The Bridge Student Newspaper

Leadership and diversity were celebrated on Thursday October 18, 2007 at LaGCC. Numerous honorees were presented, by LaGCC Web Radio Station, SGA and the Office of Student Life, with awards in LaGCC's Little Theater. The awards presented were called "Little Flower Awards," named for the school's namesake Fiorello H. LaGuardia, whose first name translated from Italian means "little flower." The awards were presented to guests of LaGCC's Web Radio Station show, "Perez Notes," hosted by Roberto Perez.

Though it was scheduled to begin at 6PM, a well-received assortment of diverse food combined with enthusiastic discourse delayed the commencement of the ceremony until nearly 7PM. The ceremony opened with, Victor Rosa, a Professor in the English Department and Faculty Advisor of the Web Radio Club. He began by welcoming the guests and praising the Web Radio as "a training ground for future journalists." Rosa was followed by a brief speech from LaGCC President, Dr. Gail O. Mellow, who sorrowfully excused herself from the entirety of the ceremony -she was to be presented with an award by another organization. Mellow remarked, "Although our world is becoming very small, our hearts our becoming very big." Just before rushing off the stage, Mellow introduced the keynote speaker, Jay Hershenson, Senior Vice Chancellor for University Relations and the Secretary of the Board of Trustees for CUNY. Mellow described Hershenson as an inspiration and noted that whenever she questioned herself, she would ask, "What would Jay do?"

Hershenson was welcomed to the stage with thunderous applause. He opened with a joke that was once delivered by former President Jimmy Carter. The theme of Hershenson's speech was " The Importance of Civic Engagement - Getting Involved and Serving the Community. Hershenson began his address by proudly asserting his status as a CUNY graduate as well as his role as a student leader and activist during his college years. He discussed the draft, an issue that was relevant in his time, and the resulting veteran's issues. Regarding veterans, Hershenson noted CUNY's welcoming policy, saying "We have a place for you."

Hershenson's speech also touched on such matters as CUNY's involvement in the immigration issue, CUNY's plans to create a Diabetic Awareness Program, and placed special emphasis on community participation. Hershenson spoke of community service, "The only time you look down is to give a hand of help." He also discussed the programs available to LaGCC students and was surprised to learn, via audience reaction, the number of people who were ignorant of their existence. As well, Hershenson praised the Web Radio for keeping with the ideals of diversity and equality for which the school's namesake stood. Hershenson ended his speech with a quote delivered in Spanish, "Lo unico que nadie nos puede quitar en la vida es la educacion" - The only thing in life that cannot be taken away from you is your education.

The ceremony moved on with a few words from SGA President Ahmed Adil, followed by LaGCC's Web Radio DJ, Chuck Onike. Keeping in line with the inspirational nature of the ceremony, Onike stated, "that's what I strive to be, more like Rob Perez….Our voices have power and influence."

Howard Jordan, the WBAI Radio Host took the stage next. After sharing with the audience how Perez began his radio career with himself as a mentor, Jordan spoke of his own path to broadcasting as well as how he is now able to influence those around him, including many in the Latino community.

The remarks were concluded with a few words from Perez. After thanking those who helped in his journey to success, Perez began handing out awards to guests of the show who contributed to its success. Each award was inscribed with a quote from Fiorello H. LaGuardia - "We Strive Increasingly to Quicken the Sense of Public Duty." Attendee April Silver of Akila Workshops commented that, "the little man who spoke several languages would be proud of what had blossomed from his legacy."

Despite the many esteemed members of the community in attendance, there were many LaGCC students who are unaware of the Web Radio and "Perez Notes." One student commented that she had never heard "Perez Notes." She had only become aware of it as an usher at the ceremony.

Among the honorees were: Mo Beasly, poet and educator, who followed the ceremony with a reading; Honorable Daniel Dromm, 39th District Assembly Leader, Queens; Honorable José R. Peralta, 39th District Assemblyman, Queens; Honorable Hiram Monserrate 21st District Council Member, Queens; Alice Cardona, Hispanic Liaison to Assembly Member Catherine Nolan and Angelo Falcon, President and Founder of the National Institute for Latino Policy and Adjunct Professor at Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs.

This collaborative effort was written by: Pedro Bonilla, Kerlyn Candelario, Simon Deonarain, Thea Dukas, Silvia Luque,Wilder Murtha and Juan Torres

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