Brooklyn College CUNY Notable Alumni

Brooklyn College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, is a prestigious public institution located in Brooklyn, New York. Renowned for its commitment to accessible education and academic excellence, the college has produced a remarkable array of alumni who have made significant contributions across diverse fields such as politics, academia, science, and business. Since its founding in 1930, Brooklyn College has fostered a legacy of innovation and leadership, with graduates shaping local communities and global industries through their groundbreaking work and dedication to public service.

Notable Alumni:

• Bernie Sanders - U.S. Senator and prominent political figure advocating for progressive policies and social justice.
• Shirley Chisholm - First Black woman elected to Congress, pioneering civil rights and gender equality advocacy.
• Alan Dershowitz - Renowned lawyer and Harvard Law professor known for high-profile legal defenses.
• Barbara Boxer - Former U.S. Senator from California, influential in environmental and social policy reforms.
• Irwin Shaw - Celebrated novelist and playwright, author of bestsellers like "The Young Lions."
• Sam Levenson - Beloved humorist and author, known for witty commentary on family life.
• Richard J. Herrnstein - Influential psychologist and co-author of controversial works on intelligence and behavior.
• Stanley Kaplan - Founder of Kaplan, Inc., revolutionizing test preparation and educational services worldwide.
• Mel Brooks - Iconic filmmaker and comedian, creator of classics like "Blazing Saddles."
• Paul Mazursky - Acclaimed film director and screenwriter, known for socially insightful movies.
• Frank McCourt - Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Angela’s Ashes," chronicling immigrant struggles.
• Robert Reiner - Esteemed director and actor, known for films like "When Harry Met Sally."

Famous People Who Attended Brooklyn College, CUNY:

• Mel Brooks - Legendary comedian and director of iconic satirical films.
• Dom DeLuise - Beloved comedic actor known for roles in Mel Brooks’ films.
• Jerry Stiller - Iconic comedian and actor, famous for "Seinfeld" and "The King of Queens."
• Jimmy Smits - Award-winning actor known for roles in "NYPD Blue" and "The West Wing."
• Gary David Goldberg - Emmy-winning producer and creator of "Family Ties."

The impact of Brooklyn College alumni resonates both locally and globally, with graduates like Shirley Chisholm and Bernie Sanders shaping political discourse and advocating for systemic change in the United States. In entertainment, figures like Mel Brooks and Jerry Stiller have left an indelible mark on comedy and film, influencing generations of artists. Meanwhile, innovators like Stanley Kaplan have transformed education on a worldwide scale. While this list highlights some of the most prominent names, comprehensive alumni records may be limited, and further details can be explored through trusted sources like the official Brooklyn College website at www.brooklyn.cuny.edu. These alumni exemplify the college’s mission of fostering talent and driving progress across diverse spheres.