Queensborough Expands Bayside Campus for First Time in 60 years!
Supporters Acknowledged at Community Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Queensborough Community College celebrated the addition of 50-35 Cloverdale Blvd. to its campus during a community ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday. The former Oak Hills Jewish Center, now known as the East Building at Queensborough Community College, will expand the top-ranked college's footprint in the borough.
“Queensborough was originally designed to serve 5,000 students. Today we are privileged to have nearly five times that number in our undergraduate and Continuing Education and Workforce Development programs,” said Queensborough President Dr. Christine Mangino. “This addition will allow for new and exciting opportunities for the residents of Queens to reach new goals,” Dr. Mangino added.
Left to Right: NYS Assembly Member David Weprin, New York State Senator and Chair of the Committee on Higher Education, Toby Ann Stavisky, NYC Council Member Barry Grodenchik, Queensborough Community College President Dr. Christine Mangino, and NYS Assembly Member Ed Braunstein cut the ribbon at the East Building.
The Oak Hills Jewish Center, built in 1957, first supplied classroom space to the fledgling college when it was established in 1959.
“After six decades, the relationship comes full circle,” said Dr. Mangino.
“This wonderful facility will once again support Queensborough's teaching, learning, and student success initiatives, ensuring that residents of Queens continue to have access to high-quality, affordable education.”
The East Building would not have been possible without the support of local elected officials and community partners, including New York State Senator and Chair of the Committee on Higher Education Toby Ann Stavisky, New York State Senator and Chairman of New York City Education Committee John C. Liu, former Queens Borough President, and current Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, late Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, and City Council Members Barry Grodenchik, Inez Barron, Daniel Dromm, Peter Koo, and Karen Koslowitz.
"We are grateful for everyone's support and the individual and collective roles they have had in the College's growth, development, and service to the community,” added Dr. Mangino.
Queensborough commended outgoing Council Member Grodenchik following the ceremony, noting his effort to spearhead the acquisition of the East Building.
“Barry is about as Queens as anyone could get, and he is very much a part of Queensborough. He is a person who really cares about our students. He was on campus the day before Thanksgiving to help us distribute food to hundreds of students in need. He understands what community means, what service means, and what it takes to make things happen,” said Dr. Mangino
The College also welcomed incoming Council Member Linda Lee.
"Linda has said that community is defined by the way we take care of each other and how we invest in improving the quality of life for future generations. We look forward to learning from and working with Council Member Lee,” Dr. Mangino said.
Dedicated to arts and education, Grodenchik has supported the College's three cultural centers: The Queensborough Performing Arts Center (QPAC), QCC Art Gallery, and Kupferberg Holocaust Center.
“Actually, I can turn in almost every direction on the campus and see where Barry has had an impact,” said Mangino.
“He's helped facilitate air conditioning in the gym, made renovations for our central kitchen possible, aided the reconstruction of our steps in the quad, provided resources that enabled us to be more accommodating to students with disabilities, and so much more. Barry was – and is – always ready to enhance our students' learning experiences.”
Former Queensborough Interim President and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, Dr. Tim Lynch, described Grodenchik as a close friend of the campus.
“There is no way to truly measure Barry's impact and influence at Queensborough. He always opened his heart to the students we serve and provided smart advice and counsel.”
Former Queensborough President Dr. Diane B. Call, who worked closely with Grodenchik for many years, said his support of Queensborough and public education was unflinching.
“Barry's leadership ensured funding for Queensborough year after year, making the College better, safer, and more comfortable. His passion translated into energy that was just extraordinary.”
The City University of New York acquired 50-35 Cloverdale in February 2020.
Considered one of the best two-year schools in the nation, Queensborough Community College offers a world-class, low-cost public higher education. It serves one of the most diverse communities in America and is hailed by The Chronicle of Higher Education and Community College Week as a top-degree producer and a leading college in regard to social mobility into the middle class. These accolades reflect Queensborough's dedication to providing students with a comprehensive educational experience through its academic programs, personalized advisement programs, and outstanding faculty-led research opportunities.
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