We are excited to share some wonderful news surrounding Shades of Excellence: Stories from Scholars of Color.

The book continues to create opportunities for conversation, connection, and reflection across higher education. Recently, Shades of Excellence was featured in the Urban Ed 2026 Alumni News from The Graduate Center, CUNY, highlighting alumni Dr. Cindy Bautista-Thomas, Cohort 13, and Dr. Madeline Pérez De Jesús, Cohort 3. The feature recognizes the book as a powerful collection of personal stories and reflections from scholars of color navigating higher education.

We are also thrilled to see Shades of Excellence become part of an upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month Author Panelhosted by the CT State Community College UNIDOS Staff Affinity Group.

The virtual panel will bring together four authors from the collection:

• Dr. Madeline Pérez De Jesús – CT State Community College, College Office

• Mrs. Rebecca Betancourt, MFT, Doctoral Candidate – CT State Community College, Capital Campus

• Dr. Eileen Gonzalez – University of Saint Joseph

• Dr. Cindy Bautista-Thomas – Lehman College, CUNY

The panel will provide an opportunity to hear directly from the authors about their experiences, scholarship, and contributions to Shades of Excellence: Stories from Scholars of Color.

🌟 Don’t Miss This Upcoming Event!

The Hispanic Heritage Month Author Panel
📖 Shades of Excellence: Stories from Scholars of Color
📅 Tuesday, October 13, 2026
⏰ 12:30–1:30 PM EST
💻 Microsoft Teams

Join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the voices of scholars whose stories help expand conversations about diversity, scholarship, resilience, and excellence in higher education.

We hope to see you there!