City College Humanities Advisor Roots For Boudreau After Leaders’ Criticism
by Corisa Kastrataj
“We’ve always tried to have the community be a part of the college,” said Melissa Oden, after Vincent Boudreau’s promotion to permanent president of CCNY was put on hold. “We need a stabilizing force,” said Oden as she clutched onto her coffee.
In November 2016, following the investigation about the questionable financial dealings of former president Lisa Coico, Boudreau became the interim president of CCNY. After reports that the CUNY Board of Regents intended to appoint Boudreau the permanent president, 20 Harlem community leaders spoke out against it to the New York Times. Former Governor David Patterson was one the leaders in the group.
Melissa Oden, an advisor in the Division of Humanities & the Arts at the City College of New York, believes the community leaders have a big say in what goes on at the college. Oden, a former graduate student at CCNY, has served as an advisor for the last 12 years. After being present for more than three college presidencies, she believes that Boudreau is “a great face for the college.”
As an advisor, Oden has the privilege of meeting with incoming students before other faculty members. Each day, she meets with multiple students of diverse backgrounds. She learns about the students’ interests and helps them create the blueprint for their careers at CCNY. Oden’s longevity at the college and interaction with the school’s community give her the perspective to speak for many.
“He’s an exceptional speaker and writes nice letters to the community,” said Oden. Using his talent in public speaking, Boudreau has shared his concern about a number of issues that directly affect CCNY students and faculty. In his recent emails, he’s discussed DACA and protecting students, aid for Puerto Rico, and financial aid for students and scholars from Puerto Rico.
When Jaime Morbin, a former student at CCNY, died earlier this year, Boudreau shared his condolences with the college. “He was amazing to the family. His speech was inspirational. The times I’ve heard him speak, he’s been phenomenal,” said Oden.
When it comes to the money woes that trouble the college, Oden thinks Boudreau can help there, too. “Vince Boudreau would really be a great fundraiser; he can do well for the community.”
Boudreau is no stranger to the CCNY community, previously serving as the dean of the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at CCNY. “He’s been a part of the school for about 26 years, he really knows this college,” Oden added.
