In-Person CUNYTuesday Event Emphasizes the Importance of Connection and Mentorship

The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) celebrated CUNYTuesday 2024 with a lively fundraising event held at the School’s Manhattan campus on December 3, 2024.

Inspired by #GivingTuesday, a global movement that inspires millions to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity annually, CUNYTuesday is an annual CUNY-wide day of giving that raises funds to support students.

Co-hosted by the School’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Student Services, and the Alumni Engagement Council (AEC), this year’s CUNYTuesday event focused on making connections and building community. In this spirit, over 50 fellow students and alumni attended a festive on-campus party that featured music, food, dancing, games, and a fundraising raffle to support scholarships.

Nidia Cordova, CUNY SPS alumni relations manager and an alum of the School’s MA in Youth Studies program, organized and moderated the event, which also included speakers from the Alumni Engagement Council. Members and alum Stephen Ippolito (BA in Sociology and MA in Disability Studies), Patrycja Golinska (MS in Business Management and Leadership), and Lisa Sheridan (BA in Communication and Media) joined Cordova at the podium to speak about their experiences on the AEC, the importance of mentoring, community building, and giving back to the School.

In a special highlight, Helen Torres (pictured above, lower right), the first awardee of the School’s Alumni Legacy Scholarship, was called up to receive an official CUNY SPS alumni pin. Founded by lead donor and alum Tyerence Brown (BS in Business and MS in Business Management and Leadership), this new scholarship supports CUNY SPS undergraduate degree holders who return to attend a graduate program at the School.

Torres, a 2024 alum of the BA is Disability Studies Program and a current student in the MS in Disability Services in Higher Education, spoke movingly about the impact of the scholarship on her educational journey. In her remarks, she also reflected on the larger need for fundraising campaigns.

“Let's not forget the importance of giving back. Through initiatives like CUNYTuesday, we can ensure that future students have a singular opportunity to achieve these dreams together,” Torres said. “We are building a community that celebrates diversity and the transformative power of education.”

During the event, the AEC also announced the launch of a dual mentoring program funded by a recent CUNY student success grant, which will be offered to a select group of students who would like extra support as they navigate through the path of academic success. Interested students were encouraged to get involved. 

With the conclusion of CUNYTuesday, friends and members of the CUNY SPS community still have an opportunity to support student scholarships and make a positive impact on the lives of our students. Donations are open, so all are encouraged to make a gift here.

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
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.dar@cuny.edu