Need help with your finances?

Whether planning to pursue a hobby, travel, take classes, collect shells on the beach or just watch TV, does your retirement financial plan allow for inflation, increasing taxes, increasing health-care costs, home repairs and possible changes in government benefits? [full story]

Developmental Disabilities Council

The Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary, hosted the annual Family Support Conference and Resource Fair at CSI. The event provides parents, educators and disabled persons with a wealth of resources and information about receiving support on Staten Island. [full story]

Venus to cross the sun

Venus Sighting

Want to see something no one has seen in 122 years? The planet Venus will cross the sun early tomorrow morning for the first time since 1882. You absolutely should not look directly at the sun with the naked eye. But the astronomy event can be seen for free at CSI's observatory in Willowbrook. The public can view Venus’s “transit,” as it’s called, at the observatory starting around 6 a.m. [full story]

Four Nations Ensemble

Concert-goers talk about “listening in quiet astonishment” to the Four Nations Ensemble, a group that seems bent on invigorating chamber music programming without leaving the great old stuff —Bach and Handel, Mozart and Beethoven —behind. The evening is being underwritten by Michael Shugrue, a now-retired CSI professor of English, in order to admit free of charge as many attendees as possible. [full story]

SI Chamber welcomes first women president, CEO

Alfred Curtis get honoree degree

Hard work pays off for 2,026 graduates

Basking in the sunshine and the joy of the day, graduates and their parents, friends and teachers celebrated earning the degrees they’ve struggled hard for, through years of studying and endurance. "You are in charge of your future,” said Rep. Vito Fossella (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn), who delivered the commencement address. [full story]

Nurses to seek 'a deeper sense of caring'

With a bit of pomp and circumstance, 39 nursing students from CSI were pinned during their graduation ceremony yesterday, held in the Willowbrook college’s Center for the Arts. [full story]

With budget cuts looming, CSI students receive recognition

The joy of a recognition ceremony for students in CSI's Adult Learning Center had a tinge of sorrow attached -- next year’s term will begin with an 11 percent cut in the budget. "A program like ours should not receive cuts,” said Staci Weile, program director, and director of grants and public contracts for CSI’s Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development. “The work we do is too important to the community.” [full story]

Student receives scholarship, the first and only of its kind

CSI student Justice Olagbaiye of Tottenville received the Dr. Edison O. Jackson Single Fathers Scholarship Fund during the ioth annual Dr. Edison O. Jackson Single Fathers Scholarship Awards Celebration hosted in the Brooklyn Museum of Art. [full story]

Celebrity golf

The highlight of the CSI Foundation’s annual golf outing had nothing to do with a putter and a ball... it was Freeman McNeil, former New York Jet running back, and fellow former New York Jet Marty Lyons. [full story]

CSI tips hat to student athletes

Giorgia Penso is going home to Venice, Italy — but not before bidding a fond farewell to her second home at the College of Staten Island.  Penso, 24, received the school’s Scholar-Athlete Award last night during annual athletic awards banquet at the Campus Center. She played tennis and volleyball during her four-year stay at CSI, and carried a 3.84 grade-point average in International Business. [full story]

Athletes honored at CUNY ceremony

CSI well represented last night during the CUNY Conference’s 18th Annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Ceremony at Hunter College in Manhattan. Marcel Sandougout (men’s tennis), Giorgia Penso (women’s tennis and volleyball), April Avena (women’s softball and volleyball) and Eric Zinke (men’s basketball and baseball) were honorable-mention selections on a night when CUNY announced its Scholar-Athlete of the Year winners. [full story]

Discovery Institute stages conference for teachers

Students hurl insults at one another in Denise Simone’s classroom. Not babyish names, but nasty, brutal punches meant to pierce each other’s surfaces. And the Susan Wagner High School teacher is so pleased with her pupils’ behavior, she hopes her colleagues achieve the same results. [full story]

Engraving Michelangelo 

Honors College at CSI received 250G donation

Freshmen entering the CUNY Honors College at the College of Staten Island this fall, along with current students, will benefit from a $250,000 donation to the program. The money, from an anonymous donor, was earmarked specifically for CSI, one of seven CUNY campuses to offer the Honors College. [full story]

BP names CSI prof as chief of staff

CSI Alumni and Friends Golf Outing

The CSI Foundation will host its fourth annual “CSI Alumni and Friends Golf Outing” Friday at the South Shore Country Club in Huguenot. During the deluxe barbecue luncheon following the round of golf, Freeman McNeil, former New York Jet running-back, will make a guest appearance. He will sign autographs and be available for photo opportunities. Marty Lyons, his former teammate, also is expected to attend.  [full story]

CSI Dolphins grab CUNY Crown

Little did CSI athletes realize that the nursery rhyme about the little kid singing for his supper presaged a real-life experience.  And when the CSI Foundation hosts its annual golf outing at the South Shore course, CSI student athletes will be working for their supper... [full story]

Dolphin athletes to earn their keep

Little did College of Staten Island athletes realize that the nursery rhyme about the little kid singing for his supper presaged a real-life experience.  And when the CSI Foundation hosts its annual golf outing at the South Shore course, CSI student athletes will be working for their supper... [full story]

Professor meld music, current events

Figurative Tendencies

Craig Manister’s adventurous evolution as a painter has no precedent on the Island, and in “Figurative Tendencies” he’s reached a buoyant, luminous juncture. People who have never had a long, happy stay in a roomful of contemporary, abstract paintings may find themselves drawn in and lifted up by his art.  [full story]

Real world for collegians: Fewer jobs

At a time of weak job growth across the country, college graduates are taking a uniquely tough hit, reports have shown.  "It's a longer job search than ever before," according to Caryl Watkins, director of career placement, scholarships and awards at CSI.  So it was no surprise that the mood at this year's "collegiate career expo" was cautious optimism at best, gloomy at worst. , adding that even students delivering resumes studded with internships and awards must lower their expectations. [full story]

At immigration forum, needs of groups discussed

Making time to honor women who do it all

Some of the borough's busiest businesswomen took a break from their Palm pilots and conference calls yesterday to honor four women, one of them CSI President Marlene Springer at the second annual Award of Distinction Brunch sponsored by the Staten Island Chapter of the Business and Professional Women's Club.  [full story]

One emergency away from chaos

CSI scientist discovers new mineral

It wasn't a rocket scientist who recently discovered a new mineral formed more than a billion years ago. It was CSI's Alan Benimoff, a rock scientist -- otherwise known as a geoscientist -- working in collaboration with five colleagues from elite universities located in California, Italy and Germany. "This has been my most rewarding project," says Benimoff, who's been with the university for 37 years. [full story]

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine

Summit offers transit solutions

Summit on Island transportation

The future of transportation on Staten Island and the government's strategies for dealing with the borough's persistent traffic are examined by academics, experts and community representatives convened by the Staten Island Project, a public affairs project at CSI.  Conference organizer's hope that by bringing together the different groups, the day will provide a dynamic illustration of where the Island stands. [full story]

Nearly 90, and a work of art

Margaret Ricciardi celebrates her 90th birthday by launching a one-woman show -- her first mixed-media exhibition -- of paintings and sculpture a the CSI gallery.  [full story]

Poll results find Staten Island's No. 1 wish is mass transit

Mardi Gras mall

They had less than one hour to transform the Staten Island Mall's Center Court into an authentic scene from a New Orleans Mardi Gras. "We only had 45 minutes from the time the Mall closed until the first guest would be checking in," noted Donna Lindsey, event coordinator for the CSI Foundation. "And we had to get the casino set up, prize tables, food tables, bars, the bank, check-in tables, etc. all set up and decorated." [full story]

A special kid, a dedicated companion

When Kathleen Gilhooley looks at a special-needs child like Julie Tomes, what she sees first is not the disability. "I think of their potential," said Kathleen, a CSI sophomore who hopes to major in special education. "They have such big hearts, every one of them. They are so sweet." [full story]

CSI unveils new high tech blackboard

Math education students at CSI won't have to fight over who has to clean the chalkboard, thanks to a $25,000 grant from Richmond County Savings Foundation for a high-tech interactive teaching aid -- the Smartboard. The Smartboard, projector and laptop computers connected to the system will be used to train undergraduate and graduate students to teach math to students in prekindergarten through high school. [full story]

Leadership Institute members gets inside track on Coast Guard promotions

Four members of the U.S. Coast Guard based on Staten Island have been deputized as U.S. marshals to perform land-based law enforcement around New York Harbor, a Coast Guard official said yesterday. "It's a very significant change," said Lt. Michael Sinclair of the Port Security and Tactical Operations branch of Coast Guard Activities New York, making the announcement at a meeting of the Staten Island Leadership Institute, a program offered by the College of Staten Island. [full story]

Teens excited by research at Discovery Institute

Over 600 New York City high school students, 50 public high school teachers, and 30 teaching scholars from the Discovery Institute at the CSI assembled to discuss research projects. The directors of the Discovery Institute at CSI, Dr. Ciacco and Dr. Sanders, who organized the event, were ecstatic. The exposition is ranked second in New York City Metropolitan area with respect to the number or participants. [full story]

Celebrate Mardi Gras Style

The Staten Island Mall’s Center Court in will be transformed into a New Orleans setting for an entertaining night at a Mardi Gras celebration, for "Casino Night: A Sure Bet,” this year’s fund-raiser for the College of Staten Island (CSI). [full story]

Island Tennis Center ready to impress

Tennis players, the wait is over. The long-anticipated Staten Island Community Tennis Center, has put down those finishing touches and is ready to open its doors. [full story]

CSI music department expands outreach effort

Faculty, alumni and students from CSI's music department have been taking their act on the road to enrich music students in the borough's middle schools and high schools. By bringing its tight ensemble and relaxed swing style to the classroom, the CSI Jazztet has been providing quality musical experiences -- something many schools lack since school music programs have suffered under budget and curriculum cuts. [full story]

46 receive diplomas from CSI nurse program

As families and friends looked on in pride, 46 students from CSI's  nursing program were presented associate's diplomas yesterday during a traditional pinning ceremony held in the Performing Arts Center of the Willowbrook campus. [full story]

Many of CSI's programs honor Willowbrook legacy

As an institution of public higher education located on the grounds of the former Willowbrook State School, CSI honors the memory of Willowbrook's residents in ways that reflect the College's academic mission to create and disseminate knowledge and to prepare well-trained and caring professionals. [full story]

CSI builds outdoor tennis structure

Winter tennis is a step closer to reality at CSI with a long-awaited bubble dome finally erected and paving the way for students and others to enjoy the sport through the coldest months of the year. The dome houses six tennis courts, which complement a half-dozen more outdoor courts. [full story]

Advance story gave mistaken impression of a lack of respect between CSI and IBR

Fred Naider, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry/Biochemistry at the College of Staten Island, writes in his OpEd piece that "My working relationship with officials at IBR dates back to the 1980s when collaboration between IBR and CSI was first envisioned, critically examined, and formalized in the establishment of the Center for Developmental Neuroscience and Developmental Disabilities. This joint venture, which has CSI science faculty collaborating with IBR scientists, has led to a mutual appreciation between researchers at both IBR and CSI. My perception is that many officials at IBR would concur with this conclusion." [full story]

Irish interns bid farewell at CSI graduation ceremony

 "I think [CSI's Wider Horizon Program] has been a resounding success for everyone involved," said Sean McGuigan, mayor of Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council, who traveled here especially for the ceremony.  [full story]

Global celebration, local interpretation

"Kwanzaa has become one of the most important celebrations for the black community and for others to get to know the tradition of the black community much better," said Charles Thomas, a professor in the Performing and Creative Arts Department at CSI, and founder and organizer of the school's Kwanzaa program.  [full story]

Irish interns make the most of their NY minute

They arrived with preconceived notions of New York and seven weeks later have become true New Yorkers picking up the slang, subsisting on fries and burgers, taking Broadway by storm, and riding the subway like pros. In between, 17 young Irish men and women have been working as interns at Staten Island's premiere businesses.

 [full story]

Ill-timed raises, an SI Advance "Our Opinion" feature

The salaries of presidents of the CUNY colleges and some other officials were increased by an average of 5.8 percent recently. This includes a 7.5-percent increase to the dynamic and effective Dr. Marlene Springer, the president of CSI. We know from first-hand experience that it is certainly reasonable to argue that Dr. Springer's superb shepherding of CSI during her tenure has earned her that modest pay increase. [full story]

Play about CSI prof sings her praises as a lifeline for seniors

Much has been said and written about the importance of senior centers in our city, about how they provide nutritious meals, and more importantly, socialization and companionship for the elderly. But if there was ever a doubt about how senior centers function as a lifeline for the elderly, one need look no further than the case of Jessie Sylvester and her connections to Sondra Brandler, a CSI professor of social work.  [full story]

We're serious about fun

When Ralph Giordano began work on "Fun and Games in Twentieth Century America: A Historical Guide to Leisure," he had no idea how research for his book would affect relationships with his family, real and extended.   [full story]

CSI electronic music lab

CSI hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new electronic music lab which consists of eight top of the line MIDI PC workstations, each outfitted with professional quality software and hardware for sophisticated uses in audio production, music theory, ear training and electronic music composition.  [full story]

CSI dedicates macromolecular research institute

Researchers are hoping their work will ultimately translate into new cancer-fighting drugs, devices needed for organ transplants and other groundbreaking discoveries. "It's all very exciting," said Dr. Ruth Stark, a chemistry professor at CSI and the director of the new institute. "These are the types of basic research efforts that can make long-term differences."  [full story]

Islanders discuss doing business with China

Commerce with China can be selling merchandise or services produced on the Island, or an Island company might want to invest in production facilities over there to sell in China and elsewhere, noted Dr. Laura S. Nowak, a professor of finance, and chairwoman of CSI's Business Department.  [full story]

Yo, today's slang is da bomb

While there are hundreds of different types of slang, youth slang can be the hardest to decipher. With all the "yo" this and "kid" that, it can make it seem as though you need a passport to go to the grocery store. "People always need new words," says George Jochnowitz, professor emeritus of linguistics at the College of Staten Island. "I think that's why we're born not knowing how to speak." . [full story]

CSI adjunct authors book on gruesome murder

Linda Principe's uncle and aunt, Anthony and Ann Camerlengo, were brutally murdered by their adopted son, Thomas Camerlengo, on June 26, 1990.  "I decided, really, during the trial to write the book," Ms. Principe said. "And I decided primarily to write the book because I think when watching shows like 20/20 and Dateline NBC there's a lot of people who go through the same experience and not everyone can voice that." [full story]