For Claudia Chan, Hunter College wasn't just where she earned her degree — it's where she found her people.
In 2003, Chan arrived on campus already a swimmer, but was unsure whether she would continue swimming, however, she knew she was searching for a community. "I wasn't sure if I was going to swim," she said. "But I was looking for a community. I said, 'Hey, let me join the swim team.' I loved it. That was special for me — being part of athletics." This decision was not without its challenges, as she had to balance her academic and athletic responsibilities, but it was a journey she was willing to embark on.
That decision would shape her life in many ways. A standout performer in the pool, Chan won ten gold medals across 12 CUNYAC championship races and was later inducted into the Hunter College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014. But it wasn't just about winning. Her deepest memories are rooted in the bonds she formed — and kept.
Those relationships carried far beyond graduation. During the early days of motherhood, Chan remembers messaging her teammates often in the middle of the night, overwhelmed. "Someone was always awake and available to respond," Chan said. "That's the kind of bond we built."
To this day, her swim teammates remain a constant presence in her life. "It's amazing," she said. "It's very weird to have friends for that long. Even transitioning into jobs or motherhood — having teammates who've gone through those same life stages before me has been tremendous. They still inspire me now." Their support and shared experiences have not only enriched her personal life but also influenced her professional decisions and growth.
Chan credits Hunter — especially Hunter Athletics — for anchoring her college experience and shaping the direction of her career. Although she initially considered becoming a teacher, her perspective shifted after visiting classrooms throughout New York City as part of her classwork. Witnessing the stark contrast in teaching styles and access to resources across different schools left a lasting impression. "It was really shocking," she said. That exposure encouraged her to think beyond the classroom and consider policy as a tool to address inequity — a commitment that still drives her work today.
As an elementary education major, Chan participated in the Public Service Scholar Program at Hunter, which placed her in the New York State Assembly. Working closely with the Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, she tracked legislation, met with stakeholders, and gained firsthand insight into how policy impacts classrooms.
Since then, Chan has spent over a decade at LaGuardia Community College, a CUNY institution, where she now serves as Deputy Director of Government Relations. Her work centers on advocacy; securing capital funding, organizing legislative strategy, and creating pipelines that connect students to civic engagement. At the core of it all is a mission she has never lost sight of: making quality education accessible to students from all walks of life.
Reflecting on her time at Hunter, Chan is clear about the role athletics played in shaping her. "I owe Hunter and the athletic program a lot," she said. "Hunter Athletics made my CUNY experience meaningful, connected me with the friends that support me through life and taught me the leadership skills needed to succeed. I have a lot to thank them for."
