All posts by Kathryn Lineberger

Macaulay Hosts City Nature Challenge 2024

  • Macaulay Honors College invites everyone to participate in the 2024 City Nature Challenge April 26 – 29.
  • Free events for nature lovers throughout the New York City.
  • Every New Yorker is invited to contribute to citizen science and urban biodiversity.

Macaulay Honors College is pleased to be the official organizer of the 2024 City Nature Challenge for the City of New York for the eighth consecutive year. The college has connected with dozens of public parks, preservation societies, gardens, and other organizations throughout the five boroughs to offer fun, free events to nature lovers of all ages. Events take place over the weekend of April 26 – 29, 2024

Along with volunteer student guides, faculty, and local scientists, Challenge participants will use smartphones to record as many examples of urban wildlife as they can. The information will latera be used by scientists and researchers to help improve biodiversity and sustainablility in New York City—and beyond.

“City Nature Challenge is not a contest,” explains Macaulay Director of Science Forward, Dr. Kelly O’Donnell. “But we all win when we explore nature within our community, have fun, and contribute data that can be used to make New York City greener and healthier for everyone.”

A kickoff event, free and open to all,  will take place at Macaulay Honors College on April 26 at 10AM. Attendees will hear from Macaulay Dean Dara Byrne, PhD and Dr. O’Donnell before heading to nearby Central Park for a brief, guided nature walk.

A constantly-updated list of City Nature Challenge events and more information is available here.

The City Nature Challenge is organized on a global scale by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences.  The 2024 New York City Nature Challenge is generously supported by the New York City Council and the office of Council Member Gale Brewer.

CONTACT
Dr. Kelly O’Donnell

Curtis W. Hoover Joins Macaulay

Curtis W. Hoover joins Macaulay as Interim Associate Dean for Student Services and Engagement

Macaulay is pleased to welcome Curtis W. Hoover as the college’s Interim Associate Dean for Student Services and Engagement. Hoover brings over twenty-five years of distinguished experience in higher education management and a reputation for strategic vision and dedication to student-centered practices.

“Curtis’s professional and academic path reflects the ethos of Macaulay, exemplifying curiosity, excellence, and innovation,” said Dean Dara Byrne, PhD.

CurtisWHooverA seasoned leader, Hoover has held pivotal roles in various institutions, including his recent tenure as Vice President of Student Affairs at LIM College in New York City, and as Director of Student Affairs at Penn State Mont Alto. In these capacities, he spearheaded transformative initiatives, enhancing student engagement across campuses. Notably, he championed the establishment of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Center at LIM College, underscoring his commitment to inclusive learning environments.

Hoover earned his MEd in Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a BA in English/Writing from High Point University.

“Supporting student development and success is one of the most gratifying features of my career,” remarked Hoover.  “And I look forward to actively working with the honors students at Macaulay.”

At Macaulay, Hoover will oversee a comprehensive portfolio including student development, career services, scholarships, wellness programs, and special programming. He’ll be a key member of the Dean’s senior leadership team, leveraging his expertise in strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and talent development to drive initiatives that empower students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

Hoover is a distinguished member of professional associations such as NASPA and ACPA.

Partnerships for Career Success Programming

Macaulay Honors College Launches “Enhancing Career Support Through Data-Driven Solutions” 

New partnerships with industry experts to redesign career development programming are predicted to enhance professional outcomes for all students.  

Macaulay Honors College has received a $300,000 grant from the Booth Ferris Foundation to create Enhancing Career Support Through Data-Driven Solutions. This new initiative, led by Macaulay’s Office of Strategy and Planning, will allow the college to better propel students into successful, well-paid professions by using sophisticated data analysis to design career development programming.

A 2022 survey by CUNY’s Office of Institutional Research revealed that although the job market is promising for honors students, salaries for many professions still reflect societal inequities. Enhancing Career Support Through Data-Driven Solutions will:

  • Identify common career paths and key occupational fields for Macaulay students
  • Explore correlations between student demographics and long term post-graduate career outcomes
  • Reveal which academic concentrations contribute to better post-graduate outcomes

“Given the national reports on post-graduate outcomes for women and people of color, it is imperative that we tap into the data analytics to help us better prepare our diverse student body to thrive in their careers,” said Macaulay Dean Dara N. Byrne, PhD.

The two-year program establishes a partnership with two innovative organizations. Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics, who will assist in collecting data from our graduates, including their financial status and career trajectory to conduct a rigorous analysis. Opportunity Network, a nonprofit consultant, will guide the implementation of results-based career services.

In addition, the grant provides for valuable staffing to support the study design, and two paid internships for Macaulay students to assist in data processing and analysis.

“We’re eager to learn how the diversity of our graduates is reflected in the workforce,” said Macaulay Director of Career Development Gianina Chrisman. “And to use the data to dramatically enhance our career readiness services.”

Lightcast is a global pioneer in the collection and big-data analysis of information on the labor market. Their data provides detailed information about occupations, skills in demand, and career pathways. MORE

Opportunity Network was founded as a direct response to the inequitable structures of access, college opportunity, and professional mobility that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income communities. MORE

Generosity Beyond a Lifetime

Mary Kay Jeynes Leaves a Lasting Legacy

A generous $500,000 gift establishes the Mary Kay and Paul Jeynes Scholarship Fund, and provides students with opportunities to develop a global perspective and appreciation.

In the pursuit of a meaningful legacy, individuals often seek ways to make a lasting impact that extends far beyond their own lifetime. One powerful avenue for such influence lies in the act of including charitable bequests in one’s will. As generous donors within the Macaulay community contemplate their philanthropic contributions, they designate the college as an institution deserving of consideration for its commitment to giving students a top-notch education, developing their leadership abilities, and establishing long-time relationships with their peers and with us at Macaulay.

Mary Kay Jeynes, a former college dean, is one example of an inspiring donor. And because of her academic experience she knows, firsthand, the profound impact a bequest can have on an entire college community.

And now you may be wondering what motivated her to select Macaulay to receive this generous legacy.

Mary Kay explained that she and her husband, Paul, have always admired outstanding leadership. Specifically, leaders who are involved in the success of a worthwhile cause and committed to achieving excellence in their own work and activities. When this happens, excellence abounds throughout an organization, and its impact encourages everyone there to reach for the stars. It also motivates students to want to ‘give back’ in the future. And this becomes the ideal cycle of receiving and giving.

It’s thrilling to be part of Macaulay’s enthusiastic community with its high standards of excellence. There’s a feeling of privilege because of the excellence and exceptional involvement of everyone at Macaulay. I also greatly admire its purpose, to develop students’ potential beyond what they ever imagine.

Education has the power to transform lives, and by leaving a legacy I’m investing in the future of countless students.

Mary Kay’s bequest goes a step further.

She established the Mary Kay and Paul Jeynes Scholarship Fund to also honor the memory of her late husband, a successful advertising executive who pivoted his career to pursue his passion for art and became an admired and successful sculptor.

Paul and I have shared the importance of on-going personal development through education, travel, exploration. We’ve experienced the transformative power travel offers when learning about and experiencing different cultures.

Macaulay donor Mary Kay Jeynes in Mexico.“Its my hope this scholarship will enable Macaulay students to expand their horizons by understanding different cultures and gaining insights into their respective history, art, customs, traditions. These experiences may even encourage new and stimulating ways for them to live their own lives. Also, international travel can help them to develop a global perspective.

“And when learning is stimulating and fun, it makes a lasting impact on our lives.

You may be interested in knowing the process of including Macaulay in your will is remarkably straightforward. It provides a seamless way to ensure your support will make a difference in and contribution to many lives, both during and beyond your lifetime.

Your contribution, no matter its size, will play a crucial role in promoting education, supporting study abroad experiences, and investing in students who are determined to contribute positive changes in their community—and the world.

We hope you will consider joining Mary Kay and countless others and leave Macaulay a legacy that transcends timea legacy that will truly make a difference whether it be in our students lives, expand our academic offerings and/or improve our resources!

Contact Stephanie Hyacinth, Interim VP, External Relations
stephanie.hyacinth@mhc.cuny.edu or 212-729-2917

 

Photos, from top: Paul and Mary Kay Jeynes in 1981; Mary Kay with a relative visiting Uxmal, a Mayan town and UNESCO World Heritage site in Mexico in 2024. 

 

Unlocking Digital Literacy

New data storytelling course is part of an initiative to acquaint non-STEM students with critical tech skills.

A growing number of leaders across sectors and industries rely upon not just data but people who can tell them what data means. Last winter, Macaulay piloted an intensive course on data storytelling to help advance these in-demand digital skills while also introducing students to the wide variety of career paths open to digital storytellers.

Data Scientist and Macaulay professor Allen Hillery designed and taught the highly experiential course. Students created their own projects using industry-standard technology, Tableau, and heard from experts in the field. During a visit to The New York Times offices, Graphics Editor Larry Buchanan emphasized the ethical and journalistic power of data. And on another class outing to Salesforce Tower, they learned about how data informs the business landscape.

“This course gave me confidence in myself alongside a solid foundation of what data is, how to approach data literacy, and what can come out of it,” reflected Katherine Quach ’24 (Baruch).

The course is part of a broader initiative to acquaint non-STEM students with the kinds of tech skills that are constantly creeping into every corner of the career landscape. The teaching model combines skill building, career and credential exploration, and engagement with external partners.

Several students reported a burgeoning interest in data storytelling, and Katherine may already have a foot in the door. “With the help of Professor Allen, I successfully landed a junior consulting analyst internship!”

Six Students Win Prestigious Gilman Scholarships

Macaulay Honors College congratulates Rabia Akram ’24 (Hunter College), Zara Aziz ’25 (City College), Valeria Herreros ’25 (Baruch College),  Saima Kayes  ’24 (Baruch College), Jeslyn Mei (Hunter College), James Zou ’24 (City College), and Awestaa Zia ’24 (Hunter College) for winning Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships.

The Gilman Scholarship Program prepares U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world. Students are chosen for their academic success, talent, and commitment to making an impact both abroad and back home in the US.

Zara Aziz will be studying abroad at the University of Porto, Portugal over the upcoming Winter semester pursuing a program focused on the history, people and culture of Portugal.  Zara is pursuing a BA in Political Science.

Rabia Akram is a Human Biology major and Asian American Studies minor at Hunter College. With the Gilman Scholarship and the Critical Language Award, she planned to study Arabic at the Qasid Institute in Amman, Jordan; however, the program was unfortunately canceled this year. She is also a Speakers and Programming Curator at TEDxCUNY, helping individuals from diverse backgrounds develop talks that resonate with a wide audience.

Valeria Herreros is currently studying abroad at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in Madrid, Spain. She is majoring in Digital Marketing. At UC3M, she’s taking a mix of classes ranging from market research, international business, Spanish art, and philosophy. In Madrid, she’ll combine her eye for art and penchant for expression, as those skills are essential in the field of marketing.

Jeslyn Mei is a Psychology with a Concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience major at Hunter College. She will study Japanese Film & Culture in Chiba and Tokyo, Japan.

James Zou a Computer Science major at City College, studied abroad in Berlin during the winter semester. Thanks to the Gilman Scholarship he had the opportunity to study Entrepreneurship through CIEE Berlin.

Awestaa Zia, whose focus is Economics and Urban Studies, hopes to pursue a career in urban planning. She had planned to serve in the Middle East and is deferring her travel.

The Gilman Program aims to encourage students to choose non-traditional study and intern destinations, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Award recipients are chosen by a competitive selection process and must use the award to defray eligible study or intern abroad costs. Over 2,700 scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded this academic year for U.S. citizen undergraduates to study or intern abroad. MORE

 

Pictured above, from left: Rabia Akram, Valeria Herreros, James Zou, Jeslyn Mei, and Zara Aziz.

Using Data for Better Career Outcomes

Macaulay Honors College Launches Enhancing Career Support Through Data-Driven Solutions

New partnerships with industry experts to collect data and redesign career development programming are predicted to enhance professional outcomes for all students.

Macaulay Honors College has received a $300,000 grant from the Booth Ferris Foundation to create Enhancing Career Support Through Data-Driven Solutions. This new initiative, spearheaded by the Office of Strategy and Planning, will allow Macaulay to better propel our students into successful, well-paid professions by using sophisticated data analysis to design career development programming.

A 2022 survey by CUNY’s Office of Institutional Research revealed that although the job market is promising for honors students, salaries for many professions still reflect societal inequities. Enhancing Career Support Through Data-Driven Solutions will:

  • Identify common career paths and key occupational fields for Macaulay students
  • Explore correlations between student demographics and long term post-graduate career outcomes
  • Reveal which academic concentrations contribute to better post-graduate outcomes

“Given the national reports on post-graduate outcomes for women and people of color, it is imperative that we tap into the data analytics to help us better prepare our diverse student body to thrive in their careers,” said Macaulay Dean Dara N. Byrne.

The two-year program establishes partnerships with innovative organizations. Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics, will collect data from our graduates, including their financial status, career trajectory, and more and conduct rigorous analysis. Opportunity Network, a nonprofit consultant, will guide the implementation of results-based career services.

In addition, the grant provides for staffing the program with three new Macaulay roles: research associates to manage the study design, and two paid internships to assist in data processing and analysis.

“We’re eager to learn how the diversity of our graduates is reflected in the workforce,” said Macaulay Director of Career Development Gianina Chrisman. “And to use the data to dramatically enhance our career readiness services.”

Lightcast is a global pioneer in the collection and big-data analysis of information on the labor market. Their data provides detailed information about occupations, skills in demand, and career pathways. MORE

Opportunity Network was founded as a direct response to the inequitable structures of access, college opportunity, and professional mobility that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income communities. MORE

Connecting in Texas

At the end of October, twelve Macaulay students pursuing degrees in Accounting and Finance were given the opportunity to attend the Make Accounting Diverse and Equitable (MADE) Leadership Summit. The event was hosted by “big four” company, Deloitte, and enabled the scholars to travel to Deloitte University, the company’s leadership center located in Dallas. The MADE Summit brought together students from all over the nation. Accompanying the students on the trip was Macaulay Program Manager Darren Cummings, a new member of the Student Development team.

Throughout the event, Macaulay scholars engaged in activities to further their understanding of the importance of diversity in the workplace: keynote speeches, one-to-one networking sessions with other students and current Deloitte employees, and friendly accounting-based competitions. Students were also exposed to nationwide internship opportunities that Deloitte has to offer.

“I think this was not only a great opportunity for the students to network with professionals in fields they are interested in, but it was a great opportunity for me as well,” said Cummings. “Having the chance to interact with students face-to-face, especially coming out of the pandemic, is something that I really enjoyed.”

Macaulay scholars echoed Cumming’s feeling of community on the trip. Trishtan Balkaran ‘26 (Baruch) shared that his favorite part of the trip was being able to meet other students who are planning to work in the same field as he does. “This was a great experience that I did through Macaulay. It was great to connect with individuals who have a similar interest in the Accounting world as me,” said Trishtan. “Our cohort even got to make s’mores on our last night there!”

“This trip taught me a lot about the experiences Macaulay offers its students, and I am looking forward to creating more of this valuable programming in the future,” added Cummings.

The trip reflects Macaulay’s commitment to providing high level opportunities that prepare students for the working world, as well as providing the tools for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dean Dara Byrne said, “we want our scholars to understand that diversity drives progress, whether it be in a classroom, a professional work environment, or beyond.”

 

Kenan Scholars: Student Development Through Service

The Kenan Scholars Program at Macaulay offers a unique experience for students that’s designed to combat the crisis of homelessness through direct service and advocacy work. Scholars gain a deep understanding of how nonprofits work alongside other entities within the community, and how society’s systems and structures can be improved.

At the start of their time as Kenan Scholars, students prepare meals, distribute food and clothing, and develop an understanding of the causes of homelessness. Later, they take on advocacy roles to delve into research, funding, non-profit management, governmental relations, and other structural issues impacting unhoused individuals.

WATCH: In their own words, current scholars, Randa Elsayed ’24 (John Jay College), Michelle Del Villar ’24 (City College) and Stephanie Gonzalez ‘24 (Baruch College) share how an art therapy program they developed is helping people in need.

 

 

MEET THE NEWEST KENAN SCHOLARS!
Every year, Macaulay welcomes a new group of students to the Kenan program.

Agnes Cheung ’25 (Baruch) is interested in pursuing a career that ultimately allows her to help her community, such as a mental health counselor. Her passion for assisting unhoused individuals grew after taking her Macaulay Seminar 4course.

Jason Sethiadi ’25 (Hunter College) was drawn to public service and working with the unhoused population from his experience volunteering in a hospital emergency department. He plans on attending medical school.

Jenna Como ’25 (College of Staten Island) plans to pursue her masters in clinical social work and move into the field of mental health and social justice. She works with several non-profits including Morgan’s Message and the National Eating Disorders Association.

Katie Davis ’25 (John Jay College) is majoring in Human Services and Community Justice with a minor in Africana Studies. She gained a passion for social justice and racial equity while being a student activist at an organization fighting for educational equity.

Naia Timmons ’25 (Hunter College) is majoring in Urban Studies and Sociology. Her studies center around housing in New York City with a focus on gentrification.

Raitah Jinnat (she/her, they/them) (Hunter) majors in computer science with minors in chemistry and math. Volunteering and interning at the Asiyah Women’s Center sparked her passion.

 

The Kenan Scholars Program at Macaualy is made possible through a generous grant from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust.

Two Social Justice Pioneers are Recognized

Macaulay Honors College is pleased to announce the 2023 recipients of the Macaulay Pioneer Alumni Award. Michelle Pelan and Noa Krawczyk, both graduates of the Macaulay at Hunter College class of 2012, accepted their awards at the 5th annual alumni Fall Fête celebration on October 16. The award was created by the college’s alumni community to recognize graduates who embody Macaulay’s values by forging a unique path to success.

Both Michelle and Noa have pursued careers in evidence-based care and advocacy for those in need. Noa’s career reflects her commitment to solving one of the most acute problems of our time: the opioid and overdose death epidemic. And Michelle’s journey as a social worker has made her a leading voice in advocating for mental health care alternatives to incarceration and over-policing.

Macaulay’s Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Brianne Donnelly said, “the entire Macaulay alumni community is so proud of the work that Noa and Michelle have done. They represent how our graduates, just as they did when they were students, are passionate about creating solutions to problems that plague New York.”

Research and relentless advocacy have distinguished Noa Krawcyk as one of the leading scientific voices in her field. Noa is currently an assistant professor at the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and a member of the Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, a position she’s held since 2020.

Noa’s journey into the field of drug addiction treatment and prevention started during her time at Macaulay. After taking classes related to the topic and participating in the New York Peer Health Exchange Program, she used part of her Opportunities Fund to work in Brazil at an organization supporting communities affected by the crack epidemic. After graduating from Macaulay, she started her research career through the Mt. Sinai International Exchange Program for Minority Students where she collaborated with researchers from the State University of Rio de Janeiro, studying the relation between rates of suicide deaths among agricultural workers and pesticide use. She went on to earn a Fulbright Research Fellowship allowing her to lead her own study exploring barriers to health and social services faced by crack and multi-substance users. And in 2020 she earned a PhD from the Department of Mental Health at Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Michelle Pelan is currently the Clinical Director of a felony alternative to incarceration program at the Center for Justice Innovation, Manhattan Justice Opportunities division. In addition to working face-to-face with people charged with felonies to help connect them to social services, she oversees a large team of social workers and case managers.

Michelle’s commitment to social justice was cultivated as a student at the Macaulay, where she completed an honors thesis on the juvenile justice system. After graduating with a B.A. in Sociology, Michelle earned a Masters of Social Work at Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.

Prior to her current role, Michelle served as a social worker at the Center for Justice Innovation to provide alternative to detention and alternative to incarceration options to defendants with mental health issues. Her experience and penchange for leadership find her facing a judge in the Brooklyn courts, running intensive case management, and creating referral system procedures. After witnessing the injustices and difficulties in the court system, Michelle was offered an opportunity to help disempowered groups before arrest through harm reduction. She teamed up with the NYPD to pilot NYC’s first co-response team, where officers and mental health professionals responded together to calls involving the mentally ill.

Congratulations to both our Macaulay Pioneer Alumni Award winners!

 

Alumni Pioneer Award Recipients:

2023: Michelle Pelan ’12 and Noa Krawcyk ’12
2022: Zuobin Tang ’05 
2021: Liat Krawczyk ’09
2019: Brian Kateman ’11 and Sasha Ahuja ’09
2018: Christine Curella ’08
2017: Mary Pennisi ’08
2016: Thomas Brigandi ’12

 

Top: Michelle Pelan (left) receives her Pioneer award from Shanna Nevelev; Noa Krawczyk (left) receives her award from Nir Krawczyk ’17.