CSI Today Talks

May 22, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Vincent Masocol, student at the College of Staten Island who works media with CSI's official student newspaper, The Banner, its radio station, WSIA-FM, and with the CSI Communications office as a news reporter intern. Masocol discussed his personal academic career and the great opportunities afforded to him at CSI, offering practical, integrative experiences as he pursues his degree in Communications. Masocol talked about working with the FerryHawks, and working as an intern with the Office of Communications, where he also has a popular column called "The Campus Beat."

May 1, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Ann Booth, Director of the Counseling Center at the College of Staten Island. Booth talked about her extensive career working within the Counseling Center and the role that it plays on campus. The duo talked about the importance of mental health for students and the services offered to them during their academic careers.

April 17, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Amy Stempler, Associate Dean and Chief Librarian at the College of Staten Island. Stempler talked about her role in both capacities and the role the Library has had in the academic careers of CSI's students. The duo spoke about the changes that the Library has undergone and the changing landscape of learning within higher education and the role that the Library plays within it.

April 10, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Pat Daddio, former Men's Baseball alum turned coach. Daddio, along with five others, will be enshrined in the CSI Athletics Hall of Fame on April 20, and he discussed his years as a three-year standout for the baseball team before he was signed to a professional contract with MLB's Detroit Tigers. Daddio returned to CSI 28 years later as an Assistant Coach and was later elevated to Associate Head Coach before steppig down in 2022. His legacy will be honored in CSI's fifth Hall of Fame class later this month, and he spoke about the honor and the impact CSI has had on his life.

April 3, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing alumnus and musician Robert Kipp. Robert talked about his days as aa student at CSI and his career since as a musician who is currently touring with Jon Anderson, singer/songwriter and front man of the legendary band Yes. Kipp shared stories of how he got to this amazing point in his life and how CSI helped get him there.

March 27, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Laura Scazzafavo, Director of Veteran Services at the College of Staten Island. Scazzafavo discussed some of the benefits her office provides to veterans and their families and some of the positive developments the office has made over the years. The duo talked about issues that are important to veterans and the power of advocacy for the collection of veteran students at CSI.

March 13, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Jodi Merendino, CDirector of Dining Services at the College of Staten Island. Merendino talked about her career in Dining Services which stretches back to when the campus was at Sunnyside. They talked about the vast changes in menu and in food services through the years and how Dining Services serves the needs of the many populations and events on campus. They talk about victories and challenges and some of the future projections of what is in store for the food services operation at CSI.

March 6, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Kristi Brecia, CUNY 2X Advisor at the College of Staten Island. Brescia shared her professional travels whic ultimately took her to the Computer Science CUNY 2X program and how she works with students with both academic and career readiness and preparedness. They discussed the importance of workplace training and internships, networking, the role of social media and online presence, and new and innovative ideas within the advising sector to help meet students' greatest needs as they persist to graduation.

February 27, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Dr. Susan Smith-Peter, Professor of History at the College of Staten Island. Dr. Smith-Peter talked about her career and specifically the Public History project on campus and her recent work within the John J. Marchi Fellowship Program, which explores the Borough of Staten Island's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. Her curation efforts are leading to a public-facig documentary that chronicles the pandemic's effects on  our community.

February 13, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Anes Ahmed, Alumnus of the College of Staten Island who is now in the MFA program at Hunter College. He discussed his passion and process for creative writing, and his experiences growing up and then at the College of Staten Island. He discussed Fellowships and internships he completed and the impact that the College had on him and how it helped him prepare for his future. 

February 6, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Jeffrey Derose, Director of the CSI Tech Incubator. The duo talked about what the CSI Tech Incubator is, the clientele it serves, and the the services it renders. They talked about the need and growth of the program, and why it is playing such a key role in the start up of many businesses on Staten Island and beyond. They also spoke about how people can get involved and some of the great things on tap and still to come from the Incubator. 

January 30, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Fatu Amara, alumna of the College of Staten Island from the Class of 2020. Fatu told about her personal story and how it took her to CSI, the various classes that helped her explore and invigorate her passions, and the work she is doing now in NYC. She also spoke of some of her passion projects and what the future may hold. 

January 23, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Jacky Zhao, a junior at the College of Staten Island who is serving as an accessibility advocacy leader. working on several projects on campus to improve accomodations for all students.  The duo talked about some of Jacky's initiatives as well as future plans and the importance for students to use their collective voices to make the campus a better and more accomodating place for all. 

January 16, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Dean Balsamini, Director of the Small Business Development Center at the College of Staten Island. Balsamini discussed the Center and what it does at the campus and for the Staten Island community. The duo discussed the role that COVID played as well, and how the climate post-COVID is affecting business and how the Center approaches its day-to-day.

January 9, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns after the holiday break with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Cheryl Adolph, Interim Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and Interim Executive Director of the CSI Foundation, Inc. They discussed all things Advancement at the College, from trends in higher education, to the mission set at the College of Staten Island, taking in the recent Season of Giving campaign and the Celestial Ball, which helps raise much-needed funds at the College that directly aids the student body.

December 19, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Sam Rozenfeld, sophomore at the College of Staten Island. Sam is a Macaulay Honors student who doubles as both a swimmer and Esports star for the Dolphins' athletics program. Esports dominates the crux of the conversation, as the duo discuss Sam's standing on the Rocket League team, which recently took home the ECC Championship for the fourth straight semester. They discuss the future of Esports, and what makes it so unique at CSI.

December 12, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Alexander Scott, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Enrollment. The duo talked about the changing landscapes and strategies tied to higher education recruitment, and some of the extraordinary benefits the College possesses for prospective students. They discussed the impact of COVID and technology, and the uniqueness of CSI as a comprehensive college and its diverse population.

December 5, 2022 - After the holiday break, CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Joanne Hollan, Associate Director with the Center for Career and Professional Development. The duo talked about all of the positives associates with students getting involved with the Center as they progress through their studies and get set for their career path post-graduation.

November 14, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing a trio of guests. Debi Kee is CSI's Associate Director of Student Life Activities, and she was joined by Student Involvement Ambassadors Emily Jimenez and Deondre Williams, to talk about getting involved with leadership opportunities on campus. Kee informs the audience about the opportunities for Student Life and involvement on campus and how to become am ambassador, while both Emily and Deondre talked about the benefit of involvement and how it punctuates the education they are recieving at CSI.

November 7, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing both Dr. Larry Johnson, Jr., President of Guttman Community College, and CSI Interim President Dr. Timothy G. Lynch.  The trio discussed the CUNY system and how it can benefit student transfers. They spoke about the exciting things that are happening on both campuses and how the partnership can hold leverage success for students entering CSI from Guttman and other junior colleges.

October 31, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Michel Hodge, CSI's new VIce President for Student Affaiars and Strategic Initiatives. The duo talked about the strategic priorities centered around the Student Affairs office on campus, which includes engagement efforts, student recruitment and retention, and campus events. VP Hodge discussed some of his goals as he enters his first academic year at CSI, and what he hopes for the future at the College.

October 24, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Chase Licata, CSI's new Director of Athletics & Recreation. The duo talked about CSI's move to NCAA Division II, and the implications it holds for the College. They talked about the prioritiies set by Licata in leadership and what Athletics comes to mean for student-athletes and some of the highlights of the program and expectations moving forward.

October 17, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Jeremiah Jurkiewicz, LGBTQ Resource Center/Pluralism & Diversity Coordinator. The duo talked about the importance of the Center on campus and some of the programming it helps to establish and the role that Pluralism and Diversity has come to serve at the College.

October 10, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Dr. Donna Gerstle, Director of the Center for Environmental Science and
Executive Director & Principal Investigator of the Staten Island Breast Cancer Research Initiative. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Gerstle explained some of the cutting edge research she and the team at the SIBCRI are doing, as well as tips and guidance on breast cancer preventative measures. 

October 3, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Dr. Stephen Ferst, Executive Director of the Center for Global Engagement at the College of Staten Island. The duo talked about the changing landscape of CSI student enrollment and the place that Global Engagement has on campus.

September 26, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Dr. Siona Wilson, Professor of Art History at the College of Staten Island and curator of the CSI Art Gallery on campus. Dr. Wilson discussed her career and what brought her to CSI, her involvement with the Art Gallery, some of her favorite shows and what's in store for the future of the Gallery this semester and beyond.

September 19, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Carol Brower, Director of the Office of Student Life. Brower talked about her career at CSI that spans over three decades. The duo talked about how the Office of Student Life has changed over the years, and some of the highlights of the program of year's past and what's coming in the future, meeting the needs of current and future students at CSI.

September 12, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Dr. Catherine Lavender, Professor at the College of Staten Island and Co-Chair of the Willowbrook Legacy Committee. Dr. Lavender discussed her career at the College, and the work she and the committee members are doing for the Year of Willowbrook programming, most specifically in time for the unveiling of the Willowbrook Mile project on campus, which officially takes place on Saturday, September 17. For more information on the Willowbrook Mile and the Year of Willowbrook visit www.csi.cuny.edu/willowbrookmile, or email willowbrook@csi.cuny.edu. 

September 6, 2022 - In this special Tuesday edition of the podcast, CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing 2022 Commencement Salutatorian Cheyenne Watson. Cheyenne talked about her undergraduate career at the College, her reflections on being named campus Salutatorian, and what her post-grad and career plans are.

August 29, 2022 - In the Season 2 premiere, CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing CSI Interim President Dr. Timothy G. Lynch. Dr. Lynch talked about the summer break and some of the accomplishments the College has made in preparation for the fall semester and the strategic initiatives in holds.

June 6, 2022 - In this Season 1 finale, CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Maxwell Velikody, the Class of 2022 Valedictorian. Maxwell talks about his origin story, what led him to the College of Staten Island, his reflections of the experiences here on the Willowbrook campus and what is next in his life.

May 30, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Dr. Timothy G. Lynch, Interim President at the College of Staten Island, reflecting on his few months at CSI and the close of the spring semester.

May 23, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Michael Sorensen, a soon-to-be graduate leaving CSI with three degrees. Michael talked about his role as an athlete and his work in real estate.

May 16, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Michael Ivany, Student Government President at CSI.

May 9, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing College of Staten Island senior Praise Adejunmobi, a computer science major who will be graduating in a few weeks. Praise talked about her incredible story of migrating to the U.S. from Nigeria, finding a home in computer science, and landing an incredible post-graduate opportunity at Expedia.

May 2, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Crystal Deosaran, Student Services Specialist at CSI St. George and  CSI Alumni Association Board President.

April 25, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing John Kesaris, Senior Career Manager at the Center for Career and Professional Development at CSI. To get in touch with John and the staff at the Center for Career and Professional Development, call 718.982.2300 or email careers@csi.cuny.edu. 

April 18, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Nora Santiago, Urban Policy Analyst with the Office of Sustainability at the College of Staten Island.

April 11, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Emmanuel Esperance, Director of Recruitment and Admissions at the College of Staten Island.

April 4, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Michael Lederhandler, the Chief of Public Safety at CSI.

March 21, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing both Lisa French and Anita Romano of the Macaulay Honors College at CSI.

March 14, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Professor of Psychology, Reverend Dr. Katie M. Cumisky.

March 7, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing Associate Director of the Verrazzano Honors Program, Cheryl Craddock.

February 28, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing College of Staten Island Associate Professor Grace M. Cho, author of the critically-acclaimed book, Tastes Like War.

February 21, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host Terry Mares interviewing the dynamic duo at WSIA, 88.FM, Staten Island's only FM radio station that is housed on campus, Laura Maraio and Greg Brown.

February 14, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing College of Staten Island Professor and Reference/Instruction Librarian, and antiracism advocate  Dr. Wilma Jones.

February 7, 2022 - CSI Today Talks returns with host Terry Mares interviewing esteemed College of Staten Island Professor of Astrophysics Dr. Charles Liu. 

January 31, 2022 - CSI Today Talks makes its debut, with a conversation with College of Staten Island Interim President Dr. Timothy G. Lynch.