The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) held its fifth annual Student Leadership and Service Recognition Ceremony, honoring the exceptional students who have made a significant impact on the School’s community.
The event, held April 29 at Baruch College’s Newman Vertical Campus Conference Center and livestreamed for a wider audience, celebrated the achievements of student leaders who have driven the clubs and governing bodies at CUNY SPS.
Moderators Anthony Sweeney, Associate Director of Student Life, and Parshotam Lal, Student Life Club and Organization Coordinator, led an evening that celebrated collaboration, advocacy, and growth, recognizing 80 students for their leadership and community-building efforts.
To kick off the evening, Dean Braverman delivered a welcoming video message to the gathering, expressing her pride and appreciation for the honorees. "You are the heart of CUNY SPS," she said. "Through your leadership in clubs, organizations, and committees, you bring energy and purpose to our School. You have chosen to lead not because it’s easy, but because it matters.”
Following Dr. Braverman’s remarks, two outstanding and widely accomplished student leaders took the stage: Daniel Reden, Chair of the CUNY University Student Senate (USS), and Asantee Mitchell, USS Graduate Delegate (pictured above). They delivered the keynote address as an interview moderated by Sweeney, sharing reflections on their various leadership journeys and the impact of their advocacy work.
Mitchell spoke passionately about her legislative wins in the USS, where she championed all students in the CUNY system, even as she offered a special spotlight on CUNY SPS. “Since we're the only online school [at CUNY], I had to make sure they knew we were here.” She recounted the stunning success of the 2023 March for March campaign, where students demonstrated on the Brooklyn Bridge to prevent a CUNY-wide tuition hike. “And we won! I still see my picture when we made the news.”
Reden, currently serving as USS Chairperson, spoke about his sense of duty as a high-profile representative of CUNY SPS. "Our School is the best school," Reden said. “It's the only school where you can live your life and gain a degree at the same time. That flexibility that CUNY SPS affords is not found anywhere else,” he said. “Being the only [USS] Chairperson from one of the smaller, newer professional schools is a badge of honor, it's a responsibility, and I... full heartedly understand that.”
After the keynote, several student leaders delivered moving speeches about their experiences within their organizations. In a particularly heartfelt address, Lourdes Quinteros, president of the newly formed Mental Health Club (pictured in the photo on the left), shared a powerful message about the importance of creating a supportive space for students.
“We [in the Mental Health Club] host events that center on healing, mindfulness, and mental health advocacy. We strive to create a space where students can take a breath, feel heard, and know they're not alone,” Quinteros explained. “This community has helped me grow as both a leader and as someone passionate about creating positive change. I want to say how grateful I am to CUNY SPS for truly welcoming my ideas and advocacy.”
Other new clubs having their premier celebration included the Artificial Intelligence Club, Film & Television Club, Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society, and the Women in STEM Club. These organizations reflect the expanding diversity of student interests and the ongoing commitment to creating inclusive spaces for learning and leadership development at CUNY SPS.
As a testament to the community the honorees have helped build, the sense of connection in the room lingered even after the ceremony concluded. Students and their proud families stayed to snap photos, exchange stories, and celebrate the night’s accomplishments, even as the clean-up crews were packing up to go.
Reflecting on the evening afterwards, Parshotam Lal remarked on the determination and passion of CUNY SPS students. “Our student leaders—many of whom balance parenting, full-time jobs, and coursework—still make time for our clubs, organizations, and honor societies, demonstrating that we [Office of Student Life] are doing something right,” he said. “The students make time for their clubs, organizations, and honor societies because they believe in the power of community.” He also noted that the Student Life team hosted over 250 events this academic year, engaging nearly 800 unique participants.
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
Press Contact
Prerna Dar
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