The transformation of Eugene Lang College over four decades reflects a legacy of enduring changes and constant innovation. What began as the Freshman Year Program became the Seminar College. Then in 1985, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and New School Life Trustee Eugene M. Lang (1919-2017) made a major gift to establish an undergraduate liberal arts college at The New School.

This milestone year marks 40 years of preserving and expanding what the place we call Lang has contributed to the history and impact of the liberal arts at The New School. With the addition of the Bachelor's Program for Adult and Transfer Students this year, Lang continues to evolve and expand access to transformative education.

Over a 40 day countdown students, alumni, faculty, and staff were invited to celebrate our history. From commemorative events, to sharing gems from our archives on social media, to special alumni guest speakers in our classrooms. We now come together to collectively celebrate, reflect and envision our path forward.

6:00PM - Exhibit Unveiling of UNBOUND: Liberal Arts at The New School

6:30PM - Ceremony Presentation

7:00PM - Celebration and Reception

UNBOUND | Liberal Arts at The New School

Telling the history of Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts is similar to telling the history of The New School. It’s a story of chances and changes. There have been many versions of undergraduate liberal arts education developed here. We pick and choose the story we tell to support the version of the college we want. This interactive exhibit explores the history of liberal arts at The New School and Eugene Lang College, asking how will the past impact the future? How will the liberal arts change? How will Lang? 

Events happening throughout the day

SPECIAL GROUP EVENTS

- First Year Fellow/Mentor Reunion Mixer

- Book Talk: Wen Liu, "Feeling Asian American"

- Gural/Freedom Scholars Reunion and Mixer

- Vogue'ology

- Housing/Real Estate Workshop with Alum Haley Havelock

- Social Science and Arts & Humanities Fellows

- BAFA Reunion and Mixer

VISIT A CLASS

Alumni are invited to visit the following classes:

9-11:40AM: History Senior Thesis Seminar with Amanda Bellows

10-11:40AM: Intro ArtHist & Visual Studies with Iliana Cepero-Amador 

10-11:40AM: Political Psychology: Morality, Hierarchies & Groups with Katrina Fincher

2-3:40PM: Contemporary Cuba with Iliana Cepero-Amador

2-3:40PM: FYS: Sonic Futures with Clara Latham, and special topic the Rhythmicon with guest Mike Buffington

4-5:40PM: History of Econ Thought with Kristin Munro

4-6:40PM: Detectives North & South with Juan De Castro

2025 City Visionary Awards

Like The New School itself, City Visionary Award honorees strive to make NYC more equitable, sustainable, and joyful through high-impact work that drives bold progress and innovation. This year's honorees include Eugene M. Lang founder of Eugene Lang College. Click here to register!

This event is part of Lang at 40 special programing in commemoration of its 40th Anniversary and in celebration of liberal arts at The New School.