York College Students Honored at 35th ADA Anniversary BBQ

York College Student Wellness and Resources joined 457 participants from across CUNY on July 24, 2025, to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Hosted by the Queens College Committee for Disabled Students, in partnership with the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities (CCSD), University Student Senate (USS), the CUNY Central Office of Student Inclusion Initiatives, and faculty, staff, and students from across the University system, the event reflected CUNY’s commitment to accessibility, advocacy, and partnership.

Queens College Vice President Jay Hershenson emceed the celebration, with remarks from Queens College President Frank H. Wu, CUNY Student Trustee and USS Chair Daniel Reden, and Vice Chancellor Denise Maybank. Elected officials in attendance included Assemblymembers Alicia Hyndman, Catalina Cruz, and David Weprin, Council Member Eric Dinowitz, State Senator John C. Liu and former Council Member James Vacca.

York College proudly celebrated the achievements of Luis “Junior” Alvarez and Isaac Augustin, student leaders of the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities at York (CCSD@York). Their impactful leadership and advocacy, both on campus and across the university, were recognized with citations from multiple elected officials.

CCSD@York also partnered with REV UP (Register Educate Vote Use Your Power!) to promote voter education and highlight paid roles for students as poll workers. These positions help students develop transferable skills in civic leadership, public service, and community engagement. Employers and graduate programs highly value these qualities.

The event featured food, music, resources, free giveaways, and a powerful sense of community centered around disability justice and student driven impact.

“As a former student leader of this event, I’m proud to see our students carry this tradition forward,” said Charmaine Townsell, Senior Director of Student Wellness and Resources. “I’m especially thankful to our York College senior leadership and to my team from the Center for Students with Disabilities, Health Services, the Women’s Center, and Counseling for their unwavering support of our students.”

York College is where students lead with purpose, advocate for change, and build a more inclusive future. York College is where Futures Take Flight.

-Report by Charmaine Townsell, Senior Director

York College Student Wellness and Resource