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Thursday, September 18, 2025
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Past Accomplishments, Current Challenges, and Future Growth in the Spotlight At 2025 Convocation
September 18, 2025
Lehman College’s 2025 Convocation brought together faculty, staff, students, and distinguished guests—including City Councilmember Eric Dinowitz and State Senator Robert Jackson—to celebrate the College’s recent achievements and hopeful future.
The annual gathering spotlighted the College’s growth and future goals, with major announcements from campus leadership. Provost Jorge Silva-Puras introduced two new degree programs—a doctoral program in human performance and fitness, and a master’s in health service administration—while President Fernando Delgado revealed a Lehman first: the upcoming ribboncutting for a nearly 200-bed residence hall on the Grand Concourse.
In his remarks, Dinowitz, a proud Bronx native and former special education teacher, underscored the power of personal connection in an increasingly digital world. “You, as professors, are so much more than just deliverers of content. And students, you are so much more than recipients of content,” he said. “There’s a beautiful symbiotic relationship, and the experiences you share together extend far beyond the four walls of the classroom, and far beyond graduation.”
Faculty and staff recognition was also central to the program. Celia Cunanan-Cruz was named Teacher of the Year and Michael Gulino received the Adjunct Teacher of the Year award. “I believe that learning is a living, breathing process, not a one-size-fits-all handout or PowerPoint,” said Cunanan-Cruz of her philosophy. “Each day I find time to listen to my students, adapt, adjust, and grow alongside them.”
In addition, four staff members were honored this year for their exceptional service: Robin Auchincloss, director of campus planning and facilities; John Belardo, chief lab technician in the Department of Art; Dyan Atkins, undergraduate academic program advisor; and Ramón Belliard, administrator in the School of Health Sciences, Human Services, and Nursing.