After receiving a nomination from Nasser J. Kazeminy, the Chairman of the Ellis Island Honors Society (EIHS), John Jay College President Karol V. Mason has officially become a member of the EIHS Board of Directors. It’s an honor she never expected, but was thrilled to accept. “At least 33 percent of John Jay students identify themselves as immigrants,” says Mason. “These students are a vital part of our community and we have a commitment and responsibility to help them reach their academic and life dreams.” EIHS, like John Jay, celebrates the many contributions that immigrants and their children have made to our communities and our country. The Society also actively supports the immigrant community through scholarships, cultural events, and programming around the nation.
“At least 33 percent of John Jay students identify themselves as immigrants.” —Karol V. Mason
Mason, along with a host of faculty, staff, students, and generous donors including Kazeminy, came together to open John Jay’s Immigrant Student Success Center (ImSSC), the first of its kind in the CUNY system, created specifically to provide support to immigrant students and their families. “The John Jay Immigrant Student Success Center is one of the finest programs that EIHS has had the opportunity to be part of,” says Kazeminy. During one of his first visits to the College, Kazeminy had the chance to meet some of the students whose lives were positively impacted by the new ImSSC. “I was very moved by the students and their touching stories of struggle and success,” he says. “In addition, I was particularly impressed with President Mason’s passion to support immigrant students.”
“The John Jay Immigrant Student Success Center is one of the finest programs that EIHS has had the opportunity to be part of.” —Nasser J. Kazeminy
The Center’s official opening in 2018 marked a pivotal turning point for students at John Jay who were undocumented, had DACA, TPS, refugee status, or came from mixed-status families. Mason, Kazeminy, and the entire John Jay community were excited to offer these talented students a safe space where they could tap into the resources that they needed—be it legal assistance, help with DACA renewals, emergency funds, mental health counseling, supportive group meetings, job postings, or postgraduate opportunities.
“I’m an immigrant myself and I know how difficult it can be,” says Kazeminy. “We have kids coming to America, serving their country, working in health care, going to school, and paying their taxes. The fact that they’re living in fear is unfair and unjust.” His unwavering support for the ImSSC, John Jay’s immigrant students, and immigrants throughout our great nation, stems from his own guiding life principles—find your passion, be compassionate to others, and never let anyone else define you.
