LaGuardia Community College Hosts Holiday Reception to Thank Community Partners for Supporting Student Success
Annual event marked launch of LaGuardia and Wagner Archives 2025 calendar “Gotham Transformed; How 19th Century Innovation Shaped New York City” — available for download/ free order today
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (December 20, 2024) — LaGuardia Community College/CUNY hosted a holiday reception today to express gratitude to community partners for their ongoing collaboration in supporting student success. The annual event also marked the launch of a 2025 calendar produced by the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives, themed Gotham Transformed; How 19th Century Innovation Shaped New York City. The calendar is available to the public at no cost — by download or hard copy (see details below).
New York State Assemblyman David I. Weprin (District 24) and Assemblyman Steven Raga (District 30), New York State Senator John C. Liu (District 16), and New York City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers (District 31) attended the event and shared remarks. Representatives from Commonpoint Queens, Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities, Elmhurst Hospital, Riis Settlement, Steady Buckets, and Urban Upbound were also present.
Kenneth Adams, President of LaGuardia Community College, thanked attendees for their invaluable partnership, which helps the college serve the Queens and wider New York City communities. “Being a community college creates unique opportunities and responsibilities for us,” he said. “We are committed to our obligations to the Queens community, and our partners help us fulfill that mission in many ways.”
President Adams highlighted the support from community-based organizations, which have provided internships and other opportunities for LaGuardia students. “This fall semester, LaGuardia was second in the CUNY system for enrollment growth, reflecting the community’s trust in our promise of education and support.”
State Assemblyman Weprin congratulated President Adams on the college’s recent success, saying, “President Adams has elevated the leadership at LaGuardia Community College. His extensive experience in state and city government, as well as the private sector, has been instrumental. It’s great to see the energy and dedication here at LaGuardia.”
State Senator John Liu added, “LaGuardia is a world-class institution and a vital part of our higher education fabric. Congratulations on all the partnerships and achievements.”
Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers emphasized the importance of institutions like LaGuardia in providing New Yorkers with the tools they need to thrive. “Access to affordable education, especially at CUNY, is a key pillar of equity. Despite budget challenges, the City Council has secured essential funding for CUNY, including operational support and programs to help adults return to higher education.”
The event celebrated the launch of the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives 2025 wall calendar. Dr. Gretchen Aguiar, Project Director, spoke about the theme, Gotham Transformed; How 19th Century Innovation Shaped New York City, which highlights the dynamic period when New York City evolved into a financial capital, driven by bold innovations in trade, transit, and infrastructure. The publication is made possible with support from The New York City Council.
“The 2025 Calendar captures New Yorkers making big bets, in the face of naysayers, in building a city for our future. Standouts include carving out part of increasingly valuable real estate to create an 843-acre park, Central Park, for all of us. And in 1900, breaking ground for the New York City subway; just four years later, 28 subway stations were operating,” said Dr. Aguiar.
Guests enjoyed a performance by the LaGuardia Community College Jazz Ensemble, directed by Thomas Dempsey, Professor of Music and Director of the Music Performance Program. The Ensemble is comprised of Musical Performance majors: Nia Jackson, vocals; Jeremy Block, guitar; Shamar Stoddard, bass; and Seth Lowtan, drums.
Guests also received holiday cookies baked by LaGuardia Nutrition & Culinary students, along with LaGuardia mugs and tote bags.
The 2025 Gotham Transformed; How 19th Century Innovation Shaped New York City calendar may be viewed or downloaded for free on the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives website. Printed copies may be requested by calling the Archives at (718) 482-5065.
• • • •
The LaGuardia and Wagner Archives at LaGuardia Community College/CUNY chronicles the past 150 years of New York City history, with a growing focus on Queens and the outer boroughs. Housing more than two million documents, and with 100,000 photographs digitized and accessible on its website, the Archives serves students, scholars, journalists, policy makers, and exhibition planners. Collections include the records of the New York City Council and the New York City Housing Authority; explorations into Queens local history and LGBTQ activism in Queens; as well as selected documents from the administrations of Mayors Fiorello H. LaGuardia, William O’Dwyer, Robert F. Wagner, John V. Lindsay, Abraham D. Beame, Edward I. Koch, David Dinkins, and Rudolph Giuliani.
LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
####