Everyone loves an underdog who succeeds against the odds. “CCNY Made. Profiles in Grit” is the story of City College of New York alumni who beat the odds to reach the pinnacle of their professions and in the process transformed our world.

Here are just a few:

• Andrew Grove, hearing impaired and a survivor of Nazi occupation and Communist rule became the visionary CEO of Intel Corporation, the manufacturer of the semiconductor chip found in most personal computers today.

• Yip Harburg, the son of immigrants, wrote the lyrics to countless music standards, including "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," one of the most celebrated songs of all times.

• Jonas Salk, facing antisemitism and the rebuke of the scientific community, developed the Salk Vaccine that irradicated polio from the face of the earth.

• Felix Frankfurter, who came to America at 12 speaking no English, would be appointed a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, and help write the unanimous opinion in Brown v. the Board of Education declaring school segregation in the United States illegal.

In "CCNY Made. Profiles In Grit," the stories of CCNY alumni are recounted who exemplify the promise of Townsend Harris, founder of CCNY and The Ephebic Oath affirmed by graduating students every year. "We will strive unceasingly to quicken the public's better, of civic duty; and thus, in all these ways we will strive to transmit this city not only not less, but greater, better and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us."

Join us for an exciting book talk at The City College of New York! Whether you're a bookworm, a fan of CCNY history or just generally curious, this in-person event is perfect for you.

CCNY Society of 1847 member and donor Ronnyjane Goldsmith's new book, "CCNY Made" will be discussed in an intimate setting in Shepard Hall 350, followed by a reception in Shepard Hall - Room 250.