The Class of 1964 dedicated its Microcosm to Dr. Morton Gottschall, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, who was retiring after 57 years at the College. Dean Gottschall many accomplishments at City College included helping to establish the social science research honors program; initiating the selected student program; helping to organize and sustain House Plan Association; and serving as an officer of the City College Fund since its founding in 1947.
The Class of '64 saw the retirement and eventual return of President Buell Gallagher, one of CCNY's most popular presidents. The years of the Gallagher administration brought the greatest expansion of CCNY's campus since the early 1900s.
In their junior year, the Class of '64 welcomed two new buildings on campus: the Technology Building-Steinman Hall, and the Administration Building. They also witnessed the improvement in the Finley Center, including the complete redecoration of Lewisohn Lounge, and the remodeling of the student cafeteria. After years of planning, the College also added the Department of Architecture and Graphics as well as its first Doctoral programs.
Along with the physical expansion of CCNY's campus, there was an unprecedented rise in social activities with over 150 student organizations on campus. House Plan celebrated its 25 years of existence with a Silver Anniversary Ball. The Musical Comedy Society held a rally in the Grand Ballroom with Liza Minelli entertaining. The Musical Comedy Society also performed a production of "Li'l Abner" at Taft High School. The Baruch School Committee on Human Rights and the Athenian Society were founded.
One of the most important issues for the Class of '64 was reinstating City College's tuition-free policy. In February 1963 a rally was held in Townsend Harris Auditorium to enlist student support for a free tuition bill pending in the legislator. In March, students organized a march in Albany. Since 1964 was an election year, students also canvassed certain politicians' districts with pamphlets and postcards for voters to send to their representatives.
Along with the entire country the Class of 1964 mourned the death President Kennedy who was assassinated on November 22, 1963. The College was closed for the day of his funeral, and the following day a memorial service was held in the Great Hall.
In athletics, the Beaver cross-country squad established itself as one of the best athletic teams to compete for City College. The team brought the Collegiate Track Conference cross-country team championship back to CCNY after a seven-year lapse. With olympic coach, Ed Lucia,CCNY's fencing team tied with Navy for first place in the Intercollegiate Fencing Association Eastern Championships. The swim team won second place in the Metropolitan Championships. CCNY's lacross team continued its winning record thanks to the efforts of Harvey Leshnick, All-American Defenseman in 1963 and Johnny Orlando, All-American Attackman in 1962. The College's rifle team was one of the top ten teams in the country and the best team in the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Rifle League.