The CUNY Dominican Studies Institute is in mourning due to the passing of City University’s Vice Chancellor for Budget and Finance, Ernesto Malave. We owe him a lot. Ernesto was there when I became the director of CUNY DSI; he was there when we needed him. I benefited the most from his sound advice; I respected him for reaching such a distinguished post in the largest public, urban university in the US and for keeping himself real; for not forgetting where he came from and for remembering that many of us counted on him.
I admired Ernesto for his knowledge and wisdom; and for his humility and sense of commitment. I was lucky enough to be among his friends. His passing hurts the soul and it will take time before we can heal and think of him without tears and sadness. I take consolation in knowing that Ernesto’s loss is felt by countless people; those he helped directly or indirectly, and who will pass on the memory of the good he did so he may continue to live.
Adios amigo, adios
Abrazos,
ramona
PRdream also mourns his loss. He was a son of the Great Migration from Puerto Rico. He worked quietly and diligently to create opportunities for Puerto Ricans, Latinos and others within the City University.
The College Discovery Program at Hostos Community College mourns the loss of Ernesto Malave. Have been a colleague of Ernesto for 15 years. He was a humble and kind person and like it has been said he never forgot where he came from.
His passing is a great loss to all of us, especially those he watched over. Our hearts go out to his family. We wil miss him.
When I first met Ernesto Malave it was during a Saturday morning half-court basketball game in the gym at Hostos Community College. I was acclimating to my new position at Hostos and as I made rounds I entered the gym and saw him and a group of fascinating players whic also included Nathanial Cruz, currently Interim VP for my division. I wanted to be a part of that weekend fitness team, but never got the opportunity to play any games with Ernesto. Several months later I had the chance to attend City Hall and I heard him speak in there and felt quite good knowing that we had such an astute individual championing a great cause with great conviction and eloquence. I remember taking pictures, and with one of my colleagues from the Continuing Education department here at Hostos, and discussing the future of higher education and of the City. It was a nice time then and every time I met him thereafter, that nice feeling always came back. His smile was contagious as was his graciousness. Ernesto Malave will be missed, and we will be better for knowing him.