A History of Bronx Community College CUNY (City University of New York). BCC has a rich and extensive history dating back to 1957 when it was established as a branch of Hunter College. Bronx Community College was initially housed in a former tire factory before moving to its permanent location on a 43-acre campus at University Heights in the Bronx in 1973. The first Dean of Bronx Community College CUNY was Dr. Roscoe C. Brown Jr. He served as Dean from 1977 to 1993.
Over the years, Bronx Community College has grown to become one of the most diverse and inclusive institutions in the CUNY system. Its student body reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of the Bronx and New York City, and the college has always been committed to providing access to higher education for all.
In the early years, Bronx Community College offered a limited number of degree programs, mostly in liberal arts and sciences. However, as the college expanded, it began to offer a wider range of programs, including vocational and technical courses, health sciences, business, and engineering.
One of the defining features of Bronx Community College is its commitment to social justice and community engagement. The college has always been deeply connected to the Bronx community and has worked tirelessly to address the social and economic challenges facing the borough.
It has also played a crucial role in promoting access to education and has been a pioneer in developing innovative programs and initiatives to support students from diverse backgrounds.
The Bronx Community College has produced some recognizable alumni who are making their mark in various fields across the globe. Here are some of the notable alumni of the college who have attained recognition in their respective fields and continue to inspire others through their work.
1. Elizabeth Acevedo: She is a renowned poet and author who has won numerous awards for her work. Her debut novel, The Poet X, won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature in 2018. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts from the City College of New York, which is affiliated with the Bronx Community College.
2. Adonis De La Rosa: He is a professional basketball player in Spain and has played for various international teams, including the Harlem Globetrotters. Adonis attended the Bronx Community College before transferring to St. John’s University in New York, where he continued his basketball career.
3. Sonia Sotomayor: She is the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice in the history of the United States. Sonia enrolled in the Bronx Community College before transferring to Princeton University, where she graduated summa cum laude. She went on to earn her law degree from Yale Law School and has served as a judge in various courts before being appointed to the Supreme Court.
4. Romano L. Mazzoli: He is a retired politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1971 to 1995. He attended the Bronx Community College before earning his Bachelor’s and Law degrees from the University of Louisville.
These are just a few of the many recognizable alumni of the Bronx Community College who have paved their way to success through hard work and determination. The college continues to provide quality education to its students and produce successful leaders who are contributing to society in meaningful ways.
Today, Bronx Community College is a vibrant and dynamic institution that continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its students and community. With a dedicated faculty, committed staff, and supportive community, the college remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for all those seeking to improve their lives through education.