Alumni & Entrepreneur Jeff Lindor Keynotes 2024 Fall Convocation

Alum Jeff Lindor, founder and CEO of the Gentlemen’s Factory Inc., was the keynote speaker on Thursday at York’s 2024 Fall Convocation. A native of Haiti who immigrated to the United States as a youngster with his family and grew up in Coney Island, Lindor told students, faculty and staff gathered in the A-CORE Amphitheater that before enrolling at York, he questioned societal woes and searched for answers.

“I was very curious to understand and to unpack the “whys” of our community. How did we arrive here? Why is Haiti in the condition it was when I came to America in 1989? Why is the community the black community? The brown community? How did they come about? I was very curious,” he explained. “As an 18-year-old, it was the first time I took African American studies. I remember sitting in Dr. (George) White’s class, and he was educating me on the transatlantic slave trade, understanding West Africa, and understanding black studies. It literarily shifted my world and how I viewed myself.”

He went on to say that York laid the foundation of his career and his impact on the world. An example he used was his work at the NYC Department of Corrections and reducing recidivism. “If I didn’t understand the complexities of our community, then I would have looked at it as a job and not how to solve problems.”

Earlier in the ceremony, interim President Dr. Claudia Schrader welcomed everyone to a new academic year and paused for a moment to remember faculty, students and staff who recently passed. She also welcomed special guests, members of the York Foundation Board and new faculty members and staff before giving York students a charge. Among them: “Go to class. Do your assignments. Ask questions. Participate. Get a tutor if you don’t understand. Talk to your professors in their office hours. Go see your advisor and register for classes early. Join a club. Attend an event. Make friends. And remember, you are called here to York, nowhere else but York, for a reason to change your life and the lives of others.”

Prof. Thomas Marion, chair of the Department of Performing and Fine Arts, emceed the Convocation. Opening remarks were given by SGA President Joah Joseph, followed by welcome remarks by Dr. Derrick Brazill, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs and Dr. Karen Williams, vice president of Student Affairs. The First Year Student Pledge was led by Shayla Pruitt, director of First Year Experience and Mentoring. In closing, York College's Alma Mater was performed by Dr. Jonathan Quash, University Director for the CUNY Black Male Initiative.

Attendees then enjoyed music by YorkRadio.org and food. Gallery of photos below.