Hostos President Cocco De Filippis Featured Convocation Speaker

Convocation, a special celebration that ushers in a new academic year, will be held on August 31st.

The event’s feature speaker is Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis. "We are honored to welcome Dr. Cocco De Filippis back home to York,” said York College President Berenecea Johnson Eanes. “As a pioneering scholar in Dominican Studies, her research has been instrumental in sharing the power and voices of Dominican women and Dominicans worldwide,” she added. “As the keynote speaker at York College's 2023 Convocation, I know she will inspire our students to follow their dreams to achieve all that is possible.”

Dr. Cocco De Filippis has a long history with York college, including teaching for two decades as a Professor of Spanish. She also chaired the then Department of Foreign Languages, served as Chair of the Faculty Caucus, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Chaired the York Council of Chairs.

“It is an honor to be able to return to York and share encouraging words with the students, faculty, and staff. I learned invaluable lessons there that inspired me to become who I am today,” said Dr. Cocco De Filippis. “The values instilled at York College propelled me to care deeply for my students and colleagues. I am truly delighted to have this opportunity to express my gratitude to an institution that inspired me to dedicate my life to advocating for equity and accessibility to education for all.” 

Convocation is a time when the York family and community come together with music, remarks, ice cream and inspiration. “This annual tradition is a ritual on college campuses across the nation and York College’s convocation has the hallmarks of the best of York, where we rejoice as our students take the next on their academic journey,” said President Johnson Eanes, who will also make remarks at the event.

Speakers also include York College Provost Dr. Derrick Brazill; Rayon Chan, Student Government President; Dr. Karen Williams, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Students Affairs; and Shayla Pruitt, York alumnus and Interim Director of First-Year Experience.  The Master of Ceremonies is Professor Thomas Marion.