The BCC Office of Communications and Marketing announces with many congratulations and some sadness the retirement of two veteran staffers: Office Manager Debra Isaacs and Senior Editor/Writer Michael Quinn.

Debra began her career at BCC in December of 2002 as a CUNY Office Assistant in the then-named Office of College Relations under the leadership of Ms. Carol White and the late Claude D. Grant, who became a trusted friend and mentor. She immediately took over the responsibility of managing BCC’s weekly newsletter UPDATE. At that time, Debra was also responsible for the registration of participants in the Annual Roscoe C. Brown Jr. Hall of Fame 10K • 5K Runs and 2-Mile Fitness Walk, known as “Run the Bronx.” Ms. Isaacs is an alumna of BCC, graduating in 2010 with an AAS degree in Media Technology. Back then, she took on the role of videographer, documenting important campus events, including Black History Month presentations, Dance Workshop performances, and Freshman Convocations. “BCC has been an important part of my story. Thanks for the memories.”

“I will miss spending the day with my colleague, Debra,” says Therese LeMelle, Director of the Communications and Marketing Office. “In my 12-and-a-half years at BCC, Debra and I have shared many laughs but also tears. BCC, C&M, and I will miss her many contributions to our Office and to BCC at large. Debra, I wish you an amazing and joyful retirement!”

Michael joined the C&M staff on April 29, 2013, after a year of freelancing. His first assignment was covering the ribbon-cutting ceremony for North Hall and Library. One of his last is the story you are reading now. In between, he wrote articles for the UPDATE newsletter and the BCC website, press releases, the Annual Report, BCCBroadcasts, brochures, TV recruitment spots, speeches, slogans, and ads on the sides of Bronx buses. He created and produced the official BCC podcast The View from University Heights. Michael also worked with the Media and Digital Film Production helping student-filmmakers develop their screenplays. “If my words made a difference, it’s only because BCC makes such a profound difference in the lives of its students. I’ll always be grateful for that opportunity.”

“Michael has been a huge asset to the Communications & Marketing team,” says Assistant Vice President Richard Ginsberg. “His skill in capturing the essence of any subject matter, along with the ability to meet even the most rigorous deadlines, is unique indeed. Michael has set a very high bar for anyone looking to fill his shoes. He will be missed.”