Standing tall almost a full city block. That is the William and Anita Newman Vertical Campus at Baruch College. Welcome to a place of learning innovation and community.
Baruch College’s Newman Vertical Campus is more than just a building. It is a symbol of academic excellence. The 14-story structure stands in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park neighborhood.
Let me tell you about its design. The tiered glass-enclosed atrium floods the campus with natural light. It reaches even the subterranean levels. This creates a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Inside the Newman Vertical Campus you will find the Zicklin School of Business. There is also the Weismann School of Arts and Sciences. And the School of Public Affairs all housed within these walls. The Baruch Executive Education Center thrives here as well. There are dining services and athletic facilities too. A theater and a recital hall also call this place home.
The vertical quadrangle connects the three dominant spaces. These are the business school the liberal arts college and shared campus facilities. This design fosters connections between faculty and students. It supports the function of the entire vertical campus.
Baruch College serves a large population of commuter students. The soaring atria spaces give these students a strong sense of community. The AIA National Chapter recognized the project’s iconic design. It received the Honor Award for Architecture. This is the Institute’s highest honor.
After decades of renting classroom space Baruch College built this campus. Construction began in 1998. Kohn Pedersen Fox designed the 17-story building. It opened on August 27 2001. The building spans 786000 square feet and has 17 floors. It cost 327 million dollars to build.
The Zicklin School of Business and the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences now call it home. The Field Building houses the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. You will find classrooms faculty offices and computer labs here. The Athletic and Recreation Complex cafeteria and Baruch Bookstore are popular spots.
The American Institute of Architects gave the Newman Vertical Campus its highest award in 2003. To honor the college East 25th Street was renamed Bernard Baruch Way. The Vertical Campus now serves as Baruch College’s official address.
Baruch College itself has a rich history. It traces back to the 1847 founding of the Free Academy. This was the first free public higher education institution in the United States. In 1919 what became Baruch College was established. It was then the City College School of Business and Civic Administration.
In 1953 the school was renamed the Baruch School of Business. This honored Bernard Baruch an 1889 graduate. He became a prominent financier. In 1968 the Baruch School of Business became Baruch College. It was now an independent senior college in the CUNY system.
So as you stand before the Newman Vertical Campus remember its significance. It represents Baruch College’s commitment to education community and excellence. It shapes future leaders in business the arts and public service.