CUNY Turns 175! 🥳 💙

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ANNIVERSARY BRIEF | 4/27/22

Since our founding on May 7, 1847, CUNY has led the way in our mission of equity and access for students of all backgrounds. Celebrate 175 years of unprecedented achievements, exceptional students and extraordinary faculty with the launch of our new commemorative site!

◈ “The children of the rich and the poor take their seats together.” — Our epic story began in 1847 with the birth of the Free Academy, later renamed City College, which promised a high-quality education to people of all backgrounds.

◈ “The largest urban university system in the United States.” — An innovative new CUNY system was created in 1961, uniting seven colleges under one Chancellor.

◈ “The education of free people is the hope of humanity.” — As of 2021, CUNY proudly serves over 260,000 students across 25 campuses, awarding about 50,000 degrees each year.

We're excited to honor iconic CUNY faculty whose groundbreaking contributions enrich our community and the world. Nominate a trailblazing faculty member to be profiled on a new webpage.

From legends like Colin Powell to artists like Cardi B, we know CUNY alumni are pioneers. But what about the unsung alumni making the world a better place in their own ways? Nominate a former student with an inspirational story!

JOIN THE CELEBRATION!

Visit our University Identity page to download our anniversary seal and add it to your email signature!

Enjoy a digital toolkit of frames, zoom backgrounds and more to show your love for CUNY! Share a selfie, post some throwbacks, or wish CUNY a happy birthday with a custom GIF! 🎉

DID YOU KNOW?

✦ Lehman College used to be "Hunter-in-the Bronx," John Jay College was a part of Baruch and Baruch was City College's business school 😲

✦ Hunter College was the first to offer public higher education for women in New York City 🙌

✦ The CUNY Comeback program relieved debt for more than 57,000 students in 2021, and is believed to be the largest of its kind in the country 💪

#CUNY175 BY THE NUMBERS

1.7M+

Degrees awarded in the last 50 years alone

$57B

Earned by CUNY grads working in NYS in 2019

$500M+

In external research grants

💉 #VAXUPCUNY

CELEBRATING CUNY'S LEGACY

What’s your CUNY story? Use #CUNY175 in your posts! 🤩

CUNY LEGENDS IN THE NEWS

This inspiring CUNY alum, who tragically lost his life in Ukraine covering the war, left a rich legacy of documentary filmmaking. Read about his impactful on-the-ground reporting from around the world. — GQ Magazine

A CUNY alum and lecturer escaped being shot while living in a white neighborhood during the 1960s. Delve into his story of discrimination and read how he honored his heritage while working as a music teacher. — Punch Papers

A CUNY alum co-founded a start-up that uses solar-power irrigation and has assisted thousands of farmers with food production. Learn about his role in fighting climate change and making an impact in Kenyan communities. — NBC Washington

This CUNY student helps run her family’s acclaimed Burmese restaurant, which started in a Queens subway station. Read about how her family’s business is expanding. — Eater

A CUNY alum and mom of six launched her very own modest clothing line for Muslim women. Read about how her brand fills a void in the world of fashion. — Parents Magazine

MORE NEWS

STUDENT CENTER

Jamie Lerner-Brecher, CUNY SPS ’22, is a graduate student who's passionate about disability justice, self-advocacy and equitable access. She has worked hard to strengthen the disability community through her leadership roles, which include serving as the chair of CUNY SPS' Disability and Access Coalition, the co-chair of the USS Disabilities and Mental Health Committee and the chair of Pro-Student CUNY Health.

Jamie's Advice: "If you're chronically ill, disabled, neurodiverse, or have any type of learning disability, register with Disability Services, even if you don't think you need it! They have a wealth of knowledge and resources specifically designed to help you, and you deserve equitable access.”

Interested in disability justice? Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn!

New Student Opportunities

The CUNY Career Launch student pre-application is due April 29, this Friday!

CUNY: CUNY Investment Fellowship (CIIF)

CUNY: Sign up for the CUNY 311 Project by making a portfolio here , clicking “Jobs and Internships” and searching for “311 Student Caller Taker Job.”

NYC Office of Technology: Communications Intern

Vera Institute of Justice: Summer 2022 Internship

CELEBRATING CUNY'S LEGACY

A CUNY student shot hundreds of incredible images during the historic Selma-to-Montgomery march, capturing the likes of James Baldwin (bottom left) and other national heroes.

UNIVERSITY EVENTS

Thurs. April 28 | Check out CUNY’s Ecofest conference celebrating Earth Day and sustainability.

Fri. April 29 | End Disability Awareness Month by celebrating art and student leaders.

Sat. April 30 | Join CUNY Citizenship Now! for its 25th anniversary celebration and largest in-person citizenship drive since the pandemic began.

SEE MORE EVENTS

FOLLOW CUNY

FOLLOW THE CHANCELLOR

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