices.

After graduation, she plans to teach mathematics while pursuing graduate studies.

"Her resilience, compassion, leadership, and dedication to education exemplify the qualities of an outstanding scholar and future educator. I take great pride in her accomplishments and have no doubt that she will make a lasting and transformative impact on the lives of her future students,” said Professor Nieves Angulo, her mentor.

Her determination, talents, and commitment to service through education will take her far and there’s no doubt that a little bit of Hostos will go with here everywhere.

More than 850 graduates. 155 countries. 28 states. One extraordinary Class of 2026!

We proudly celebrated our 56th Commencement Ceremonies, honoring a graduating class that reflects the promise of the South Bronx.

This year’s graduates represent 155 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, and 28 states throughout the nation. The youngest graduate is 17 years old and the oldest is 64. Twenty-seven students from Hostos Lincoln Academy earned associate degrees alongside their high school diplomas, while the HERO Early College High School program celebrated two graduates. Liberal Arts was the largest field of study, with 276 graduates.

Presiding over both ceremonies, President Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis celebrated the accomplishments of the graduating class and the communities that helped them succeed.

The ceremonies were led by Master of Ceremonies Fabián Wander, Director of Health and Wellness, while Sociology Professor Sarah Hoiland served as Grand Marshal. Graduates were inspired by remarks from CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, elected officials, trustees, faculty, and staff.

The College also conferred an Honorary Associate of Humane Letters degree upon Dr. Amarilis Jacobo for her leadership and service to educational opportunity.

Commencement speaker Benny Lorenzo, Managing Partner of Aspira Capital Management, L.P., shared his journey as an immigrant, reflected on the influence of his mother, and encouraged graduates to embrace confidence and purpose.

Valedictorian Lusdeliza Paulino Reyes reminded her classmates that every graduate has a story of sacrifice and determination behind their achievement.

The ceremonies also honored members of the Hostos community with Presidential Medals: Benny Lorenzo; Professors Anna Ivanova, Antonios Varelas, Inmaculada Lara-Bonilla; staff members Jason Libfeld and Brenda Linen-Paulin; alumnus Víctor Santana; administrator Dr. Evelyn Fernández-Ketcham; and Valedictorian Luzdelisa Paulino Reyes.

As graduates crossed the stage, they joined a legacy spanning more than five decades of educational excellence, opportunity, and transformation in the South Bronx.

From Hostos students to proud alumni! We wish our Class of 2026 grads the very best as they turn the page to the next chapter in their lives.

🎓DAY 2! The air is electric with excitement as we prepare to celebrate our grads! Let’s go, Class of 2026! 🥳

🎊 Smiles, cheers, and endless possibilities! Join us in congratulating our graduates on this special day! 🎈