The lawn at the center of Brooklyn College's campus in Midwood is open again. The college cut the ribbon on its renovated East Quad, the outdoor green that has been the heart of campus life since it was built in 1938, at a campus day with students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors and community partners.

The same day, the college announced that its fundraising campaign had finished early and launched a new one aimed at its centennial in 2030.

What changed on the quad

The work took about 10 months. According to the college, crews removed 11,000 tons of dirt, replaced 1,500 linear feet of pipes and irrigation lines, and planted 18 new elm trees, two red maples and other species. The renovation added upgraded pathways, new landscaping, seating areas, lighting and green space, with the goal of making the quad more accessible and sustainable while keeping its character.

The lawn was originally built with public funds. State Senator Andrew Gounardes advocated for the renovation and helped advance state capital funding for it.

Brooklyn College President Michelle J. Anderson led the ribbon cutting, joined by Mohamed Attalla, CUNY's vice chancellor for facilities; Robert J. Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York; Anthony R. Castellanos, chair of the Brooklyn College Foundation board; and Edwin H. Cohen, the board's former chair and a current trustee.

A campaign that closed early

The college's Boundless Brooklyn campaign had a goal of 125 million dollars and raised 131 million, closing 15 months ahead of schedule. Its main priorities were scholarships and completion grants for students.

The campaign closed with a 15 million dollar endowment grant from The Tow Foundation, which establishes the Tow Mentorship Center on campus. Mentors and students from the Tow Mentoring Initiative spoke at the event.

The Road to 100

Brooklyn College turns 100 in 2030. Its new initiative, the Road to 100, aims to raise another 100 million dollars before then, for academics, student opportunities, facilities and engagement with alumni and the community. Philip F. Napoli, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, chairs the planning committee.

The centerpiece is a Library of the Future project, which would turn the college's historic library into a modern center for learning, research, creativity, technology and public events while keeping it at the center of campus. The plan also includes continued renovation of Ingersoll Hall and Roosevelt Hall.

Malcolm J. Merriweather, who holds the Tania León Chair of Music at the college, closed the day with a performance.

Getting there

Brooklyn College is at 2900 Bedford Avenue in Midwood. The Flatbush Avenue-Brooklyn College station, the last stop on the 2 and 5, is a short walk from campus.

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