LC Meridian

Issue date: 12/7/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Courtesy of Katherine Gomez

In honor of "CUNY Month", "The Early Show" on CBS devoted an entire week - from Monday, November 9th until Friday, November 13th - to CUNY, its various programs, and its diverse students. "The Early Show" focused on CUNY Veterans, Volunteerism at CUNY, CUNY Athletics, CUNY Student Leaders, and Diversity at CUNY, respectively. CUNY is the nation's leading urban university, with over 23 institutions throughout the five boroughs, ranging from community colleges to graduate schools; but few can grasp just how accessible CUNY has made education for New Yorkers.

Almost 400,000 students attend the various colleges, 3,000 of which are US Veterans. The Office of Veterans Affairs works closely with veterans to ensure that they receive all the help necessary so that the transition from active military member to student may be a smooth one. But that is just one aspect of CUNY's diversity. Lehman boasts a whopping 86.2% Black, Hispanic, and Asian student body population, 51.5% of that being Hispanic.

"I love the fact that Lehman is so diverse," says freshman Beatriz Garza, "I can always find someone who speaks Spanish just like me and who can help me with anything."

Lehman students also help people beyond the boundaries of the campus. The Community Service office works closely with local soup kitchens and women's shelters, and students mentor at nearby high schools, teaching teens about safe sex and healthy relationships. Many have truly benefitted from Lehman students' commitment to volunteerism, and this has not gone unnoticed.

"The fact that CBS broadcasted CUNY students shows the entire country the impact that we have made on New York and beyond," says junior David Valdez.

Indeed, CUNY is garnering national attention, and will continue to do so because of its dedication to providing education, resources, and opportunities for students.

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