Introduction
Queens College, City University of New York, is one of the top public colleges in the United States. Established in 1937, it is located in the diverse borough of Queens, New York, and has a student body of over 20,000. Queens College is renowned for its exceptional faculty, innovative programs, and commitment to social justice. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about Queens College that you may not have known before.
Historical Background of Queens College
Queens College has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. In 1857, the Flushing Institute was established to provide education to young women. In 1935, the New York City Board of Higher Education approved the creation of Queens College. The college officially opened its doors on October 21, 1937, with an enrollment of 412 students. The original campus was located in Flushing, but in 1949, it was moved to its current location in the Kew Gardens Hills neighborhood of Queens. In 1961, Queens College became a part of the newly created City University of New York (CUNY) system.
Notable Alumni
Queens College has produced many successful alumni who have made a significant impact in various fields. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Jerry Seinfeld – Comedian and actor
Jerry Seinfeld, best known for his hit sitcom “Seinfeld,” attended Queens College for a short period before transferring to another school. However, he credits his time at Queens College for inspiring his comedic career.
Paul Simon – Musician
Paul Simon, one half of the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel, attended Queens College in the early 1960s. He met Art Garfunkel at the college, and the two began their musical partnership that led to many classic hits.
Barbara Corcoran – Businesswoman and television personality
Barbara Corcoran, a successful real estate mogul and a “shark” on the television show “Shark Tank,” graduated from Queens College in 1971 with a degree in education. She later turned to real estate and founded The Corcoran Group, which became one of the largest real estate companies in New York City.
Harriet Lerner – Psychologist and author
Harriet Lerner, a psychologist and author of many self-help books, including “The Dance of Anger” and “The Dance of Intimacy,” received her bachelor’s degree from Queens College in 1963.
Campus Life
Queens College has a vibrant campus life that offers many opportunities for students to get involved and make the most of their college experience. Here are some of the fun activities and events that take place on campus:
Q-Fest
Q-Fest is an annual spring festival that celebrates the diversity of the Queens College community. The festival features food, music, dance, and cultural performances from various student organizations and community groups.
Midnight Breakfast
During finals week, Queens College hosts a Midnight Breakfast event to help students relieve stress and fuel up for their exams. The event includes free breakfast, games, and activities.
Athletics
Queens College has a strong athletics program that offers many opportunities for students to get involved in sports. The college’s teams, known as the Knights, compete in the NCAA Division II and participate in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and tennis.
Clubs and Organizations
Queens College has over 100 student-run clubs and organizations, covering a wide range of interests and hobbies. From academic clubs to social justice organizations, there is something for everyone at Queens College.
Academics
Queens College is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to providing students with a quality education. Here are some interesting facts about the college’s academics:
Rankings and Accolades
Queens College has been recognized by various publications for its academic excellence. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks the college among the top public colleges in the country. The Princeton Review has also named Queens College as one of the “Best Northeastern Colleges.”
Innovative Programs
Queens College offers many innovative programs that prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. One such program is the Neuroscience Research Program, which provides students with hands-on research experience in neuroscience. The college also offers a program in Data Analytics and Applied Social Research, which prepares students for careers in data analysis and social research.
Faculty Excellence
Queens College has a dedicated faculty that is committed to providing students with a quality education. The college has over 600 full-time faculty members, many of whom are recognized experts in their fields. Queens College professors have been awarded prestigious fellowships and grants, including the Guggenheim Fellowship and the National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship.
Student Success
Queens College is committed to student success, and it shows in the college’s graduation and retention rates. The college has a six-year graduation rate of 60%, which is higher than the national average for public colleges. The college also has a freshman retention rate of 85%, indicating that students are happy with their college experience and are likely to stay at Queens College.
Diversity and Inclusion
Queens College is located in one of the most diverse communities in the world, and the college reflects this diversity in its student body and faculty. Here are some interesting facts about Queens College’s commitment to diversity and inclusion:
Student Diversity
Queens College has a diverse student body, with students from over 150 countries. The college’s student population is 34% Hispanic, 23% Asian, 20% White, and 13% Black. The college is also home to many first-generation college students.
Multicultural Center
Queens College has a Multicultural Center that promotes diversity and inclusion on campus. The center offers many programs and events, including cultural celebrations, lectures, and workshops. The center also provides resources and support to underrepresented students.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Queens College is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all students, including LGBTQ+ students. The college has a LGBTQ+ Center that provides resources, support, and programming for LGBTQ+ students and allies. The college has also been recognized as one of the “Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students” by Campus Pride.
Social Justice Initiatives
Queens College has a strong commitment to social justice, and this is reflected in its many social justice initiatives. The college’s Office of Equity and Inclusion provides resources and support for students who have experienced discrimination or harassment. The college also has a Social Justice Institute that offers programs and events focused on issues such as racial justice, immigration, and environmental justice.
Conclusion
Queens College, City University of New York, is a vibrant and diverse institution that provides students with a quality education and many opportunities for personal and academic growth. Whether you are interested in the college’s rich history, notable alumni, vibrant campus life, strong academics, or commitment to diversity and inclusion, Queens College has something for everyone. We hope these fun facts have inspired you to learn more about this exceptional college.