Featured text: Handbook for an Unpredictable Life: How I Survived Sister Renata and My Crazy Mother, and Still Came Out Smiling (with Great Hair), by Rosie Perez
Queensborough faculty members and their students will read Handbook for an Unpredictable Life: How I Survived Sister Renata and My Crazy Mother, and Still Came Out Smiling (with Great Hair) in classes in the spring 2017 semester. They will be joined by one class participating in College NOW in Bayside High School. All students will participate in co-curricular activities.
Handbook for an Unpredictable Life is a profoundly moving exploration of human perseverance, the theme for this year’s Common Read. Rosie’s road to fame was paved with personal struggles one could hardly imagine. Her memoir exposes those struggles as well as highlights her tenacity and desire to succeed.
“I read Rosie Perez’s magnificent, very real, and heart-wrenching book with equal parts joy and horror – horror that the world can and routinely does inflict its terrors on its children, and joy that Rosie made it out to become not only the superior, iconographic artist she is, but the magnificent woman this book reveals her to be. Her voice is the captivating instrument here: forthright, funny, and utterly her own.” - Hilton Als, The New Yorker
Through reading Rosie’s book we hope not only to share her story, but to promote a discussion within the campus community on the multiple ways of persevering, and that this will encourage the community, through individual introspection, to set and work towards specific goals, and to celebrate the rewards that are a result of their perseverance.
For additional information regarding this initiative please contact Ms. Susan Madera, Academic Program Manager for High Impact Practices and Director of the Common Read at smadera@qcc.cuny.edu or Dr. Robin Ford, Assistant Professor, English, and Coordinator of the Common Read, at rford@qcc.cuny.edu.
Monday, March 6th
“Handbook for Unpredictable Times: Education and Perseverance”
A presentation about the current administration in Washington and the challenges faced by members of the immigrant, muslim, academic, and scientific communities. Several ways to respond to these challenges will be discussed. This event will include a presentation by an ACLU lawyer.
Presented by Dr. Maria Mercedes Franco
Co-sponsored by: SACNAS QCC, the STEM Academy, Faculty Diversity Strategic Plan Advisory Committee, STEM Research Club, Music Society, SGA and Students' Health Club
12:10 – 2:00 pm, Medical Arts , Room 136
Seat limit: 270
Wednesday, March 8th
Screening of Documentary “Yo Soy Boricua Pa’ Que Tu Lo Sepas! (I’m Boricua Just So You Know)”
In this documentary, Rosie Perez examines the history and cultural significance behind the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York. Rosie also shares her family’s story and discussed the details of the colorful past of Puerto Rico, as well as its influence on art, music and language.
2:10 – 4:00 pm, Library Building, Basement, Room 14
Seat limit: 74
Wednesday, March 8th
Screening of Documentary “Yo Soy Boricua Pa’ Que Tu Lo Sepas! (I’m Boricua Just So You Know)”
In this documentary, Rosie Perez examines the history and cultural significance behind the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York. Rosie also shares her family’s story and discussed the details of the colorful past of Puerto Rico, as well as its influence on art, music and language.
4:10 – 6:00 pm, Library Building, Basement, Room 14
Seat limit: 74
Thursday, March 9th
Screening of “Do the Right Thing”
Join us as we view Rosie Perez’s film breakthrough role in Spike Lee’s acclaimed film. Set in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn in the late 1980s, this film reflects the state of race relations in America at that time.
10:10 – 12:00 noon, Medical Arts Building, Room 136
Seat limit: 270
Thursday, March 9th
“Multiple Legacies: Julia de Burgos and Puerto Rican Writers and Artists in New York”
Julia de Burgos has evoked feelings of bonding and identification in Puerto Ricans and Latinos in the United States for over half a century. In the first book-length study written in English, Vanessa Perez-Rosario examines poet and political activist Julia de Burgos’s development as a writer, her experience of migration, and her legacy in New York City, the poet’s home after 1940. Join us as Perez-Rosario discusses her book, Becoming Julia de Burgos, which departs from the prevailing emphasis on the poet and intellectual as a nationalist writer to focus on her contributions to New York Puerto Rican literary and visual culture. It moves beyond the standard tragedy-centered narratives of de Burgos’s life to place her within a nuanced historical understanding of Puerto Rico’s peoples and culture to consider more carefully the complex history of the island and the diaspora.
Guest speaker: Vanessa Perez Rosario, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Puerto Rican and Latino Studies, Brooklyn College, CUNY and Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian Literatures and Languages, the Graduate Center, CUNY
12:10 - 1:15 pm, Medical Arts Building, Room 136
Seat limit: 270
Friday, March 10th
“The Rosie Perez Experience: The Ethical Role of Government and Private Organizations in Supporting Underprivileged Individuals”
This lecture will focus on the complex ethical responsibilities raised in responding to the needs of those within our society who lack the ability to fully provide basic needs for either themselves or their families. The issues of providing financial, educational, and emotional support to those in need will be discussed via an interactive dialogue with audience members. Attendees are asked to consider our societal role of assistance prior to attending.
Presented by: Stephen Hammel, Esq.
11:10 – 12:00 pm, Medical Arts Building, Room 344A
Seat limit: 64
Friday, March 10th
Screening of Documentary “Yo Soy Boricua Pa’ Que Tu Lo Sepas! (I’m Boricua Just So You Know)”
In this documentary, Rosie Perez examines the history and cultural significance behind the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York. Rosie also shares her family’s story and discussed the details of the colorful past of Puerto Rico, as well as its influence on art, music and language.
12:10 – 2:00 pm, Medical Arts Building, Room 344A
Seat limit: 64
Monday, March 13th
Screening of “Paul Monette: The Brink of Summer’s End, followed by facilitated discussion by Richard Tayson
For years late author and gay rights activist Paul Monette struggled with his homosexuality and hid it from his loved ones. This documentary examines Monette’s life experiences and his determination to continue his work as a writer and impassioned AIDS activist before succumbing to the disease at 49 years of age. The discussion will focus on the subject of perseverance and its relation to challenges presented by the body as well as how Monette maintained focus on his work despite these physical challenges.
Presented by: Richard Tayson
10:10 - 12 noon, Medical Arts Building, Room 136
Seat limit: 270
Monday, March 13th
"HIV/STI Education Session"
Join us as we learn about the history of AIDS, medical advancements made, risks of contracting AIDs, testing and treatment. Free testing will be available in confidential exam rooms in the Office of Health Service, MC02.
Presented by: The William F. Ryan Community Health Network
Co-sponsored by: The QCC Office of Health Services
12:10 - 1:00 pm, Medical Arts Building, Room 136
Seat limit: 270
Monday, March 13th
Screening of “Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story”
It seems as though Liz Murray has no way out. Born to parents who are addicted to drugs, neglected, and raised in squalor in the Bronx, she lived in the streets. Overcoming the odds, Murray finishes high school and earns a scholarship to Harvard University.
2:10 - 4:00 pm, Humanities Building, Room 207
THIS EVENT IS CLOSED - ALL SEATS HAVE BEEN RESERVED
Tuesday, March 14th
“Peres and Perez: Examining the Perseverance of Ben Peres and Rosie Perez”
Dr. Cary Lane, Assistant Professor of English and Curator-in-Residence at the KHC, will analyze and compare Ben Peres’s and Rosie Perez’s ability to persevere. This interactive event will compare elements from the book, Handbook for an Unpredictable Life, with the exhibit, “The Jacket from Dachau.”
Presented by: Dr. Cary Lane
Co-Sponsored by The Kupferberg Holocaust Resource Center & Archives
10:10 – 11:30 am, Kupferberg Holocaust Resource Center - Glass Box
THIS EVENT IS CLOSED - ALL SEATS HAVE BEEN RESERVED
Tuesday, March 14th
“Puerto Rico’s Cultural Highlights and their Enrichment of U.S. Culture”
A brief cultural introduction to Puerto Rico, with highlights of the work and influence of famous Puerto Ricans, as well as Rosie Perez’s connection and perspective of her Latino identity.
Presented by: Dr. Lorena Ellis
Co-Sponsored by the Asian Society, Epsilon Phi Delta Honor Society, Foreign Language Society and LS402 Latin American and Caribbean Cultures
12:10 - 1:00 pm, Library Building, Basement, Room 14
Seat limit: 74
Wednesday, March 15th
“Poets in the House: The Nuyorican Poets Cafe’s Erik Maldonado and You!”
The Nuyorican Poets Cafe has served as a home for groundbreaking works of poetry, music, theater and visual arts for the past 40 years. Join us as the Cafe’s own Erik Maldonado, aka Advocate of Wordz, shares his own poetry, information about the Nuyorican Poets Café, and how he came to connect to poetry. All in attendance will have an opportunity to write and share their own poetry.
Guest speaker: Erik Maldonado, a/k/a Advocate of Wordz
Presented by: Benjamin Miller and the Creative Writing Club
12:10 - 2:00 pm, Science Building, Room 111
Seat limit: 198
Thursday, March 16th
Screening of Documentary “Yo Soy Boricua Pa’ Que Tu Lo Sepas! (I’m Boricua Just So You Know)”
In this documentary, Rosie Perez examines the history and cultural significance behind the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York. Rosie also shares her family’s story and discussed the details of the colorful past of Puerto Rico, as well as its influence on art, music and language.
10:10 – 12:00 pm, Medical Arts Building, Room 136
Seat limit: 270
Thursday, March 16th
Screening of Documentary “Yo Soy Boricua Pa’ Que Tu Lo Sepas! (I’m Boricua Just So You Know)”
In this documentary, Rosie Perez examines the history and cultural significance behind the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York. Rosie also shares her family’s story and discussed the details of the colorful past of Puerto Rico, as well as its influence on art, music and language.
2:10 – 4:00 pm, Library Building, Basement, Room 14
Seat limit: 74
Thursday, March 16th
Screening of “Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story”
It seems as though Liz Murray has no way out. Born to parents who are addicted to drugs, neglected, and raised in squalor in the Bronx, she lived in the streets. Overcoming the odds, Murray finishes high school and earns a scholarship to Harvard University.
4:10 - 6:00 pm, Library Building, Basement, Room 14
Seat limit: 74
Friday, March 17th
“Mindset”
Carol Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success was published in 2006. Since that time it has had a major influence on teachers, students, parents, and in fact, everyone who reads it. She explores the influence of mindset on our lives and accomplishments. Is intelligence fixed at birth or can it grow throughout our lives? In what ways are you held back by your mindset? Can we change our mindset and, therefore, our intelligence? Join us for an exploration of the “growth” and “fixed” mindset.
Presented by: Dr. Sara Danzi Engoron
10:10 – 11:00 am, Humanities Building, Room 207
Seat limit: 45
Friday, March 17th
"Come Dance with Us! Introduction to Salsa and Hip-Hop"
Love to dance or enjoy watching others dance? Join us for salsa and hip-hop demonstrations as well as free lessons. Learn how to make all the right moves!
Presented by: QCC Students Chioma Jones and Brian Lostaunau
12:10 - 2:00 pm, Student Union Lobby
Seat limit: 50
Monday, March 20th
"Interactive Presentation on Mental Illness - Schizophrenia"
An estimated 54 million Americans suffer from some form of mental disorder in a given year. Most families are not prepared to cope with learning their loved one has a mental illness. What is schizophrenia? What causes it? What are the signs and symptoms? What is the treatment? Join us to learn the answers to these questions and more.
Presented by: Janet Franzese and students
9:10 - 10:00 am, Humanities Building, Room 207
Seat limit: 45
Tuesday, March 21st
Screening of Documentary “Yo Soy Boricua Pa’ Que Tu Lo Sepas! (I’m Boricua Just So You Know)”
In this documentary, Rosie Perez examines the history and cultural significance behind the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York. Rosie also shares her family’s story and discussed the details of the colorful past of Puerto Rico, as well as its influence on art, music and language.
2:10 – 4:00 pm, Library Building, Basement, Room 14
Seat limit: 74
Wednesday, March 22nd
"Memoir Writing: Turn Your Story into THE Story"
This hands-on workshop will give attendees a chance to express themselves and find a voice so that they can create their own memoir. Using Rosie Perez as an inspiration, we will find moments in our lives that will provide a starting point from which to write.
Presented by: Dr. Robin Ford and Professor Alisa Cercone
12:10 – 2:00 pm, Science Building, Room 111
Seat limit: 198
Thursday, March 23rd
"How Perseverance Promotes Change"
Are you unhappy about certain situations but feel powerless, unable to make a difference? Join us as QCC’s chapter of NYPIRG (the New York Public Interest Research Group) shares how students can become active participants in their community and fight for the causes in which they believe.
Co-sponsored by Grace Magee, NYPIRG Project Coordinator and NYPIRG
10:10 - 11:00 am, Student Union Lobby
Seat limit: 50
Friday, March 24th
“Investigating Perseverance”
Students from the “Reading and Writing about NYC” class will share excerpts from Angela Duckworth’s book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. They will compare Duckworth’s concepts to Rosie Perez’s, and their own, experiences of perseverance, especially in New York City - and will invite audience members to share their stories of grit in NYC.
Presented by: Dr. Beth Counihan and her students
1:10 – 2:00 pm, Library Building, Basement, Room 14
THIS EVENT IS CLOSED - ALL SEATS HAVE BEEN RESERVED
Monday, March 27th
“Hold Out Hope and Sing On": Interactive Musical Event
Participants will learn together “What I Did for Love” from the musical A Chorus Line, which is pertinent to the Common Read theme of perseverance. Queensborough Chorus, QCC Pop Choir, and students from the Department of Music course Class Instruction in Voice will lend vocal support, assist participants in learning the song, and will model how expressive meaning is embedded in the physical and vocal act of singing. The meaning and relevancy of the song will be discussed, how the book’s theme is present in the musical elements of the song will be demonstrated and experienced, and the participants and choruses will sing the song together in "performance." The emotional, technical, and physical aspects of group singing and their connections to the book's meaning will be explored through discussion and group activities.
Presented by: Dr. Steven Dahlke, the QCC Chorus, and the QCC Pop Choir
3:10 – 4:40 pm, Humanities Building, Basement, Room 27
Seat limit: 64
Wednesday, March 29th
“Perseverance in Puerto Rican History”
In this Common Read event, Dr. Lopez-Jantzen and Dr. Nichols will discuss Puerto Rican history, from the Spanish colonization of Puerto Rico to the creation of the contemporary Puerto Rican community in New York. The main theme for the discussion will be 'perseverance' in Puerto Rican history.
Presented by: Dr. Nicole Lopez-Jantzen and Dr. James Nichols
3:10 – 4:00 pm, Library Building, Basement, Room 14
Seat limit: 74
Available seats: 74
Thursday, March 30th
Screening of Documentary “Yo Soy Boricua Pa’ Que Tu Lo Sepas! (I’m Boricua Just So You Know)”
In this documentary, Rosie Perez examines the history and cultural significance behind the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York. Rosie also shares her family’s story and discussed the details of the colorful past of Puerto Rico, as well as its influence on art, music and language.
8:10 – 10:00 am, Science Building, Room 224
Seat limit: 42
HIV/STI Testing
The Office of Health Services is pleased to offer free, confidential HIV/STI testing as follows:
HIV Testing Dates:
February 1, 2, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28
March 1, 2, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30
April 5, 6, 20, 26, 27
May 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18
STI Testing Dates:
February 7
March 7
April 5, 25
May 9
11:00 am to 3:00 pm, Health Services Office, Medical Arts Building, MC-02
For further information call: 718 631-6375