Three outstanding graduates from the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) were named on University’s second annual ‘50 Under 50’ alumni awards list.
“We are extremely proud to see three of our CUNY SPS alumni recognized on CUNY’s 2025 ‘50 Under 50’ list. This honor reflects not only their exceptional professional accomplishments, but also their commitment to leadership, service, and impact in their communities,” said CUNY SPS Dean Lisa R. Braverman. “They exemplify the purpose-driven education we strive to provide at CUNY SPS and the many ways our graduates continue to make a meaningful difference, both locally and globally.”
The City University of New York’s ‘50 Under 50’ list recognizes exceptional graduates from CUNY schools for their social, cultural, and economic contributions to New York and beyond. This year’s cohort highlights the depth of talent within the CUNY community, representing public servants, journalists, entrepreneurs, artists, and more.
The CUNY SPS alums named on CUNY’s ‘50 Under 50’ list for 2025 are:
Leonard Blades, MS Disability Services in Higher Education '20, Adv. Cert. Disability Studies '22, and MA Disability Studies '25
Disability Accommodation Specialist, Queensborough Community College
Monique A. Francis, Advanced Certificate Immigration Law ’06
Interim Executive Director, CUNY Citizenship Now!
Darnell Wold, BA Psychology ’23
Social Impact Entrepreneur, Powder Room D & Crisis Counselor, Crisis Text Line
Launched in 2024, the University’s ‘50 Under 50’ alumni awards list is selected based on nominations received by each of the CUNY Campuses. (Alumni may also be nominated through an online form for future awards.) The University’s Office of Communications and Marketing then select the final list from the nominations, choosing recipients who represent every CUNY college and stood out for the impact they have made in their respective industries in the past year.
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
Chief Marketing Officer
prerna.dar@cuny.edu