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Lehman College to Award Honorary Degree to Bronx Healthcare Leader and Alumna Cristina Contreras
May 27, 2025
Cristina Contreras, CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, never forgot where her college career began and for years has been reaching back to help the newest Lehman students. That’s why Lehman College will honor her at its 2025 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on May 29. Contreras is a healthcare leader committed to transforming care and championing health equity in underserved communities.
“We are honored to present Cristina Contreras with an honorary degree, someone whose unwavering dedication to community service and leadership serves as an inspiring example for our graduates” said Fernando Delgado, Lehman College President. “She is a shining example of someone who shares her success with the whole community, a perfect role model as we celebrate the accomplishments of the class of 2025 whom we trust will also continue to pay it forward.”
Lehman will hold two separate ceremonies for the first time: one for its growing community of more than 600 graduate students on May 27 and another for more than 2,300 undergraduates on May 29.
Lehman’s Class of 2025 is spread across six schools with students earning bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and advanced certificates. This year’s class also includes four graduates of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
Among the master’s candidates is Evelyn Hernandez, graduating with a Master of Science in early childhood education. Returning to Lehman 17 years after earning her bachelor's degree, Evelyn balanced motherhood, schoolwork, and a cancer diagnosis—all while pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher.
The graduate address will be delivered by Julia Rampersad, who is earning a master’s degree in literacy studies. Julia is dedicated to creating change through literacy programs that promote reading skills for high school students to prepare them for college success.
This year’s undergraduate commencement speaker is Felix Santos, a first-generation college student majoring in business administration. From mentoring peers to leading career development workshops, Felix’s dedication to service and leadership has served as an inspiration to those around him.
The undergraduate ceremony will be available to stream live on the 2025 Commencement page. Watch the graduate ceremony here.
Members of the media are invited to capture footage of both ceremonies in-person, including interviews with event organizers, faculty, and students and family members.
Contact: Mercedes Diez
Director, Communications & College Relations
Mercedes.Diez@lehman.cuny.edu
917-213-4836