Fall 2024 Convocation

The Start of the Fall 2024 Academic Year

Program

Music
Professor Mark Adams and Dr. Thomas Zlabinger

Welcome
Dr. Thomas Marion, Master of Ceremonies

Greetings To First-Year Students and Acknoledgement of SGA Members
Ms. Joah Joseph, Student Government President

Greetings
Dr. Derrick Brazill, Provost

Greetings
Dr. Karen Williams, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

First-Year Pledge
Ms. Shayla Pruitt, Director of First Year Experience and Mentoring

Keynote Speaker
Mr. Jeff Lindor, Founder/CEO Gentleman’s Factory

Remarks
Dr. Claudia Schrader, Interim President

Alma Mater
Dr. Jonathan Quash

Closing Remarks
Dr. Thomas Marion, Master of Ceremonies

Festivities Immediately Following

About the Keynote Speaker

Jeff Lindor is the Founder and CEO of Gentlemen’s Factory Inc., a dynamic membership community offering physical locations that house co-working spaces, Think Tanks, Barber & grooming stations, and incubators dedicated to empowering men of color. With a strong presence across multiple sites in NYC and a diverse membership base, The Gentlemen's Factory serves as a central hub for Black and Brown men, facilitating connections to career opportunities, investors, and a forward-thinking community.

Before pursuing entrepreneurship full-time, Lindor held a pivotal role in the Executive Chamber at the NYC Department of Correction, where he provided strategic counsel to the Commissioner, the NYC Mayor, and Legislators on reform initiatives concerning Rikers Island.

Jeff's professional journey includes a notable tenure as a Marketing Executive at EmblemHealth, spearheading campaigns for the initial rollout of the Affordable Care Act to help thousands of NYC residents access affordable health insurance. He began his career as a Personal Banker at JP Morgan Chase, fostering a strong foundation in business and finance.

Lindor served on the Board of the NYC Tech Alliance, Kingsborough Community College, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and the Fund for Public Housing. He is also an angel investor supporting black-owned startups and is committed to raising significant funds for political candidates who align with his vision for the advancement of black and brown communities.

Jeff Lindor holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from York College and a Master's in Urban Policy Analysis & Management from The New School. He resides in Brooklyn, NY, with his two children.