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. 

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