Stephen Ferst shares student success story and closing appeal
Ferst tells the story of Catherine Yena, who studied in Greece and went on to become a Watson Fellow, Fulbright recipient, and Peace Corps member. He says expanding access to study abroad is key to CUNY's mission and describes students as global citizens.
And if I may indulge the committee for just one additional moment, I want to tell the story of one amazing woman, Catherine Yena, who studied abroad in Greece.
I had the pleasure of teaching Katie in my class as well as sending her abroad, which she describes in her own words as, of all my time in college, studying abroad has definitely been the most memorable and educational experience.
Going out into the world and learning about another culture firsthand will teach you far more than what you learn in a classroom.
Katie's experience abroad helped her become a Watson Fellow.
She won a Fulbright to Tunisia.
She's now been accepted into the Peace Corps.
Truly a remarkable woman.
So those lucky CUNY students, the few like Katie, they have this life-changing experience that we often describe as the single most impactful experience of their undergraduate career.
We believe the work in expanding access to these opportunities is key to CUNY's mission of providing a first-rate, affordable public education to all students, regardless of means or background.
And we believe that our students...
Our students who have these opportunities are redefining what New Yorkers can and should expect from an education at the largest public urban university in the most cosmopolitan city in the world.
As we see it, we're shaping lives for decades to come.
We're creating global citizens.
We are bringing CUNY to the world.
I sincerely thank you for your time and for your attention today.