Leaders discuss positions at event

On Thursday Sept. 16, members of Sigma Alpha Delta Honor Society hosted the fourth annual President and Dean's Reception; an event aimed to allow students to get connected to the members of leadership at Baruch.

‘Today we work to break down the misconceived notion that there's a barrier at this college or any college between student and administrator," said Sigma Vice President Davon Roach. "I want you all to remember that our school's president, deans and vice presidents are here to serve you."

Following his opening statement, Roach initiated the reception with an introduction of President Mitchel Wallerstein.

President Wallerstein spoke about his intensive learning process and adapting to his position at Baruch, as well as his eagerness in getting to know more about students and finding ways to be available to them.

"I know that part of the reason for this event is for you to learn more about what we each do in our jobs; I take responsibility for the operations of the college and I am [also] involved in the outside part of the school's work," he said.

At the event, Wallerstein also talked about issues on campus, and plans to help address those concerns.

Following the president's address, David Birdsell, dean of the School of Public Affairs, took the podium and discussed the role of the dean, description about the three schools within the college, and the political sector that the college has to offer.

"We have [people] who nurture students appreciation not only of their individual areas but as each of the schools cares about how students broaden their curriculum and how all of these disciplines inform public leadership," said Birdsell.

Dean Jeff Peck of the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences spoke about the importance of critical thinking, analysis, and quantitative reasoning, as the foci for different fields of study.

"Although Baruch College is known as the school for students who are interested majoring in business, there is a strong commitment to liberal arts," said Peck.

Provost James McCarthy discussed his role as chief academic officer and responsibility for the effective operation of the academic enterprise at Baruch.

"My job is to make sure that the academic side of the college keeps running, but that also involves post-collaboration with the rest of the leadership team," McCarthy stated.

Vice President for Students Affairs and Enrollment Management Ben Corpus continued the reception with his speech about his position as the chief student advocate, and his involvement with student services and campus life.

"[We] try to lighten things up and support as much school spirit as we can," said Corpus. He also discussed initiatives to move the college forward in terms of communication with students and broadening technology at Baruch.

Dean John Elliot of the Zicklin School of Business was unable to attend the event due to schedule conflict.

The last speaker of the event was Mark Gibbel, who oversees all aspects of fundraising and alumni relations, and is the vice president of college advancement at Baruch. Gibbel spoke about the executive programs and contributions, as well as contributors to the college.

Following the reception, students asked questions and networked with the guest leadership team.