History of Baruch College Book and Exhibit
5. A COLLEGE IS BORN, 1962-1968
Many changes took place since the establishment of the School of Business and Civic Administration in 1919. The school was established during a period when business education was in its infancy and grew to a prominent place among institutions of higher education in New York City. This booklet was published to celebrate its achievements as of 1969. [Source: Baruch College Archives. The Bernard M. Baruch School of Business and Public Administration, 50th Anniversary 1968-1969. The Bernard M. Baruch College, A Tradition of Achievement -- A Future of Excellence, 1968.]
The need for additional space for the Baruch school was an ongoing concern. In 1966 it looked a bit more promising that funds would be made available for a new campus. Several proposals were made, one of which was to move the college to Harlem. After much opposition the plan was dropped. [Source: Baruch College Archives. The Ticker, May 17, 1966.]
Another site proposal for a new campus was the Washington Market site. It was one of the more popular proposals because it was close to the business centers of New York. This plan also never materialized. [Source: Baruch College Archives. The Ticker, March 29, 1966.]
The Keppel Report was brought together to consider the future of Baruch College and it finally reached a decision in favor of a separate college. [Source: Baruch College Archives. Board of Higher Education, Special Committee on the Future of the Baruch School. "Report and Recommendations on the Bernard M. Baruch School of Business and Public Administration, September 27, 1967."]
The transition from a school of City College to an independent senior college within the City University of New York officially took place between September 1967 and July 1, 1968. The transition process unfolded over the next several years. [Source: Baruch College Archives. Lexicon, 1969.]
After many different proposals were made for additional space, the college acquired 155 East 24th street. [Source: Baruch College Archives.]
The building at 155 East 24th street made space available for administrative offices as well as the library. [Source: Baruch College Archives.]
The building at 155 East 24th street was an imposing structure, which everyone hoped would help solve the Baruch College Space issues. [Source: Baruch College Archives.]
This view shows the entrance to the new facility. [Source: Baruch College Archives.]
Although the new space needed much work, it was a welcome addition to the Baruch College community. [Source: Baruch College Archives.]
Getting the facility ready for the college meant many renovations. [Source: Baruch College Archives.]
Several reports were produced attempting to define a new, autonomous Baruch College. In what became known as the Love Report, a structure for the college was proposed with two equal schools. [Source: Baruch College Archives. "A Proposed Organizational Structure for the Bernard M. Baruch College and a Report, Requirements and Concepts of Organization Functions and Authority in the Bernard M. Baruch College," January 1968.]
Robert Weaver was chosen as the first president of the new Baruch College in 1968. He was the first African-American to achieve this status. His tenure was short (running only until 1970) yet he served during years full of challenges facing the college. [Source: Baruch College Archives.]
