Exclusive Insights: Peter T. Grauer on Bloomberg's Vision and Commitment to Corporate Citizenship

Peter T. Grauer meeting students at networking event (Photo Credit: lehmancuny Instagram)

By Thomas Bonner

On Tuesday, October 22nd, Peter T. Grauer, the Chairman Emeritus of Bloomberg L.P., visited Lehman College for an exclusive discussion with President Fernando Delgado. Alongside Lehman’s School of Business, this event was organized by the New York Jobs CEO Council, a nonprofit dedicated to creating equal opportunities and dismantling barriers for New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds. Many business leaders allied with this organization have pledged to diversify their workforces by recruiting from underrepresented talent pools. During his visit, The Meridian was honored to interview Grauer, who shared his unique insights into Bloomberg and his experiences as Chairman Emeritus and the former CEO.

In 2009, Peter Grauer wanted Bloomberg to become the ‘most influential news source for the financial and business community.’

The Meridian: “How is Bloomberg continuing to pursue this vision, particularly as the media landscape evolves with new digital platforms and competitors?” 

Peter Grauer: “I think the hypothesis which I put on the table, as you have articulated, has been accomplished. [Achieved through] Bloomberg News around the world, through our 135 different news bureaus, and the 2,500 journalists who are writing on average about 10,000 stories a day.”

“The access that we have to newsmakers around the world and the fact that many of our competitors have shrunk during this period of time. (...)  [This] has put us in an enviable position as far as the world of finance and commerce is concerned. The foundation being built by Matt Winkler. John Micklethwait [the current Editor-in-Chief at Bloomberg] has really led the organization over the last eight years with his numbers. (…) Because of the financial status of Bloomberg, while our competitors were shrinking, we were basically able to continue to hire the best journalists in the world.”

“We have a footprint, number one. (...) Number two, we have access to the data and the analytics, [which] gives us a competitive advantage as we compete with internet providers. When I talk about Bloomberg, often I talk about a three-legged table, and the three legs of the table are news, data, and analytics, and news is as important as almost any other part of our business.”

Grauer has played a key role in shaping Bloomberg’s commitment to corporate citizenship.

M: “What role do partnerships with nonprofits and educational institutions play in Bloomberg’s vision for corporate citizenship and its global impact?”

PG: “There is [other] no organization in the world that has done the following. Number one, this will be our 43rd consecutive year of record revenue growth. So every year since Mike started the company in 1982, we’ve had record performance.”

“Number two, we operate to a high level. [With] a higher purpose, and this higher purpose is on two levels. Level number one, (...) everybody that comes to work every day understands this perfectly clearly: we bring transparency to the world of the opaque. In doing so, [we] have dramatically reduced the cost of doing business in the global capital markets and freed up money for investment in the public and private sectors. When people walk through the doors every day, they know that’s what we do. We basically deal in democratizing the flow of information.”

“The second higher purpose is that 85 cents of every dollar of value we create for our controlled shareholder, Mike Bloomberg, basically goes to his foundation. [With this,] we’re changing the world every single day.”

M: “Fascinating. Can you share a particular example?”

PG: “In September of 2019, I was on my way to India to meet, among other things, with Prime Minister Modi about some business-related issues. I went to the Bloomberg Philanthropies team, and they said they had given over $100 million to various charities in India. So we do this all over the world. Everybody who comes to work at Bloomberg knows that our higher purpose is really what drives everything. (...) It is deeply, deeply integrated into the fabric of the firm.”

Bloomberg is redefining the future of decision-making through AI-powered insights.

M: “With technology constantly evolving, how is Bloomberg leveraging AI and machine learning advancements to enhance the Terminal's capabilities and user experience?”

PG: “The first [AI] application was primarily focused on the news organization and providing news sentiment to identify trends in the markets that we could then write about. And it has progressed quite dramatically. We have just over 9,000 engineers, with about 800 focused 100% on AI, determining where we need to bring AI into product development. It tends to focus on news and research, done through a very deliberate lens, to ensure we provide the necessary resources to deliver viable products in the marketplace. It is an integral part of our business strategy, but we are embracing it with caution because, with every new technology, you have to be careful with how it’s integrated into existing systems. (...) Virtually everything we do from an AI perspective is terminal-focused because the terminal is the entry point into all of Bloomberg's financial information.”

Grauer has had a history of involvement in ‘Out Leadership’ and other diversity-focused organizations.

M:  “How do you and Bloomberg’s vision for a diversified workforce serve as a strategic asset for the company’s success, particularly in recruiting and retaining top talent?”

PG: “Well, it’s very much a work in progress. We have been focused on diversity since Mike started the company in 1982, and it’s always been integral to how we view ourselves as an organization. In 2014, I sat down with Mike and said, as chairman, I will lead our D&I effort. This focuses on various areas, including our workforce makeup, which is currently about 38% female and 62% male. These numbers have been changing in favor of more women for a while.”

"It’s not just women; it’s people of color and those of different sexual orientations. We have a world-class leadership team driving our D&I strategy, and everyone in the organization knows that. It is critically important to have a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are in a war for talent every day, so we must create the most welcoming environment possible. We spend considerable time and effort on it.”

“So everyone that comes to work knows this is an important competitive advantage. We have programs to identify individuals early in their careers for leadership investment, enabling them to take on more responsibility from a diversity point of view. This focus is important from a business perspective. I like to use the phrase, it’s a race without a finish line. And as far as I’m concerned, we’re never going to be as diverse as we perhaps should be, but we’re focusing on it. I review diversity and inclusion business plans on an annual basis and conduct semi-annual business reviews to ensure our leaders remain engaged in this area. But it’s very important for us.”

Basics of Financial Research using The Bloomberg Terminal

By Jahzanae Evans 

Attending this program with 8 fellow students shattered my understanding of the financial industry, revealing depth I never knew existed. I first heard about the course through my peer, Maria Campos, who shared the application link with me. Then, there was a group interview session, where I learned more about the program from Dr. Nunez-Torres, an Economics professor at Lehman. I remember back in the spring of 2024, I attended an event at the library, which served as a catalyst for my development in professional and academic settings. This was where I formally met Dr. Nunez-Torres and discovered the Bloomberg Terminal for the first time.

While I had my own personal doubts about my ability to succeed at something I was completely unaware of, from what I learned about Dr. Nunez-Torres, I knew that I would be in a safe environment to challenge myself. A few days after the interview, my application was accepted.  

The first three days were, frankly speaking, an overload of information, ranging from learning the basics of the Bloomberg Terminal to using those functions to find numbers and data to connect the dots about a company. A lot of the content was very unfamiliar to me, but there was no moment in time when I felt overwhelmed, in large part because of the support and guidance from my peers, who patiently helped me whenever I asked.

On June 12th, we met Connor Gustafson and Whitney Birtwell from the Wealth Strategy team at UBS and Lehman Alum Ira Cohen. We witnessed professionals in their field sell their stock to Mr. Cohen, who played the client in this hypothetical scenario. The stock in question was Amazon (AMZN), which we had spent the past few sessions familiarizing ourselves with by using the Bloomberg Terminal to identify critical factors and potential risks investors should be aware of.

After the presentation, we heard about Connor and Whitney’s respective career paths. We also got an insight into Mr. Cohen’s journey in his own business, highlighting how a research group is important to assess the risks of buying financial instruments. Before this program, I was unaware of the many different roles an individual could have, and the realization of how many paths someone’s story could take was a jolting one. The program itself had me questioning my own future, knowing that there was so much more to learn in the industry.

In the following sessions, our goal was to emulate Connor’s presentation using our own stock, Coca-Cola. Rather than being full of jacks of all trades and masters of none, we split up to research what we excelled in. By June 20th, we were as prepared as we were going to be. 

An interesting tidbit that increased the immersion was Mr. Cohen telling us that he works with UBS, who manages some of his accounts alongside some family members. He told us that Coca-Cola was already in his portfolio, but despite that, he said our presentation would have influenced him to buy the stock. 

This new program was made possible through a collaboration between several key figures and departments at Lehman. Dr. Nunez-Torres, who nurtured this vision for many years, had attempted to launch a similar program with the help of a former sponsor, but unfortunately, it did not come to fruition. However, his persistence in creating an experiential course remained strong, which led to the program being recognized in the form of a scholarship. It was designed not only to reward academic excellence but to address a critical issue for many students – the lack of time and resources to explore the wide variety of career opportunities available within the finance industry. Thus, BBA 206-Basics of Financial Research was created.

Dr. Nunez-Torres informed me that the program's success was far from a solo effort. The Dean of Lehman’s School of Business, Dene Hurley, made it possible for the program to run as smoothly as it did. Advisors from the School of Business, Deirdre Constant and Griselda Poe, worked tirelessly to inform students of the program through outreach. Additionally, the library staff played an essential role in having the Bloomberg Lab open for us. This collection of people created the foundation necessary for the program to thrive. 

As an alum of Lehman College, Mr. Cohen is deeply committed to giving back to the college. His desire to support future generations of students, especially those within the finance industry, made the program possible. Listening to him talk about his personal journey with his own company was inspirational, and the feedback he gave us after our presentation towards the conclusion of the program was invaluable.  

I interviewed some of my fellow classmates, and hearing some of their takeaways from the shared experience was enlightening. Each of these takeaways highlighted different aspects of our personal and professional growth.  

Wadah Rajeh's hands-on experience with researching and analyzing company data gave him crucial skills in navigating the Bloomberg Terminal, an essential tool in the finance industry. 

Jose Meza emphasized the broader scope of the finance world, stating that it extends far beyond textbook studies. He came to the realization that much of the success in finance comes from the relationships and the experiences built through daily work. In his words, “Finance is a vast world full of many surprises and connections.” 

Curtis Asante, another participant, echoed these sentiments, sharing how this experience gave him a glimpse into the work environment he wishes to enter after graduating. “This program impacted me a lot. I met people I never would have met in the first place. Gaining those connections helps us learn how to navigate the finance and business world a little better.”  

When I interviewed Dr. Nunez-Torres, I asked him how he believes the course will impact students as they go on through college and into their careers. He emphasized the importance of experiential learning and the confidence gained from providing a unique environment for students to test their abilities in a real-world setting.   

As student interviewees told us, this enhanced their understanding of financial research because the program was designed for them to see firsthand what it would be like to commit to researching a stock and presenting it to a real investor. This level of engagement is difficult to replicate in a traditional academic setting. 

BBA 206 was far more than a course—it was a transformative experience that opened doors and provided insights many of us did not know were possible at Lehman. This program is a testament to what can be achieved when passionate students, faculty, and alumni collaborate with a shared vision for student success.  

As a final word, the most important advice I can offer is to never underestimate the power of getting involved beyond the classroom. I cannot stress this enough: take full advantage of Lehman's resources and support because you never know which opportunity might shape your future.  

The Evolving Threat of Phishing

By Granit Krasniqi

On August 10, 2024, as I was going through the trouble of making sure all my financial aid and scholarships and loans were being processed correctly for the upcoming semester, I received an email. An email I hastily clicked on named “COLLEGE GRANT.” The email described a “National College Board” and a “student benefit grant” that I had been approved for. All they needed was my “Full Names”, cellphone number, banking institution and my personal email address. I was provided a name, “Nathan Brown.” He was to be the contact I sent all this information to. The email ends with a note, “NOTE: Eligible students are not required to pay back the grant. Kindly also indicate if you are/were enrolled in other college as you can be eligible for double grant.” As well as another “IMPORTANT NOTE” reiterating again that you must contact the financier with your personal email. 

This sounded amazing. Almost too good to be true. That is because it was. The “National College Board” does not exist and is likely trying to borrow legitimacy and likeness from the legitimate non-profit organization that runs the SAT and Highschool AP assessments, CollegeBoard. “Nathan Brown” also doesn’t come up with any results other than a reddit post questioning the legitimacy of the exact email I received. It is a common name and surname that they likely thought wouldn’t raise any eyebrows. The notes addressing how good the grant is and how it won’t need to be paid back are all a part of the allure. They might’ve been successful if they didn’t have so many spelling and grammar mistakes and if the format of the letter wasn’t a screen capture of an iPhone notes page. Who sends emails as only a jpeg? People who want to steal a lot of others information quickly. 

This email is a clear example of phishing. Phishing is a practice where you are sent an email or message that appears legitimate asking for personal information. The appearance of legitimacy often is targeted. The email I received was expertly aimed at students. Depending on where your email address was taken from the scammers can tailor the email to be relevant to your life. For example, if I received this email about college grants as I described before, but I was a fifty-five-year-old professional working on Wall Street it wouldn’t be successful. The Wall Street professional has been out of school for a long time and would never trust or even look at an email about college grants. However, if our same hypothetical Wall Street professional brought an expensive car recently and the email was tailored to look like it came from a dealership, and it addressed concerns or problems about the purchase it could very well be enough to attract his attention. 

Phishing is yet another hurdle we have to deal with in our increasingly digital lives. Students at Lehman are not the only ones dealing with this. Even companies like Google and Facebook, giants of the tech industry, deal with phishing attacks. The most infamous case being Evaldas Rimasauskas. CNBC reported that Rimasauskas plead guilty to wire fraud “…after helping to orchestrate a scheme that included setting up a fake business and sending phishing emails to employees of Facebook and Google. The scheme ultimately duped those multibillion-dollar companies out of more than $100 million in total between 2013 and 2015, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York” (Huddleston 2019). Phishing can also target the government as voters in Lawerence County, Pennsylvania learned. New Castle News reported that voters received text messages reading “We have you in our records as not registered to vote. Check your registration status & register in two minutes,” and were then directed to a link (Watcher 2024). In L.A. County, the Los Angeles Times reported that the public health agency was hit with a phishing attack that potentially exposed “…more than 200,000 people in Los Angeles County” (Fry 2024). Atrium Health, a healthcare company, was also not left unscathed by phishing. The Charlotte Observer reported, “An unauthorized third party gained access to a group of employees’ emails through phishing…” (Chase 2024). 

Phishing attacks can target any part of society. From mega corporations to hospitals to the government. Everything is vulnerable. There are multiple reasons it is so ubiquitous. One reason is that it is incredibly easy to do. You do not need high level technical information like you would need to hack into a system. All you need is a good script and a link that prompts people to enter their information. Another reason phishing is so effective is people. People are the weakest link in cybersecurity being exploited by phishing. You could have the strongest cybersecurity in the world, and it wouldn’t prevent someone with access clicking on a suspicious link in a phishing email. This means in order to combat phishing we must be vigilant ourselves. 

Lehman College needs to do more to help safeguard students and faculty against phishing and all kinds of cybersecurity attacks. The Information Technology Division offers workshops on how to effectively use different programs and technologies such as Office 365 but offers no courses on security. On their page titled Information Technology Policies, Security Alerts and Advisories on the Lehman website there is a link to a CUNY online security awareness course and an accompanying pdf but both links are dead. The page hasn't been updated since 2017, it proudly says at the top, despite there being one pdf from 2018. That one is titled Holiday Season Online Scams and Malware Campaigns. It does address phishing and gives tips on how to deal with it and other malicious attacks but there is not enough. One pdf from 2018 is unacceptable. The phishing email I described at the start of this article was not sent just to me. There are other Lehman students who received this email. This should have rung alarm bells for the IT Division to at the very least send out an email addressing the situation but nothing. Lehman needs to do better for its students and faculty. I have reached out to the Chief Information Officer at Lehman, Ms. Ediltrudys Ruiz, for comment but have not received a response at the time of writing. 

A Review on Voting Participation

By Ashley Vasquez

In today's turbulent political and social landscape, our democracy is undergoing a rigorous examination. The effectiveness of our system's checks and balances is being called into question. While some view it as slow or overly bureaucratic, it's crucial to understand that the solution lies in the act of voting. Each vote, though seemingly insignificant on its own, joins with others to influence the course of laws and policies, shaping the trajectory for current and future generations.  

So, what actions has New York State undertaken to encourage voter turnout? 

NYC Votes is a program proposed by The New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB), which has been working to enhance voter participation at the local level, particularly targeting communities with low voter turnout rates. Through extensive print advertising campaigns, they've spread the message "Get-Out-the-Vote" across various platforms. This includes online, TV, radio, and public spaces, reaching millions of New Yorkers in five languages for both the August primary and November general elections. To engage a younger demographic, digital ads are used on popular social media platforms. Additionally, they employed resources like print voter guides, the online platform nycvotes.org, emails, text messages, social media, community outreach, direct voter engagement, and a youth ambassador program.  

Another noteworthy organization is VoteEarlyDay.org, which aims to raise awareness among all Americans about the significance of voting early. They provide resources such as state-specific voting rules, a vote early day voter tool to locate voting locations, times, election deadlines, and other helpful benefits.  

The CFB also generates a comprehensive voter analysis report using detailed data collected during the election period. They use two distinct types of files obtained from The NYC Board of Elections to evaluate voter engagement. The first file, the active file, contains relevant voter profile information such as address, date of birth, date of voter registration, gender, and political districts. The second file tracks the voting history of individual voters. Both files utilize a unique serial number known as CountyEMSID to identify registered voters across the city. 

Now let's take a closer look at the election data from the CFB's voter analysis report for the years 2022-2023. Specifically, this data concentrates on analyzing the participation rates and turnout among different age groups. 

https://public.flourish.studio/story/2354942/

Young voters were actively engaged during special elections on December 22, 2020, February 2, 2021, and March 22, 2022. Their turnout remained consistent at 12.5% during the general election in 2022. This increased engagement might have been influenced by various issues at the time, such as concerns about the threat to abortion rights, high crime rates, or worries about inflation affecting the affordability of essentials. However, their commendable participation and decision to vote deserve recognition, regardless of the reasons.  

https://public.flourish.studio/story/2355108/

Another surprising fact emerges: the Bronx consistently records the lowest turnout rate in the General Elections of 2014, 2018, and 2022, compared to all other boroughs a trend mirrored in the 2024 Presidential Primary. Given the Bronx's existing marginalized status, having constituents absent at the polls only exacerbates its marginalization. 

https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/17722354/ 

Accessing the ANES 2024 Pilot Study's selected questions, utilizing shading and grouping features revealed intriguing findings. Most respondents were women from the South, aged around 61, with a high school education as the most common, followed by those with a four-year degree. Around 84.6% were registered voters, primarily female and conservative-leaning third-generation immigrants. Notably, when asked about abortion handling, the majority favored Democrats.  

This complex factor is that despite the city’s effort to promote voting through various tools, the actual turnout remains consistently low compared to the number of registered voters. To boost voter engagement, the city could consider reintroducing civic education into school curricula. For instance, understanding the three branches of power and acknowledging that for a bill to become law, it must receive approval from the House, Senate, and Presidency. 

Actively engaging in local assemblies and connecting with district representatives can also help foster change. Refusing to vote as a political statement not only weakens democracy but also undermines our fundamental freedom—the freedom to choose. Therefore, in this age of rampant misinformation and propaganda, it's more important than ever to fulfill our civic duty by voting.

Lehman College 2024 Commencement

By Megan Walls  

College is a journey, and for 4 years students are faced with various hurdles often having to balance the workload that accompanies each semester, on top of daily life responsibilities aside from classes. Though, what motivates most students to keep going is the awareness that the finish line is near, and the thought of hearing their name as they cross the stage on graduation day. To be acknowledged after having put in countless hours of work is what students desire, and for the Spring 2024 commencement, Lehman College is gracing graduating seniors with this honor, upon other changes that will showcase the colleges’ commencement in a whole new light moving forward.  

    In the past years Lehman College’s commencement ceremony has looked a little different and while the focus still centered around the acknowledgment of the students, graduating seniors were not recognized individually. On Thursday June 1st, 2023, Lehman College held its 55th annual commencement where 3,500 graduating students plus an additional 7,500 family members and friends were in attendance alongside staff and faculty.  

    The commencement proceeded as it typically would, but when it came time to honor the graduating class only the schools, and majors in which the students were apart of were called. “I didn't feel special on a day I’d long for my entire life,” said Lehman alumni Ashley Merlanie Castillo who was a part of the Spring 2023 graduating class. As we stepped into the new year of 2024, students have boldly expressed their opinions on how they feel graduates should be honored on such an important day.  

   With Lehman College’s 56th annual commencement growing near, the most noticeable changes in the ceremony this year will be that graduates will now be able to walk across the stage as their names are called. Such an unexpected change started only with a student and an ideal; and Mikayla Sumter Malone, an upper Junior here at Lehman was the defining voice that sparked just the right amount of movement needed to bring this change to life.  

     Malone recalled the thoughts and questions that fled her mind as she watched pre-recorded Lehman commencement ceremonies on YouTube, “why is the commencement an hour long and no students are getting recognized?” Having spoken to a few classmates last semester, according to Malone many voiced their desires to “have their names called at graduation,” while students additionally questioned “why waste time going to commencement if names aren’t going to be called?” Witnessing her peers' desires to be acknowledged lead Malone on January 8th, 2024, to create the Moveon.org petition entitled “Graduation at Lehman College” addressed to Lehman College President Dr. Fernando Delgado. Unsure if her attempt at speaking up for fellow students would even be successful Malone declared “at first I thought that my petition wasn’t going to work,” but the act of a former classmate named Chanel Huston brought forth the right amount of influenced needed to cement Malone’s deed. 

    “She told me that she is on the graduation committee, and she wanted to bring up my petition at their committee meeting” said Malone recounting Houston’s words. No more than a week later Malone received the news from Huston that “they are going to be calling names at graduation,” and the following month on February 8th, 2024, student affairs Vice President Jermaine A.Wright sent out an email notifying all students of the newly implemented changes to this year's commencement. “I was surprised that my petition worked” exclaimed Malone, and following the student affairs announcement Malone was not the only student enthusiastic about these changes.  

    Current Lehman senior Andrew Figueroa voiced his thoughts saying, “I really like it because I feel like the whole point of going to graduation is to hear your name called and walk the stage while your family is watching.”  While emphasizing what a “huge milestone” graduation is for first generation college students in particular, Figueroa resumed saying, “I knew about it, and I’ve been excited for a while now because I know last year they didn’t call names.”  

    As graduates will now be named individually come commencement day, this will undoubtably impact the May 30th ceremony layout. Due to the programs time extension this year student affairs notes that “The graduation begins at 10AM, and due to the new addition of saying graduates' names, will end between approximately 1-1:30PM.” While attendees can expect a new running time of around 2 hours and 30 minutes for the program, other newly incorporated changes to this year's commencement ceremony includes air-conditioning viewing areas within campus buildings for guests, and the providing of tents over the graduates for sun protection. Ensuring that the safety and comfort of both graduates, and guests alike are placed at the forefront, although Lehman’s ceremony this year is lengthier in time everyone can still expect a day full of cheer and celebration.   

   As we inch towards the special date, in the upcoming weeks graduating seniors can further verify that they are set to walk the stage by ensuring they have filed for graduation and preordered their caps and gowns from collegegrad.herffjones.com for the 2024 ceremony. Additionally, caps and gowns will be available at the Lehman College Bookstore for purchase beginning April 22nd.  

    If you want to commemorate your accomplishments, this year Lehman College is also partnering with Island Photography to provide students with professional cap and gown portraits right here at the campus bookstore. From April 15th –16th to May 1st – 3rd dates and times are available to students for bookings.   

Any inquiries may be directed to student.affairs@lehman.cuny.edu or you can stop by their Shuster Hall office Room 204. To stay up to date on all commencement-related information, students may visit https://www.lehman.edu/classof2024 

Residential Neglect from NYCHA

By Julien Torres

In New York on Tuesday, February 6th, seventy NYCHA employees were arrested and charged with bribery and extortion. An FBI investigation revealed that many NYCHA employees received bribes in exchange for non-bid contracts being awarded to contractors. These contracts were given to contractors who provided low-quality maintenance on buildings across the city; depriving many buildings of necessities such as heating, working elevators, or even lights. The seventy workers arrested became the DOJ’s single-day record for federal bribery charges.

Though the news of these arrests may come as a surprise to some, for those who reside in NYCHA buildings across the five boroughs, it is not. According to NYC. gov, NYCHA houses approximately 370,000 residents in over 177,000 apartments across New York City. However, for those residing in these buildings, they can hardly be described as “residential.”

Diana Rice, a senior at Lehman College, describes her mother’s Harlem apartment in the Frederick Douglas houses over a phone interview.   “My mother lives on the 15th floor, the apartment mainly consists of concrete walls and cheap plywood doors. The apartment also has an infestation of roaches.” This aligns with the public image that many New Yorkers have about NYCHA buildings and their residents.  

For Diana, the NYCHA had it coming. “I am not surprised that event took place. NYCHA is a corrupt organization. The money that should have been used for regular maintenance and repairs was never allocated making it not surprising the arrests happened.”

NYCHA’s selfish pursuit of greed has led to the neglect of the elderly, it is anything but “public service.” As a tenant on the 15th floor, I have witnessed that The NYCHA was unresponsive to repairs [of] elevators. And with many of the elderly living in the upper levels, access to a working elevator is vital.

However, these arrests are not the first time NYCHA’s incompetence and resident neglect has reared its ugly head. In 2014, Kishawn Scarboro, a NYCHA employee, was arrested for embezzling around $90,000 in rent payments from residents that were owed to NYCHA. This was reported by a press release from the US Attorney's Office in 2014. The irony of these events being a decade apart is harrowing and speaks to the long-term neglect and corruption NYCHA residents have faced. NYCHA simply does not learn its lesson.

A federal bill is being proposed in Congress, in response to this scandal. This bill aims to require that public housing authorities, like NYCHA, disclose any contracts they enter regardless of the dollar amount. Congressman Ritchie Torres, representing New York’s 15th congressional district, authored this bill to protect the residents of public housing across the country. This will ensure that the public knows about any contracts the NYCHA enters. It will also help to ensure any promises made by NYCHA to improve living conditions are kept. Additionally, New York Mayor Adams has put in place ways to further improve NYCHA’s public image. 

Bribery, Neglect, and Mayor Adam’s Support

NYCHA’s public image has been tainted yet again by corrupt employees.  However, Mayor Adams has been pushing for more funding for NYCHA to repair buildings across the city. In August 2023, residents will get the opportunity to vote for what repairs should be done. According to a press release from the mayor’s office, “With NYCHA buildings needing nearly $80 billion, this process will offer residents an opportunity to vote and determine the future of their development.”  Although this promises a better future for NYCHA residents like Diana and her mother, this is only the first step of a lengthy process.

As the fallout of these bribery charges continued, the CEO of NYCHA, Lisa Bova-Hiatt, was put on the hot seat by neighborhood residents.  The committee focused on how NYCHA will respond to the charges. Bova-Hiatt stated that she has spoken to the U.S. Attorney’s office and will seek compensation from vendors who overcharged NYCHA for services. The New York Department of Investigation recommended about 14 different strategies to address these charges, including mandatory training for superintendents.

The reputation and public image of public housing in this country has never been a good one, and at the heart of it all NYCHA has been the most notorious when it comes to poor living conditions. While NYCHA’s public image has been tainted by a decade of scandals, it should be important to remember that those who are affected the most are the residents of these complexes. These residents are simply looking to have a stable roof over their heads. As politicians and those in NYCHA make promises of a brighter future, many residents only take their words with grains of salt as past promises have yet to become a reality.  

MTA New Safety Procedures

By Destiny Hurtado

After growing concerns over safety in the busy areas of New York City's subway system, Governor Kathy Hochul has made plans aimed at increasing security measures. As part of this initiative, National Guard troops will be deployed to subway stations across the city, surveillance cameras will be installed, along with an increased police presence. However, this announcement, for some commuters, has caused mixed reactions.

A week after the implementation of the National Guard, a shocking incident occurred in Lower Manhattan: a man pushed a woman onto the tracks in front of an upcoming train, resulting in severing both of her legs. This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of the security measures put in place and the capacity of the National Guards to prevent such acts. As the city develops, the need for comprehensive strategies to ensure the safety of subway passengers has become even more urgent. 

“The Governor’s recent deployment of the National Guard was unwarranted and caused fear rather than a sense of safety,” said Jo Anne Simon, an Assembly member who represents the area where the event took place. “There are not enough National Guards to do a bag search for every subway station; we need at least 3,000 Guardsmen." There is growing suspicion among some leading officials and residents alike, regarding the efficacy of the current security measures. A more comprehensive approach is needed to address the complex issues plaguing the transit system.

The intervention of the National Guard may not accurately address the underlying social and economic factors contributing to crime, such as homelessness and mental health issues. Additionally, there are also concerns about the potential militarization of public spaces, which could further up tensions and break community trust. 

This skepticism specifically came from the following two tragic incidents: the fatal shooting on March 15 at a busy Brooklyn subway station A train, and a recent shooting on a southbound D train at the 182-183 Streets station. These events raise questions about the National Guard's ability to prevent such incidents and protect passengers. 

The timeline of these events highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to subway safety that goes beyond law enforcement. Addressing the root causes of crimes requires strategies that incorporate social services, mental health support, and community involvement. 

Despite this, the National Guard's presence can provide an instant boost to security, offering reassurance to passengers amidst growing concerns over crime and violence. The visible presence of armed forces and bag checks may act as a deterrent to potential criminals and help enhance law enforcement efforts to tackle crime within the subway. The National Guard can offer valuable support to local law enforcement, particularly during emergencies or high-risk situations. 

Supporters of the decision say that the collaboration between the MTA and the National Guard demonstrates a productive approach to enhancing public safety and restoring confidence in the subway system. 

The mixed reactions to the deployment of the National Guard show the complexities of ensuring public safety in the city. While some view it as a necessary measure to combat crime and give a sense of security, others remain skeptical about its long-term effectiveness and broader implications. 

This initiative's success will depend on comprehensive strategies that address immediate security concerns as well as the economic factors contributing to crime and unrest. As the MTA and the National Guard continue to collaborate in keeping passengers safe, their efforts will be essential in shaping the future of public safety within New York City's transit system.

Students Devastated as FAFSA Delays Persist

By Megan Walls and Alixia Viniel

Many college students are lost, angry, frustrated, and confused because of the changes to the FAFSA Application. Some students have been discouraged from filling out this crash-prone website due to its misleading questions. Filling out the FAFSA applications for some students can lead to a debt-free college education or a lifetime of student loan payments. Shiym, a Lehman College student in their junior year, says “It is an unfortunate situation for students that are just starting their college career as the delay could impact their discussion in where they might go.” 

Students find the new FAFSA process easier to deal with than in previous years. While some students love the changes, others consider it unnecessary. Shiym says “I am glad it separated my section from what my parent’s needed to fill out.” Meanwhile, Brendon, a junior at Lehman says, “Certain questions weren’t as necessary as others.” The new process allows for undependability, it separates the student from their guardian’s needed information. It means no more looking through tax returns and searching for a social security number or gross income. Instead, it asks a few questions, including asking for permission to access tax information online from students and their parents/guardians.

Due to recent time-saving changes, the FAFSA application, which usually opens on October 1st every year, has been delayed until December 2023.  As a result of this delay, many high school seniors have already decided what colleges they will be attending. By January or February, they would have already known which college was in their best financial interest. With the delays to the FAFSA application, the decisions of which colleges to attend have been prolonged until further notice. 

The FAFSA Simplification Act

The FAFSA Simplification Act is a new law that aims to showcase a remodeling of the online process to grant federal student aid. Starting in the 2024- 2025 award year,  this act will simplify the FAFSA process known for consisting of deadlines.  In 2020, Congress requested that the Education Department refine the FAFSA form by  December 31st, 2023.  However, the chief operating officer of Federal Student Aid, Richard Cordray, has prioritized other initiatives, causing FAFSA to take a back seat for over three years.  

	The lack of effort on their part has led to many life-altering decisions being put on hold as students await their financial aid package information. Margaret, a Junior at Lehman College, iterates her annoyance with the continuing delays of the FAFSA form. “The delays are frustrating and become an inconvenience for those who don’t have a lot of time.” 

In the prior years, one person could complete the FAFSA application documents provided by their parents, and the only thing students would need was a parent’s FSA ID and their parents' signature at the end of the process.  However, with the new changes, parents must answer their own set of questions before the application is officially submitted. 

When asked if they considered these changes necessary, students responded with “No, I do not. I highly prefer the old system.”  The old system had many questions, but not all needed to be answered directly.  Financial status and tax information could be accessed and inputted into the FAFSA application through the IRS after filling out basic information like social security number, name, and address. However, this new process is more than just changes that cause students uncertainty. The application occasionally crashes, and parents who do not have a social security number are now having trouble creating an FSA ID.

In the face of the social security issues that have been troubling the parents of immigrant students, a Lehman College student has addressed their feelings saying, “ I think it’s bad for the immigrant students who are trying to go to college and make a future. It’s unfair.”

There have been recurrent issues with the FAFSA application, mainly delays in the disbursement of information across colleges and universities. One mistake that could be catastrophic is that “The U.S. Education Department's FAFSA math, for deciding how much aid a student should get, is wrong.” (Turner, Jan 23, 2024) The math issue is one of the contributing factors to the delays. To alleviate uncertainty among its students, Lehman College has been actively sending messages with links to video tutorials, and additionally hosting in-person events to guide students who either have questions or need help filling out their FAFSA forms. The upcoming events, which are by appointment only, take place respectively on the Wednesdays of March 13th and April 17th from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm in the Music Building East Dining Room.  

From Boardroom to Campus: Our Exclusive Interview with KPMG’s US Chair and CEO

The Merdian Interview KPMG CEO, Paul Knopp (Photo Credit: NY Jobs CEO Council)

By Thomas Bonner

On Tuesday, February 6th, the US Chair and CEO of KPMG, Paul Knopp came to Lehman College for an exclusive conversation with President Fernando Delgado. The event was organized by the nonprofit organization, New York Jobs CEO Council, whose goal is to provide equal opportunities and break down barriers for New Yorkers from all backgrounds. As a council member, Paul Knopp, along with other business leaders has committed to diversifying his workforce by recruiting from underrepresented talent pools. During his visit, The Meridian had the privilege of conducting an interview where he gave his unique perspective on important topics that are sure to benefit and interest the Lehman community. Although he lives a busy life, he showed up with a willingness to listen and approached each question with an open mind. Based on the information and guidance we received, Lehman students can be reassured that there is great potential within all of us.

Paul Knopp emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion at KPMG

The Meridian: “How do your values personally, and at KPMG, help make people from all backgrounds feel more included in your company?”

Paul Knopp: “It's a great question, our values at KPMG are integrity, excellence, courage, together, and for better. When I think about inclusivity and equity, it is important to help everyone at work feel comfortable. In today's world, you need more equity and inclusion to make sure that talent can rise to the top of the organization. We spend a lot of our time talking to our people about the importance of those values. What's important to us is the recognition that a lot, if not all, of what we accomplish as an organization is accomplished in a team environment.  Therefore, [we have] to ensure that people know what it means to live the value of together and for the better. That is critically important to the success of the organization.”

Paul Knopp recently joined the Board of Healthy Minds, a nonprofit that's focused on the destigmatization of mental health and emotional well-being mostly among Gen Z and Millennials.

M: “Why is destigmatizing mental health in the workplace so important to you?”

PK: “So, destigmatizing mental health is special to me personally, but it's also very special to KPMG. We all struggle with our own emotional and mental health, every one of us. We all know somebody who struggles even more than we do with their emotional and mental health, so it can be very personal. We recognize that we work in a very stressful world where business burnout can certainly happen.”

M: “Especially around tax season.”

PK: “Yes, tax season or deadlines in audit or big complex consulting projects. What we've learned, particularly during the pandemic, is that a special focus on emotional and mental health is critically important to [our] success down the road. For instance, employee assistance programs for caregivers and parental leave for healthcare. How much are you working? How many meetings are you in? How much personal time off have you taken? At KPMG, it's critically important to check in on each other, and make sure that we all feel like we are in an environment where we value emotional as well as physical health.”

KPMG recently invested around $2 billion in Microsoft's Open AI.

M: “What should current students and graduating students know about the future of AI and its potential impact on the job market?”

PK: “Let me just kind of signal the importance of generative AI. We developed that $2 billion enhanced alliance with Microsoft not only on generative AI but [to] also enhance cloud platforms for the future. [We also named] a digital innovation and AI leader for KPMG that's on our management committee. It's a brand new role, and to give it real importance and show how critical it's going to be.”

“We also developed an AI framework because we need to make sure that AI is used safely and ethically in a trustworthy manner for our clients. We did all that because generative AI is going to be truly transformative when it comes to the business world, as well as any aspect of any sector or industry that's out there. It's going to be a huge disruptor, so we're training all of our people on generative AI, so they can appreciate its importance and use it to upskill and rescale to meet the needs of the future.”

“A future that’s driven by a more technological approach to solving problems with recognition that we don't think it's a job taker. It's a job maker. we don't think that it's going to reduce employment over time; we think it's going to enhance employment over time. It's going to cause our people to do less mundane and routine things in less time and have more work-life balance as a result.”

A new “Information Systems and Controls” discipline has been added to the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam this year.

M: Do you think the worldwide adoption of technology is why they're introducing this new discipline to the CPA exam?

PK: “I graduated from a university 41 years ago and in those days, information systems were in themselves, were nascent. And now, in finance, accounting, and the business world, everything is driven by the technology you have. So the formulation to include that area of expertise in the CPA exam is the recognition that you must have an understanding of technology, the risk of technology, and the controls around technology to be successful. Ensuring that you can deliver whatever service is going to be in your purview in terms of your career.”

“For instance, if you're going to deliver audits, you can't successfully deliver audits without understanding the risks and the strategies of the organization. You have to understand their technology, whether they're using SAP or Oracle for the ERP system or something like Workday for their HR capabilities or Salesforce for their front office capabilities. You've got to understand all aspects of what's happening. Regardless of what the information system is, you've got to be prepared to be able to understand the risk of the system, the controls around the system, and what the system can deliver to the organization. Whether you're going to be an auditor, a tax professional or you're going to work in the industry, it's a recognition that both technology and data are going to become much more important to our success in the future.”

M: “What would your advice be to graduating students and current students?

PK: “Whether you major in a technology-related field –  it doesn't matter what you're majoring in – you should try to understand what technologies are emerging. Not only technology that’s present today but you should try to understand where technology is going. The one thing you can rest assured is that technology, whether you're a nurse, accountant, investment banker, or engineer, is going to touch what you do in a really meaningful way.”

Contact us:

Carman Hall’s Renovated Lecture Halls

(CA B34 before and after renovations. Photos credit: Alixia Viniel.)

By Alixia Viniel 

Three basement Lecture Halls located in Carman Hall are being renovated, with room B34 already completed and in use as of the 2023 Fall semester. These renovations resulted from a much-needed up- grade for both students and faculty in terms of technology and comfort. They were part of the many improvements Lehman College wanted to bring for its students and staff. 

Thanks to the donations, Lehman’s faculty and staff were able to initiate improvements aimed at enhancing the academic experience and 

improving the learning environment at Lehman. 

The renovations focused on the for- mer Lecture Hall, addressing the various complaints from students. One of the main issues was the limited accessibility and uncomfortable seating arrangements. Students expressed dissatisfaction given that the last time the hall had seen any form of renovations was during its creation in the late 70s. They reported discomfort and that the Lecture Halls provided limited access to students with disabilities. The renovations have created opportunities for more inclusion and easy use of classroom equipment. 

In an interview with Robin Auchincloss, Director of Campus Planning & Facilities, it was revealed that former Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz, “provided half of the $600K budget” used for the renovations in Carman Hall. Auchinclos further acknowledged that many of the students who took classes in the lecture halls “would remember that the chairs were in really bad condition.” 

Migdio Dominguez, Director of Classroom Technology Support Services, took part in selecting and installing the technology in the new classrooms. The room now features modern-looking wooden chairs and silver metal-like tables. The chairs contain charging outlets for com- puters, phones, tablets, and more. Additionally, a desk is attached to the backrest which will be helpful 

to students who rely on technology for note-taking. The classrooms also allow for Hyflex interactions for in-person and online meetings. The added railings provide students with safety precautions if needed. 

Moreover, the repairs have made the classrooms more accessible to students with disabilities. The removal of the production box, located in the back of every large lecture hall, has increased the space available in the top half of the lecture hall. This benefits students who are in wheelchairs part-time or full-time. The improvements also included speedy technician support, meaning less time is taken away from learning, because of technical difficulties. Remember when professors had to call for Information Technology Personnel (IT) because of issues with monitors, sound systems, or computers? The renova- tions now include a monitor linked to every classroom with a working computer and display system, which alerts IT of any issues simply by looking up the classroom number in their system. 

The new renovation has a main control system, where IT personnel can identify and automatically fix the errors using monitors from their office and by sending personnel to fix said issue at a moment's notice. Students are offered the best equipment for academic advancement with these new designs and repair. 

The Counseling Center: Cultivating Awareness, Community, and the Benefits of Mental Health Services at Lehman College

(Lehman College counseling center logo .)

By Amber Castillo 

College students today face significant challenges when it comes to mental health. A recent survey by TimelyMD found that mental health struggles were identified as the top stressors for 50% of college students in 2023. 

These challenges include subway assaults, economic inflation, targeted harassment toward LGBTQ+ youth, and a politically conflicted climate. 

This constant stream of negative events fosters a pervasive sense of insecurity about the future, affecting individuals, their families, friends, and communities. How- ever, nestled within the supportive community of Lehman College, students have access to The Counseling Center, a sanctuary that offers free therapy and fosters student growth and well-being. 

The Counseling Center, located in the Old Gym (OG) Room 114, provides a comprehensive range of 

services to support students' mental health needs. The center is committed to ensuring privacy and confidentiality for students, and its privacy policy strictly prohibits revealing identities or personal experiences. A member of the counsel- ing team highlighted the variety of services offered, stating, "We conduct presentations and group sessions that educate and empower students." 

Individual counseling addresses various challenges affecting academic, personal, and social well- being. Students can seek assistance with transitioning to college life, managing depression and anxiety, coping with stress, and nurturing self-esteem. The center also offers referrals to external resources, such as long-term therapy or medication management, as needed. A member of the counseling team expressed their satisfaction, saying, "The Lehman students are great, it's very rewarding to work in a college at- mosphere." To promote privacy, the Counseling Center has noise- canceling machines outside their offices. The staff also invests in ongoing professional development and training to enhance their clini- cal expertise. The Counseling Center is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

The Counselor Center provides Safe Zone Ally Training to ensure that all campus community members have the knowledge and skills to be effective allies for LGBTQ+ 

students. This training helps participants recognize and challenge dis- crimination and bias and provides support to those in need. Promoting mental health awareness is a priority for the Counseling Center. They host campus-wide events on various topics, including Suicide Awareness, Coming Out Day, Trans Day of Remembrance, Self- Harm Awareness, Eating Disorder Awareness, Mental Health Aware- ness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Day, Soberfest, and Pridefest. The center also offers informative videos and webinars on mental health issues, covering topics like meditation, coping with negative emotions, and psychological barriers to self-care. A dedicated counselor emphasized their commitment to raising mental health awareness across campus, stating, "We do these events that are fun and educational for students. We are committed to raising mental health awareness across campus." 

Lehman's Counseling Center is more than a support system it's a place of hope, fostering student growth and well-being in the heart of the campus community, where a team of amazing individuals helps ensure that every student has a voice. In the words of the director of the Counseling Center: “Counseling Center services support student persistence, retention, and graduation.” 

The Small Business Internship Program

(Students of The Small Business Internship Program 2023 Cohort. Photo Credit: Andre Huda .)

By Emmanuel Okoli 

From sales representatives to social workers, prior experience is becoming more and more essential for even entry-level positions in the workplace. Securing an internship is undeniably one of the most effective routes to gaining work experience. 

Fortunately, Lehman College offers students a valuable opportunity to attain experience through its Small Business Internship 4-week Program. 

Throughout the journey, participants acquired diverse skills led by seasoned lecturers who are experts in their respective fields. 

Students also earn seven (7) credits towards their degree, participate in 60 hours of professional development, and engage in 60 hours of paid internship work. They also receive a certificate upon completing the program! 

Dajihana, a student, described the program as “engaging and resourceful” and said, “The content and classes we’ve been exposed to have been super informative and insightful and the program has helped keep me accountable with my educational and career goals.” 

Andrea Huda, Director of SBIP, has headed the past three cohorts since it relaunched in the summer of 2022. The most significant measure of success has been the evident enthusiasm among students eager to join the program and the overwhelmingly positive reception it has received on campus. 

“It’s such a great program. You get credits, you get paid, [and] you get professional training that you’re gonna be able to put on your re- sume. Separate from your degree, having those three things alone to give you a little bit of [a] bump on your resume for when you graduate is excellent.” 

Within four weeks, the lecturers and students delved into various skills, including crafting engaging social media content to expand follower bases, effective product mar- keting strategies, website development, and more. 

These skills were honed under the guidance of experts and accom- plished professionals such as Petia Adur Razzaaq, Joanne Hvala, and Krista Hammond. 

(Student receiving her certificate. From left to right: Dr. Mackillop, Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies; Jahianna Vasquez, student; Andrea Huda, Director of the Program; and Deirdre Constant Program Advisor. )

Petia is a digital marketing strategist with a track record working with esteemed brands like Dunkin Donuts and Fleet Banks. Joanne is a former senior director of communications at Columbia University and a former executive in communication roles at organizations such as General Electric. Krista is a leader in marketing teams for numerous international beauty companies.  

In a competitive job market, we know experience is key. Lehman's Small Business Internship Program (SBIP) is not just a program—it's a springboard into the real world of business, offering students invaluable skills, industry insights, and a certificate of accomplishment. With its diverse offerings and flexible structure, the SBIP is an opportunity not to be missed. 

The Small Business Internship is open to everyone with good academic standing, not just business majors. If the thought of owning a business and being your own boss ever crossed your mind, this might be the program for you! To sign up for an info session and learn more contact Huda at andrea.huda@lehman.cuny.edu. The next program begins on January 3rd, 2024.

Inner artist flowing at Lehman's Paint and Sip Women in Islam Club.

(PHOTO: Asiya to the left with two group members setting up paint for the event.)

By Coral Reyes 

In the afternoon of Tuesday, October 17, 2023, Lehman's Women in Islam Club, a community of devoted Muslim women, created a safe, welcoming environment on campus. It recently hosted a social gathering called Paint and Sip, where women from Lehman College engaged in creative activities and socialized. 

Even though the event was restricted to women for religious reasons, the club welcomes learners, friends, and people from all walks of life. 

"It can be a bit challenging to make friends on campus," shared Asiya, the club's president. 

The club consists mainly of Muslim students but welcomes anyone interested in learning about their religion. The club members provided a warm, welcoming environment for women of all backgrounds to 

gather, relax, and let off steam. There was no real purpose during the event, besides bringing people together and having fun. Friendship building and communication among different groups of people was something that Asiya felt was important. 

“You are going to work with these people in the future. You don’t want to start a job and that is the first time you meet a Muslim person.” Explains Asiya. 

The atmosphere was buzzing with laughter and conversation, overlap-ping with the beautiful music of Taweel Al Shawq by Ahmed Bukhatir . Slowly more and more students participated in the event. Asiya welcomed each person with a smile and offered painting supplies and snacks. She also arranged prayer items for those who needed them. 

"This is so cute and fun!" exclaimed a Lehman student, delighted by the event. 

The club members gathered to spread love and peace, demonstrating their strengths during these challenging times. "Getting to know people from different backgrounds and demographics is crucial," Asiya said. 

As the students slowly trickled in, they were welcomed with open arms and made to feel at home. Even a student who was just there to study was invited by Asiya to join and paint with the group. The event ended with beautiful paintings, great memories, and a sense of community that the club members will cherish forever. 

If you would like to find out more events or join the club check out their club Instagram at @Lehmanwii. 

Navigating AI Struggles, Exploring the Dichotomy of the Arts, and Analyzing Minorities' Challenges with Societal Expectations

WGA Strike, 2023 taken from…The Root. (n.d.). LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 02: People picket outside of Paramount Pictures on the first day of the Hollywood writers' strike on May 2, 2023, in Los Angeles. Scripted TV series, late-night talk shows, film, and streaming productions are being interrupted by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike. Retrieved from https://www.theroot.com/the-root-spoke-to-black-wga-writers-about-why-theyre-st-1850399538."

Writing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

By Amber Castillo 

Everywhere you look, artificial intelligence (AI) is present. You witness AI through websites like Wombo Dream or Leonardo AI. Even top-rated social media apps like TikTok or Snapchat incorporate AI. Companies like Facebook, Bank of America, and H&M use AI chatbots to handle customer service inquiries. AI is also used as AI-powered chatbots to provide companionship and emotional support. This phenomenon is becoming both intriguing and peculiar. AI denotes an intelligence form, employing computers to execute tasks that predominantly require human intervention, as it can process data beyond human capacity. 

In theory, AI can harnessed to assist humanity. AI undeniably aids in generating ideas, rectifying errors, and providing answers. It has substantial benefits, particularly in the context of learning. AI is employed to emulate voices, visages, writing styles, and artworks, and, notably. It could also replace the jobs of individuals engaged in artistic pursuits. 

Although AI is profoundly impressive, it should not replace human writing. Humans are the architects of AI, not the other way around. Cultivating one's mind encourages personal growth and the opportunity to see one's potential. Technology needs human input to function in application, 

programming, or maintenance. Thus, humans can channel their efforts into a growth mindset toward any endeavor they set. Thus, if we can bestow intelligence upon it, we equally possess the capacity to establish constraints. 

Writing can sometimes be downright overwhelming. It is also a skill that demands mastery of expression, development, and the "painstaking" process of editing and rewriting. We are, after all, human, and our lives are often a jumble of competing demands that distract us from writing our thoughts. AI also has limitations, and such an approach to relying on a bot is less likely to lead to success. Consider a scenario where someone instructs ChatGPT to compose an essay, and a Wi-Fi glitch causes an internet crash. What if someone aims to employ AI for artistic creation, yet glitches mar the output, resulting in a chaotic mess? 

Yet, one can take honor in achievement that stems from self-application. Reflect on your beloved shows, and you will find a human writer who penned them. Did you revel in Teen Titans? It was writers who crafted its tales. What about the hit TV series Breaking Bad? Writers wrote those series, too. Their craft and “writing” shows human existence. While it's undeniable that certain shows receive undue praise for subpar writing (I'm looking at you, Netflix), the essence is that the skill would lose its flavor if AI wrote everything. 

Writing is power, and knowledge is essential. Writing and learning from the written word improves the mind. What one can accomplish independently, with one's intellect and own hands, holds greater significance than any comprehension AI might achieve.

---

Lehman College Welcomes Fresh Faces with Festive BBQ.

(PHOTO: Amber Castillo) Lehman College's Welcome Back BBQ, August 24, 2023

By Litzy Acosta

On Thursday, August 24, 2023, dark clouds loomed all over New York City. However, the excitement of Lehman College's new and returning students was not dampened, even by the threat of rain. They gathered eagerly at the Lehman Quad, where the air was filled with music, laughter, and anticipation for the arrival of incoming freshmen. 

Lehman College gained independence in 1968 and was named after Governor Herbert H. Lehman of New York. Today, the institution welcomes students from around the globe and provides diverse programs to support their academic pursuits. 

For many freshmen, entering college can be an intimidating experience as they step into a completely new environment. To ease this transition, Lehman's Campus Honors and Scholars (CHaSE) Engagement hosted a heartwarming Welcome Back BBQ, just one day before the Fall semester commenced.  The event provided students with an opportunity to participate in games, unleash their creative skills, indulge in outdoor sports, and enjoy delicious Halal cuisine. 

 Audrey, an incoming freshman majoring in biology, shared her thoughts about transitioning from high school to college; "The difference in schedules, like you must take yourself to class. No one's on top of you telling you when and where to be and how to do homework." Adon expresses. "I expect to meet new people from different backgrounds and experiences. But I also expect to continue that challenging mindset of trying to get the most out of everything," she added.

Lehman College takes pride in its student body with representatives from 118 cultures. The college has also earned the distinction of being ranked #1 on Degree Choices for Best Hispanic-Serving Institutions, as indicated on its website.

Fortunately, for students like Audrey, Lehman College's Davis Hall boasts a Research Greenhouse on its rooftop, in partnership with the New York Botanical Garden. This collaboration spans various scientific domains, including biotechnology, plant development, ecology, cell biology, biodiversity, and systematics.

Lehman College offers a variety of programs for students across all departments. These include The Bronx Journal, Geographic Information Science (GIS), Study Abroad, Clinical Practice and Partnerships (CPP), and Early Childhood and Early Childhood Education (ECCE). These opportunities are not limited to biology majors, and new students are encouraged to explore and engage in these offerings.

Lehman College extends its warmest wishes to the incoming students, hoping their time here will be filled with growth, discovery, and success. 

To review the history timeline of Lehman, visit: 

Website: 

https://www.lehman.edu/lehman-legacy/lehman-facts.php

For more information about CHASE, its program, and its benefits please visit: https://linktr.ee/lehmanchase or visit them in Carman Hall Room 188, or the Music Building across from the Faculty Lounge. 

School of Business Expands Master Programs

by Kiana McMillan

The school of Business at Lehman College is now expanding its Master of Science in Business program. The goal of this program is to expand the business environment for those who specialize in finances, marketing, businesses, management, human resources, and more.

They are seeking professionals that can handle a wide range of challenges. This program offers both online and in-person teaching for students. Most students complete their degree program within the first year, that gives them an opportunity to work with other professionals and expand their education.

Fall 2023 applications are now opened for the following: MSB in finance, MSB in Human resources and MSB in international business which is both online. MSB in marketing applications will be online and applications will be open in spring 2024.

For more information about this program, you can contact the MSB program director Dr. Shirley D. Bishop at shirley.bishop@lehman.cuny.edu

The Meridian Student Newspaper Hosts Two Open Houses this Semester

The Meridian student newspaper welcomes faculty, students, and staff to an open house on March 15 and April 19 in Carman Hall 323 at 3:30pm.

Come learn about the paper, ways to get involved, or pitch your own story.

Pizza and refreshments will be provided.

Contact lehmanmeridian at gmail.com for more information

Dr. David C. Fletcher, long-time professor and social justice worker, has died at 73.

Dr. David C. Fletcher, an administrator, social justice advocate, and professor at Lehman College for nearly four decades, died on Sept. 12th, 2022. He was 73.

Dr. Fletcher was a long-time Assistant Professor in the School of Education. Throughout his career at Lehman College, he was also a program coordinator for English Education, Science Education, Technology in Education, Human Rights and Restorative Justice in Education, and the Chair of the Middle and High School Education Department (MHSE). Dr. Fletcher was active in PSC-CUNY and PSC Lehman meetings and worked across departments to implement anti-racist and restorative justice training around Lehman. In the late 1980s, he was an early faculty advisor to the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) club, now the LGBTQI+ club called Crystal Queer. Dr. Fletcher also donated to student scholarships at Lehman and was a 2005 Millennium Club Donor.

“Dr. David Fletcher was an amazing human being,” Counselor Education Professor Stuart Chen-Hayes said, “— a dedicated teacher, a wonderful supervisor of student teachers, and a fierce fighter for equity and social justice as a gay man who grew up in rural North Carolina and dedicated his life to challenging multiple oppressions in the Bronx. A former advisor to the queer and trans student group at Lehman, David was involved in numerous anti-racism initiatives as well reshaping how the School of Education works on anti-racism and how the PSC-Lehman union chapter works to center anti-racism and restorative justice practices…. His presence will be missed by so many on so many levels.”

David Carroll Fletcher was born in 1949 in Brevard, North Carolina. He spent summers swimming at the North Carolina coast and enjoyed cooking with his family. One of his first jobs was as a bus driver while still in high school. Shortly after graduating from Appalachian State University, he bussed, hitchhiked, and motorbiked across Europe, Afghanistan, and India. Upon returning to the U.S., he earned a master’s degree from the University of Michigan before completing his doctorate at New York University in 1985.

Dr. Fletcher co-founded the School for Community Research and Learning (SCRL), a specialized high school on the Stevenson Campus in the Bronx that forwarded student-centric learning and holistic care. For several years, he was a consultant for The CareerVisions Institute, an after-school program for K-12 students around the Bronx. At the time of his death, Dr. Fletcher remained an active board member of the Bronx Community Health Network.

Dr. Fletcher’s colleagues remember him as a positive, kind, and bright person who helped others see the best in themselves. Botany Professor Ed Kennelly recalled meeting Dr. Fletcher as a new faculty member at Lehman 24 years ago:

“I never missed a chance to get together with David.  He was a relaxed and engaging person, and I treasure the time we spent together…. In those early days of using IT in the classroom, David was a leading proponent, and he gave me much-needed guidance in technology and educational theory.”

An online memorial organized by Dr. Fletcher’s family reads: “Although he lived in NY, Dr. Fletcher had strong family roots in Brevard, North Carolina and never lost his accent, to the delight and sometimes confusion of his students. He is survived by sisters Sharon Fletcher Kirby of Marietta, Ga, Laura Fletcher Cassell of Marietta, SC, brother Jerry Fletcher of Brevard, NC and preceded in death by his parents Carroll and Sally Fletcher, brother Richard Fletcher and sister Kathy Fletcher” (sic).

In June 2022, Dr. Fletcher was the first participant in the LGBTQI+ Oral History Project, a multimedia project sponsored by the CUNY LGBTQI+ Consortium and directed by filmmaker Sekou Luke. Dr. Fletcher’s hour-long interview about gay life at Lehman College and in the Bronx will be released next year. Co-producer Aaron Milton said, “It’s a blessing he was able to share his story with us to help guide the future generations.”

The School of Education is planning a fall memorial. The Lehman community is welcome to write to dcfmemorial@gmail.com for information on an online memorial.

In a joint statement, Lehman faculty Dr. Heather Sloan (Earth, Environmental and Geospatial Sciences), Dr. Kennelly, and Dr. Chen-Hayes said:

“The best way to remember Dr. Fletcher is to join the fight for equity and social justice in anti-racism, anti-heterosexism, and other anti-oppression work.”

Remembering Tom Behnke

By Brittany Aufiero

It is with great sadness that The Meridian announces the passing of Thomas “Tom” Behnke, who died of a heart attack at the age of 59 on Aug. 10. A talented writer and poet, Tom was the former Editor-in-Chief of The Meridian, involved in several student organizations on campus, and was a cherished member of the Lehman community.

Tom was born Feb. 9, 1963 and graduated summa cum laude from Lehman this past May with his Bachelor’s in Honors English, specializing in creative writing. Tom had a strong passion for the arts and humanities, which led him to become heavily involved with the student publications on campus.  He became a regularly contributing staff writer for The Meridian in Sept. 2017, and served as the News Section Editor for the paper for over a year.  In 2018, he was elected Editor-in-Chief of the paper before stepping down to prioritize his studies and continue honing his talents as a creative writer. In Aug. 2022, Tom joined Obscura, the literary and arts magazine of Lehman College, as an intern and stayed on as a student editor until he graduated.

Tom (center) with friends Yenick Gonzalez, Rafiana Martinez, and Jasmine Gonzalez at Lehman College’s 54th Annual Commencement on May 26, 2022, celebrating the Class of 2022.

Prior to beginning his studies at Lehman, Tom had poetry and essays published in small press magazines including Talebones, Connections, and Gathering Darkness, as well as a story published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Gratitude.  His poems “Lightning,” “Orphan,” “Lull: A Bye, and “Love and Numbers” were featured in Volume 11 of Obscura in Spring 2020.  He often performed his poetry at Obscura’s semi-annual open mic nights.  Tom’s play, Volts and Ohms, was showcased at Lehman’s Studio Theater in the 9th annual New Voices: The Student Playwriting Festival, which ran from Oct. 27 - 31, 2021.  At the time of his death, Tom had been working on a screenplay and had plans to continue developing his English Honors Thesis project “Saying Goodbye” into a full-length novel.  He had hoped to pursue his MFA in creative writing.

Not only did Tom strive to improve his own writing abilities, but those of his peers as well.  In Sept. 2021, Tom was hired as a writing tutor for Lehman’s Tutoring Center (LTC) through the Instructional Support Services Program (ISSP).  In this role, he worked one-on-one with students to assist them with their papers and other class assignments. 

Tom was a cornerstone of the Lehman community who made a strong, positive impact on everyone who met him.  He was quick-witted, kind, generous, encouraging, and supportive to his classmates.  He loved dogs, art, cooking, baking, and playing bass. 

 On Friday, Aug. 26, Tom’s friends and faculty gathered for a potluck memorial at Van Cortlandt Park to celebrate his life and legacy.

Lehman College English Honors Awards Ceremony 2021 — recorded by Tom Behnke

In Memorium

I had the great luck to first meet Tom in spring of 2021 as a student in my Playwriting class. Tom was a warm, gentle, and funny human, and an incredibly gifted and generous writer. Although playwriting was a new form for him, he quickly became passionate about the craft, and by the end of that semester, he’d finished the first draft of a hauntingly lovely short play. Tom’s, Volts and Ohms, would go on to be workshopped and produced under my direction, for Lehman’s 2021 New Voices Student Playwriting Festival. A talented fiction writer, Tom had a unique gift for creating finely observed characters, who lingered in the imaginations of their audience long after the lights dimmed. He was truly a natural. At the end of Volts and Ohms, the main character Lizzette stands alone in the dark, gazing skyward from the yard of an upstate home, waiting for an unlikely glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. In the final minutes of his play, Tom gives them to her, and also to us, so that we might walk out into our own nights, a little more open to hope, and beauty. I so wish he’d had more time. He had so much more to give. 

— Professor Stephanie Stowe, Lecturer 

Department of Music, Multimedia, Theater, and Dance, Lehman College

I had the privilege of meeting and working with Mr. Thomas Behnke when he was Editor in Chief of Lehman College's Newspaper, The Meridian, which I had joined on Spring 2018. 

I can still remember the first edits I received from him on April 4, 2018. A month later, during a meeting he announced he would cede his role to another interested editor, as he needed to focus in his studies. He was happy and encouraged fellow editor Shaiann Frazier, and she then took the lead. His words inspired me to pursue a section editor role. I doubted myself at first, but when hearing him I thought to myself, if he can believe in me, then I should go on; and so I became News Editor that year. 

I learned so much from him in that little time we worked together, and he was so supportive of everyone in the paper, even when no longer working there. I would always run into him in Carman Hall and recall him being so pleasant, kind, and funny at all times. I probably had the least interactions with him compared to much people at Lehman, but I will always treasure these memories.

May his soul rest in peace, and might his family and loved ones receive comfort. 

— Perla Tolentino, Lehman Alumna

Tom joined ISSP as a writing tutor a year ago. I am still shocked and sad this was the end of the road for him.  He was tutoring for us this summer and had just purchased a new laptop: after graduating, he was determined to keep writing, and last I heard had a screenplay underway. 

Tom was a kind and generous tutor whose insights and intuitions about his fellow students' writing were always astute.  But Tom of course was much more than a tutor; he was part of many communities on this campus, especially in the arts.  

I hired Tom during the pandemic.  He worked online, and I never met him outside the frame of a Zoom or Blackboard screen. But he had a large presence and I feel as if we've met in person.  I'll remember especially his voice and laugh, his quick wit and his empathy.

— Lisa Estreich, Writing and Literacy Coordinator

Lehman Tutoring Center (LTC), Lehman College 

I had the privilege of teaching Tom when he enrolled as an undergraduate in my graduate writing workshop last fall. He not only held his own in the class, but he also emerged as one its most intelligent, generous, and perspicacious voices.

- Professor Allison Amend

English Department, Lehman College

Don't Say Gay

By Kilah A St. Fort

On Tuesday, March 8, 2022, the controversial Florida “Don’t Say Gay” bill was passed on Florida Senate’s floor. The last barrier for this legislation to become a law is dependent on whether Governor Ron DeSantis signs it. 

Officially titled the Parental Rights in Education Bill, this bill specifically prohibits the teaching of  LGBTQIA+ topics to  kids enrolled from kindergarten to third grade. Another aspect of the bill is that LGBTQ lessons, according to the state’s standards, are considered not age or developmentally appropriate for students. Thus, parents would have greater chances of taking successful legal action against educators who violate the bill. 

Supporters of the bill believe that young students are being harmed by the discussion of LGBTQ+ topics. They are being misinformed about  their gender identity and sexuality , claim several Florida parents. At the same time, bill opposers are concerned about the safety of students who are LGBTQ+. 

Alison Mercure, a senior at Lehman College said, “It's a disappointment that the bill has been passed. Part of having a classroom is having safe discussions on what's going on and educating one another.” 

Other Lehman students question the effectiveness of such a bill, especially in the context of a virtually interconnected world. 

Freshman Gurleen Atwal said, “To me it seems like a bill that is trying to prevent something from being part of the school curriculum. It seems like [the bill] wants to stop [LGBTQ+ topics] from being spoken about, but is that really possible? As high schoolers or as middles schoolers, can you say that you weren’t becoming aware of people who are queer or understanding your own identity?”  

Familiar sentiments were echoed by Mercure, “Nowadays, we have advocates and organizations that educate people about LGBTQIA+ history so it wouldn't necessarily stop kids from learning about it.” 

Both students began to recall moments where they were first exposed to LGBTQ+ topics. Mercure couldn’t remember how she became aware of it, but she cites the military policy “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” as the start. Atwal attributes her first encounter to a reality tv show.  

“I remember seeing Jazz from I am Jazz on TV when [the main character, Jazz] was first speaking about transitioning and her identity as a child,” said Atwal, “but I feel as though I learned more from conversations with peers and social media.” 

Although this bill would only immediately affect Florida’s school systems, there is a possibility of a ripple effect. Other states may begin increasing parents’ control over their children’s education by limiting what can and can’t be taught. 

“If this bill were to be passed in NYS, everyone would be pissed off. This reminds me of the current Mayor Adams and his administration, where some of his appointees are anti-LGBTQIA+ so for a bill [like this] to be passed, [there] would be a serious outrage,” commented Mercure.   

When asked what could be done instead, Atwal offered the suggestion of a specially crafted LGBTQ+ curriculum that involves parent-teacher communication.