Friend of CUNY and Saluting Our Scholars

The Belle Zeller Scholarship Trust Fund proudly hosted its 2025 Friend of CUNY Awards and Salute to Scholars on Wednesday evening, December 3, 2025. The event took place at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, bringing together distinguished leaders, students, faculty, and supporters of the City University of New York.

The evening began with a reception in the Justice Quad, followed by an award ceremony in the Moot Courtroom that honored individuals whose leadership and service exemplify Belle Zeller’s enduring commitment to public service, social justice, and higher education.

The 2025 Belle Zeller Award honorees were:

The Honorable Brad Lander, 

New York City Comptroller

Hon. Justice Carmen Velazquez,  New York Supreme Court

Dr. Manfred Philipp, Professor Emeritus, Lehman College and the CUNY Graduate Center. Managing Director of the Belle Zeller Scholarship Trust Fund.

In addition to recognizing this year’s honorees, the program celebrated the 2025–2026 Belle Zeller Scholarship recipients, outstanding CUNY students whose academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to community service reflect the values at the heart of the Trust Fund’s mission. 

The scholars honored were:

Ali Al-Gemsih, New York City College of Technology

Solange Arias, Hunter College

Martina Dimitrova, Hunter College

Sofia Elberhoumi, Hunter College

Maryam Ibrahim, Hunter College

Shaniqua Meyler, The CUNY Graduate Center

Rachel Pakan, Queens College

Carlotta Sironi, Hunter College

Olivia A. Snarski, The CUNY Graduate Center

Davia A. Willis, Queensborough Community College & John Jay College

Special greetings were offered by John Jay College President Karol V. Mason and PSC President Dr. James Davis, and Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost, Dr. Alicia Alvero, who underscored the importance of supporting public higher education and investing in the next generation of leaders.

Established in honor of Belle Zeller, founding president of the Professional Staff Congress, the Belle Zeller Scholarship Trust Fund supports exceptional CUNY students dedicated to scholarship and service. Through its scholarships and annual awards celebration, the Trust Fund continues to advance Zeller’s legacy by empowering future scholars and leaders committed to equity, justice, and the public good.