Naming
Independence and Naming
Lehman College is a constituent college of the City University of New York (CUNY) located in the Bronx, New York City. The institution's journey to independence and its subsequent naming has a rich history intertwined with the development of higher education in New York City.
The Bronx Campus of Hunter College
Lehman College began its existence as the Bronx campus of Hunter College, which was initially located in Manhattan. This campus was established in 1931, in response to the growing demand for higher education opportunities in the Bronx. The Bronx campus primarily served women and was an integral part of Hunter College for several decades.
Transition to Independence
The push for independence emerged in the mid-1960s. As the Bronx campus grew in both size and significance, there was a strong advocacy for the campus to gain autonomy and establish a distinct identity. This movement was part of a broader trend within the City University of New York system to decentralize and create independent colleges that could better serve their respective communities.
Naming of Lehman College
The transformation from the Bronx campus of Hunter College to Lehman College occurred in 1968. The college was named in honor of Herbert H. Lehman, a distinguished Democratic politician who served as the 45th Governor of New York and later as a United States Senator. Lehman was also a noted financier and humanitarian, deeply committed to public service and social justice.
Herbert H. Lehman's legacy and values were seen as a perfect embodiment of the college's mission to provide accessible education and foster civic responsibility. The decision to name the college after Lehman was also a recognition of his profound impact on New York's political and social landscape.
Early Years and Growth
Upon gaining its independence and new name, Lehman College embarked on a phase of rapid development. It expanded its academic programs, infrastructure, and community engagement initiatives. The new identity allowed the college to tailor its offerings more closely to the needs of the Bronx community, emphasizing inclusivity and excellence in education.
Related Topics
The naming of Lehman College not only marked its independence but also established a legacy that continues to influence its mission and values.