Janet Lieberman

Description

Dr. Janet Lieberman was the founder of Middle College High School, Long Island City, NY, established the Explore Transfer program with Vassar College, and helped shape mission of the college in its early years.

Timestamp summary of interview (follows Barbara Carson on tape):
(19:39) Introductions
(20:35) Talks about the educational/economic/social environment of New York City that lead to Open Admission and the creation of new community colleges.
(21:35) “The Chancellor’s cabinet had many young men and several became community college presidents – they had shown their capabilities - Joseph Shenker had become president.”
(22:33) “Each community college that was formed at that time had a mission. Our mission was Cooperative Education this was going to be the experimental college.”
(23:33) Dr. Lieberman came to work at LaGCC in February 1971. “There was 8 faculty and administrators – a blank slate. They made all these decisions - it was a very exciting time.”
(25:54) Dr. Lieberman led a Faculty Development Program in the summer of 1971, centered on risk taking, which served as an orientation for faculty members. Goes on to describe the program and activities such as a helicopter ride, map making, photography of surrounding area to orient faculty to the area and location of college
(29:39) “There was a great emphasis on excellence – no such thing as 9 -5. There was a mission - we wanted to be the best.”
(30:23) Talks about role in college and hiring for Remediation and Basic Skills programs and faculty in general.
(31:10) Worked with Mary Ryan, Assistant to the Dean of Faculty, to design a college curriculum.
(31:45) Describes the first entering class of the college and personally greeting all the students walking on the first day with President Joseph Shenker and Dean Ann Marcus. “It was very impressive – the message was we are happy to have you.”
(33:06) Dr. Lieberman said students loved to be acknowledged as individuals. “A common complaint when kids dropped out was “No one knew my name.””
(34:56) Describes LaGCC as a leader in collaboration to serve community needs.
(36:50) Talks about the creations of Middle College High School
[Tape cuts off at 40:02, interview was not complete at this time]