ASAP 2020 Pinning Booklet

Pinning Ceremony
Booklet

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WELCOME TO THE SPRING 2020
ASAP PINNING CEREMONY

Dear students, friends and family

Welcome to the official Spring 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 June 16th 2020, online via ASAP LaGuardia’s
Youtube Channel. To connect please navigate the following link to join:

www.tinyurl.com/asap-pinning-2020

We prepared this presentation for you all as a testament to the immense pride and affection
that we feel when think of all 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

June 16th 2020, 4:00 pm EST-Ceremony Begins on Youtube

Ceremonial Address from LaGuardia and ASAP Leadership
President Paul Acario
Provst & Senior VP

Vice-President Bart Grachan

Executive Director Christine Brongiart

ASAP Student Entertainment Acts
Duet: A Whole New World By Renee Airall & Jeffrey Freeman
Artist Showcase: Made in America By Star Woods
Performance: Op.16 No.4, Rachmaninoff By Ziling Ma

ASAP Award Ceremony
ASAP Valedictorian: Felipe Maysonet
ASAP Partner Excellence: Tony Abreu
ASAP Circle of 100: Frank Espinal
ASAP Team Spirit: David Roze

ASAP Class of 2020 Review
The Legend of LaGuardia—movie short
Class of 2020 Review—with advisor messages
Departing Message—Interim Dean Ramon De Los Santos

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The Spring 20202 ASAP Pinning Ceremony
Leadership Address Speakers

Paul Arcario, Ed.D. has been an academic leader and faculty member at LaGuar-
dia Community College/CUNY (“LaGuardia”) for more than 30 years and was
appointed as Interim President by CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez in
August 2019.

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
leadership has made him beloved by LaGuardia’s community and has always
served as a beacon for LaGuardia’s faculty and staff.

As a LaGuardia Student, it was Dr. Acario’s tireless vision that defined the
educational landscape of professors, advisors and campus services that you
found in here at CUNY LaGuardia.

Nireata D. Seals Ed.D is LaGuardia’s Interim Provst and Senior Vice President.
In her role, Dr. Seals directs the essential student services for the nearly
20,000 students pursuing their associate’s degrees at LaGuardia, including
registration, enrollment, financial aid, disability services, transfer, and career
planning and placement.

Dr. Seals oversees LaGuardia’s robust services to help the college’s student
population stay on track and graduate. These include an on-campus food pan-
try, health services, and subsidized daycare (for student-parents). Each year,
hundreds of students—in both our associate’s degree programs
and continuing education programs—access these services. She helped build
LaGuardia into a community that engages and empowers it’s students.

In the words of President Acario- “Nireata has an amazing ability to see the
student experience from the macro level. She wants our students
to have positive experiences here, and fosters a culture
where student facing staff go above and beyond.”

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The Spring 20202 ASAP Pinning Ceremony
VIP GUEST SPEAKERS

Bart Grachan Ed.D is Interim Vice President of Student Affairs at LaGuardia
Community College. Student Affairs encompasses all non-faculty events,
staff, programs and services on LaGuardia Community College Campus. This
includes specialized programs like ASAP and College Discovery. These pro-
grams offer enhanced supports that help students dare to do more and gradu-
ate on time complete with transfer support.
Dr. Grachan’s leadership is what provides ASAP LaGuardia with the space,
funds and institutional support it needs to host almost 3,000 students each
year.

If you attended an event, used a university service office or were part of a
campus club– Dr. Grachan’s team was part in parcel of securing and
delivering those services to you.

Christine Brongiart is the University Executive Director for ASAP and ACE pro-
grams. The Accelerated Study in Associated Programs help students earn
associate degrees within three years by providing a range of financial, aca-
demic, and personal support services. Specific services offered by the pro-
gram include comprehensive and personalized advising, career counseling,
tutoring, waivers for tuition and mandatory fees, public transportation pass-
es, and additional financial assistance to defray the cost of textbooks.

Christine and the central office team work tirelessly and behind the scenes to
provide administrative, logistical and institutional support and guidance to
ASAP and ACE programs all over the City University of New York.

Whenever you swiped an ASAP Metrocard, accessed stipend funds or even
received ASAP Swag, Christine was an instrumental helping hand in getting
you those benefits!

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Renee Airall is a theatre major At Laguardia community college who longs
to become the next Nala in the lion king. Before college, she has been in
many productions such as Hamlet, Evita, Hairspray, A Chorus Line, and
Urinetown. Later in life she wants to act on broadway and eventually
move on to television and film.As cliche as it sounds, her main goal in life
is to make someone happy. As a result of all of her consistent efforts, she
hopes to put a smile on anyone she comes across.

Jeffrey is a 19 year old actor and a singer that is on his way to making a
name for himself. His goals in life include not only winning Grammys but
to produce his own music becoming a more versatile black man in
America.

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Star Woods is an abstract contemporary painter who was born and raised in New
York, NY. A Bronx native, her bold paintings pay homage to her childhood, Afri-
can American culture, and socialism. Her distinctive personality and physical style
emanates Joy, love, peace and expresses the vibrant spirit and urban atmosphere
of New York City aesthetic. Self portrait, family portraits, bold textures and
shapes are seen through a different perspective with contrasting themes in poli-
tics and composition. The artist explains their work as “simplistic
and straightforward with a touch of Radical”. As a young teen Woods discovered
her love for artistry through her older brother who was also an artist himself who
exposed her to the graffiti world. It was then she knew that she could create any-
thing once she saw it in her mind. Star Woods will be earning her associates in
fine arts this fall 2020 and will be continuing her studies in fine arts and early art
education next year. She is currently an honor roll student at LAGCC. Star
Woods’s artwork has been shown on street corners, small exhibitions, and even a
Brooklyn based brewery. Her biggest painting was featured on her high school’s
library wall during her senior year. She is currently a after school art instructor for
a local nonprofit in queens, NY and has been working with the youth creativity
for over 5 years.

Ziling Ma is majoring in Music Performance at LAGCC. She is originally from
China her family immigrated to the U.S. in 2018. As a child she dreamt of be-
ing a pianist, she fell in love with the piano because she saw people playing it
felt elegant and beautiful. When she was 12 years old, with the support of
her parents, she began her journey of learning piano and she hasn't stopped
since. Music has become an indispensable part of her life, to her life would be
incomplete without music. The music world brings her unlimited surprises
and emotions. She feels honored to be able to perform a piece of classical
music to you today. This is a piece from the time of the Romantic period. The
composer is from Russia. Please enjoy Sergei Rachmaninoff Moment Musi-
cal Op.16 No.4

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Felipe Maysonet was Raised in Brooklyn and has been a resident of the Bronx for over ten years. His involvement with community
service started as young as 8 years old when he walked his first Aids walk with his late mother. Then he realized that he wanted to
do more to bring awareness to his community and around the world. A strong advocate and activist for The LGBTQ, Black Lives
Matter, Woman’s rights, and the disabled, Felipe has Volunteered with non- profit organizations such as Glaad, Gay Men’s Health
Crises, Swish, and many others just to name a few. Along with his passion for helping others, he is also apart the international Ball-
room group House of Xtravaganza, where they are a huge influence in LGBTQ community. Fighting against inequality to bring in-
clusion in all aspects of life is truly what he holds dear to his heart.

Being from Puerto Rican descent, He is the first in his generation to graduate college. Felipe also understand what it’s like being a
part of marginalized groups. Growing up in Poverty, Gay, and Latino, he’s certainly has face many adversities. Racism, bigotry and
lack of representation are just a few unfortunate truths that the Black and Latin X community face every day. However, despite his
struggles, he has found a place in his community where he able to give back.

His involvement in Black Lives Matter, WLGR Radio, and Honors program allows him to have a platform where he is able to shine
light on Social issues affecting communities all over the city. His mission to have his own non-profit offering professional and per-
sonal development where he can help build a bridge between the community in which he serves and the System in which was built
to keep those in marginalized groups oppressed. Leading with empathy and understanding, it is in his heart that all people are rep-
resented Fairly and equally so that inclusion would one day no longer be an issue.

He credits Josephine Baker, Nebiyat Woldemichael (ASAP advisors), his partner Joel Hernandez, and his close friend Patrice Gor-
don, for their ongoing support. In all that we do may there Inclusivity, Inspiration and Innovation!

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ASAP Partner Excellence Award

The ASAP Partner Excellence Award is given to LaGuardia Staff who have selflessly
served the student population with devotion dedication and sincerity. Their efforts
are part of what make LaGuardia the prestigious institution 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.

Director Tony Abreu has overseen the Bursar team, serving thousands upon
thousands of Student requests every year! The ASAP Team salutes Tony and
his team for their invaluable service to the campus community and to our students.

Director of LAGCC Bursar ASAP Circle of 100 Award
Tony Abreu

The ASAP Circle of 100 award is given out to veteran advisors who have seen 100+
ASAP students through to completion. This award is the highest recognition given
to ASAP Advisors, and to date very few have earned this prestigious honorific. As
newly minted ASAP graduates, you know how difficult a path that is to walk– imagine
doing it 100 times!

ASAP Advisor ASAP Advisor Frank Espinal has served the ASAP team with unerring dedication,
Frank Espinal generous empathy and unbounded kindness. He is a seminal figure amongst the
ASAP advisement team and has earned the right to join, the circle of 100.

ASAP Team Spirit Award

The ASAP Team Spirit Award is given to staff who have demonstrated exemplary standards
in cooperating and assisting the ASAP team. This award salutes our staff’s stalwart
dedication to helping others and cultivating strong ties of cooperation. After all– team work
makes the dream work.

ASAP Program Coordinator David Roze has lead the ASAP Resource center tutoring team
while assisting in various processes for the LAGCC ASAP program at large. His work has
helped improve the quality of services that ASAP LaGuardia can deliver. He also directed,
produced and edited tonight’s ceremony, and hopes you enjoy it!

ASAP Program Coordinator
David Roze

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Class of

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2020

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The Class of 2020

Bernie Argudo Cassandra Matthews Wilson Goode Ryan Rodriguez
Christine Prashad Danny Mainato Alvarez Zhijie Chen Samantha Edouard
Christopher Macias Darko Shishkoski Osvaldo Romero Shabana Prashad
Daniel De La Torre David E Alvarado Rafael Crisantos Tenzin Youdon
Destiny Walker Davon Nelson Kiara Caro Tiffani Coxthomas
James Range Elian Sarmiento Adonia Escalona Tori Williams
Jerson Galarza Emily M Linares Ahtziri Osornio Tyreikh Hopkins
Juan Alatorre Fenix G Corcino Suriel Alexis Montano Valery Zorrilla
Justin Williams Gerardo Sanchez Alice Chen William Mejia
Karina Armijo Ikenna Shervington Andrew Suarez Alan Adames
Kastus Zajka Imon Ahmed Anelysia Orellana Altagracia Montilla
Katherine Salguero Jaden Robinson Ashley Morel Angelica Ramirez
Kehinde Pedro Jairo Obando Brandon Davis Bibiana Ardila
Kevin Anderson Jazmine Garcia Bryan Marrero Brenda Rubio
Kevin Lacasa Jeffrey N Freeman Courtney Johnson Candelaria Pliego Diaz
Krishna Gurung Jordan Borges Daniela Catarino Carla Hernandez
Krystal Johnson Kenneth A Swindell Daniela Macareno Christian Rivera
Lisbet Cruz Mario A Rivera Destiny Foreman Crystal Bajnauth
Marissa Bacchus Monica Sherpa Edgar Hernandez Daisy Llivizaca
Mayco Juarez Morales Noemi Reyes Fatema Akter Darshon Cartagena
Meika Watson Rey Reyes Jenny Lau Eliver Matias
Melanie Basdeo Sky Timmons Jordan Torres Henry Bowers
Natalie Diaz Yarissa Aquino Joseph Tejada Imran Khan
Nyasia Handy Andres Vargas Joshua Lucas Jalen Alexander
Pablo Armijo Cesar Acosta Karina Estrella Jary Bermeo
Pamela Garcia Charmy Patel Katerina Chronas Jasmin Rodriguez
Paul Pommells Delvin Rosario Kejti Kupi Jean Philip Bellanton
Qamar Nawaz Doraliz Peralta Kiara Dunning Jennifer Salinas
Rosemary Liz Dulce Villar Kiara Escamilla Jeremy Matias
Stefano Alomia Gamliel Boutin Mariana Canalesramirez Jonathan Rivera
Weronika Korakiewicz Ian Bock Marvin Martinez Jorge Ortiz
Adamantia Stathopoulos Justin Valerio Michelle Bivens Jose Palomeque
Allison Ovalle Kadejra Holmes Miguel Colon Karina Flores
Ana P Torres Lovie Allen Mirahjah Griffiths Kayla Hernandez
Anais Jimenez Ramirez Lutfiya Thabet Monique Correa Kevin David
Andrea C Diaz Muhammad Masood Naomi Bernal Leisainy Vargas
Andres Vela Qing Chen Pedro Tobon Lissette Sepulveda
Andrew J Robinson Queen Mccray Qinglan Chen Malik Davis
Angeleen Colon Shaquanda/Nadia Lane Quelani Barnaby Marisa Campanile
Atika Pegues Tenzin Tashi Robert Cleophat Martin Cisneros

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The Class of 2020

Marvin Hernandez Nathea Richardson Md Baki Khori Wilson
Michael Ortiz Nazmun Ety Ome Misti Kiara Jones
Michelle Gomez Patricia Anthony Rafael Crisantos Kimora Mckenzie
Mya Herbert Pete Ayala Ramon Labourt Kiran Munawar
Nancy Dominguez Rachel Estrella Rosanna Saba Luljeta Ejupi
Nathalia Rios Ramon Morenocalderon Sean Frederick Magdalena Kochanek
Paula Villarreal Randy Hernandez Shaniqua Tyler Melissa Chandrajit
Shahnaz Khan Samantha Becerra Shijiao Mai Michael Matos
Simone Gowrie Sarah Chung Sophia Tomasello Michelle Fernandez
Steven Parrino Sebastian Panora Victor Tavarez Mohanie Kirty
William Sariol Serena Darcelin Weibing Jiang Moises Ugalde
Wilson Naula Tayaba Rizvi Wen Zheng Naldo Rivera
Xinchen You Victor Szmigiel Wenhui Huang Ngima Sherpa
Abraham Peralta Wilson Tamay Wenjing Chen Niharica Tarek
Abraham Yim Xiaodong Fu Yesenia Rojas Oleksandra Seropyans
Alex Cuzco Yoselin Villalobos Yiqing Li Popy Chowdhury
Andrea O'Farrell Yupeng Zhu Airi Fukuda Ramon Ardaya Bulacia
Breider Saamsbarker Zain Hasan Albert Einstein Richard Yi
Cassie Bobb Chenxian Xia Amal Khalil Ruiping Li
Dajanae Gibson Chintina Miller Amanda Sanchez Seline Dorima
Daralliny Rodriguez Christina Wong Anthonie Braga Shalika Gibbs
Digonto Barua Christopher Peguero Anwar Anderson Swekchha Luitel
Elenae Bernardez Christopher Vasquez Asmin Kulenovic Syeda Haque
Emoniee Gray Elbachir Chohaib Bazga Tanvir Tashnemara Upama
Fleix Fournier Hannah Chow Crystal Knight Tsewang Gyurme
Genesi Valdezcolon Izaac Izquierdo Daisy Codallos-Silva Tyasia Horne
Ilaysha Holmes Janiya Llewellyn Elyon Cesa Vladimir Severino
Inna Feida Jared Bowens Emily Welsh Willie Ovalles
Jennifer Sanchez Jesica Torrico Faustina Ramos Abdel Rahman Helmy
Josue Morillo Nunez Jewel Lopez Freddy Pena Adam Debbarh
Julio Ortiz Jhancarlos Nunez Gabriel Cabahug Ahnaf Islam
Kaitlin Bhoopsingh Jose Tueros Gina Ramos Alisha Washington
Katherine Gil Kara Timrick Hannah Raitelu Ashly Vasquez
Kenny Munoz Katrina Humbert Jacqueline Bravo Bianca Marquez
Leonardo Garcia Kenneth Ortiz Jeanne Tung Britanian Virgo
Lori Ramos Linda Peralta Jessica Jones Chelcea Duchitanga
Maria Nunez Lorena Vargas Joselyn Sanchez Daniel Dejesus
Miguel Ramos Mariah Rodriguez
Mst Munna Mariah Santos Juan Guerra Elisa Salgado
Natalie Savinon Md Alam Kae Kuratomo Jada Ragin
Kelly Carrion Jaelene Ortiz

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The Class of 2020

Jasmine Martinez Jeffery Munoz Jesse Lliguichuzhca
Jeison Vinasco Jessica Morel Joana Hasa
Jocelyn Herrera Jessica Puentes Serrano Josette Marc
Julian Yepes Jianming Tan Josselyn Valasquuez
Julio Rodriguez Kimberly Rodriguez Marla Valbrun
Karina Chacon Lai Siew Yong Michael Tapia
Kevin Villca-Choque Lizbeth Orduna Nancy Torres-Meza
Khurram Rizvi Luz Bencosme Pablo Molinda
Kol Wangchuk Malia Ramos Rene Salazar
Leah Brown Md Karim Rokia Toure
Linda Anselmo Moesha Vivas Sara Pawlukiewicz
Lynnette Arauz Nawal Maghraoui Shahadat Hossain

Maya Lopez Nisha Gurung Sheilah Gilot
Melany Puesan Norralak Sukaram Stephanie Estigarribia
Mohammed Hassan Pamela Consuegra Stephanie Zanabria

Mst Parvin Rani Bouyaghroumni Tamara Bracey
Nivanna Dixon Ronald Calle Taylor Juarez
Qin Chen Santana Johanna Willie Munoz
Ruzan Melik-Yolchyan Shivanie Lemmons Ada Zhang
Samantha Luciano Stephanie Garcia Alfenix Henriquez
Sharmin Momtaj Steven Chung Ashlini Harnarine
Shen Qi Theresa Morales Daniel Penny
Sinian Kam Abel Villamar Darlene Tlatelpa

Stepan Grigoryan Kalsang Tsering Edgar Naula
Tarrell Mccall Maria Hastamorir Eric Singh
Tobias Campos Melanie Salazar Fenjuan Li
Yanelsi Fernandez Tianna Wells Jacqueline Perez
Yeshiva Cazales Tulisedai Alvarado Jennifer Guaman
Yongyin Huang Andrea Medina Joaquin Gallegos
Althea Jackson De Rosa Caren Guzman Katherina Shen
Andre Dunkley Chyna Adams Keila Colon
Brian Lemos Florez Desiree Santiago Linda Linares
Courtnee Laing Doris Quizhpi Man Yee Lo
Courtney Ranchor Evagelos Tsingounis Maria Juela
Damir Radas Gavino Lopez Michael Marcinanis
David Basco Gavino Lopez Mitzi Gallardo
Elias Copado Genesis Roman Natalie Nieto
Gabriela Sauce-Munoz Grace Cho Rebecca Adaia
Gabrielle Brito Rosaura Genao
Janyiah Parris Hulya Nohut Ruth Fernandez
Jennifer Rivera
Grissel Davilla

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The Class of 2020

Sapir Sharoni Yesika Rodrguez Angel Acosta
Seymonne Gibson Yosias Ceballosvilleda Anthony Sullcapuma
Vishal Niure Aaron Arroyo Benjamin James
Yan Lin Aby Guisse Brian Suh
Zeehan Rahman Ammar Alam Britney Soto
Alicia Cook Angel Dorantes Carolina Valenica
Alma Rodriguez Angela Encarnacion Cheyanne Jackson
Alvi Ahmed Ashikur Rahman Christopher Naspud
Angel Perez Binhong Tan Conceptia Francois
Angelica Pendergrasscasimiro Christopher Chang Cristian Guar
Araceli Rojas Crystal Penafield Cruz Guzman
Atziry Ayala Ontero Dudley Browne Denisia Codrington

Bryan Lysander Ellis Chinchilla Dylan Robb
Bryan Mendez Elvin Molina Elizabeth Peralta
Christian Cardona Emily Gomez Hananiah Burnside

Christina Ramnamine Frandarlin Hernandez Jennyfer Canarte
Danielle Alejandro Giancarlo Galvez John Toribio
Dymee Moore Huimin Xu Joseph Valle
Ester Espinoza Ikihesha (Kesh) Ducasse Jovanny Ibarra
Felipe Maysonet James Serrago Kristin Barrera
Helen Mesa Jonathan Yumbla Latoya Mendoza
Jaime Alvarez Katherine Pinzon Maria Dorado Amignon
Jose Avila Marilyn Ospina Marlon Vicente

Julian Gonzalez Mayelin Sanchez Marwah Wilson
Justin Brown Niyah Martinez Melanie Kuilan
Kelaiah Randolph Peter Rivas Mingmar Tamang
Lorenzo Brea Raquis Gaddy Miranda Casan
Manueljoseph Pamposa Samantha Brown Molly Cabreja Almonte
Martin Virata Sandra Armijo Nam Choe
Migmar Migmar Sheila Demonteverde Noemy Sierra
Narissa Hinds Stephania Leyba Rebecca Meyer
Rakesh Raj Bajracharya Suwen Li Reginald Wout
Rosa Ramos Valerey Vincent Steven Li
Shanice Orgille Adela Garcia Tasneem Ahmad
Sumi Aktar Adjoni Larode Tyrone Dowling
Taesharra Hopkins Aleem Awan Wenyi Zang
Tariq Hudson Alvery Guiler Wilfredy Infante
Tenzin Tophel Amy Nunez Hector Jimenezcolon
Tiana Winns Ana Collado Caba Johnny Ranjel
Vanessa Santiago Ana Pitanga Joseph Mercado
Christopher Vasquez Rachel Busanic
Tania Makki

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Special Thanks to:
Interim President: Dr. Paul Arcario
Interim Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs: Dr. Nireata Seals
Interim Vice President of Student Affairs: Dr. Bartholomew Grachan
Interim Dean of Student Affairs: Ramon De Los Santos
ASAP Central Office Guests: Christine Brongiart
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, Jian Wen Choong, Bingjing
Dong, Nisha Gurung, Lamia Hauter, Frandarlin Hernandez, Ai Inaba, Min Lee, , Stephenson
Lubrun, Cinthy Montero, Claudia Origuela, Karol Ortiez-Abreu, Miriam Pinos, Alex Quito,
Sara Saleh, Akram Shubon, Daniel Talero, Brittni Tavares, Arjun Thapa, Songling Xuan,
Songlin Yuan, Xiao Ming Zheng
Supplemental Instructors Leaders: Adnan Rahin, Yiqing Li, Stefano Alomia, and Hasan
Kuliev
Bursar: Tony Abreu and his team.
ASAP Student Success Partners: Natalia Cardenas, Jennyfer Canarte, Ajay Lall, and Maria
Dorado
ASAP Student Ambassadors: Juan Carlos Gil, Arlene Lind, Ronaldo Rivera, Shanice Clarke,
Jewels Galindo, Akrm Ahmed, Mark Sookdeo, and Christina Ramnarine
ASAP 2019 Pinning Ceremony MCs: Frank Espinal and Stephanie Buscemi

On Behalf of all the
Accelerated Studies in Associate Programs

Department Staff:

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“We did not come here to fear the future, we came here to shape it”
- President Barrack Obama

Cover Design & Booklet Layout

by David Roze

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