CUNY Queens College

Queens College, often hailed as a "jewel in the CUNY crown," stands as a vibrant public institution deeply embedded in the diverse fabric of New York City. Since its founding in 1937, it has evolved into a welcoming academic hub for nearly 18,500 students, celebrated for its commitment to access, academic rigor, and community engagement. More than just a college, it's a place where history resonates, and a future of possibility unfolds for its ambitious learners.

The campus itself boasts a rich past, with roots stretching back to the early 19th-century Jamaica Academy, where even Walt Whitman once taught. This historical foundation paved the way for a college that has consistently championed social justice. Queens College students were pivotal in the Civil Rights Movement, most notably Andrew Goodman, whose sacrifice in 1964 with James Chaney and Michael Schwerner is honored by the campus's Chaney-Goodman-Schwerner Clock Tower and a dedicated Civil Rights Archive. The college has also demonstrated remarkable resilience, navigating significant challenges like the New York City financial crisis of the 1970s and emerging stronger, always prioritizing its mission to serve.

Today, Queens College embraces a wonderfully diverse student body, with a significant proportion from minority backgrounds. This rich tapestry of perspectives enriches the learning environment, supported by faculty dedicated to understanding and teaching a global community. While facing modern budgetary pressures, the college continues to invest in its facilities, exemplified by a substantial $57 million renovation of Powdermaker Hall. Under President Frank H. Wu, Queens College remains dedicated to providing an engaging and transformative educational experience, preparing students to lead and serve with its enduring motto: "Discimus ut serviamus" (We learn so that we may serve).