KCC Inducts A Record Number of Students to The Winter ’21/Spring ’22 Dean’s List

KCC Inducts A Record Number of Students to The Winter ’21/Spring ’22 Dean’s List

Kingsborough Community College Inducts A Record Number of Students to The Winter ’21/Spring ’22 Dean’s List

KCC Inducts A Record Number of Students to The Winter ’21/Spring ’22 Dean’s List

Over 1,000 students were recognized at yesterday’s Dean’s List induction for the winter 2021 module and spring 2022 semester at Kingsborough Community College (KCC). The recipients, representing all disciplines, have earned at least 12 credits during the term with a GPA of 3.50 or higher. Among them were students from the Kingsborough Early College Secondary School, who will be graduating with both a high school diploma and an associate degree from KCC.

Referring to the large number of students being inducted, Kingsborough President Claudia Schrader had asked the provost if the list was a compilation of the past few years, only to learn it was for one 12-week semester and one six-week module.

In her greeting, she noted that some consider induction day in higher education as the pinnacle of academic excellence. “It’s like being on top of a mountain. But what do you do now on top of this mountain?” she asked. She encouraged them to take in the view: “Look all around you. Think back to the time when you decided to pursue your college degree. Reflect on all that has happened since your first class – the challenges you overcame, the successes you had, the methods that worked and the ones that didn’t. Take it all in, because it brought you to this place this afternoon. You have earned your spot on the mountain. You’ve earned your spot on this dean’s list.”

“Be proud of your achievements but don’t set up camp on this mountain. Don’t rest on your laurels. And don’t become so complacent in your success that you think this is it – that you don’t have to continue to study hard, that this is it for your learning, your growth and your development,” she warned. “You have to keep moving. And that’s what dean’s list award recipients do: They don’t just sit on the list. They continue to excel and advance because there are more mountains to climb: registering for the fall, graduating, transferring to a four-year college, interning, or applying for the job you want. Just keep it moving.”

Associate Provost and Chief Student Affairs Officer Sharon Warren Cook acknowledged that, while achieving excellence, many had worked, cared for children and family members, missed parties and special occasions, and juggled finances. “As you can see, your sacrifices have paid off, and they will continue to pay off.”

Guest speaker, KCC alumna Michelle Stoddart ’95, confessed that she never made the dean’s list while attending Kingsborough. “I’m going to blame it on living northern Bronx and having to take the train to school in winter, after just arriving in America. I’d never experienced winter before,” she quipped.

Stoddard, who went on to earn a journalism degree from Baruch after graduating, is currently vice president of community development and public relations for Resorts World Casino NYC. “I’m proud of you today for two reasons: you focused on your schoolwork and, despite all the challenges, you made it through. You’re going to take those two things with you into the real world. You have a grounded foundation that will help you face those challenges ahead.”

As they walked across the stage, many students thanked their family, specifically spouses, children, and parents, as well as friends, professors, and advisors for supporting and encouraging them. Several shared hints of their journey thus far, including veteran Adrian Alfred, who encouraged everyone to join the Army; Chouaib Fadili, who didn’t speak a word of English when he arrived in the U.S. in 2019 and now holds a GPA of 4.0; liberal arts student Shamicka White, who returned to school after 10 years to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse; 52-year-old AnneMarie Spreckels Gualda, majoring in community health and excited to be earning her degree; and culinary arts major Tanisha Smalls-Hunter, who completed her degree during the winter after attending college on and off since 1995 and is now enrolled at City Tech. “Do not give up,” she implored. “Keep moving. Keep trucking!”

To watch the induction ceremony, go to https://youtu.be/Cui6nWCSYSg?t=839.

 

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