York College celebrates 40th anniversary

York College will kick off its 40th anniversary celebrations on Saturday, September 16, with the daylong festival - YorkFest.
When York College first opened in response to a need in the community for another higher education facility, it had 371 students and was located in Bayside, eventually moving 20 years later to Jamaica.
&#8220The whole idea was that Jamaica required some revitalization,” said Robert Parmet, a professor and coordinator of history who was hired as a charter faculty member in 1967. &#8220Jamaica needed a boost.”
In 1986, York College moved to its current home at 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard.
York College has grown to include not only liberal arts but also professional programs. Degrees can also be obtained in accounting, business, computer studies, education, health and social work, among others.
The student population has increased to approximately 6,000 students.
&#8220We're really bursting at the seams,” said Parmet, who is a co-chair of the anniversary committee. &#8220It's a good kind of problem to have. It's nice to be popular.”
York College President Marcia Keizs said that, while looking to the future, the college will continue to serve more students while maintaining high standards of education.
&#8220The founders established a very good foundation so my job is sort of to keep lifting [York College] to the next level,” said Keizs, who has served as president for about 19 months.
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, York College will be holding special events throughout the year, including YorkFest on Saturday, September 16. The event, which will run from noon to 5 p.m., will include live music, campus tours and a free barbecue.
&#8220It gives us a great opportunity to showcase our academic programs as well as showcase our presence in the community,” Keizs said of the 40th anniversary celebrations, adding that York College is a &#8220cultural anchor” in Jamaica.
For more information on York College and to keep updated on its upcoming events, visit www.york.cuny.edu. The college can also be reached by calling 718-262-2000.