Top Administrator at College of Staten Island Retiring

Staten Island Advance - Tuesday, January 29, 2008
 

Angelo J. Aponte, a top administrator at the College of Staten Island credited with helping improve athletic facilities and infrastructure, but whose candidacy for school president ended last year amid protest, is retiring.

The 61-year-old West Brighton resident is stepping down from his post as vice president for finance and administration to spend more time with his family, according to a message from CSI President Dr. Tomas D. Morales on the school's Web site.

Aponte has agreed to stay on until his replacement is named, the Web site said. No date has been set.

"I deeply appreciate Angelo's willingness to delay his retirement, and I am most thankful for his significant contributions to CSI," Dr. Morales said in the message.

Dr. Morales succeeded Dr. Marlene Springer, who stepped down as school president in August after 13 years. Aponte had been a candidate to replace her, but withdrew his name in May, sources said.

Aponte and Dr. Morales weren't immediately available for comment today, a school spokesman said.

A former business executive, Aponte joined CSI in 2003 after stints as the city's Consumer Affairs commissioner and the state housing commissioner.

He "played a pivotal role" in helping increase public funding for the college, said Dr. Morales. That money helped upgrade the Center for Performing Arts, build a new soccer field and develop smart classrooms.

Aponte's focus on infrastructure improvements resulted in new classrooms and research laboratories and enhanced athletic facilities. His professional contacts also helped "build bridges between CSI and the Staten Island community," Dr. Morales said.

By Frank Donnelly
Reprinted here with permission from the