ORCA Fellows Archive George Lois Collection At CCNY

In 2016 legendary art director George Lois donated the archives of his work to The City College of New York, in his words the most democratic institution of learning in the world. That first year, five City College of New York undergraduates were chosen to spend 10 weeks of hands on experience archiving the collection. Advertising and Public Relations majors Stephana Eghan, Carmen Quang and Catherine Okoye; and their Electronic Design and Multimedia peers Anna Pinger and Maria Tsampas, were the first cohort of ORCA Fellows at CCNY.

ORCA (Opportunities in Research and Creative Arts) is a program funded by a grant from CUNY.  Initiated by Professors Christine Li, David Jeruzalmi and Renata Miler, it seeks to increase the retention and success of first-year freshman and transfer students by involving them in cutting-edge work at the college. “The program exposes students to issues relating to creativity and what generates creativity,” said Edward Keller, associate professor in the Media and Communication Arts department. “When you work on the The George Lois Big Idea Archives, you are experiencing the work of the man known to be the spark behind the creative revolution in advertising.” The five fellows, selected after a rigorous process, concurred. “I’ve studied George Lois and his work and want to follow in his footsteps as an art director,” said Pinger. “It’s exciting to archive his work and to have meet him.” Pinger and her colleagues got to meet the advertising legend on the first day of their project at CCNY. “They’re passionate about working on this and that’s exciting,” smiled Lois.

Since 1847 The City College of New York has provided low-cost, high-quality education for New Yorkers in a wide variety of disciplines. More than 15,000 students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees. U.S. News, Princeton Review and Forbes all rank City College among the best colleges and universities in the United States. Please help us continue access to the archives to this and other hands on City College programs by donating to the George Lois Big Idea Archives.