���ҹ�����

Image

���ҹ�����’s new Pride Alumni Network Committee Chair, Anthony Parker ’15, always knew that he wanted to pursue a career that made use of his creativity. As a student at ���ҹ�����, Anthony studied communications at the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, with a concentration in film production and a minor in journalism.

As a New York local, Anthony was drawn to ���ҹ����� for its proximity to home. Originally intending to pursue Adolescent Education major, Anthony’s eyes were opened to a different path when he attended a Dyson open house as an admitted student. The variety of course offerings and hands-on, technical production experiences available through Dyson’s communications major were a considerable draw, presenting Anthony with the opportunity to explore a variety of potential career paths.

“I knew that no matter what I was doing, I wanted to have an element of creativity in my work,” Anthony said. “I didn’t want to sit at a desk all day and push papers around. I wanted to be able to think critically, think creatively, and have a product to develop and deliver.”

As a student at ���ҹ�����, Anthony worked as a student assistant in the University’s Human Resources Office. The experience helped him secure a position as a marketing and HR assistant at a law firm shortly after graduation. Over the next few years, Anthony was inspired to make marketing his full-time career. Today, he works as a marketing specialist at a global law firm, Labaton Keller Sucharow LLP.

“It’s not what I expected, but I love what I do, and I really enjoy the creative aspect of my work,” Anthony said. “But I’ve also still been able to do the production work that I wanted to do when I was in college.” In addition to his marketing work, Anthony produced and hosted a public access television show between 2018 and 2022. The show, aimed at the Bronx LGBTQ+ community, aired on BronxNet and the Manhattan Neighborhood Network.

“The show, Out Loud, was really meant to give the LGBTQ+ community in the Bronx a voice and make them aware of the different resources available to them locally,” Anthony said. “My goal was to highlight and tell stories for the LGBTQ+ people, organizations, and resources there.”

The show led to Anthony becoming involved with the ���ҹ����� Alumni Association. Thoroughly impressed by Anthony’s work on Out Loud, former professor Melanie LaRosa reached out and encouraged Anthony to get involved with the ���ҹ����� Pride Alumni Network. Prior to being named committee chair in the fall of 2025, Anthony served as the committee’s communications chair.

“We’ve really seen the group grow in the last two years,” Anthony said. “The previous chair, David Reed, really laid a great foundation for the group. And now, my goal as chair for these next two years is to continue that momentum. We’re constantly exploring new avenues by which we can engage existing alumni—and making current seniors aware of the network to get them involved when they graduate.”

As chair, Anthony hopes that he can further establish the ���ҹ����� Pride Network as a professional network and resource hub for alumni in all stages of their careers. Anthony seeks to leverage campus partnerships to hold engaging events—such as this month’s SafeZone Training Setter Session, hosted by Director of ���ҹ�����’s LGBTQA+ Centers, Jimmy Luckman.

By leveraging these valuable partnerships and remaining committed to building community amongst ���ҹ����� professionals across industries, Anthony is confident that the network will only continue to flourish.

“If you want to feel the value in ���ҹ�����, I think it’s always important for you to pay that forward. If you want to give back and help create opportunities for people, I think the ���ҹ����� Pride Alumni Network is a great way to get involved and give back. Going out into the world after graduating can be daunting, especially for LGBTQ people, and I want to help open doors for others the same way ���ҹ����� has done for me.”

Image

The ���ҹ����� Alumni Association’s new College of White Plains of ���ҹ����� (CWP/���ҹ�����) Alumni Committee Chair, Joe Antonacci ‘80, knew as early as fourth grade that he wanted to write for a newspaper. From a young age, Joe recalls reading the Sunday paper religiously.

“I would read the Arts and Leisure section of the Sunday Times, just to see what movies were playing in the city and what music was being made,” Joe said. “I liked the articles and the ads, and after that I would look at the book review, of all things—and then the news. My father used to get angry because he’d bring the paper home and I would be hogging it.”

Joe dreamt of one day writing for a newspaper: A dream he chose to pursue at the College of White Plains, shortly following its 1975 consolidation with ���ҹ�����. For Joe, the tight-knit community and vibrant campus represented “the quintessential American college experience.” Drawn in from the moment he set foot on school grounds, Joe committed early decision to continue his education at the College of White Plains of ���ҹ�����.

“In high school, I was not what you would call an honor student,” Joe reflected. “Truthfully, I was more of a juvenile delinquent. The thing that really saved me was I always did well on standardized tests. When I toured the College of White Plains at ���ҹ����� and saw Preston Hall, there was something in me that just said, ‘This is the place I want to be.’ And it really changed my life, from the first day I was on campus.”

At CWP/���ҹ�����, Joe flourished academically and became deeply involved in campus life. “I went from somebody who was barely passing to somebody who was getting merit scholarships,” Joe said. “Somebody who wouldn’t participate in any extracurricular activities to the vice president of my class and a member of the student senate—and eventually, the features editor for the school paper.” Two weeks before graduating, Joe secured his first job as a reporter for a newspaper in Rockland County.

Joe worked as a reporter for about two years, before making an unexpected professional pivot. During his time at the paper, Joe had the opportunity to write an article profiling Bob Wolff, a legendary television and radio sportscaster, and Joe’s former journalism professor at ���ҹ�����. After the article came out, Bob called Joe and asked if he would ever be interested in working in public relations. Joe soon found himself working for Herb Falk in ���ҹ�����’s PR office, an opportunity he says positioned him for a fruitful career in the field.

Joe went on to work as a press spokesperson for Farleigh Dickinson University and the American Museum of Natural History. Eventually, he landed at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), working for Metro-North. As Metro-North had just recently been formed, following the MTA’s absorption of Conrail, the place was initially “kind of a mess,” according to Joe. “I thought I would just stay there for a year or two,” Joe said. “At first, I hated it. But the president of the company at the time, Peter Stangl, talked me into staying. And I wound up staying for 32 years.”

At Metro-North, Joe had the unique opportunity to combine his journalistic and public relations experience in a dynamic role. His responsibilities included writing employee publications, penning the president’s speeches, managing customer communications, and putting together award ceremonies. Later, as an internet presence began to become essential, he helped put together Metro-North’s early website and started the railroad’s social media presence.

Memorably, he also took over the writing of Metro-North’s customer publication, Mileposts, a pamphlet-newsletter that was both informational and entertaining. “It was this publication we used to drop on the seats,” Joe said. “It had a lot of humor in it; a self-deprecating style of writing. It was a lot of fun to do.”

Fulfilling as his tenure with Metro-North may have been, Joe swore that when he retired, he would never touch social media again. “It took up such a large portion of my life,” Joe said. “As much as I loved working for Metro-North, it was a very demanding job. I was on call 24/7.” Then came a call from previous CWP/���ҹ����� Committee Chair, Brian Donlon ’78, inviting Joe to drinks with some fellow alumni after work.

“I said, ‘Yeah, sure, it’d be great to see some of the old guys, right?’” Joe recalled. “So I got over there, and that’s when Brian sprung on me: ‘We’re trying to plan a College of White Plains of ���ҹ����� reunion coming up, and we need people reach out to alumni and let them know about it. If we gave you a list of emails, could you help us with the outreach?’ And I was like, ‘Fine, alright, you got me.’”

Alas, in his work with the ���ҹ����� Alumni Association, Joe has undoubtedly violated his post-retirement social media moratorium. Nevertheless, his involvement has been anything but reluctant. “Seeing everybody again made me realize the importance of maintaining those relationships and keeping that sense of community,” he said. At the end of September 2025, Joe was named the new Alumni Association Committee Chair for the College of White Plains of ���ҹ�����, and he immediately began putting his talents to work to continue strengthening ties among CWP/���ҹ����� alumni.

“I’m very pleased with the response so far, and the energy and interest shown by the group,” Joe said of his efforts to date. “It’s been very encouraging to see that there’s still interest there, and that people want to be communicated with and reached—and I think the University can benefit from that kind of interest.”

As Committee Chair, Joe hopes to sustain and grow the online engagement he has seen so far, highlight the importance of the College of White Plains of ���ҹ����� as a part of ���ҹ�����’s history, and keep his fellow CWP/���ҹ����� alumni informed and connected—both with each other and ���ҹ�����.

“I want them to know that the University is thinking about them, and I want to ensure ���ҹ����� continues to be a part of their lives. There are challenges: We’re a smaller group, we’re dispersed geographically, we’re on the older side… But there’s still a way to keep the sense of community that defined our student experience alive, and I’m going to be working on ways to do that as committee chair.”

Image

At ���ҹ�����, Professor Courtney Gosnell, PhD, is helping students see psychology not only as a field of study, but as a way of understanding the relationships that shape everyday life.

A faculty member in the undergraduate Psychology program, Pleasantville Campus, Gosnell focuses her research on how people navigate close relationships in both joyful and difficult moments. Her work specifically examines social support, emotional connection, and the ways people sustain important bonds even in an increasingly divided world.

Through that scholarship, and through her close mentorship of students, Gosnell reflects the kind of engaged, student-centered faculty expertise that distinguishes ���ҹ�����’s Psychology program, recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Psychology program.

Researching the Power of Support in Good Times and Bad

Much of Gosnell’s research centers on social support; however, while many studies in the field of psychology have focused on how people help one another through hardship, Gosnell has also examined how people celebrate one another and what happens when good news is shared.

This area, known as “capitalization support,” looks at how people respond when a loved one, for example, experiences something positive, such as a promotion, engagement, or personal achievement.

“When we think about social support, we often focus on how people show up during difficult moments. But what we’ve found is that how people respond to your good news can be just as meaningful—if not more so—in shaping how supported you feel overall,” she said.

This insight is important to the field because it expands how psychologists understand well-being, resilience, and the role of relationships in everyday mental health.

Addressing Polarization Through Relationship Research

Gosnell has also more recently turned her attention to a timely and urgent topic: how close relationships endure across political differences.

She has explored what it means to maintain relationships with parents, siblings, romantic partners, and other loved ones whose political views may differ sharply from one’s own. Her projects also consider how outside forces, including election outcomes and media messaging, can influence how people feel about those relationships.

This research is especially relevant in today’s period of heightened social and political polarization, and it brings an important interpersonal lens to a subject often discussed only at the group or partisan level. By studying how people preserve connections amid disagreement, Gosnell is contributing to a richer understanding of conflict, communication, and the everyday realities of social division.

Bringing Research to Life for ���ҹ����� Students

Image

At ���ҹ�����, Gosnell helps students move beyond textbook definitions and into experiential discoveries.

She works extensively with students, engaging them in participation both at research conferences and in research-focused settings, including the Psychology Department’s experimental psychology course sequence, in which they spend a full academic year developing their own studies. In the process, students learn how to generate research questions, review literature, submit materials for institutional review board approval, collect and analyze data, and present their findings.

Gosnell also teaches students in mentored lab experiences, that allow them to earn course credit through direct faculty-guided research, often funded by the Provost Office’s . Her hands-on approach gives undergraduates the kind of substantive research training often associated with graduate education, helping them build practical skills in collaboration, communication, leadership, and analysis.

She said, “One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is watching students realize they can ask their own questions and design a study to answer them. That moment of discovery is incredibly powerful.”

Mentorship That Opens Doors

Asked what makes the ���ҹ����� Psychology program distinctive, Gosnell points to the close faculty-student connections that are possible on the Pleasantville Campus.

For Gosnell, that combination of personal attention, meaningful mentorship, and experiential learning is a defining strength of ���ҹ�����. It is also what makes the program such a strong environment for aspiring psychologists to grow, explore, and succeed in a wide range of future careers.

“At ���ҹ�����, students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty and get involved in research early on. That hands-on experience, combined with strong mentorship, really sets our program apart,” she said.

World University Leaders Forum convenes international experts to examine the future of AI in universities

Global leaders in higher education, policy, and technology gathered at ���ҹ�����’s New York City campus on Monday for Intelligent Futures: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Shaping Universities and Higher Education, a one-day international conference exploring how AI is transforming the future of universities worldwide.

The event, organized by the World University Leaders Forum (WULF) in partnership with , brought together university presidents, faculty, and policymakers to explore AI’s impact on teaching, research, governance, and the student experience. A central theme throughout the day was the growing need for ethical frameworks and responsible oversight as institutions adopt AI at scale.

“Artificial intelligence has come to stay, and we cannot ignore it.” said . “The challenge before universities is to ensure it is used responsibly, with clear policies and thoughtful governance.”

The conference featured keynote remarks, panel discussions, and the launch of the AI Governance Report 2026 from O.P. Jindal Global University, highlighting emerging global approaches to responsible AI adoption in higher education.

Interdisciplinary perspectives were explored during AI and the Humanities in Higher Education, where panelists examined how AI is influencing fields such as philosophy, law, and social sciences. The discussion featured , , and Tresmaine Grimes, Dean of ���ҹ�����’s Dyson College of Arts and Science. The discussion was moderated by ���ҹ����� President Marvin Krislov.

“AI is fundamentally reshaping how knowledge is created, shared, and governed,” said Kumar. “Universities must lead with a global vision, developing frameworks that balance innovation with accountability while safeguarding academic integrity and public trust.”

The impact of AI on classrooms and student engagement was the focus of AI and the Transformation of Teaching and Learning, where panelists explored how intelligent technologies are redefining curriculum design, assessment, and accessibility. The discussion featured , EdD, Professor of Education at , , Dean of Office of Academic Governance at , and professor and head of digital media department at , and was moderated by David Sachs, professor of information systems at ���ҹ�����’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and co-chair of ���ҹ�����’s AI Committee.

Institutional responsibility took center stage during Governance, Ethics, and the Future of the AI-Enabled University, a panel examining data governance, regulatory considerations, and leadership accountability. The discussion featured , vice president at ; Ericka Watson, principal and CEO of ; and , CIO and vice president for digital strategy and planning at , and was moderated by Li-Chiou Chen, PhD, interim dean of ���ҹ�����’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

“You can’t manage what you can’t see,” said Watson. “Institutions need clear visibility into what AI tools are being used, how they are being used, and by whom. Before you can govern AI, you need to understand your risk, what tools are in use and whether the right frameworks are in place to manage them.”

Throughout the day, speakers addressed issues including academic integrity, data governance, accessibility, and workforce transformation, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into higher education. The event was also attended by , .

“Convenings like Intelligent Futures show the importance of bringing together diverse global perspectives to tackle complex challenges,” said President Krislov. “At ���ҹ�����, we are committed to advancing AI literacy, fostering responsible innovation, and preparing our students to lead in an AI-enabled world.”

The conference also created space for networking and cross-sector dialogue, reinforcing ���ҹ�����’s role as a hub for global conversations at the intersection of technology, education, and society. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape higher education, initiatives like the new bachelor of science in artificial intelligence (AI), set to launch in fall 2026, reflect the university’s ongoing commitment to innovation, expanded academic offerings, and student success in an AI-driven world.

About ���ҹ�����

Founded in 1906 and celebrating 120 years of preparing students for success in 2026, ���ҹ����� pairs real-life learning with strong academics to launch meaningful careers. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, ���ҹ����� serves 13,600 students across a range of bachelor, master, and doctoral programs through the College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at ���ҹ�����

The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at ���ҹ����� is a leading institute of technology education. Students experience a dynamic and expansive technology education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. One of the first comprehensive schools of computing in the nation, the Seidenberg School is strategically located in the heart of NYC’s tech scene, right on the doorstep of New York’s most promising companies. With access to established tech giants and exciting new start-ups from both the New York City and the Westchester campus, Seidenberg offers the opportunity to connect, intern with, and enjoy lucrative tech jobs following graduation. Through partnerships with leading tech firms, banks, federal agencies, and global institutions, the school’s curricula and programs are designed to ground students in the fundamentals while offering numerous hands-on experiential learning opportunities. The faculty includes numerous experts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, game development, software engineering, and much more, who operate labs and centers providing students with practical experience and connections that lead to impressive internships and jobs.

Sierra Vendas

Class of '27
Pronouns: She/Her
Currently Studying: BBA in Marketing, Digital Marketing, Minor in Graphic Design
Member (Clubs): , , , Brand Marketing Team

Image

Why did you choose ���ҹ����� and the Lubin School of Business?

While there are several reasons I chose to continue my academic journey at ���ҹ�����, I ultimately selected ���ҹ����� because of its proximity to some of the largest agencies in the marketing industry. The Lubin School of Business has provided me with countless connections and opportunities that have helped me excel both academically and professionally. I knew that, by attending ���ҹ�����, I would have professors with a vested interest in my success and a strong support system throughout my professional journey. The Lubin School of Business curriculum, combined with university-offered experiences, has allowed me to get my foot in the door and secure the job opportunities I was looking for. Ultimately, I chose ���ҹ����� for its location, network, and opportunities.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

���ҹ�����’s student organizations have shaped—and continue to shape—my college experience into a memorable, community-centered journey. Being involved in a variety of clubs has not only enriched my social life and led to lifelong friendships, but also provided invaluable resources and guidance for professional development. Advertising Club personal branding workshops have taught me how to present myself professionally, the IDM Lab has given me hands-on experience working with real-world companies, and Her Campus has helped me refine my writing and editing skills, which have supported my pitch writing during my public relations internships. While ���ҹ����� may be unconventional in that it is a city school, its student organizations make the University feel even more community-focused and interconnected. Student Engagement and each individual club work to create unforgettable experiences for the student body.

What has been your favorite opportunity at ���ҹ�����?

My favorite opportunity at ���ҹ����� has been the chance to participate on ���ҹ�����’s Brand Marketing Team. This prestigious team competes in the American Advertising Federation National Student Advertising Competition, creating a well-researched and thoughtfully executed campaign for a new high-profile client each year. Since my first year, it has been a goal of mine to join the team and contribute meaningful work to an influential marketing campaign. This year, the team has been developing our case for the National Football League. I have been able to contribute to research development, media planning, and other key areas of the campaign. This opportunity has pushed me to become more professional by teaching me to meet deadlines, conduct thorough research, and present ideas in a precise yet comprehensive way.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

My advice to students in the Lubin School of Business would be to join every club that sparks your interest and attend on-campus events whenever possible. Joining clubs—even if you are simply curious and want to explore—can help you find your community and enrich your college experience. You never know where you might meet a new friend or gain a fresh perspective.

The Lubin School of Business has made me feel better prepared for life after college, and the people within the program continually inspire me to strive for more.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me, #LubinLife means using the resources within the Lubin School of Business to build a successful life and career. The Lubin School of Business has made me feel better prepared for life after college, and the people within the program continually inspire me to strive for more. I am always looking for new opportunities to expand my network and strengthen my skills, and Lubin has provided an ideal environment for that growth. My professors, peers, and advisors consistently motivate me and have helped create a strong sense of community at ���ҹ�����. In short, #LubinLife means being part of a community that encourages you to become the best version of yourself while supporting you along the way.

Connect with Sierra