Interview of Rosalind Snyder, founding Dean of FIT, 1984 November 1

Rosalind Snyder, Founder Dean Emeritus 1944-1963 of FIT, discusses the Institute’s inception at the Central High School of Needle Trades, it’s founding vision, and it’s progression to a college-level institution. Snyder describes the educational trajectory that led to her initial post as Assistant Director alongside Dr. Mortimer Ritter at FIT. She describes the early demographics of students and the evolution of FIT’s curriculum and educational policy, detailing close relationships with the fashion industry itself. Snyder discusses the spirit of collaboration and creativity in the early days of FIT, listing founding educators and innovators who helped the Institute flourish. Snyder pays particular attention to the 1950s wherein FIT found a home on 27th street and, in 1951, was authorized as a community college; cementing its status as an academic institution of note. Snyder retired from her post in 1963, but asserts her continued belief in the permanence of FIT’s unique vision of creative exploration