The Alumni Engagement Council (AEC) at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) hosted the second annual CUNYTuesday Student and Alumni Celebration on December 2, 2025, as both an online and on campus event.
Sparked by GivingTuesday, an annual global movement that inspires millions to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity, #CUNYTuesday is the University-wide day of giving that raises funds each year to support student scholarships.
Building on the CUNYTuesday tradition of building community through giving back, the Student and Alumni Celebration sought to provide a lively and fun environment for students and alumni to connect with each other.
The AEC team kicked off the night with a brief welcome session where its members were introduced. AEC member Tye Brown (BS Business ‘16 and MS Business Management and Leadership ‘20), who donated the critical seed money to launch the Alumni Legacy Scholarship, took a few moments to encourage the audience to give generously during the CUNYTuesday drive.
“It [the Alumni Legacy Scholarship] represents all those who are part of the alumni community and all those who are future alums,” said Brown, pictured at left. “We want to grow this scholarship so we can grow with each other and invest in each other……always remember it's a path forward, so we pay it forward, and it pays back so much again.”
After the announcements, attendees could partake in entertaining activities—both virtual and in person— planned by the AEC.
As a particularly generous gesture, alum Martina Arroyo-Burton (MS Business Management and Leadership ‘23) sponsored the buffet of hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. She shared that she was delighted “to support a community and institution that has given us so much.”
Arroyo-Burton, pictured at right, also offered attendees samples of her skin care line. “This opportunity [to give back] felt like a full-circle moment... I’m proud to see the positive reception of Byye Dry [her product line] and am grateful to share my journey from student to entrepreneur.”
Other activities included virtual tarot card readings contributed by alum Dani Lucchese (MA Disability Studies '16), karaoke, a gaming room, and dance music spun by alum Gisselle Padilla, AKA DJ Negra Rose, (BA in Communication and Culture ‘11).
Student volunteers also lent a helping hand. Bobby Cade, a member of the CUNY SPS Change Warriors Club who is currently pursuing his BS in Health Services Administration, maintained the scheduling for the tarot card readings. Cade spoke about his inspiration for supporting the community through service.
“I was raised by my parents to understand the importance of giving back and being of service, and that is something we all must do,” said Cade, pictured at left. “The CUNY SPS Change Warriors [Club] was the perfect program for me to focus my efforts and make an impact.”
During the evening’s festivities, alum Larissa Santiago (BA Liberal Studies ‘23), who currently works as the internship and volunteer manager at Latinas On the Verge of Excellence (LOVE) Mentoring Program, spoke about how her studies prepared her for a career in community service.
Santiago, pictured at right, said through her work at CUNY SPS, she gained “cultural sensitivity, project management, strategic, and communication skills that gave me the confidence to pivot my career into volunteer engagement and program management for nonprofits in NYC.”
CUNY SPS Alumni Relations Manager Nidia Cordova (MA Youth Studies ‘23), later commented on the evening’s success. “The impact of this event on our CUNY SPS community has been remarkable,” said Cordova. “I could not be prouder of the Alumni Engagement Council for the outstanding leadership they demonstrated throughout the campaign.”
CUNYTuesday donations will remain open until the end of December. Friends and members of the CUNY SPS community still have an opportunity to support student scholarships and make a positive impact by giving generously.
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