Page 7 - Lehman 50 Years Journal

Dr. Ricardo Fernández
The High School of American Studies
HONOREES
Dr. Ricardo R. Fernández served as the second president of Lehman College and holds the distinction of being the longest-serving college president in CUNY history, as well as the first Latino to become president of a senior college in New York State. President Fernández’s goal during his tenure was to use the college’s academic reputation and relationship with the local community to create a “college-going culture” for Bronx students who had been underserved in economic and educational resources. Not only did President Fernandez collaborate with the New York City Department of Education to found The High School of American Studies at Lehman College and relocate The Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music, but he also made great strides to open up the campus to the greater Bronx community and support the work of The Bronx Institute.
Rene M. Rotolo became the executive in charge of the Division of Administration and Finance in August 2018 after serving in various positions at Lehman College since 1991. Most recently, she was assistant vice president of Campus Planning and Facilities. Prior to working at Lehman, she worked for several architectural and interior design firms and operated her own firm. Throughout her career at Lehman, Ms. Rotolo has worked hard to ensure the operational success of the High School of American Studies and the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music.
Now a junior at the High School of American Studies, Luigi Aquilla Idrovo has participated in The Bronx Institute’s ENLACE Program since seventh-grade. Mr. Idrovo is a superior student who takes honors- level and Advanced Placement courses in all subjects. This semester, he is taking his first college-level class at Lehman College. He will graduate from high school with an Advanced Regents Diploma with specialized endorsement. After high school, he hopes to study medicine or law and to remain in New York City. Mr. Idrovo plays the violin, enjoys ballroom dancing, and is the captain of his school’s Soccer Club. His friends and teachers describe him as kind-hearted, dedicated to his studies, good humored, and devoted to his family.
Rene Rotolo
Luigi Aquilla Idrovo