In keeping with its mission of providing access to excellence, the City University of New York held open house for the CUNY online Baccalaureate program.   High school seniors, returning veterans, and others interested in attending CUNY were all invited to The Graduate Center for a CUNY open house.  Slightly different then most CUNY open house’s this event prominently featured the on-line CUNY bachelors program, which allows students to complete their BA’s through classes attended, and work submitted through the world wide web. After a very entertaining introduction by Vice-Chancellor Jay Hershenson, University Student Senate Chairperson, and Student Trustee Robert Ramos Jr. addressed the audience.
            In his remarks, Chairperson Ramos detailed some of the many trails he faced in his collegiate carrier.  Hailing from the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, Chairperson Ramos experienced many family financial struggles early in his life, even for a time relying on public assistance.  However, through all of their difficulties it was impressed on him the importance of an education. 
Mr. Ramos continued saying “When I graduated high school, CUNY was not my first choice.  However because of affordable tuition (being fully covered by New York States Tuition Assistance Program it was free) I decided to attended Brooklyn College, which turned out to be the best decision of my life.  The experiences I had at BC, not just  the ones in the classroom, exposed me to an entire picture of the world I never knew existed.  These experiences, meeting people from difficult cultures, people from around the world, and a top tier education were things I never would have had if I’d stayed in Brownsville, and may not have had if I’d attended a different university. The unique multi-cultural atmosphere at Brooklyn College coupled with the philosophy of ‘access to excellence’, ultimately left me more prepared to enter the work force then anything I’ve encountered.”