Awards & Honors

 

The Spitzer School is thrilled to congratulate architect Joseph L. Fleischer ’65 ’66, FAIA, for being presented with the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa at City College’s 170th commencement ceremony on June 2, 2023.

In his address to the spirited crowd of graduating students, loved ones, and alumni, Fleischer spoke about his time as a student. He shared that he met his wife, Carolyn Fleischer ’68, during his final year at CCNY — and recognized that she deserves credit for this honor as well. He implored members of the class of 2023 to stay connected with the college and to help future students in any way they can. “When you are successful — and you will be — don’t forget where you came from, and give a boost to the college and the next generation of students!”

Fleischer’s honorary degree celebrates his outstanding career in architecture as well as his dedication to CCNY. In the course of his 45-year career, he has managed the design of facilities across the United States and the world, and his projects have been recognized with numerous awards.

He has remained actively involved at CCNY, serving as president of the Alumni Association of The City College of New York for three years and on The Foundation for City College Board since 2021. He and his wife set up a gift trust to both the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture and the School of Education through the college’s 1847 Society. In 1999, the Alumni Association awarded him its prestigious Townsend Harris Medal for Professional Achievement in the field of architecture.

Fleischer is the recipient of the Architecture Alumni Group’s Professional Achievement Award as well as the Alumni Association’s Service Award. He is a Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association’s Executive Board.