Many of you have responded to the Fall 2011/Winter 2012 cover story, “The Field Building at 17 Lex Gets a Makeover.” A few reader responses have been collected below. Do their comments resonate with you?
And while you are thinking about your 17 Lex days, do you recognize any of the places or items in the above collage? Clue: All can be found in today’s Field Building at 17 Lexington Avenue.
Edith (Kaufman) Silverberg (’55): When I attended Baruch, 17 Lex was the entire campus and classroom location. I hope my 2011 pledge to the Baruch Means Business Campaign helps fund the 17 Lex renovation project!
*Edith is one half of a Baruch couple. Her husband, Alvin Silverberg, is a graduate of the class of 1954.
Anthony Montuori (’61): When I think about 17 Lexington Avenue and Baruch College, I think about my undergraduate education and how I almost didn’t finish my degree.
I joined Standard Brands, Inc., in 1949 as a mailroom messenger. My dad, who was a barber, had spoken to one of his clients who managed the Fuller Building at 57th Street and Madison Avenue. He arranged an interview that led to an entry-level position.
In the 1950s, the building manager called me to his office and asked how I was and whether I was going to school to further my education. At that time, I was questioning whether I needed to attend or finish college.
What I didn’t know was that one of the tenants in the building was Bernard Baruch. After a few days, the building manager again called me and asked me to meet him at a particular elevator in the lobby. He asked me to get on that elevator and go to a specific floor. When the elevator doors opened, a very tall gentleman stepped into the elevator, and we proceeded to ride down together.
The man was Bernard Baruch. He addressed me by name and asked if I was still going to school. He went on to explain the importance of an education and said that I should go to “his school” in the evening since it was on 23rd Street, an easy subway ride from 57th Street. As a result of that conversation, I went on to complete my BBA degree at Baruch College at night. Subsequently, I attended executive training programs and also attended several special training programs, even some abroad. But I have never forgotten that brief but exhilarating elevator ride.
I am indebted to Bernard Baruch, the man, for his sage advice and to Baruch, the school, for helping me get a great education. I still miss the student associations at 17 Lex.
Laurette (Talbot) Nassetta (’50): I remember fondly my days at City College, especially student activities. I was a member of the Newman Club from 1946 through 1950.
Mrs. Nassetta helped us identify this photo taken of the Newman Club in the ninth-floor lounge for The Lexicon. “Enna Fenton is the first one on the far left of the 2nd row, and I am next to her.”
Eric Davis (’84)
When I went to Baruch in the early 80’s, all the buildings were in such bad shape you survived going there. ALL 10 buildings were in disrepair, the library was the NYPL and you never ate anything that was unwrapped. IN a way I am jealous of how new everything is today.