Elizabeth Olana

We are saddened to share the news of the passing of our friend and colleague, Elizabeth Olana, who passed away on October 19, 2025.

Elizabeth was as an ESL and English Adjunct lecturer at Bronx Community College and Hostos Community College for more than 30 years. She taught ESL, remedial English, and Freshman Composition from 1991 until her retirement in 2023. She also taught as a full-time substitute lecturer.

Elizabeth was well known and respected as a friend and colleague across BCC and Hostos. She was an active member of the English Department and the union, the Professional Staff Congress (PSC). She served on the PSC Cuny Grant Committee, reading and approving grants for Higher Education Officers (HEO'S), College Lab Technicians and Adjuncts. In the 1990's she organized a BCC Campus-wide Peace celebration, collaborating with multiple academic departments, the Office of Student Life, Marketing, and Academic Affairs. Faculty, staff and students participated.

Elizabeth had a keen intellect. Her interests were broad and varied, including music, the arts, film, literature and politics. She was a scholar and political activist.

Born in Ethiopia, Elizabeth had a rich and diverse life. She worked in television and radio, then later in banking. As a teenager she came to the United States to live with a host family and attend high school. Following her high school graduation, she attended college in Fresno, California and worked in banking as a loan officer. She moved to New York City to attend Columbia University in the 1980's, receiving a master's from the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Following her graduation, she continued to work in banking at the Freedom Bank but finally found her true passion teaching ESL and English at CUNY.

She loved the students, who wrote that "Prof Olana is the sweetest and most caring professor I've ever had." Another said, "Professor Olana is a very understanding and laid-back professor. If English is not your first language, you should definitely take her!"

She lit up a room with her warm smile, dynamic personality and regal presence. She will be remembered for her kindness, compassion as well her sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by all here at BCC and Hostos.

Elizabeth is survived by her sister, Almaz; her two brothers, Samuel and Girma Olana; her niece, Rosa and two grandnephews.

A memorial is planned for her at a date TBA.
Elizabeth was a strong supporter of the BCC Writing Center.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

https://www.bcc.cuny.edu/about-bcc/bcc-foundation/make-a-gift/
Choose The Writing Center in the drop down.