Once housing New York University’s undergraduate college, Bronx Community College now stands as a testament to accessible education. The college was established in 1957. Civic-minded groups believed there was a growing need for higher education in the Bronx. Classes initially began at Hunter College. They later moved to the former Bronx High School of Science site.
Bronx Community College is a medium sized public community college. It is a 2-year institution. The campus offers certificate and associate degrees. The acceptance rate is 69%.
In 1973, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York acquired the University Heights campus from NYU. NYU sold the campus under threat of bankruptcy. That fall, Bronx Community College moved its operations to the 55-acre site. The site overlooks the Harlem River.
Did you know that Bronx Community College’s campus is home to a mix of architectural styles? You’ll find Classical Revival buildings designed by Stanford White. These include the Hall of Languages, Cornelius Baker Hall of Philosophy, and Gould Memorial Library. You will also find Brutalist concrete buildings by Marcel Breuer. Begrisch Hall and the Colston Residence Hall and Cafeteria are examples of Breuer’s work. The campus also features repurposed mansions that predate the college.
The Hall of Fame for Great Americans is also on the Bronx Community College campus. It was founded in 1900 by Henry Mitchell MacCracken. MacCracken was the Chancellor of NYU from 1891 to 1910. It was the first hall of fame in the United States. The Hall includes bronze busts of prominent Americans.
Bronx Community College offers a wide array of courses. These include workforce community development and personal enrichment programs. These are available through Continuing and Professional Studies. CPS also delivers customized training for local employers.
For fun, students can join clubs and participate in sports. They can also run on the campus track. The college has a poetry club and a newspaper club. Students appreciate the new and renovated library. It’s a comfortable and relaxing place to study.
The campus is very safe. A college ID is required to enter the campus. This makes it a college oriented environment. There is security at every corner.
Interestingly, the Bronx Community College campus has served as a backdrop for several movies. Parts of “A Beautiful Mind” were filmed here. The interior of the Gould Memorial Library was featured in “Goodbye, Columbus”. The Meister Hall building was used as a Russian Embassy in “Burn After Reading”.
So, as you explore Bronx Community College, remember its rich history. Remember its commitment to providing accessible education. Appreciate its architectural beauty. Think of the many films that have captured its unique atmosphere.