Fall2020 Pinning

Pinning Ceremony
Booklet

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WELCOME TO THE FALL 2020
ASAP PINNING CEREMONY

Dear students, friends and family

Welcome to the official Fall 2020 ASAP Pinning Ceremony, we are elated that you could join
us in celebrating what is perhaps the most historic graduating cohort of the LAGCC ASAP
program to date. Against all odds the class of 2020 made it, and the ASAP staff is beaming
with pride over their grand achievements. Thank you for enduring, thank you for your resili-
ency and most importantly thank you for daring to do more!

Our presentation will begin at 4:00 pm on December 21st 2020, online via ASAP LaGuardia’s
link. To connect please type in this link to your url bar or shift click:

https://tinyurl.com/fall2020asapvirtualpinning

We prepared this presentation for you all as a testament to the immense pride and affection
that we feel when think of all that the class of 2020 has achieved with their graduation during
these uncertain times. We hope that tonight’s presentation (remotely) communicates our
shared pride at the success of the Class of 2020.

-The ASAP Team

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CEREMONY AGENDA

December 21st 2020, 4:00 pm EST-Ceremony begins

Cooking with Steph
Messengers of Courage: the Class of 2020

Ceremonial Address from LaGuardia and ASAP Leadership
President Kenneth Adams
Provost

Interim ASAP Director Matthew Eckhoff

ASAP Student Entertainment Acts
Performance: Imagine by LaGuardia Music Faculty
Performance: Counting Stars by Tsering Bista Lowa
Artist Showcase: Nowadays By Ed Cardenas
Performance: Three Little Birds By Brenda Quattrini

ASAP Award Ceremony
ASAP Partner Excellence: Adel Tarfaia
ASAP Visionary Educator: Maggie Lopez
ASAP Circle of 100: Alice Wong, Madelyn Nieves & Nicole Johnson
ASAP Dare 200: Esther Rosa and Jose Ramos
ASAP Valedictorian: Sheila Demonteverde

ASAP Class of 2020 Review
Class of 2020 Review—with advisor messages

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The Fall 20202 ASAP Pinning Ceremony
Leadership Address Speakers

Kenneth Adams was appointed president of LaGuardia Community College by the
Board of Trustees of the City University of New York on June 29, 2020. He assumed
the role on August 17, 2020.
After earning his BA and MA degrees from Middlebury College, Mr. Adams began his
career as a high school teacher and youth services coordinator. He grew up in Brook-
lyn, where he lives with his family.
Previously, he was dean of workforce and economic development at Bronx Commu-
nity College (BCC) from 2016–2020—leading the departments of Adult and Continu-
ing Education, Workforce Development, Career Services, Community and Economic
Development, and the Center for Sustainable Energy.
Mr. Adams is the fourth president of LaGuardia Community College. His predecessors
include Gail O. Mellow, PhD (2000–2019), Raymond C. Bowen, PhD (1989–1999), and
the late Joseph Shenker, EdD (1970–1988).

Paul Arcario, Ed.D. has been an academic leader and faculty member at LaGuar-
dia Community College/CUNY (“LaGuardia”) for more than 30 years.
Dr. Arcario has a long and venerable history of service to LaGuardia including key
positions such as Provst, Senior Vice President and Department Chair. His A+
leadership has made him beloved by LaGuardia’s community and has always
served as a beacon for LaGuardia’s faculty and staff.
Dr. Acario’s tireless vision and numerous leadership positions have helped de-
fined the educational landscape of professors, advisors and rich campus services
that you found in here at CUNY LaGuardia.

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LaGuardia Community College’s faculty are renown for their passion for
teaching and their students. So it’s no surprise that when the quarantine
came into effect, our faculty jumped to find new and innovative ways to
support our students.

LaGuardia Music department faculty professors, Lisa DeSpain (vocals),
Tom Dempsey (guitar), Gustavo Moretto (trumpet), Will Fulton (bass),
Ingrid Gordon (marimba and djembe), Uma Karkala (flute), Kevin McNeal
(guitar), Marcel Rominger (piano), Scott Ethier (piano), and Max Duykers
(piano) put this special performance together of “Imagine” by John Lennon
to help keep the spirits of LaGuardia Community College students up
during these hard times!

Tsering Bista Lowa is a Computer
Science student purusing his As-
sociate degree at LaGuardia
Community College. Originally
from Nepal, Tsering is passionate
about becoming a expert app
developer or software program-
mer.

In his free time he likes to learn
about the technicalities of music production and audio engineer-
ing. His hobbies naturally include playing his guitar and
recording music.

Tsering is a featured performer playing “Counting Stars” by
Onerepublic!

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Ed Cardenas is an ASAP student
and artist who is studying to get
their A.S in Biology. In the future
Ed wants to become a surgeon or
a chiropractor. Recently he was
able to bring his brother to the
United States from their home
country to be able to spend more
time together. In his spare time he
loves to paint, and stream on his twitch account!
Ed is our featured artist, showing his piece Nowadays

Brenda Quattrini is Majoring in Music Perfor-
mance at LAGCC. She will be graduating next
Spring 2021 and will continue her studies in
Music Education. She is originally from Italy
and approached the piano for the first time
when she was 5. Although she took a break in
between, she decided to continue cultivating
her passion for music going back to college last
year. She is thrilled to be able to enjoy the
many exciting opportunities the Music Program
offers at LAGCC and feels honored to perform
a piano version of Bob Marley’s “Three Little
Birds,” which carries an inspiring message of hope and resilience.
Brenda is a featured performer playing “Three little Birds” by Bob Marley!

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Sheila Monteverde, is the ASAP Class of 2020’s official
Valedictorian. She is graduating with an Associate of
Arts degree in Software Engineering and Systems Devel-
opment from LaGuardia Community College. In honor of
her father who was a Chief Marine Engineer, she plans
to earn a degree in Engineering (Software Engineering)
and make Her mark as a woman in the technology indus-
try. She also hope to someday inspire other women to
enter this field. She urges her fellow classmates: Have
grit and courage. Grit to persevere even in the face of
failure and courage to face adversities head-on.
She is a NASA Community College Aerospace Scholar
Alumni (Her team was the winning team for the rover
building competition and overall category winners!), a
dean's list member, and a proud Phi Theta Kappa mem-
ber. She enjoys listening to music, singing and playing
the guitar or piano. She also has a passion for the out-
doors and recreational activities such as camping, hiking,
water sports and many more.

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ASAP Partner Excellence Award

The ASAP Partner Excellence Award is given to LaGuardia Staff who
selflessly serve the student population with devotion dedication and sin-
cerity. Their efforts are part of what make LaGuardia the prestigious insti-
tution it is today and have impacted countless student stories during their
time as faculty. Investing in the future of you, our students is a corner
stone of LaGuardia’s mission.

Adel Tarfaia received his AS in Computer Operations from LaGuardia and
his B.S in Computer Science from NYCCT. His goal is to earn his Ph.D in
information technology, and in his spare time he loves to watch soccer!

IT Assistant & Adjunct Lecturer

ASAP Visionary Educator

The ASAP Visionary educator award recognizes faculty or staff who have
gone above and beyond in supporting LaGuardia and ASAP students with
superlative service and a clear passion for helping cultivate a better student
experience, daring our students to do more. Maggie Lopez’s tireless dedica-
tion and drive are part of what make LaGuardia the outstanding educational
institution it is today.
Maggie Lopez received her A.S in Business Administration from LaGuardia
and her BBA in Marketing Management from Baruch. She is proud to have
given LaGuardia superlative service for over 30 years and works hard to help
students like you stay on track! Maggie’s hobbies include collecting Disney
Snow globes.

College Lab Technician

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ASAP Circle of 100 Award

The ASAP Elite 100 award is given out to veteran advisors who have seen 100+ ASAP students through to degree
completion. This award was created in 2015 to recognize and celebrate the commitment, hard work, and passion of
one of the most integral roles in our program, the ASAP advisor. The Elite 100 Award recognizes academic advise-
ment excellence and is one of the highest recognitions given to ASAP Advisors.

Academic ASAP Student Advisor

Alice Wong

Alice Wong received her B.S in Animal Sciences from Cornell University, she also
received her M.S in Education from Hunter College. She is a first generation college
degree holder who graduated from an Ivy League College. She has travelled to 30
countries so far and she wants to remind you: “You are in the driver’s seat in this
journey called life. Life may take you in different directions but YOU are in control.
Just keep driving!”

ASAP Senior Advisor

Madelyn Nieves

Madelyn Nieves received her B.S in nutrition and Dietetics from Brooklyn College with
honros in Medical Nutrition Therapy and Community Nutrition Programing. She is proud
to be the first in her family to receive a Bachelor’s degree and soon a Masters and on to a
doctorate, all in order to have a positive impact on the well being of her community. In
her spare time she loves to dance, try out nmew recipes with her family and explore new
parts of the city!

ASAP Advisor

Nicole Johnson

Nicole Johnson is a native New Yorker who prides herself on being a career changer. Born and
raised in the Bronx, her love for people along with the desire to spend time in the South; led her
to Norfolk, Virginia. There she acquired a B.S. degree in Mass Communications with an empha-
sis in General Broadcasting from the HBCU Norfolk State University. After six years of admin-
istration at the premium cable channel HBO, she brought her financial knowledge and profes-
sional acumen to support CUNY students. Working as an Enrollment/Financial Coordinator for
the Stella and Charles Guttman Community College was the right nudge to add an M.S. in High-
er Education Administration from Baruch College to her tool kit in preparation for ASAP four
years later. As a believer in higher education, Ms. Johnson continues to share her journey with
students and has encouraged ASAP students by establishing of strength-based mentoring tac-
tics, STEM events, and being an advocate of professional growth for her advising peers.

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ASAP Dare 200 Award

The ASAP DARE 200 award is given to ASAP advisors that have tirelessly worked on developing their talent,
strength and skills to aid in seeing 200+ ASAP students through to degree completion. Their impact on
their students is invaluable as they have clearly demonstrated impeccable customer service skills, carefully
supporting each of their students in their academic, career, social, and personal growth. This award is
the among one of the top recognitions given to ASAP Advisors, and is a testament to how LaGuardia Com-
munity College, dares to do more.

ASAP Senior Advisor

Esther Rosa

Esther Rosa was born in Washington Heights but was raised in South
Bronx. She graduated as an Educational Opportunity alumni from SUNY
Binghamton University with a BA in History and BS in Human Develop-
ment. Afterward, she pursued a Masters in Social Work from CUNY
Hunter College and is a certified License Social Worker. Prior to working
at LaGuardia Community College, Esther worked in various nonprofit or-
ganizations in youth development, counseling, college readiness, and
overall as an innovative supporter of student success and empowerment.
Esther currently serves as the ASAP Senior Academic Advisor at LaGuar-
dia Community College and works as a part-time instructor for the Read-
ing Department teaching CSE 110: Literacy and Propaganda or CSE 120:
Reading the Biography. Esther strongly believes that “education is the
passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it
today.

ASAP Senior Advisor

Jose Ramos

Jose Ramos received his Bachelor’s and master’s degree in Crimi-
nal Justice, concentration criminal law from John Jay College of
Criminal Justice. Jose is very passionate about working with stu-
dents and develop strategies to help students reach and fulfill their
academic, career, and personal goals. Jose loves sports and enjoys
exploring the wonders of nature and its beauty.

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Class of

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2020

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The Class of 2020

Alicia Salguera Brianna Maravilla Emmanuel Villegas Jamie Hobbs
Abd Toaimah Brianna Rivera Estefania Jaquez Gutierrez Jaquelin Perez
Abel Villamar Britanian Virgo Ester Espinoza Jason Finerty
Abraham Ollivierre Brittany March Fabricio Rogers Jason Guo
Adela Garcia Cheick Dembele Faith De Souza Ferreira Jeffrey Freeman
Adji Mbagnick Ndiaye Chelcea Duchitanga Fateha Nasir Jennifer Cabrera
Adrian Narvaez Chelsea Alejandro Felix Fournier Jennifer Chen
Afifa Beg Christania Junus Fernando Sanmartin Jennifer Ira
Aleem Awan Christian Mantilla Filip Wozniak Jennifer Salinas
Alejandro Severino Christian Rivas Fnu Samsunnahar Jennifer Tacuri
Alex Cuzco Christian Tavarez Frank Munoz Jeremy Guzman
Alexander Kwame Christina Gonzalez Gabriela Sauce-Munoz Jessica Garcia Carpio
Amanpreet Kaur Christine Heras Genesis Vicioso
Amina Zaman Clester Ellis Jr George Megalla Jessica Hardman
Ammar Alam Cristal Grey Gicelle Flores Jessica Landucci
Amritpal Singh Cristian Rodriguezpacheco Giovanny Nieves Jessica Tenezaca
Anaiya Abernathy Cristine Adorno Han Xiao Jiacheng Ruan
Andrea Mattis Dai Nguyen Hananiah Burnside Jian Lin
Andrea Spencer Daijah Smith Hang Liu Jireinny Rodriguez
Andrew Kamtuan Damion Marlando Moodie Hans Delva Joanna Ludizaca
Andrew Merto Danissa Ceballo Harry Aguilar Jodsina Celestin
Angel Rodriguez-Curet Dario Harris Hattie Burns Joel Casiano
Angelinea Hawkins Darren Williams Hayley Tatis Algarin Johanze Cordero
Angelo Rodriguez Deborah Young Herman Chamos John Choque
Angie Ganoza Delvin Rosario Hong Sun Jonathan Hernandez Perez
Anita Santamaria Demerville Macenat Ilse Morales Jonathan Huerta
Anju Allo Denarii Turner Ines Trinidad Jonathan Rivera
Annmarie Soba Denise Schuster Ingrith Guity Jonaz Leano
Anwan Polentino Dennis Mrkulic Iris Ali Jones Tiara
Arafat Hossen Derrick Jimenez Isaac Komara Jorge Tovar
Ashley Pianello Deshom Noel Isabella Murray Termine Jose Edwin Reyes
Ashlini Harnarine Destiny Rivera Ivana Paric Jose Lazcano Olivares
Aung Myo Thet Dexter Constance Ivy Ashoor Joseph Valle
Ausencia Mendoza Diamond Taylor Izabella Galvez Joshua Parnas
Benjamin James Dionysios Daskalakis Ja'Nay Hodges Juan Carlos Santiaguel
Bianca Mateo Edison Livizaca Jackeline Tacuri Juana Jusino
Brahim Aksabanovic Elena Cardozo Jacob Centeno Juansebastian Sanchez
Brandon Flores Elvin Molina Jacqueline Molina Jueci Chen
Breider Saamsbarker Emely Reyes Jahlila Stamp Juliana Sarmiento
Briana Barnes Emily Linares Jairo Obando Julie Medina
Kaila Wade Gilliam

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The Class of 2020

Kaitlin Ferrer Medina Cristal Rafael Paulino Tanzida Karim

Karen Corona Mekhi Harper Ramirez Joel Taohid Hassan Shuvo

Karl Ebro Melanie Kuilan Rayhanah Alhanafi Tashaun Williamsjohnson

Katarzyna Kropiewnicki Melissa Chandrajit Regina Dorch Tashima Akther

Kathryn Gonzalez Flores Melissa Reyes Regina Lowther Tenzing Pema

Keaton James Meng Hsuan Wu Renautha Redmond Terence Chen

Kenya Huerfano Rodriguez Merna Gendy Rene Sing Thomas Kieblesz

Kerly Lozano Meron Girma Renee Airall Tiane Goines

Kevin Flores Michael Ortiz Richard Maldonaldo Tiffani Cox-Thomas

Kevin Villca-Choque Michelle Obregon Robinson Tavares Trinity Morton

Keyri Feliz Min Naing Roshelle Walker Tristan Richardson

Kiara Forde Minahil Imtiaz Rowena Browne Tsering Dorje

Kiersten Walker Misael Hernandez Sabrina Igirisa Tyrell Greene-Jackson

Kissarys Rivas Fernandez Mohammad Sultan Samantha Eduard Una Bharat

Krastina Koleva Monica Camarillo Sandi Palaguachi Valerey Vincent

Krismary Tomala Arroyo Moore Aaliyah Sanjoly Bawa Valeriia Suknovalendo

Kunwar Shusma Muhtasim Alam Sarah Martinez Velencia Simms

Lance Manley Mustafa Shaikh Saratha Kuta Veloz Danielle

Laquan Johnson Nabin Tamang Sayed Ahmed Viaines Mendoza

Lin Hong Naomi Bernal Sebastiana Coicou Victoria Tepi Garcia

Liqi Shen Natalie Diaz Selina Mohamed Virginie Guebie

Lissette Rodriguez Natalie Jackson-Watts Serena Santana Wacharis Thongpanich

Lovie Allen Neyra Andrade Shakima Hardy Wanyi Zhu

Ludong Li Ngawang Sherpa Shan Chen Washington Eddie

Luis Campos Nicole Makosiej Shania Lloyd Wei Xue

Lutfiya Thabet Nimra Rais Shannon Fernandez Wendy Zuquilanda

Luther Casey Nirvani Persaud Shardul Sigdel Xochitl Beristain

Madison Carrera Niuzhet Andrade Shaxzod Karimov Yahirobie Roman

Maite Duenas Noel Merritt Sheila Demonteverde Yingying Zhuo

Manuel Monegro Canela Oluwatetisimi Lokoyi Shidedsi Martinez-Santos Yiqing Li

Maria Scacco Pablo Molina Shuyan Liang Yizuo Zheng

Maria Tafur Vega Palwinder Singh Simone Conliffe Yolanda (Wai) Bao

Mariana Magalhaes Paul Cando Star Woods Yousri Wesam

Marilyn Voxakis Pete Ayala Steffani Obregon Yousuf Kamal

Mark Todorov Ponzio Bernard Steven Palomino Ysauri Abreu

Marlon Vicente Pratiksha Kafle Stiven Giraldo Sanchez Zayrna Capuz

Matthew Rodriguez Prince-Israel Whitfield-Gibbs Susmitha Bhatta Zenobia Llanos

May Seow Princess Nicole Pineda Tamami Tanaka Zerich Rasaili Senchory

Md Baki Qishan Liao Tamanna Yeasmin Zhana Cox
Md Emdadul Haque Raevon Epps
Destiny Davis Tandin Dem Yincong Chen
Brandan Reid Mihir Hasasn

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Special Thanks to:
President: Kenneth Adams
Provost: Paul Acario
Interim ASAP Director: Matthew Eckhoff
ASAP Scholars Team: Jenny Mayorga, Angela Ho, Michelle Castro, Marlenes Berroa,
Lauren Rumsky and David Roze
ASAP Student Musicians: Tsering Bista Lowa & Brenda Quattrini
ASAP Student Artist: Ed Cardenas
Front Line Staff: ASAP Main Office Frontline Team: Luis Ortiz, Ann Santiago, Brendan Scott,
Shazim Husain, Hedit Marin, Rashida Holder.
Resource Center Front Line Staff: Mia Nicer, Jonathan Santiago and Shira Seltzer
ASAP Resource Center Tutors: James Barrionuevo Guerra, Bingjing Dong, Nisha Gurung, Lamia
Hauter, Ai Inaba, Alex Quito, Sara Saleh, Daniel Talero, Brittni Tavares, Songling Xuan, Songlin Yu-
an, Yiqing Li, Yixing Li and Xiao Ming Zheng
ASAP Student Success Partners: Natalia Cardenas, Jennyfer Canarte, Ajay Lall, and Maria Dorado
ASAP Student Ambassadors: Juan Carlos Gil, Arlene Lind, Akrm Ahmed, and Mark Sookdeo
ASAP 2019 Pinning Ceremony MC: Stephanie Buscemi

On Behalf of all the
Accelerated Studies in Associate Programs

Department Staff:

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Pinning Art Contest Winner
“Nowadays”

by Ed Cardenas

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