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 15, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Michael Paris, Professor and Chairperson of the Legal Studies Institute at CSI, where he is also a Pre-Law Advisor. Paris talked about his career and the history surrounding the Legal Studies Institute at CSI. They talked about the services it offers and how students are better prepared for next steps in the legal profession. The duo also talked about the recent fundraising efforts taken on by the LSI, and how folks can support the program. To help support the Legal Studies Institute, visit https://csilsi.commons.gc.cuny.edu/donate/ or visit CSI's Institutional Advancement Page.

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 20, 2023 - CSI Today Talks returns with co-host David Pizzuto interviewing Sabine Salandy, Program Manager at the Tech Talent Pipeline at the College of Staten Island. Salandy talked about her career and what the TTP is all about and its history. They discussed why the services they render are so valuable for both employers and students. The duo spoke about some industry trends in tech and what the future holds, as well as how students can get involved and stay ahead with internships and entry-level tech employment. For more info on the program visit their Webpage.

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.