As I enter my fifth year as president of Baruch College, my pride in our accomplishments and my resolve to drive positive change have only deepened. Each year, we raise the bar in serving our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and communities. When we chose Together, We Are Unstoppable as the theme for our Strategic Plan 2023-28, we knew we were setting our sights high—and Baruch is more than delivering.
National Recognition and a Growing Impact
For the second consecutive year, Baruch has been ranked #1 in the U.S. for best value by The Wall Street Journal. This incredible honor, alongside top national rankings from U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, The Princeton Review, and Money reaffirms our commitment to high-quality education, accessibility, and transformative student outcomes.
Building on this momentum, Baruch recently received a historic $2.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education—the largest federal grant in our history to support student success. Just two weeks earlier, the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences secured a nearly $2 million grant from the Edmond J. Safra Foundation, providing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students and establishing a prestigious visiting professorship that will rotate across five disciplines.
Even the White House has taken notice, naming Baruch as one of only 20 partners in the national effort to grow the cyber and tech workforce. We are creating new pathways for nontraditional students, addressing the demand for talent in cybersecurity, AI, and technology, where over half a million positions await skilled Baruchians.
Baruch Connects campus events—such as (left to right) Diwali and Rosh Hashanah celebrations—have been a fun way to grow our community this academic year.
Our Exceptional Community
Our community continues to shine. This fall, eight Baruch professors were named to Stanford University and Elsevier’s “Top 2% Scientists” list for 2024, joining the ranks of the world’s most influential researchers. Our alumni are also making waves—10 were celebrated on CUNY’s inaugural “50 Under 50” list, blazing trails in fields like entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and public service.
Embracing Diversity and Dialogue
At Baruch, we embrace challenges head-on. In a time of heightened division, we have launched Baruch Connects, a yearlong, College-wide initiative that celebrates our incredible diversity and fosters meaningful dialogue. With expanded intercultural festivals and our Respectful Dialogue Series, Baruch Connects is creating a vibrant, inclusive environment where ideas are freely exchanged, and every voice is heard. This is more than a campus initiative; it’s a model for the world we want to build.
Preparing for the Future of Work
The skills our students gain through initiatives like Baruch Connects—openness, flexibility, and cultural sensitivity— will serve them well in the evolving workforce. In this edition’s feature, “The Future of the Office,” we explore how changes in remote and hybrid work are reshaping the professional landscape. For our students, and especially our junior professionals, mentorship from engaged alumni like you has never been more valuable. Thank You, Alumni! Thank you for being part of Baruch’s journey—by reading this magazine, attending events, mentoring and hiring our students, and supporting the Baruch College Fund. Your continued partnership propels us forward into an exciting future.
With deep appreciation,
S. David Wu
President, Baruch College