York President Welcomes Freshmen at their Homes

QUEENS, NY – York College is doing something unique to welcome incoming freshmen. 

In what she calls the “The Welcome Wagon,” Dr. Claudia Schrader, interim president at York College/CUNY in Jamaica, Queens, visited three incoming first-year students at their homes, bearing a bag of York Cardinal swag.

“Part of the goal of these visits is to make the students feel welcomed as they start a new chapter in their lives in higher education,” said Dr. Schrader, during the inaugural last Monday (April 15). By way of The Welcome Wagon, Dr. Schrader briefly talks to first-year students about their educational goals and answers any questions about college life. 

Dr. Schrader, along with Admissions Director Anthony Davis, visited with incoming freshmen Mia, a nursing major; Simranjit, an accounting major, and Omdai, a health science major, and their families.

“It is only right that at a college whose history and existence in Southeast Queens was rooted in community activism, I too would be active in the community, making my way to all the Queens neighborhoods, outer boroughs, and beyond to welcome students to York,” said Dr. Schrader.

Although last week’s ride was the first at York College, Dr. Schrader has visited more than 100 incoming students at their homes and places of business since 2020 as a college president and the first in CUNY to do so.

About York College

York College/CUNY was founded in 1966 and is located on a 50-acre campus in Jamaica, Queens. Currently led by Interim President Claudia V. Schrader, York College is committed to the four pillars identified in its strategic plan, One York: student success, academic excellence, faculty/staff support, and a vibrant campus. The College offers over 50 bachelor's and master's degree programs.