President's Monthly Report

President’s Monthly Report June 2023 

June  2023 

Dear Campus Community,

I reiterate my urging to all of us in keeping Kingsborough Community College a welcoming institution of higher learning open to all learners from all walks of life. Despite the recent Supreme Court decision, I remind us that diversity and inclusion, open access enrollment, fostering a sense of belonging and serving as the catalyst for economic stability, growth, and furthering one’s education and careers is and will always be a priority under my leadership.

The 58th Commencement Exercises ushered in a wonderful vibration of excitement that started during the weeks leading up to commencement with the naming of our Valedictorian Damien Niesewand and Salutatorian Chouaib Fadili, our Grad Fair, Grad Ball, Lavender Graduation, and Awards Night. Commencement celebrated our graduates, acknowledged their families, friends and support systems that included the many staff and faculty in attendance. Every year, our students reinvigorate our core mission and values, while it’s our farewell, I am excited about the charted paths that our students will take and the KCC pride, lessons and degrees gained that they will also take into their next chapter. I thank the hardworking and collective efforts to make this grand event happen. Thank you to the Commencement Committee, chaired by Professor Kristin Polizzotto and Director Melissa Merced with support from Paul Winnick, the many departments (Student Life, Buildings and Grounds, Public Safety, Communications and Marketing, the Print Shop, the Custodial Staff, Events Management, President’s Office) and all the faculty and staff who celebrated with our students.

It’s July and before we know it, a new semester will be upon us. So, while summer is a time for some much-needed down time, we must optimize this time to prepare for the upcoming year.   Among the many efforts is the search currently underway for a Chief Diversity Officer, beginning a thorough review of the final Aspen institutional review and feedback and continuing our Middle States and Shared College Governance work to reconvene in the fall.

As you know, we welcomed VP Nancy Sanchez, after a yearlong competitive search. It is my pleasure to not just welcome Dr. Sanchez back, but to look forward to her contributions to Institutional Advancement through developing and executing strategic initiatives, innovated approaches in elevating KCC, garnering funding to support excellence in teaching, student scholarship and capital projects. 

While you will hear from me in the coming weeks with my next report to the College, I want to wish you all a relaxing and safe summer.  I look forward to seeing you all in the coming academic year.

-President Schrader