Head of IT Luchy Martich Inspires Students and Staff with Her Perseverance
After migrating here as a 17-year-old from the Dominican Republic, BCC’s Assistant Vice President for Information Technology & Chief Information Officer Luchy Martich stumbled upon BCC and has never left. Luchy, who began her professional career at BCC as a College Assistant in 1991 doing entry level computer work such as wiring and repairing PCs, has risen through the ranks of the IT Department and now manages a 30-35 person staff.
While Luchy wears many different hats on campus, having an impact on students is what she loves most. On any given day, Luchy is going out of her way (and her work area) to try to ensure that students have what they need.
“So often I see myself in our students. I remember specific individuals who helped me when I first came here.” said Luchy, who as a student herself, worked two jobs in order to pay for classes when financial aid wasn’t available. “I know how hard it is to have to work while attending school, but I tell students to stick with it. It’s going to be worth it. When you see a student that has a hunger to succeed, you just want to help him/her.”
For the past nine years, Luchy has been the chairperson for the Association of Latino Faculty and Staff. She also serves as the Interim Director for Instructional Technology & IT Service Desk and the Co-Chair of the Technology Oversight Committee.
“BCC is home for me,” she said. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
Luchy’s desire to continually learn is admirable. After receiving her Associate degree from BCC, she then went on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Computing and Management from Lehman and two Master’s degrees in Business and Leadership, followed by her current pursuit of a Ph.D. – all while working here at BCC.
Luchy, who boasts about her amazing staff, said her goals for the IT Department moving forward are to bring BCC into the current technology age and provide students and staff with updated technology resources. She said automating many of BCC’s offices and processes such as those within the Human Resources or Registration departments and improving wireless bandwidth campuswide are key. IT also is collaborating w/CUNY on multiple projects, including replacing existing phone systems and providing new workstations across campus.