Lehman College

Lehman College
Name	Lehman College
Established	1931
Type	Public liberal arts college
Parent	City University of New York
President	Fernando Delgado
City	The Bronx
State	New York
Country	United States
Campus	Urban, 37 acres
Students	15,000+
Faculty	1,200+
Colors	Blue and gold
Nickname	Lightning
Website	lehman.edu

Lehman College. It is a senior college of the City University of New York system located in the Bronx, New York City. Founded in 1931 as the Bronx campus of Hunter College, it became an independent institution within the CUNY system in 1968. The college is named after Herbert H. Lehman, a former Governor of New York and United States Senator, and is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Minority-serving institution.

History

The institution originated in 1931 as the Bronx campus of Hunter College, then a women's college, to serve the growing population of the borough. During World War II, it was used by the United States Navy as a training center for WAVES. A pivotal moment in its history occurred in 1968 when, following student activism and the decentralization of CUNY, it was established as a coeducational, independent senior college named for Herbert H. Lehman. This period coincided with the implementation of Open admissions across CUNY, significantly expanding access to higher education. Throughout the late 20th century, the college expanded its academic programs and physical campus, solidifying its role as a major educational anchor in the Bronx.

Academics

Lehman College is organized into several schools, including the School of Arts and Humanities, the School of Natural and Social Sciences, and the School of Education. It offers over 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with notable strengths in fields such as nursing, social work, education, and the liberal arts. The college is home to specialized institutes like the Leonard Lief Library and the Lehman College Art Gallery, which houses the Kenkeleba House collection. Faculty are actively engaged in research, with many receiving grants from organizations like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Its Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation underscores its academic standards.

Campus

The 37-acre urban campus is situated in the Bedford Park section of the Bronx, near the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo. Its core is a collection of modern and brutalist-style buildings centered around the Leonard Lief Library and the Shuster Hall. Key facilities include the state-of-the-art Science Hall, the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, and the APEX Athletic Facility. The campus also features the Lehman College Art Gallery and the Lehman Greenhouse. Its architecture and landscaping provide a distinct academic environment within the New York City landscape.

Student life

Student life is vibrant with over 100 clubs and organizations, including cultural groups like the Black Student Union and the Latin American Student Organization. The Student Government Association plays a key role in campus governance and programming. Major annual events are held at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts concerts, dance, and theater productions. Students participate in community engagement through the Office of Community Engagement and service-learning projects across Bronx neighborhoods. Media outlets include the student newspaper, *The Meridian*, and the radio station, WLHR.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved prominence in diverse fields such as politics, arts, and academia. In government, notable figures include former United States Representative Eliot Engel and New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera. The arts are represented by actors John Leguizamo and Annabella Sciorra, and playwright Miguel Piñero. In literature, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and United States Poet Laureate Billy Collins is a distinguished graduate. Other notable alumni include journalist Geraldo Rivera and educator Carmen Fariña, former Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education.

Athletics

The college's athletic teams, known as the Lehman Lightning, compete in the NCAA Division III as a member of the City University of New York Athletic Conference. The department fields teams in sports such as basketball, soccer, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. Home games are primarily held at the APEX Athletic Facility on campus. The Lightning have won numerous CUNYAC championships, particularly in women's volleyball and men's basketball. The athletics program emphasizes the student-athlete model, aligning with the NCAA Division III philosophy.

Category:City University of New York Category:Universities and colleges in New York City Category:Educational institutions established in 1931 Category:The Bronx