In setting out to create "the MIT for the fashion industries," FIT's founders were clearly onto something. When the college first opened its doors in September 1944, it occupied the top two floors of the High School for Needle Trades, and offered two programs of study (Design and Scientific Management) to 100 students. Today, 11,000 full- and part-time students major in more than 30 different subjects at FIT's eight-building campus.

It started with the vision of a group of apparel manufacturers-including many European immigrants who had brought with them skills passed from generation to generation. Following World War II, they became concerned about educating and training younger generations.

Led by Mortimer C. Ritter, a tailor and educator, and Max Meyer, a retired cloak and suit manufacturer and union organizer, apparel industry leaders organized the Educational Foundation for the Fashion Industries, obtaining a charter from the New York Board of Regents to establish a "fashion institute of design and technology." By 1979, six more buildings had been constructed. Each year, more and more programs and facilities were added to match the tremendous growth of the fashion and design industries.

Today, FIT offers students the kind of education and career opportunities that its founders could only dream about. And FIT's illustrious alumni-like Calvin Klein and Norma Kamali-have ensured that fashion and its related industries remain vital components of the global marketplace.