In June 1973 the first commencement exercises were held.

Medgar Evers College, the smallest and newest four-year college in the City Universuty of New York, held the first full commencement exercise of its two-year existence at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. About 150 joined a graduating class totaling 38 students. A school spokesman provided an ethnic breakdown of the class as eight Spanish, one African, two Chinese, and 27 blacks.

The commencement address was delivered by Carmel Carrington Marr, State Commissioner of Public Services. Commissioner Marr spoke of the opportunity the class was receiving as a result of the civil right struggles throughout the years.

“There are many opportunities now but there are still many doors that are closed,” she said.

“7,500 Get Degrees at N. Y. U. Commencement.” The New York Times, June 6, 1973