Cardinals Shine at Student Empowerment Day Event

The event highlighted the urgent need for more funding to ensure fair access and essential support for students with disabilities

^{Pictured, from left, are Kevin Korber, Lisa Maycock, Sateira Coles, Dr. Denise Maybank, vice chancellor for student affairs at CUNY; and Ivy Sanchez, disability specialist at York College’s Center for Students with Disabilities.}

York College played a pivotal role in Student Empowerment Day 2025, a statewide event advocating for increased funding for disability services in higher education. With a full Zoom capacity of 300 attendees, the event gathered students, advocates, and policymakers to push for a $4.1 million increase in the state operating budget to enhance disability services across CUNY.

Participants took note of York College’s strong presence, with multiple attendees highlighting its engagement and leadership during the event. The impact of York’s advocacy was further underscored in a video shared with all participants, reinforcing the college’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

A significant moment of the event came as CUNY Vice Chancellor Dr. Denise Maybank provided testimony from the York College Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) office, with a York College pennant proudly displayed behind her. This powerful visual symbolized the college’s unwavering support for students with disabilities and its role in advancing equitable access to education.

Distinguished participants in Student Empowerment Day 2025 included:

• Legislators from the NYS Senate and Assembly
• Chair of the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities (CCSD)
• Chair of the University Student Senate (USS)
• President of the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG)
• President of the SUNY Student Assembly
• Regent Cea from the NYS Board of Regents
• Dr. Denise Maybank, CUNY Vice Chancellor
• Student representatives from Private & Proprietary Colleges

The event underscored the urgent need for increased funding to ensure equitable access, essential accommodations, and comprehensive support systems for students with disabilities. York College remains at the forefront of this advocacy, demonstrating its dedication to fostering an inclusive academic environment where all students can succeed.

#FundDisabilityServicesNY

#YorkCollege #WhereFuturesTakeFlight