In Memoriam: Mayor Edward I. Koch

The passing of Mayor Edward I. Koch earlier today is indeed a sad day for us here at LaGuardia Community College.

On behalf of the entire College community I offer condolences to the family and friends of one of New York’s most popular and beloved mayors.

We mourn the loss of a great man, but reflect with gratitude on the honor he bestowed upon us to preserve his legacy of public service in the Koch Collection housed in the La Guardia and Wagner Archives here on campus.

As one of the College’s earliest and most passionate advocates, Mayor Koch, like his hero and the College’s namesake Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia, was larger than life and dedicated to improving life for all residents of the city he loved. His love for New York and her inhabitants was evident not only in his exuberant engagement with his constituents, but in his diligence in facilitating the city’s economic rebound in the wake of the fiscal crisis of the 1970s.

And he never stopped supporting LaGuardia. As the 2010 recipient of the LaGuardia Community College Foundation’s Innovative Leadership Award we celebrated his legacy and he reminded us of the limitless potential LaGuardia students, faculty and staff embody every day.

LaGuardia is committed to ensuring that students and scholars study this historic city leader’s legacy for years to come.

Dr. Gail O. Mellow President

Ed Koch & LaGuardia Community College: NY Stories

Mayor Ed Koch's decision to donate his papers, photographs and memorabilia to LaGuardia Community College is a gift to all New Yorkers. The Koch Collection will be used by thousands of students, and available to scholars, wishing to study one of New York City's great mayors and an important time in our city's history.

"Ed Koch and LaGuardia Community College: New York Stories" captures personal stories about the Mayor and his wonderfully unique and effective style of governing through interviews with his closest colleagues and friends, and tells of legendary moments in his administration. Included are Dr. Richard Lieberman, Howard Rubenstein, Stanley Brezenoff, Ronay Menschel, Diane Coffey, Gordon Davis, Luis Miranda Jr., and Gail Mellow. Produced and Directed by Monica Lange.
 

La Guardia and Wagner Archives Koch Collection

The LaGuardia and Wagner Archives was established in 1982 to collect, preserve, and make available primary materials documenting the social and political history of New York City. The Koch Collection is a rich and vital resource for students, faculty, researchers and historians alike.

To support the Koch Collection at LaGuardia and Wagner Archives visit: Online Giving

Visit the Koch Collection: La Guardia And Wagner Archives