On Sept. 26, 2026, Hostos Community College will host its first Alumni Homecoming in more than a decade.
This once-beloved event fizzled after staff transitions, but two visionary board members are investing their own capital in reviving the Homecoming as an annual celebration of Hostos’ lifelong impact on its graduates.

President and CEO of Lead Security Group Ifeanyi Obinali – a 2016 Hostos alum – had had been sharing his professional success with Hostos students for years as a sponsor of the Foundation’s annual Golf Outing and Benefit, but he wanted to do more. Obinali made history as the first alumnus to serve on the Hostos Community College Foundation Board and shortly after, he became the first to establish a named scholarship at the college. He wanted to use his leadership position to inspire more of his fellow alums to stay connected and — hopefully — give back to the New York college.

Not long after Obinali joined the board, another leader answered the call. Benny Lorenzo, managing partner at Aspira Capital Management, recently co-founded the college’s largest endowed scholarship — the Aspira Wright Endowed Scholarship for students pursuing STEM degrees. A strong advocate for the power of connection, Lorenzo ensured that the scholarship extends beyond financial support to include ongoing mentorship.

When he and Obinali learned of the low level of alumni engagement at Hostos, they took action, working to revive the long-dormant Alumni Homecoming tradition. To help ensure its success, they have jointly committed $25,000 in support, underscoring their shared dedication to strengthening the Hostos community.

Alumni engagement is a perennial challenge for community colleges. Despite serving as many students’ first steppingstone on the road to their successful careers, graduates are more likely to stay engaged with their more recent bachelor’s or master’s programs. Robust engagement through events sustains graduates’ relationships with professors and fellow students, and with this $25,000 investment, the Alumni Homecoming can become an exciting annual tradition that alumni look forward to.

Obinali is confident that alumni like himself will be excited to have a reason to return to campus. “I believe this will not only be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with Hostos graduates who are excelling in their respective fields and careers, but also an important step toward establishing this as an annual tradition for the college. Through moments like these, we strengthen bonds, rekindle friendships and build networks that can meaningfully support our collective growth.”

Lorenzo sees this as a long-term investment in improving opportunities for students and alumni alike. “Supporting the revival of the Alumni Homecoming is about more than just an event; it’s about fostering a lifelong network of mentorship and support. I believe that by strengthening alumni connections, we create a more robust foundation for the success of every Hostos student. We want every alum to know that their relationship with the college doesn’t end at graduation—it’s a community they can rely on and contribute to for life.”

Manager of Alumni Relations Félix Sánchez hopes that the existing alumni platforms, such as Hostos’ Alumni Speakers Bureau and Alumni Council, will be invigorated by these efforts.

“Mr. Lorenzo’s partnership, alongside Mr. Obinali’s leadership as an alumnus, has been truly rewarding and pivotal in bringing our Alumni Homecoming back to life. Their shared commitment shows the powerful impact that both alumni and dedicated friends of the college can have on strengthening our community,” Sánchez said. “We look forward to an exciting day where students, faculty, staff and alumni come together for an unforgettable celebration of Hostos Community College’s past, present and future.”

This article was originally published here.