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Listen "York College Champions Disability Advocacy, Celebrates Student Achievements, and Secures Major Funding in 2025 Campus Highlights"
Episode Synopsis
Hello, York College community! It's Monday, August 25, 2025, and here's what's happening on campus.
Earlier this year, York College played a pivotal role in Student Empowerment Day 2025, a statewide event advocating for increased funding for disability services in higher education. The event gathered students, advocates, and policymakers to push for a $4.1 million increase in the state operating budget to enhance disability services across CUNY. York's strong presence was highlighted, with multiple attendees noting its engagement and leadership during the event. A significant moment came when CUNY Vice Chancellor Dr. Denise Maybank provided testimony from York's Center for Students with Disabilities, symbolizing the college's unwavering support for students with disabilities.
In May, York College students made a significant impact at the 2025 CUNY Neurodiversity Conference held at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Led by Charmaine Townsell, students from the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities delivered a powerful presentation titled "CCSD’s Roadmap to Strengthening Neurodiverse Communities at the City University of New York." They highlighted the challenges neurodiverse and disabled students face, emphasizing the importance of education in building economic mobility. Their message was clear: understanding and addressing these barriers is essential for a better future.
On April 30, York College hosted York EmpowerED 2025, an initiative supporting students with IEPs and 504 plans as they transition from high school to college. The event welcomed over 160 participants, including more than 100 high school students, many visiting a college campus for the first time. The program featured dynamic peer-to-peer conversations led by the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities at York, hands-on aviation experiences in York’s state-of-the-art flight simulation labs, and robust dialogues with college leadership. The event underscored the importance of collaboration among high schools, colleges, and advocacy organizations to create equitable and informed transitions to college.
On July 24, York College's Student Wellness and Resources joined 457 participants from across CUNY to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Hosted by the Queens College Committee for Disabled Students, the event reflected CUNY’s commitment to accessibility, advocacy, and partnership. York College proudly celebrated the achievements of Luis “Junior” Alvarez and Isaac Augustin, student leaders of the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities at York, who were recognized with citations from multiple elected officials for their impactful leadership and advocacy.
In May, the City University of New York (CUNY) allocated $30 million to address groundwater flooding issues at York College. This funding is a reallocation from existing projects and aims to provide a long-term solution to the college's infrastructure challenges. CUNY officials emphasized the importance of strategic planning and collaboration among stakeholders to address pressing infrastructure issues across its campuses.
In February, York College's men's volleyball team achieved a significant milestone by sweeping the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) weekly honors for the first time since 2016. Senior David Heyliger Jr. was named Player of the Week, and freshman Sebastian Gomez earned Rookie of the Week. This marks the first time since 2016 that York College has earned two weekly awards, highlighting the team's dedication and talent.
That's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to check the York College website and your student portals for the latest information on events and news.
Earlier this year, York College played a pivotal role in Student Empowerment Day 2025, a statewide event advocating for increased funding for disability services in higher education. The event gathered students, advocates, and policymakers to push for a $4.1 million increase in the state operating budget to enhance disability services across CUNY. York's strong presence was highlighted, with multiple attendees noting its engagement and leadership during the event. A significant moment came when CUNY Vice Chancellor Dr. Denise Maybank provided testimony from York's Center for Students with Disabilities, symbolizing the college's unwavering support for students with disabilities.
In May, York College students made a significant impact at the 2025 CUNY Neurodiversity Conference held at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Led by Charmaine Townsell, students from the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities delivered a powerful presentation titled "CCSD’s Roadmap to Strengthening Neurodiverse Communities at the City University of New York." They highlighted the challenges neurodiverse and disabled students face, emphasizing the importance of education in building economic mobility. Their message was clear: understanding and addressing these barriers is essential for a better future.
On April 30, York College hosted York EmpowerED 2025, an initiative supporting students with IEPs and 504 plans as they transition from high school to college. The event welcomed over 160 participants, including more than 100 high school students, many visiting a college campus for the first time. The program featured dynamic peer-to-peer conversations led by the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities at York, hands-on aviation experiences in York’s state-of-the-art flight simulation labs, and robust dialogues with college leadership. The event underscored the importance of collaboration among high schools, colleges, and advocacy organizations to create equitable and informed transitions to college.
On July 24, York College's Student Wellness and Resources joined 457 participants from across CUNY to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Hosted by the Queens College Committee for Disabled Students, the event reflected CUNY’s commitment to accessibility, advocacy, and partnership. York College proudly celebrated the achievements of Luis “Junior” Alvarez and Isaac Augustin, student leaders of the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities at York, who were recognized with citations from multiple elected officials for their impactful leadership and advocacy.
In May, the City University of New York (CUNY) allocated $30 million to address groundwater flooding issues at York College. This funding is a reallocation from existing projects and aims to provide a long-term solution to the college's infrastructure challenges. CUNY officials emphasized the importance of strategic planning and collaboration among stakeholders to address pressing infrastructure issues across its campuses.
In February, York College's men's volleyball team achieved a significant milestone by sweeping the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) weekly honors for the first time since 2016. Senior David Heyliger Jr. was named Player of the Week, and freshman Sebastian Gomez earned Rookie of the Week. This marks the first time since 2016 that York College has earned two weekly awards, highlighting the team's dedication and talent.
That's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to check the York College website and your student portals for the latest information on events and news.
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