On Aug. 27, 2001, when the College opened the doors of the Vertical Campus building at 55 Lexington Avenue, the Baruch College experience was forever changed.
The entire College community was justifiably proud of the architecturally dazzling building, with its 14 stories curving skyward. The VC offered state-of-the-art instructional technology and media. A true campus hub designed to re-create the atmosphere of a traditional college campus, the new facility integrated the Zicklin School of Business and the Mildred and George Weissman School of Arts and Sciences. This first-time proximity created a host of social and multidisciplinary opportunities.
The building has received many honors. In 2003 the American Institute of Architects awarded it the highest honor given to an individual building. In 2005 the VC was renamed the William and Anita Newman Vertical Campus (or NVC) in honor of alumnus Bill Newman (’47, LLD [Hon.] ’97) and his wife, generous donors to the College.
The building’s anniversary comes at a pivotal time, as the College embarks on the renovation of the beloved Lawrence and Eris Field Building at 17 Lexington Avenue. The transformative story of the NVC inspires the work ahead at 17 Lex.
—Diane Harrigan
Share your NVC memories at alumni.baruch.cuny.edu