Timeline – Macaulay Honors College 25th Anniversary

LOOKING BACK: MILESTONES

Macaulay’s twenty-five-year history has been shaped by students, alumni, faculty, and steadfast supporters. Browse the timeline to read their stories and see how we’ve built one of the nation’s most influential public honors colleges.

Macaulay Honors Establishes the Dean’s Medal

The Macaulay Family

As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, Macaulay Honors College is proud to announce the establishment of the Dean’s Medal, a new distinction recognizing individuals whose leadership, achievements, and service embody the ideals of the College and whose impact helps shape the future of New York City. The Dean’s Medal recognizes those whose contributions advance the civic, cultural, educational, and economic vitality of New York,

Macaulay Honors College is honored to award the inaugural Dean’s Medal to the late William E. Macaulay, Linda R. Macaulay, and their daughters, Dr. Elizabeth R. Macaulay and Anne R. Macaulay.

2026

Portrait Installation Honors Dean Emeritus Mary C. Pearl’s Legacy

Mary C. Pearl Portrait Instillation

Macaulay Honors College proudly honored Mary C. Pearl, PhD, Dean Emeritus, with the installation of her official portrait during a special gathering on May 12, 2026. Alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends joined Mary in the Macaulay building to recall special moments during her five-year tenure and celebrate her continued commitment to the college.

A History-Making Moment: Our 25th Anniversary Gala

Thanks to the incredible generosity and commitment of the Macaulay community, the gala raised more than $715,000 in support of the Opportunities Fund, which empowers students to pursue transformative experiences including study abroad programs, unpaid internships, and research assistantships in prestigious laboratories and institutions.

A highlight of the evening was a dynamic fireside chat facilitated by Félix V. Matos Rodríguez featuring distinguished alumni panelists Amrita M. Narine ’13 (Baruch), Shari Andrews, M.D. ’06 (Lehman), Ryan Merola ’07 (Brooklyn) and Lara Porter ’14 (Hunter), who reflected on the lasting impact of their Macaulay experiences and the opportunities that shaped their careers and lives.

Macaulay Honors College Receives a Generous Gift from Gary Schwartz, PhD to Advance Humanities Education

Macaulay Honors College is proud to announce a generous gift of $250,000 from former Director Gary Schwartz, PhD, establishing the Gary Schwartz Endowed Scholarship for Advanced Study in the Humanities.

Students Create Time Capsule for Future Scholars

Macaulay students gathered to preserve memories, predictions, and artifacts from today’s world in a time capsule that will be reopened in 2051.

New Career Closet Supports Students’ Professional Success

Career Closet Opening

Macaulay Honors College announces the launch of its Career Closet, a new resource designed to help students access professional attire as they prepare for internships, interviews, networking opportunities, and their first steps into the workforce. The closet officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the college’s career fair on February 20th, marking milestone in Macaulay’s commitment to student success during its 25th anniversary year.

Students Select an Official New Name for the College’s Mascot

Macaulay’s iconic mountain lion first pounced onto the scene in August 2018, making a debut during orientation activities for the Class of 2022. From tee shirts to the Club Macaulay app, the enthusiastic feline quickly became a Macaulay tradition and honorary member of the Scholars Council.

This January, to celebrate the college’s 25th anniversary, Macaulay launched a campaign to give the mountain lion a name. Students from all eight campuses cast their votes to choose the winner and now, we’re thrilled to officially introduce… MACK, the Macaulay Mountain Lion!

Marking 25 Years of Excellence, Macaulay Honors Dean Emeritus Ann Kirschner

Ann Kirschner portrait installation

As part of Macaulay Honors College’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the college hosted a special reception on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to honor Ann Kirschner, PhD, dean emeritus of Macaulay Honors College, with the installation of her official portrait.

The portrait joins those of the late William E. Macaulay, the college’s namesake and benefactor, and Founding Dean Laura Schor, completing a trio that represents the vision and leadership that have shaped Macaulay since its earliest days.

New Strategic Plan Announced

A Beacon of Excellence in Public Honors Education

Representing the collective vision of the Macaulay Honors College community, this plan charts the investment Macaulay Honors College will make over the next five years to empower talented, purpose-driven students to build a more innovative, resilient, and vibrant New York City—and a better world beyond.

2025

The First Civic Futures Lab Cohort Begins

Civic Futures Lab - DFA - 2025

Macaulay Honors College, in partnership with the Watson Foundation and Design for America (DFA), is proud to launch the Civic Futures Lab—a bold, multi-year program designed to empower students, community members, and external partners to tackle the pressing challenges facing New York City.

Class of 2005 Alumni Reunite for 20-Year Celebration

Class of 2005 - 20th Reunion

On September 7, 2025, Macaulay Honors College alumni from the Class of 2005 reunited for a celebratory brunch at historic Fraunces Tavern in New York City to toast two decades since graduation and reconnect with classmates.

Dr. Jane E. Salmon Scholars Fund is Launched

Jane_E_Salmon

The Dr. Jane E. Salmon Scholars program at Macaulay Honors College is a prestigious award that supports students pursuing transformative experiences in the field of biomedical research.

Ann M. Limberg Becomes Chair of the Macaulay Honors College Foundation Board

Mountain Lion Food Pantry Opens

Macaulay has opened the Mountain Lion Food Pantry with donations from Women at Amazon, an employee-led affinity group. The pantry offers food and household supplies free of charge for students.

Story Lab is Established

Macaulay has launched the Story Lab, a new program training students to become effective communicators. The lab helps students craft personal stories, share them through accessible technologies, and raise their visibility.

First Macaulay Summit on Health Research and Innovation

Macaulay’s Health Summit on Research and Innovation provided two days of invaluable access for students interested in becoming the next generation healthcare innovators.

$7 Million Grant Supports Academic Recovery

Macaulay Receives Support for its Collaborative Academic Recovery Program

Macaulay Partners with the Hospital for Special Surgery

CUNY LGBTQ Consortium Funds the 2025 CUNY Film Festival

Macaulay Honors College announces a year of inspiring programming on campus to celebrate and recognize our LGBTQIA+ community.

Mary Kay and Paul Jeynes Give $500,000

A generous $500,000 gift establishes the Mary Kay and Paul Jeynes Scholarship Fund, and provides students with opportunities to develop a global perspective and appreciation.

Data Literacy Programming Readies Students

New data storytelling course is part of an initiative to acquaint non-STEM students with critical tech skills.

2024

Macaulay Partners with the Design Trust for Public Space

Macaulay Honors College and the Design Trust for Public Space have launched New York: City Designed, giving students hands-on experience in urban planning, design, and preservation through coursework, workshops, site visits, and internships.

Inaugural Datathon Draws 400 CUNY Students

This fall, Macaulay hosted a two-day datathon in partnership with the MTA, where students tackled real-world data challenges, showcasing cross-campus collaboration and honors-level innovation.

Climate Survey Reveals Strong Student Sentiment

Manhattan Borough President's Office Provides Capital Funding

Macaulay has received a grant from the city of New York to facilitate technological upgrades to better prepare students as they graduate and enter professional environments.

2023

New York City Council Helps Fund City Nature Challenge

The New York City Council has pledged $10,000 in discretionary funding to support the expansion of the college’s participation in the annual City Nature Challenge, taking place in April, 2024.

Opportunities Gala Raises $700,000

The event was a resounding success, with attendees gathering to celebrate the achievements of three distinguished honorees – David A. Coulter, Special Limited Partner at Warburg Pincus; Matthew Goldstein, Ph.D., CUNY Chancellor Emeritus; and Michael D. Grohman, Partner at Duane Morris LLP.

Donated Sculpture Enlivens the Reading Room

“Dream to Fly” by modern Chinese artist Liu Shiming is permanently on view for students and the public in the lobby of Macaulay Honors College.

Gray STEM Scholars Program Launches

The Gray STEM Scholars program at Macaulay Honors College is designed to empower STEM students to realize their dreams of a career in STEM research or medicine.

Friedman Transfer Scholars Kick Off Their Macaulay Experience

The Friedman Transfer Scholars Program provides a pathway for CUNY associate students to enter a Macaulay Honors bachelor’s program at one of our partner colleges.

CUNY Honors Business Hub Launches

The CUNY Honors Business Hub is a program designed to help CUNY honors students gain a competitive advantage in business careers. It offers a range of career preparation and business-focused opportunities, including intensive coaching and mentoring from business professionals and need-based support to facilitate participation in career-building experiential learning opportunities.

Liu Shiming Art Foundation Donates $60,000

Each year, one Macaulay student will receive the Liu Shiming Opportunities Fund grant to pursue study abroad, research, or internships focused on Chinese art, culture, language, or history.

Macaulay Partners with New Cinema Plaza

The partnership allows for expansion of New Plaza’s commitment to film education while continuing to screen independent, foreign, and classic movies in the tradition of Lincoln Plaza Cinemas.

Dr. Dara N. Byrne Takes the Helm as Dean

Dara N. Byrne serves as the fourth dean of New York’s William E. Macaulay Honors College. With over two decades of leadership in academia as a professor, researcher, and administrator, Dean Byrne has transformed educational outcomes by leading programs that significantly boost graduation rates for first-generation and low income students.

Macaulay Celebrates it's 20th Year Anniversary with Virtual Gala

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN2Y_ShpGGU

2021

Macaulay Scores 5s Across the Board for the Fifth Year

For the fifth year in a row, Macaulay Honors College has earned 5 mortarboards—the highest rating among public university honors programs. Public University Honors bases its scores on factors such as honors course offerings, class size, staff-to-student ratio, priority registration, and prestigious awards.

2021

Justice and Equity Honors Network Creates a Community of Activist Scholars

The JEHN program equips students to confront injustice, incivility, and political disengagement. JEHN Scholars learn together, exploring these issues through historical and contemporary perspectives and collaborating across disciplines and communities.

New Public Events Bring Macaulay Innovation to the Community

Macaulay has launched two new series of public events: @Macaulay Authors and Inside Look @Macaulay.

The Bridge Program’s First Cohort Graduate

First Macaulay Bridge graduates affirm success of initiative to open honors college to community college transfer students.

2020 NYC City Nature Challenge Supports Urban Environments

Macaulay Honors College will host the NYC City Nature Challenge in partnership with global organizers, inviting New Yorkers to help document the city’s wildlife.

2020

New Pipeline Programs Offer a Fast Track to Graduate School

CUNY SPH and Macaulay Honors College have launched an accelerated pipeline program that lets Macaulay students take graduate public health courses as juniors and seniors, enabling them to complete their bachelor’s and an MPH or MS just one year after graduation.

Macaulay Pilots a Community College Transfer Program

Macaulay Honors College has accepted community college transfer students for the first time through its new Bridge program, opening up more access and diversity.

Anthony E. Meyer succeeds William E. Macaulay as Chair of the Macaulay Honors College Foundation Board

Macaulay Welcomes New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado

Rossana Rosado at Macaulay

Macaulay welcomes award-winning media professional and New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado for a Diversity in Women’s Leadership event designed to inspire future leaders.

2018

First-Ever Macaulay Honors College Gala

The Macaulay Foundation Board hosted its first-ever Opportunities Gala to raise funds for experiential learning, exceeding expectations.

Thamara V. Jean ’18 Named Rhodes Scholar

Thamara Jean 2018 Hunter College

In November 2017, Thamara V. Jean '18 (Hunter College) became the third student from Macaulay Honors College to receive the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.

Nobel Laureate Dr. Harold Varmus Teaches at Macaulay Honors College

Nobel Prize–winning scientist and former National Cancer Institute Director Dr. Harold Varmus engages the Macaulay community in a public conversation with Alan Alda and teaches the seminar The Purpose, Practice, and Politics of Science, exploring the scientific enterprise from research, policy, and communication perspectives.

Joseph M. Schor Reading Room is Unveiled

Macaulay Honors College is proud to rename its popular student study area The Joseph M. Schor Reading Room in honor of Dr. Schor’s deep and abiding love of books and reading. His widow, Professor Laura Schor, was the founding Dean of Macaulay.

2017

Macaulay Receives Highest Rating Among Public Honors Colleges

Macaulay Honors College has earned the highest regional rating of five “mortarboards” from Public University Honors, placing it among the top honors programs nationally.

2016

Macaulay Celebrates its 15 Year Anniversary

Kenan Charitable Trust Grant Provides Student Mental Health Counseling

Macaulay Honors College at The City University of New York is pleased to announce that it has received an $817,950 grant from the William R.Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust to build an innovative model of comprehensive mental health delivery. It will provide students with direct, professional mental health counseling, services, and guidance. The gift also is in support of Macaulay’s Opportunities Fund and will allow students to take advantage of opportunities for study and service abroad.

Mary C. Pearl is Named Macaulay Dean

Macaulay Honors College has appointed Dr. Mary C. Pearl as its new Dean. A distinguished scientist and educator, Dr. Pearl brings a strong record of leadership, innovation in curriculum development, and fundraising success that positions the college for continued growth.

Chancellor’s Strategic Investment Initiative Provides $485,000

Macaulay has received nearly $500,000 from the Chancellor’s Strategic Investment Initiative to develop global environmental studies and applied data analytics programs.

Tom Brigandi '12, CFA Wins Pioneer Alumni Award

Macaulay has awarded its inaugural Pioneer Alumni Award to Tom Brigandi ’12, CFA, a graduate who exemplifies post‑graduation impact through mentorship, professional achievement, and service.

Generous Donation Funds New Hertog Scholars Program

Roger Hertog with Hertog Scholars Alan Liang, Victor Law, and Adam Dayan

Macaulay has received $200,000 from the Jack Miller Center and $125,000 from the Hertog Foundation to support the Hertog Scholars Program, which immerses students in seminars on American political principles, history, and critical analysis.

Anthony E. Meyer Donates $1 Million, the College's Largest-Ever Gift

The program supports top students in pursuing international study‑abroad experiences, providing resources to enhance their global learning, and recognizes recipients’ exceptional academic achievements, with an average GPA of 3.9.

2015

31 Students Graduate with Valedictorian or Salutatorian Honors

Commencement 2015

The Class of 2015 has the most award-winning students in Macaulay’s history, earning numerous prestigious scholarships and fellowships, including Fulbright, Goldwater, and Truman awards.

Macaulay Honors College at CUNY Launches New “Science Forward” Open Educational Resource and Video Series

New Media Jobs Incubator and Innovation Lab Launches

Macaulay Partnes With CIEE to Launch Innovative Study-Abroad Model

Macaulay Launches BioBlitz, a Unique Student Research Event

2013

Former CIA Director and General David Petraeus Teaches at Macaulay

Former CIA Director and retired four-star general David Petraeus meets with Macaulay students for the first time and teaches the course Are We on the Threshold of a North American Decade?

2013

Supporting Excellence Conference Establishes a Lasting Tradition

New Media Lab Launches

New Media Lab

Night at the Museum Becomes a New Student Tradition

John Jay College of Criminal Justice Joins the Macaulay Consortium

John Jay College of Criminal Justice joins CUNY’s path breaking William E. Macaulay Honors College.

2012

Macaulay Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

2012

Students Begin Earning Dual Degrees From Home College and Macaulay

2011

Zujaja Tauqeer ’11 Named Rhodes Scholar

Zujaja Tauqeer 2011 Brooklyn College

Zujaja Tauqeer '11 (Brooklyn College) became the second Macaulay student to receive the Rhodes Scholarship in November 2010.

2010

Student-Founded CUNY Film Festival Debuts at Macaulay

The first annual CUNY Film Festival (CUNYFF) was held on March 29, 2009, at Macaulay Honors College, founded by Hunter College student Daniel Cowen to unite CUNY student filmmakers across different campuses, showcasing films and fostering community, and has since grown into a significant annual event for CUNY creatives, supported by organizations like CUNY TV and the NYC Mayor's Office.

2010

David Bauer ’09 Awarded a Rhodes Scholarship

David Bauer '09 (City College) becomes Macaulay Honors College’s first Rhodes Scholar.

Photo includes Rhodes Scholar, David L.V. Bauer, flanked by 2005 winners Eugene Shenderov, left, and Lev Sviridov (future Macaulay Director at Hunter College) on Brooklyn Bridge in 2005.

2009

Renovated Building Opens to Students

The new building was officially opened on April 17, 2008, with a dedication attended by nearly 200 friends of the college, including Senator Charles Schumer, Chancellor Goldstein, and New York City Council member Gale Brewer.

2008

Macaulay Honors College Starts Giving Out Free Tuition to All Eligible New York State Resident Students

2006

The CUNY Honors College Foundation was renamed the Macaulay Honors College Foundation

William E. Macaulay served as the foundation’s first board chair following the renaming.

Macaulay Honors College Becomes the Honors College's Official Name

William E. Macaulay, a 1966 City College graduate who rose to become a billionaire financier, donates a record $30 million to endow the college and purchase a five-story building on West 67th Street for what is renamed the William E. Macaulay Honors College.

Ann Kirschner Becomes the Second Dean

Dr. Ann Kirschner was named Dean of Macaulay Honors College in 2006 and served through January 2016. An author and entrepreneur, Dr. Kirschner holds a Ph.D. in English from Princeton University.