“A Fierce Determination” Archival Exhibit Chronicles College’s 75-Year History In Objects, Images, Words

From the silver shovel that Mayor Fiorello La Guardia used to break ground on the Brooklyn College campus to the costume that Jimmy Smits wore when he played Othello in a Department of Theater production, the anniversary archival exhibit currently on display at the College includes the artifacts large and small that illuminate a collective history. Encompassing photographs that capture student anti-war demonstrations and “streaking” members of the College’s swimming team, as well as cherished mementos of favorite professors, the exhibit will evoke memories for those who have spent time on the historic campus and will serve as an introduction to anyone curious about the remarkable institution that has earned a reputation as “Brooklyn’s Harvard.”

“A Fierce Determination: 75 Years of Excellence” is open to the public through the end of the year in the Brooklyn College Library. This summer the library is open to the public daily, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., although the campus is closed on Fridays in July and August. Visitors to the campus who present valid photo identification will be issued a day pass that will allow them to tour the library exhibit and wander the College’s twenty-six acres, deemed by the Princeton Review in 2003 to be the “most beautiful” college campus in the United States.

The Brooklyn College Library exhibition draws on the tens of thousands of items that have been thoughtfully collected and preserved in the College archives. Organized by themes—“Alumni,” “The Junction,” “Early Years” and so on— the exhibit surveys aspects of the College’s and the borough’s growth.

“This seventy-fifth anniversary exhibition is a grand opportunity for the community to reflect on the College’s accomplishments,” says College Archivist Anthony M. Cucchiara. “We are celebrating the legions of graduates who today lead many of our nation’s political, cultural, legal, business, and educational institutions. Their contributions are legendary and lead the way for generations of students to come.”

Brooklyn College is located in the Flatbush/Midwood neighborhood between the junction of Flatbush and Nostrand avenues and Ocean Avenue and Avenue H. Meter parking is available, and campus is easily accessible by public transportation. By subway, take the Q Local to the Avenue H station, at Avenue H & East 16th Street and walk four blocks east (you’ll see the famous LaGuardia bell tower; walk towards that) to the Ocean Avenue entrance. You can also take the Q Local to the Avenue J station, at Avenue J & East 16th Street, and transfer to the B6 or B11 going east to Bedford Avenue at Campus Road. Or take the Number 2 train (7th Avenue Local) to the Brooklyn College/Flatbush Avenue station, and walk a short block down Hillel Place to the campus. For more information, visit the College Web site at www.brooklyn.cuny.edu.