CUNY has long been known as a home for powerful voices and groundbreaking writers — so much so that The New York Times once dubbed it “Poetry U.” From Audre Lorde to Billy Collins, the university has nurtured poets who not only shaped literature but also challenged norms and gave voice to the unheard. Now, a new name is being added to that list: Stephanie Pacheco, a 21-year-old student at Borough of Manhattan Community College, whose poem “Dear CUNY” is earning recognition and admiration across New York and beyond.
A Poetic Tribute to Public Education
Earlier this April, as part of National Poetry Month, Stephanie unveiled her poem at a special event hosted at Queensborough Community College. Titled “Dear CUNY,” the poem is a heartfelt ode to the university that has shaped her and countless others.
In one powerful line, she wrote:
“I don’t know of any other school that runs its city like you / That paints its town with its face like you.”
These lines are more than poetic — they speak directly to what makes CUNY special: its deep connection to New York City, its diversity, and its accessibility. “Everywhere I turn, every building is a student / Every train car is a classroom,” Stephanie continued, painting a vivid picture of how education weaves through the very fabric of the city.
A Rising Star with a Powerful Message
Stephanie Pacheco is no stranger to accolades. In 2023, she was named the National Youth Poet Laureate — the first from New York State and previously the youth poet laureate of New York City. Her poetry often focuses on social justice, equity, and identity — themes that align closely with her own experience as a CUNY student and a product of public education.
When asked about her inspiration for “Dear CUNY,” she explained that the words came effortlessly. “It was like the pen was just moving on its own,” she told The New York Times. Her purpose was clear:
“I want it to be known that we CUNY students, that we public school students, that we too are excellent, that we are extraordinary.”
Continuing CUNY’s Poetic Legacy
Stephanie’s voice joins a chorus of legendary poets with roots in CUNY. Audre Lorde, a Hunter College alumna and New York State Poet Laureate, is one of the most celebrated voices in American literature. Billy Collins, the former U.S. Poet Laureate, spent years teaching at Lehman College. And today’s CUNY faculty includes Tyehimba Jess, a Pulitzer Prize winner teaching at the College of Staten Island, and Kimiko Hahn, a prominent poet and professor at Queens College.
This rich tradition speaks to CUNY’s longstanding commitment to the humanities — and to nurturing creative expression as a vital part of higher education. Stephanie’s poem reminds us why that commitment matters, especially at a time when the value of a college degree is under question.
A Poem That Speaks for Thousands
More than just a personal tribute, “Dear CUNY” resonates with thousands of current and former CUNY students. It’s a reminder that excellence exists in all corners of education — not just in the Ivy League or elite institutions, but in public colleges filled with hardworking, ambitious students who reflect the city they serve.
Stephanie’s success is a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity, and it shines a spotlight on the meaningful, lasting impact of public education. Her words echo far beyond one poem — they stand as a declaration of pride, power, and purpose.
Stephanie Pacheco’s “Dear CUNY” captures the spirit of a university that has always been about access, diversity, and possibility. As CUNY continues to support the next generation of creators and changemakers, voices like Stephanie’s show the world that excellence isn’t defined by tuition fees or campus size — it’s defined by passion, purpose, and the drive to speak truth through art.
