Emerald Rose McKenzie

Emerald Rose McKenzie graduated from NYI in 1946 as top of her class with first honors. She attended the school in 1942 and attended the school for two years after graduation. 

 

One of the first African American to graduate from Bard College ‘52 to graduate from the College. She majored in sociology as an undergraduate and went on to a long, successful career as a social worker for the Jewish Guild for the Blind after receiving a master’s degree in that field from New York University. 

 

She has a dorm building named McKenzie House at Bard College named after her and

was recently featured during the college's women's history story. The college also has a scholarship named after her.