Edited by Natalia Biani

Building on the 2022 Ad Astra feature on global wedding customs, this new collection turns the lens to student traditions surrounding education, particularly at moments of graduation and academic transition. Drawing from personal and cultural experiences in Argentina, Iran, Russia, and beyond, the authors explore how rituals – both formal and informal – shape student identity, foster community, and mark achievement. Through these diverse accounts, the article reveals the deep emotional and cultural resonance of student life around the world.

Cover Image: https://wanaen.com

edited by Filip Stabrowski and Liena Vayzman

Learning about our faculty, staff, and students’ histories and experiences is an important part of our learning process itself. This collection of essays and photos about wedding traditions contributed by LaGuardia’s faculty, staff, and students is illustrative of this dynamic. Drawn from their direct knowledge and experiences, this selection of essays explores traditional practices, rituals, and beliefs – and the meanings behind them. Collectively, they weave a wonderful tapestry depicting the variety of ways of thinking about, representing, and performing wedding rituals.

Cover Image Source: personal photo archives of Indira Persaud, Roman Senkov, and Na Xu.

by LaGuardia Health Sciences Professor, Dr. Nicolle Fernandes

This is the first in a series of articles discussing the Science of Food Production. This article focuses on the history and science behind Sourdough Bread Baking.