Collection on Stephen Stepanchev

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: SCA-0137

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains biographical materials and images on Stepanchev; papers nominating Stepanchev to the position of Poet Laureate of the Borough of Queens; Stepanchev's poem for the anniversary of Queens College in 1987; and seven volumes of Stepanchev's poetry, some with inscriptions.

Dates

1956 - 2017

Creator

Stepanchev, Stephen, 1915-2017 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Appointments to examine materials must be made in advance. Please email QC.archives@qc.cuny.edu for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Conditions Governing Use

Reproductions may be provided to users to support research and scholarship. However, collection use is subject to all copyright laws. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Biographical Note

Stephen Stepanchev (1915-2017) was a Professor Emeritus of English at Queens College and the author of 13 volumes of poetry. Stepanchev taught at Queens College for 36 years (1949-1985) and was named the first Poet Laureate of the Borough of Queens (1997 to 2017). For the 50th anniversary of Queens College in 1987, he edited The People's College on the Hill: Fiifty Years at Queens College.

Born in the Serbian village of Mokrin, Stephen and his mother immigrated to Chicago when he was seven. On a scholarship, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Chicago and stayed for a master’s degree. Drafted during World War II, he served in the Army's Adjutant General's Office, returning from Europe with a Bronze Star. After that he earned his PhD at New York University. He passed away on April 23, 2017, at the age of 102.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (One 12x15 flat box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Materials donated by Robert (Bob) Weller in August, 2023. Weller was an Assistant Provost at Queens College for 17 years, retiring in 2003. As Director of the Queens College's 50th Anniversary in 1987, he asked Stepanchev to write a poem to mark the occasion. Weller also nominated Stepanchev to become the first Poet Laureate of the Borough of Queens.