Entering a New Era of Multimedia - Lehman College

A message from
President Ricardo R. Fernández
This issue of Lehman Today demonstrates how Lehman College, as well as our
alumni, are working to help key areas of our society move forward—among them,
schools, the media, the economy, and energy.
“Preparing the Teacher of the Twenty-First Century” looks at the K-12 experience
from the perspective of alumni and current students who are classroom teachers.
It discusses what Lehman’s Division of Education is doing to both sharpen
their pedagogical skills, especially in math and science, and shape their leadership
abilities—helping them to qualify for positions as assistant principals, principals,
district leaders, and even as chancellors of entire systems. It’s a riveting story,
especially for the many thousands of alumni working in this field.
No field is undergoing more rapid change than the media, with a ripple effect
on the programs that seek to prepare future journalists. “Entering a New Era of
Multimedia” highlights how Lehman’s $16 million Multimedia Center—the most
advanced academic facility of its kind in the region—is giving students the range of
professional skills they need to tackle this new media landscape. At the same time,
Lehman, as an institution, can look ahead to providing more local news coverage
and charting our own creative direction in the production of new media.
Throughout our borough and region, no issue is more pressing than the economy.
“The Job Incubator” focuses on our Division of Adult and Continuing Education
and its work in creating new career paths, from entry-level to advanced, for scores
of unemployed and underemployed workers. Recognition this spring from the New
York City Employment and Training Coalition underscores the real difference these
programs are making in the lives of our fellow New Yorkers.
In the profile of Michael Yackira (‘72), who “Watches Over Nevada’s Energy—
and its Environment,” we learn with pride of the leadership he is exerting in this
critical field, about the strides he is making in energy conservation, and why he
expects the smart grid/smart meter his firm is developing to be “a game-changer.”
The annual President’s Report, also contained in this issue, tells more about the
people and events at Lehman and the important research being conducted by students
as well as faculty. As you can tell, the story of this College is still unfolding,
not just on the campus but in the contributions our alumni are making to their
professions, families, and communities. Tell us your stories and concerns. Drop by
for a visit, or for a lecture or show, or email us at lehmantoday@lehman.cuny.edu.
We’d be delighted to include your voice in the growing Lehman chorus.