LaGuardia Community College Opens New Office for Immigrant Student Support

Public community colleges in New York City serve a large population of students with complex immigration histories. On Tuesday, Oct. 27, LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City opened the Office of Immigrant Student Empowerment to provide these students with dedicated support. The new unit is located in Room C786 of the C Building at 29-10 Thomson Avenue. Denise I. Vivar has been appointed as the director of the office.

The creation of the office was supported by funding from the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation. The space is designed to help immigrant and immigration-impacted students connect with services that assist their academic and personal success. Before the official ribbon-cutting, attendees gathered for light refreshments and music to network. The event included speeches from college leaders, city officials, and community advocates.

New York State Assemblymember Claire Valdez emphasized the role of public institutions in creating safe spaces for students. “We’re talking about places where students can feel safe, can feel protected, can feel powerful,” Valdez said. She noted that the office helps public institutions explain resources and bring people together to organize. Valdez added that the opening celebrates the impact on student lives and a commitment to this work.

Dr. Alexis McLean, Vice President of Student Affairs at LaGuardia, described the office as a place of belonging, connection, and opportunity. She stated that the opening represents the college’s commitment to ensuring students feel welcome and supported. Kenneth Adams, the college president, said that supporting immigrant students is fundamental to the institution's identity. He noted that the office helps address barriers to student goals and creates an environment where students feel seen and valued.

Dr. Cynthia Carvajal, the CUNY Director of Undocumented and Immigrant Student Programs, pointed out that New York is a city built by immigrants. She said it is important for public universities to have these kinds of supports in place. Starry Yan, Director of the Queens Borough President’s Immigrant Welcome Center, shared that she is an immigrant herself. Yan thanked LaGuardia and the Petrie Foundation for creating a welcoming space for students to pursue their dreams.

Melissa Cucalon, a community liaison for New York City Council Member Julie Won and a LaGuardia alum, expressed pride in the institution. She described the college as a place that has afforded opportunities to immigrants and students who have passed through its halls. Denise Maybank, LaGuardia’s Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, concluded the event by describing the office as a safe place for information. She said the CUNY commitment is to tell students that they belong and are wanted at the college.

The office will now operate as a standing resource for students at LaGuardia Community College. The space is physically accessible in the C Building, where the director and staff will coordinate with existing campus services to assist the student population.