In 1993, Dr. Yolanda T. Moses became City College's tenth President. Dr. Augusta Souza Kappner had served ably as Acting President during 1992-1993. Dr. Moses had previously served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at California State University-Dominguez Hills. A noted cultural anthropologist, she has been elected President of the American Anthropological Association and has also been elected to the Ford Foundation's Board of Trustees. Dr. Moses arrived at City as the College community once again saw both accomplishments and struggle taking place side by side.

President Moses's inauguration was a festive occasion. It was combined with CCNY's New Student Convocation, at which incoming students are welcomed, and with the College's first Alumni Homecoming Day in nearly three decades.