The honor will be presented on May 14 at the NAIOP New Jersey’s 39th Annual Commercial Real Estate Awards Gala at The Palace at Somerset Park in New Jersey.

“Edwin Cohen’s achievements speak to a visionary and committed career in the real estate industry,” says Michelle J. Anderson, president of ������Ƶ. “His devoted engagement with ������Ƶ derives from a similar commitment to excellence. We are proud to celebrate this well‑earned recognition of his remarkable contributions.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award, named for Charles Klatskin, a pioneering leader in the state’s commercial real estate industry, annually recognizes an individual who has shown a distinguished record of service to the commercial real estate industry and community.

“Edwin Cohen’s career exemplifies the leadership, integrity, and long-term commitment that this award represents,” says Dan Kennedy, CEO of NAIOP NJ.

Cohen has been one of the most prominent figures in the Tri-State Regional real estate brokerage and development community for more than six decades. In 2003, he joined longtime friend and associate Eugene Diaz to form Prism Capital Partners LLC, where he serves as a partner and principal. Under their leadership, Prism has grown into a major owner, developer, and investor in residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use properties throughout New Jersey.

Over the course of his career, Cohen has completed hundreds of real estate transactions across the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut metropolitan area, including overseeing the leasing of several million square feet of office space. He previously served as an executive director at Cushman & Wakefield Inc., following senior leadership roles at Grubb & Ellis Company, where he held executive positions in both the firm’s New Jersey office and New York operations from 1986 to 1994.

Cohen’s career in real estate began in 1966, when he established and led the Suburban Division of Wm. A. White & Sons, a role he held until the firm’s acquisition by Grubb & Ellis in 1986.

In addition to his real estate achievements, Cohen has maintained a deep and long-standing commitment to education, culture, and community service. A graduate of ������Ƶ, he has served on the school’s Foundation Board of Trustees for over 30 years, including four years as chair. ������Ƶ awarded him its Presidential Medal in 2011, followed by the Best of Brooklyn Award from the ������Ƶ Foundation in 2015 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

Cohen has also been actively involved in the performing arts, helping produce and support numerous concerts and live entertainment events. These include the “Broadway by the Year” series at Town Hall, the “Broadway by the Season” series at Merkin Hall, performances at Manhattan’s 54 Below, and live entertainment at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where he also serves as a founding trustee.

His community leadership extends to faith-based and cultural organizations as well. Cohen was a founding member of the New Synagogue of Fort Lee, contributing to the early concept for its Holocaust Museum and playing a key role in the eventual merger of Congregation Beth Israel and the New Synagogue, now known as the Center Avenue Synagogue Since the merger, he has served as a vice president on the synagogue’s board of trustees and as a member of the executive committee.

With a career marked by professional excellence and civic leadership, Cohen’s selection for NAIOP NJ’s Lifetime Achievement Award shines a light on his lasting impact on both the commercial real estate industry and the communities he has served.

The post Edwin H. Cohen ’62 To Be Honored With NAIOP New Jersey Lifetime Achievement Award appeared first on ������Ƶ.

Through his vision and generosity, ������Ƶ was able to build the majestic Leonard & Claire Tow Center for the Performing Arts and create the exceptional Tow Mentoring Initiative, both of which have profoundly enriched our campus community. Len’s commitment to education, along with that of his late wife and fellow alumna Claire Tow ’52, also supported research, the arts, faculty and student travel, and countless other opportunities that have shaped the College for the better.

One of the most recent and heartfelt gifts grew out of Len’s close friendship with Tania León—a renowned composer, conductor, and educator who taught at ������Ƶ for many years. In 2024, The Tow Foundation endowed the Tania León Chair of Music, a lasting tribute to his friend that will enrich the college for generations to come.

Beyond his extraordinary philanthropy, Len was a trusted confidant and an inspiring mentor to many, including me, offering guidance, encouragement, and genuine warmth and humility. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering belief in others left an indelible imprint on those who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.

Len Tow opened doors for thousands of students at ������Ƶ who might not otherwise have had the chance to pursue their dreams. His legacy will live on in every classroom, every lab, and every gathering space his generosity made possible — and in the hearts of all who knew this giant of a man.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Tow family. The memory of Leonard Tow will forever be a guiding light on the ������Ƶ campus.

The post ������Ƶ Mourns the Passing of Leonard Tow appeared first on ������Ƶ.

When describing her path to becoming a molecular and cellular biologist, Chafen Lu speaks about the pivotal moment when she first encountered Biology Professor Peter Lipke in summer 1987. Lipke was a visiting professor at the university in China where Lu worked as a biochemistry instructor. Lipke’s lectures focused on molecular biology—Lu was his interpreter.

“I was fascinated,” she says. “He talked about recombinant DNA and the application of the technology surrounding it. It was pretty new in China.”

Two years later, Lu was in the United States, working in Lipke’s lab. He became her mentor and adviser as she earned her Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology at CUNY’s Graduate School.

Lu credits her experiences working with Lipke—who recently retired—as laying the foundation for her career, which includes the development of groundbreaking treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and malaria, among other notable accomplishments. To honor him on his retirement, Lu has established the Peter and Anne Lipke Professorship in Biology at ������Ƶ. The goal of the gift is to support research and help the Biology Department continue recruiting top faculty.

“Peter is an inspiration for me, both in my personal and scientific journey,” says Lu. “But more importantly, he is dedicated to mentoring, educating, and increasing campus diversity,” which includes his career-long efforts to increase the number of minority students in his laboratory and biology and the sciences in general.

“What could be better than establishing a professorship in his honor, to keep his legacy and values of teaching students and promoting equity and diversity for generations to come,” she adds.

From Rural China to the Big City

Chafen Lu

Chafen Lu’s story begins in a rural village in China during the Cultural Revolution, when the country’s goal was to remove any vestiges of capitalist and traditional cultural elements from Chinese society. Like other children at that time, at a young age Lu helped her family, working in the fields and taking care of her younger siblings. Despite the limited educational resources in the local schools (“we had a sort-of locked cabinet that served as the school library”), Lu excelled academically. When China restored college entrance exams in 1979, she was one of the few from her village to pass and attend university.

“First in my family and first in my village for many years,” says Lu.

She wanted to study biology, so she majored in forest protection and then earned her master’s degree in plant pathology at an agricultural school in northern China. Lu had been thinking about studying in the United States—some fellow graduate students had already done so. After the Lipke lectures, she was ready to pursue her Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology.

“Peter’s an amazing mentor,” says Lu. He helped her with the application process to CUNY Graduate School and even met her at the airport. “He encouraged independence and critical thinking. We’d have lab meetings that were always stimulating. He always made himself available whenever I had questions or wanted to share exciting research results,” she adds.

An Outstanding Career

Lu’s work with Lipke—on a cell adhesion protein called alpha-agglutinin—was fundamental to her postdoctoral training and during her career at Millennium Pharmaceuticals leading drug discovery and development teams. A family of cell adhesion molecules called integrins were a key part of the therapeutic antibodies that Lu helped develop for a drug—Entyvio—that has become a preferred treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.

“It’s gratifying to see something you worked on turn out to be a treatment that can heal and save lives,” says Lu.

She joined the faculty of Harvard Medical School, where she trained students in molecular biology and supervised research assistants and postdoctoral fellows. She continued her research, working on multiple projects and publishing prolifically. One project stands out for Lu—the malaria vaccine design project. “The disease is still a global health issue,” she says, “particularly in Africa and subtropical regions.” Her work is contributing to a more efficacious malaria vaccine.

Just as she was inspired and mentored by Peter Lipke, Lu would like to see her gift of the professorship do the same for ������Ƶ.

“I hope it helps the Biology Department to recruit diverse, talented faculty who will, in turn, prepare students for successful careers in science- and health-related fields.”

The post A Gift in Turn appeared first on ������Ƶ.

Yolande Matthew ’05 came to the United States as a teenager with mixed emotions—excited for the opportunity but wistful for her home in Grenada. She ultimately made her way to ������Ƶ, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management and finance, leading to a successful career in banking. For more than 19 years, she has concentrated on financial inclusion, with a passion to help people from all backgrounds access services and build wealth and financial confidence.

Here, she talks about finding her purpose, why she gives back to her alma mater, and her advice for today’s students.

Tell us about your background.

There is no me without Grenada; I was born and raised on that little island in the Caribbean. While growing up there, my values were shaped to make me who I am today. Family and community were a key part of my upbringing, and this aligns with my career choice.

In 1998, at 16, I moved to the United States. For the first few months, I was excited and terribly sad at the same time. I missed my home country and wasn’t sure about my future or purpose. What was I going to do with opportunities that came my way? How would I acclimate to the culture? They were some of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced—and although I was still a child, I grew up really fast.

I knew that to make it in America, I had to lean into my purpose and rely on the community. I made it a priority to help my family in Grenada and future generations to come. Opportunities meant finishing high school and going to college.

Why did you choose ������Ƶ?

������Ƶ was not my first college experience; I began at Baruch College (CUNY). I was excited to be there and wanted to study business, but I struggled with the new environment and was advised to start with a community college. So, I transferred to Kingsborough Community College (CUNY); it was a wonderful experience!

Along with the education, there was a beach next to [Kingsborough] that reminded me of Grenada—it turned out to be an excellent foundation for my college years. My ultimate goal was to earn a bachelor’s degree at a school where other Caribbean students and a good mix of different cultures could come together in a diverse environment. I knew that would help me grow and evolve. ������Ƶ had all of that! It’s one of my favorite memories, and a great experience in the U.S.

What made you decide to pursue banking as a career?

I went into banking because I wanted to help others, especially those in my community, with financial education. During my senior year, I went to the Magner Center for career advice and a résumé review. I thought my résumé was pretty good until Natalia [Guarin-Klein] looked at it! She saw me right away.

Around the same time, Citibank came to campus to recruit students for a management associate program. I was headed home, passing students in suits on campus. I asked them where they were going, and they said that Citibank was there to recruit. I was dressed casually but decided to check it out. I sat in the back and watched as the Citibank executive was introduced. I applauded loudly—I was so excited—and he noticed. He said, “That looks like somebody who will get the job.”

The next day, I told Natalia I wanted to interview for the program. The company only hired one student each year. And I knew this was the right fit for me; I would learn and grow and build my career. After four rounds of interviews with Citibank, with Natalia coaching me along the way, I got the call from the program manager—I was the one student selected from ������Ƶ.

You stayed with Citibank after completing the program.

After graduation, I began the two-year Management Associate program at Citibank and then became a bank manager in a predominantly Caribbean community in Brooklyn. That branch was underperforming, but I was able to boost its success through community engagement and building a high-performing team. I felt like I was giving back to the community and helping the company.

Based on my success, my manager challenged me to take a role leading Citibank’s headquarters branch. After six years of leading teams and driving success, I was chosen to lead the Citibank client experience engagement program supporting the branches.

You currently work at Truist. Is your current job role similar?

I’m a financial inclusion executive at Truist, and a lot of my work draws from my previous experiences. We help clients in our communities build financial confidence regardless of where they are on their journey. Just like I needed Natalia to coach me during college, I believe everyone needs a financial coach for advice and guidance to live a life of financial wellness.

Every day, I get excited that my team and I have the opportunity, through community outreach, to engage with small businesses, colleges, employers, and employees to share banking solutions, deliver financial education, and connect clients with bankers focused on their success. We also work with great partners like Operation HOPE, which helps provide one-on-one coaching as an extension of our work.

Your own philanthropy extends to your alma mater.

I donate to ������Ƶ because I am where I am because of ������Ƶ, specifically the Magner Center. The center played such a pivotal role in my life.

When I think about college students and the opportunity to invest and give back, I remember where I came from and how it started. Low income does not mean low potential. And if I could give even just one dollar, it makes a difference.

I live in North Carolina, so I can’t come to the campus as much as I’d like to, but I can help financially. That can change a student’s life–like the support I received. It all comes down to waking up in the morning and asking, “What am I going to do today to make a difference and live my purpose, or how can I improve myself?”

What is your advice for today’s students?

Ask for help and remember you’re not alone. The person sitting next to you in class or the person you’re walking next to on campus may be having the same thoughts or experiences that you’re having. Don’t be afraid to share your story, like I’m doing right now. Take time to network and build relationships, especially with people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives, as this accelerates your growth and prepares you for the world. Finally, when you understand your purpose, what I call “your why,” lean into it, do the work, and persevere. You’ve got this, and you, as you are, are enough!

The post Redefining Potential appeared first on ������Ƶ.

Made possible through a gift from Professor Lipke’s former student Chafen Lu—a former assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School—the professorship honors Lipke’s legacy as a biology professor, which began at the college in 2006.

Instrumental in the growth of the college’s School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences through his service as a faculty member and department chair, which included mentoring countless students and faculty, Lipke began his CUNY teaching career at Hunter College in 1978 before coming to ������Ƶ, a tenure spanning close to 50 years. Throughout his career, Anne counseled, tutored, and fed students. She served as lab manager before and after her career as a NYC public school teacher. They co-taught at ������Ƶ.

(From left) Timothy Springer (Chafen Lu’s husband), Chafen Lu, Peter Lipke, and Anne Lipke.

Lipke was particularly passionate about teaching and mentoring diverse students who might not otherwise be exposed to biological science. This led to him being awarded the prestigious American Society for Microbiology (ASM) William A. Hinton Award for Advancement of a Diverse Community of Microbiologists in 2018.

“Through the generosity of Chafen Lu, the Peter and Anne Lipke Professorship in Biology will celebrate the legacy of one of ������Ƶ’s most distinguished and accomplished science faculty members while continuing to offer our diverse students a strong foundation in biological sciences,” said President Michelle J. Anderson. “On behalf of the college, I would like to thank Chafen, Peter, and his wife and partner, Anne, for their incredible contributions to the lives of our students.”

“This is an incredible honor for Anne and me. It is so much more special because it includes the generosity of a former student. We hope it will inspire students and faculty to sustain the great research, mentoring, and teaching in the sciences at ������Ƶ,” Lipke said.

Lipke retired from ������Ƶ in Spring 2024 and was instrumental in the lives of countless students, including Lu. Lu earned her Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology from the CUNY Graduate School, where Lipke was her thesis adviser. Her mentor and professor also co-authored her first seven research papers, including her published Ph.D. work.

An accomplished researcher, Lu did postdoctoral work at Harvard and then worked at Millennium Pharmaceuticals, where she led the multidisciplinary drug discovery and development teams before joining the Harvard Medical School pediatrics faculty. Lu is named as the inventor on 24 current or pending patents and serves on the Marine Biological Laboratory Council, an advisory body of the Marine Biological Laboratory.

Lu credits Lipke for introducing her to molecular biology while she was a student in China and later for encouraging her to move to New York City and enroll in the CUNY system.

“Peter is an inspiration for me, both in my personal journey and scientific journey,” Lu said. “But more importantly, Peter is dedicated to mentoring, education, teaching, and campus diversity. What could be better than establishing a professorship to honor him, to keep his legacy and values of teaching students and promoting equity and diversity for generations to come? I hope this gift will advance the scientific community at ������Ƶ and support its undergraduate students, faculty, and research interns.”

A special event, “Science and Stories: A Symposium and Retirement Celebration in Honor of Peter Lipke,” was held at ������Ƶ on Nov. 22, 2024, to celebrate Lipke’s exceptional career. The symposium brought together scientists, storytellers, friends, and family to honor the Lipkes’ contributions to science and education.

Most recently named a Distinguished Lecturer by the ASM for 2024–26, Peter Lipke is a world-renowned microbiologist who specialized in the study of fungi—specifically how protein amyloids affect adhesion of the fungi, the host response to colonization by fungi, and whether amyloid-targeted drugs can be developed as antifungals. He has authored 119 papers and several patent applications, and he was also elected to the American Academy of Microbiology and as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Lipke earned a B.S. degree in chemistry from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of California-Berkley.

The post ������Ƶ Establishes the Peter and Anne Lipke Professorship in Biology appeared first on ������Ƶ.

For the past five years, a fruitful collaboration between the Murray Koppelman School of Business and , a leading global professional services firm, has been preparing students for careers in risk management, insurance, and finance.

The two are a perfect match. Aon wanted to work with an institution recognized as an engine for social mobility, and ������Ƶ sought a company that could offer students a pipeline to professional success. Together, by aligning coursework with industry trends and supporting students through mentorship, funding, and internships, ������Ƶ and Aon are shaping students’—and the industry’s—future.

Cutting-Edge Courses

Students in a Koppelman School of Business risk management class were joined recently by recruiters from Aon.

Since the program began, the Koppelman School of Business has worked with Aon and the to develop risk management courses relevant to the current industry climate. Through revolutionary, expert-informed coursework, students gain the knowledge needed to succeed in the field.

Alumni now working in the industry attest to how their classes helped them advise their clients.

“The curriculum taught me invaluable skills that aid me in my current role, enabling me to guide my clients to make data-driven decisions,” says Denis Torlic ’19, now senior vice president of private equity health solutions at Aon. “It pushed me to a place outside my comfort zone, and it was then that I made the most progress.”

Ismet Ibadullayev ’14, associate director of pricing at Aon, agrees. “My role is driven by core mathematical concepts and programming skills that I started to learn and develop at ������Ƶ,” he says. “In fact, the only reason I am an actuary today is because I learned about the actuarial field in one of my math courses.”

Boosting Social Mobility

Students who excel in the classroom can later apply for coveted internships at Aon, where they will put their academic preparation into practice in the corporate world. These internships are integrated into the program’s pipeline structure to lead students into becoming full-time employees at Aon.

Alumni are grateful for how the experience influenced their career trajectory. Tetiana Skrekoten ’22, assistant vice president at Aon, notes how the experience helped her advance her career.

“������Ƶ provided an incredible opportunity for me and my career by teaming up with Aon,” she says. “I was recommended to take the fundamentals of risk management and insurance class with Professor [Yedhua L.] Klein and ended up interning with Aon. After the internship, I received a full-time offer in mergers and acquisitions, which I enjoy and have been doing since. I am very grateful to ������Ƶ and Aon for supporting my career development.”

Reaching Their Full Potential

������Ƶ interns give back to Aon through their active participation in the company’s business resource groups, engagement in mentor programs, and community volunteer work. Interns help connect the company with people in need. Thus, Aon is incentivized to help both in the classroom and financially.

Every semester, Aon provides full course tuition awards for up to 25 students enrolled in these courses with GPAs of 3.00 or higher, with at least 50% of the scholarship recipients being from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds.

Without having to worry about paying for classes, students are better equipped to start climbing the corporate ladder before they even graduate. Each award allows students to focus on their studies and future careers without the burden of tuition costs. These scholarships are more than just financial assistance—they give students the opportunity to reach their full potential.

From the Classroom to the Real World

Ismet Ibadullayev ’14 and Dilfuza Saidova ’22

Aon’s commitment to students goes beyond the classroom. Aon colleagues also serve as mentors, offering students the opportunity to learn directly from those who navigate the industry’s complexities each day.

Aon leaders giving their time doesn’t just enrich students’ academic experience—it bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. When Aon professionals share their experience, it brings the profession to life and helps students imagine themselves making a real-world impact.

“The program with Aon was pivotal, as it allowed me to gain valuable insights into the insurance industry. It was a crucial part of my senior year,” says Dilfuza Saidova ’22, an associate account executive at Aon. “The guidance I received not only helped me gain knowledge about the industry but furthered my interest in joining the company.”

Saidova continues, “The experience allowed me to make meaningful connections, which helped me get where I am now. I am very grateful to Aon and ������Ƶ for guiding and helping students to achieve success.”

Industry Insight

Aaron Olson, executive vice president at Aon, speaks at an event at Aon’s New York City headquarters celebrating the launch of the Career Partners and Alumni Championship programs at ������Ƶ.

Executive Vice President of Aon United Solutions Aaron Olson is just one example of the risk management experts helping students pave their career path.

Olson, as the star of 2022’s Koppelman Executive-in-Residence Program, shared the insights he gained over his 25-year career by conducting guest lectures, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and consultations with both students and faculty.

“We are focused on strengthening the curriculum, leveraging Aon’s expertise in helping organizations navigate risk and volatility; creating links between the school and our industry; and supporting talented students through tuition awards and future employment opportunities. As we strive to continue to build a resilient workforce, helping develop future talent is a key part of that effort,” says Olson.

A Shared Vision

Aon believes diverse and inclusive teams create better insights and solutions, deliver the best outcomes for clients, and are vital to ensuring long-term success. ������Ƶ helps the firm achieve this.

Participating students have consistently brought their unique perspectives, enthusiasm, and experiences to their future work at Aon, furthering the firm’s mission and reflecting its values.

Together, ������Ƶ and Aon make their shared vision of career readiness, opportunity, and social mobility a reality for all.

The post A Pipeline to Opportunity appeared first on ������Ƶ.

Luiz Cazares ’18 knows the pivotal role ������Ƶ alumni played in shaping his professional journey. The guidance and support he received exposed him to the finance industry and provided him with invaluable coaching and role models. Cazares, an assistant vice president at Barclays Bank, now donates his time and money, hoping to create opportunities for today’s students.

In our candid discussion, Cazares delves into the unconventional path that led him to his major, his determination to excel, his fulfilling role as a mentor, and his hopes for other alumni like him to be inspired to donate time and money.

Can you tell us about your background?

I’m Mexican American. I grew up in Queens. I went to school in different areas of the borough—primary school in Ozone Park and middle school in Southside Jamaica. I was the first person in my family to graduate college. In high school, I didn’t have a good idea of what I wanted to do; it was about making sure I passed, which I did with the support of my parents.

Once I enrolled in ������Ƶ, I still had the same mindset; I was getting a degree because it was part of the system. To be frank, I picked a random major. Accounting was at the top of the list alphabetically, so I told myself I’d do accounting and finance and see where it took me.

What made you stay in the business major?

Martin Sass ’63 greets students at an Investment Institute event.

Again, coming from an immigrant community, I didn’t have anyone to anchor to; no one in my immediate family was working in banking, finance, or professional services. I was curious to know what that looked like. Internships through the college at UBS and ������Ƶ Career Partner PwC showed me what it took to be a professional through real-world experience.

One of my mentors, Elliot Tannenbaum ’73, a retired accounting and tax executive, provided a starting point. He showed me soft skills, small things like networking, and even tips on how to have a more professional appearance. He saw some raw talent in me; I certainly didn’t see it in myself at first.

I also got to be part of a student-run hedge fund through the M.D. Sass Investment Institute at the college. That got me interested, and I thought that finance was something that I’d like to pursue. The internships and the program were jumping-off points for my career.

A career that has landed you in the role of assistant vice president at Barclays Bank.

Yes. My job at Barclays is to assess risks around the treasury and liquidity. For instance, do we have sufficient funds to cover some of our short-term needs as a bank and sufficient funds to meet different stress scenarios? Do we have the right assets? It’s about assessing and understanding risks and how we govern those scenarios.

Who has benefited you, as an alum, in your chosen career and what now motivates you to give back?

Paid internships are often funded by alumni like me who give what they can. I’m inspired to donate as much money and time as possible because I know how vital the internships that I participated in were—at USB and PwC.

Many students need to work while going to school. I was working while attending ������Ƶ, but I was blessed to be able to take a pay cut, leave my job, and do an internship because my parents were able to help financially. Some students may not have the chance to do that.

I’d like to see my donations help a student take three months and do an internship, allowing that person to have different experiences, grow, branch out, and find what they love to do and are good at. That is why I’d like to encourage my fellow alums, including recent graduates—they don’t have to be far along in their careers—to give what they can.

What about your life outside of work? Do you have any hobbies or pastimes you’d like to share?

I enjoy jogging, hiking, going to the gym, the outdoors, and helping around the house; I live with my parents and other family members. Beyond that, it is hard to find time for additional pastimes because I have nephews running around at home, and I gladly help with them whenever possible. One is seven, and the other just turned six. I don’t know if this is a hobby, but I spend a good hour or so every day studying with one or the other.

So, you’re the fun uncle?

Yes, but I’m serious when it comes to studying. I started doing this last year. I go to the bookstore and get a big book on all the topics, whether it’s English, writing, math, or science, and I try to do at least two or three pages a day with one of them. When I was growing up, no one was able to do that with me—anything outside of school, I had to teach myself. So, I try to be there for my nephews as they learn.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?

Only that I’m just a regular kid from Queens.

The post A Regular Kid From Queens appeared first on ������Ƶ.

Few figures shine as brightly as Don Buchwald ’59.

A beloved talent agent known for his trademark fedora and wide smile, Don had a unique morning ritual: Each day, he would settle down with his distinctive, blue-lined yellow pad and consider how he could enrich the lives of others. Whether it was a high-profile client or a promising ������Ƶ student, Buchwald’s heart always leaned toward helping those around him, as he was a staunch believer in enriching lives through philanthropy.

Buchwald speaking at the Don Buchwald Theater opening.

Born in Brooklyn in 1936, Donald Henry Buchwald was the youngest of five. His father owned a textile business, while his mother taught high school history. Buchwald often claimed that, unlike his academically motivated siblings, he was a “street kid” who enjoyed hanging out with friends. Nonetheless, he graduated from Lafayette High School and, at just 16, enrolled at ������Ƶ.

Uncertain at first about what major to pursue, he took a break from college to enlist in the Army, serving in Korea and Japan. He returned home with what he called “a thin veneer of sophistication,” shedding a thick Brooklyn accent that one teacher had described as the worst (or best) he’d ever heard.

After restarting college, he was encouraged by the head of the Theater Department to become a theater major and performed in the Gershwin Theater. This venue’s successor became the Don Buchwald Theater, named in his honor. Since its opening, the Don Buchwald Theater has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, hosting nearly 50 events every year, ranging from theatrical productions to conservatory concerts, and is a vital space for creativity and collaboration on campus.

Don Buchwald

After earning his degree at ������Ƶ, Buchwald explored various roles in the industry, including acting and theater management. He even worked as a travel agent, honing valuable sales skills, which came in handy when, in 1964, he co-founded a talent agency with fellow alum Monty Silver ’57. Soon after, he married his wife of 59 years, Maggie, with whom he raised two daughters, Julia and Laura.

As a talent agent, Buchwald discovered his true calling. Quickly making a name for himself, he began representing a roster of voice-over artists and actors. In 1977, he opened Don Buchwald & Associates (now Buchwald), representing iconic stars like Kathleen Turner, Djimon Hounsou, and Howard Stern. His record-breaking $500 million deal for Stern with Sirius/XM radio earned him the nickname “superagent.” Buchwald’s approach to negotiation was guided by a desire to leave the table “better friends” than when he arrived.

In tandem with guiding his clients’ careers, Buchwald became one of ������Ƶ’s most generous supporters. As a member of the ������Ƶ Foundation Board of Trustees, he created internships for theater students and undergraduates studying television and radio.

Notably, his contributions to the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema provided third-year graduate students with $10,000 grants for their thesis films. The money went to a team of students—writers, directors, cinematographers, composers, and editors—to complete their films. His gifts also funded Feirstein’s most recent student film festival, held at the Metrograph Theater in Brooklyn.

Buchwald’s philanthropic efforts were celebrated in 2016 at the Best of Brooklyn gala in the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center. This annual event, sponsored by the ������Ƶ Foundation, highlights the accomplishments of alumni, students, and faculty while raising essential funds for students’ more urgent needs.

During the gala, award-winning avant-garde director Sarah Benson ’04 M.F.A. shared how a Buchwald-funded fellowship allowed her to intern at her dream theater, Soho Repertory, where she later became artistic director. Several other recipients of his support followed suit, sharing stories of career transformations, all thanks to Buchwald’s generosity. As he received a crystal statuette etched with Coney Island’s famed Parachute Jump, Buchwald addressed an overflowing crowd, emphasizing the collective responsibility of those who have achieved success.

“It’s our job, those of us who have been lucky enough to have succeeded, to pass the torch along to the younger generation—to do what we can to help them succeed,” he said.

But his lifetime achievements didn’t stop there. The super alum later established two scholarships for graduate majors in cinema arts, a student film fund, and a theater maintenance fund. Additionally, with his friend, fellow board member, and philanthropist Murray Koppelman ’57, Buchwald funded the business plan competition at the Koppelman School of Business, which engages students in all facets of entrepreneurship. As one of his final contributions to the college and his legacy, Buchwald created a fellowship for poets in the Creative Writing, M.F.A. program in the name of his sister Greta Buchwald Hogan ’51, who passed away in November of 2023.

Don Buchwald passed away on July 22, 2024, surrounded by family. His incredible journey reflects a life filled with generosity and a commitment to uplifting others, not the least of whom are the many future generations of ������Ƶ students.

The post The Astounding Life and Legacy of Don Buchwald appeared first on ������Ƶ.

Paul Gertner ’66 has always been fascinated by how people move through New York City.

The building industry executive and former city planner recalls how as a child he rode his bike all over Brooklyn, from his Midwood neighborhood to Marine Park, Prospect Park, and beyond. When he wasn’t biking, he’d ride public transportation, mainly the subway, far and wide. Gertner also loved geography, an atlas being his top pick at a grade school book fair. It is no wonder that when he reached ������Ƶ, he was one of the first students to graduate with a degree in urbanism, or what is now known as urban sustainability.

Today, Gertner is a passionate advocate and supporter of sustainability efforts in New York City. His dedication to improving New Yorkers’ quality of life includes substantial gifts to his alma mater.

One such gift, initiated in 2021, is the Paul S. Gertner Student Internship Fund, which places sustainability students into internships at organizations in the field. Another, the Paul S. Gertner Fund for Urban and Environmental Studies, funds a full-time director and part-time college assistant at the college’s Center for the Study of Brooklyn, where interdisciplinary research about Brooklyn is conducted. These investments have allowed students to enter the world of urban and environmental advocacy, preparing them to be leaders in the field.

Becoming His Own Boss

After graduating from ������Ƶ and earning a master’s in regional planning from Cornell, Gertner became a county planning director in rural Colorado. Moving to the West Coast, he worked as an energy planner for the California Energy Commission, assessing emergent energy technologies and electric cars long before they became commonplace. After nearly a decade, he returned to Brooklyn and took the helm of the family business, Starborn Industries, a manufacturer and distributor of fasteners and other building-related products that his parents started in 1961.

“I loved my career in California, but I wanted to come back to Brooklyn and be my own boss,” says Gertner.

Under his direction, the business grew. Patents were filed for new products, always with an aim, he says, to help people build better dwellings and to provide contractors with better ways to do things. The company became increasingly successful, and Gertner found that he had time to get involved in nonprofits. Besides his interest in urban planning,  he has, for the last two decades, been a board member of Roulette Intermedium, a Brooklyn based organization dedicated to supporting emerging musicians and dancers.

He also turned to something that had always been on his mind: transforming New York City streets into more walkable, bikeable, sustainable spaces.

“Transportation connects everybody to the environment and our life in the city,” says Gertner, who believes a livable city goes hand in hand with sustainability. An idea he had to build a bike path over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge grew into a plan to open a 60-mile route around New York Harbor. To accomplish that, Gertner founded Harbor Ring, an advocacy group dedicated to this goal. Today, the route integrates more than 28 miles of existing shared-use paths and bikeways and more than 20 miles of bicycle-friendly streets.

Bringing in ������Ƶ

Starting in 2020, Gertner, as a board member of the tri-state Regional Plan Association (RPA), an organization that focuses on quality of life and the economic health of the New York metropolitan area, funded three important studies for the association. He turned to his alma mater for the third, an extensive study of the effects of e-commerce, bringing ������Ƶ students on board to work as interns for RPA.

“It was a class project amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and they did a marvelous job creating a presentation; it was a great contribution to the RPA conference on e-commerce issues,” says Gertner.

Out of that emerged the idea for an internship fund to support ������Ƶ students studying transportation, the environment, and urban sustainability. Gertner turned to Professor of Sociology and Urban Sustainability Ken Gould, then director of the Urban Sustainability Program, to help establish the Paul S. Gertner Student Internship Fund. Seeing a need to supplement the school’s Center for the Study of Brooklyn, Gertner worked with the center’s director Sociology Professor Gregory Smithsimon to establish the Paul S. Gertner Fund for Urban and Environmental Studies.

“My first love has always been to try to make the world a better place to live. ” says Gertner. “Coming back to ������Ƶ after all these years, it’s emotional for me, especially seeing the students and how much they want to serve society, not just themselves—how they want to make the borough, the city, our country a better place.”

In just a few short years, the internship fund has provided students with opportunities to gain experience at organizations devoted to sustainability, such as Harbor Ring, RPA, Transportation Alternatives, Riders Alliance, the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative, and Open Plans.

“Mr. Gertner’s support has been transformational in connecting me with an internship at Open Plans, where I was able to engage in safe streets advocacy and public space management through tabling and public presentations,” says senior Wil Kitcher. “It allowed me to engage with the community in spreading awareness for environmental justice issues. I’m thankful for his invaluable support.”

“It’s a very exciting time to be working on sustainability issues in New York City. Paul’s support allows students to gain real experience with some of the city’s most important planning issues and new initiatives,” says Professor Smithsimon. “We’ve been fortunate that Paul had developed relationships with environmental, planning, and transit organizations; that has allowed us to have access. He is passionate that our students have these experiences.”

Addressing Real-World Challenges

Gertner knows how valuable paid internship opportunities can be, for students’ career prospects and the city’s future.

“It’s important that our students get out into the environment, not just seeing what an urban planner does, but doing things like testifying in front of the MTA or attending hearings to see what happens when you’ve done the research, have a plan, and present it,” says Gertner. “What are the real-world challenges? While I loved my career in urban planning, I would have liked the kind of exposure to real life planning work environments we’re trying to give students now.”

As a Brooklyn native, Gertner says that his deep love of the borough underpins his extensive commitment to the college’s sustainability programs.

“Our students are from here. They have families here. They have a vested interest. So many want to find solutions to problems such as congestion, air pollution, and flooding,” he says. Significant strides have been made to convert Brooklyn’s former industrial waterfronts into green spaces, yet Gertner is keen on getting those kinds of  “amenities” deeper into the borough.

He is enthusiastic about students leading the way.

“[������Ƶ students] can be a bridge from the advocates to the residents and the politicians.”

When asked about the next big thing that will improve the quality of life and contribute to sustainability in New York City, Gertner does not hesitate. “One thing I’ve been trying to bring attention to is this idea of eVTOLs—electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. They are about to come to New York and displace a lot of very noisy helicopters that are taking off from downtown. But if the technology becomes widespread there could be concerning unintended consequences.”

And about the future? Gertner is confident the city will be in good hands with ������Ƶ students at the helm. “Hopefully, one of our students will become the head of the Department of Transportation or the Parks Department,” he says.

And with supporters like Gertner, this vision can become a reality, enabling New York City to thrive, sustainably, for a very long time.

The post Bridging Passion and Purpose appeared first on ������Ƶ.

In addition to being the chair of the ������Ƶ Foundation Board of Trustees, Castellanos is a respected business leader who has shared his talents with ������Ƶ students, staff, and faculty for years.

“Given Anthony’s vast experience at KPMG and the close connections he has made with ������Ƶ students and faculty over the years, I am confident that this program is in great hands this fall,” said James Lynch, interim dean of Koppelman. “I look forward to seeing what Anthony shares with our campus community and the impact it has, most importantly on our students.”

Castellanos is a 38-year accounting professional, who before retiring from KPMG was a partner for 18 years, serving numerous multinational clients in his roles as national partner-in-charge of industry sectors for KPMG’s U.S. Tax Practice, media and entertainment sector leader, and global account lead partner.

Throughout his career, Castellanos has been a passionate mentor and coach to rising professionals and students, especially those from underrepresented immigrant and first-generation backgrounds. Over the years, he has mentored countless ������Ƶ students. He also established the Anthony R. Castellanos ’85 Scholarship to support students majoring in the college’s CPA-eligible accounting programs. His deep commitment to education led to work on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Murray Koppelman School of Business.

A first-generation Cuban American, Castellanos began his career in accounting while attending ������Ƶ. As a student, he prepared tax returns and performed bookkeeping services for clients of a local accounting firm. Active in the student community and campus life, Castellanos served as a member of the ������Ƶ Student Council, president of the Accounting Society, and proud member and past president of the Beta Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Delta. He earned his B.S. in accounting in January 1985.

Upon graduating from ������Ƶ, he accepted an associate position with Price Waterhouse, where he launched his career in its entertainment and media practice and was admitted to the partnership. In 2000, he accepted a position with SoftBank Group Corporation, a technology, media, and telecommunications company with global private equity and venture capital investments and operations. He was a partner in SoftBank’s venture capital arm, SoftBank Capital, and served as SoftBank’s chief tax and administrative officer until January 2006, when he joined KPMG.

In 2015, Castellanos was elected by his partners to serve a five-year term as a member of KPMG’s board of directors. He is also a member of the Latino Corporate Directors Association, the National Association of Corporate Directors, and the American Institute of CPAs.

The Executive-in-Residence program enjoyed a successful debut in 2022 when Barry Salzberg ’74, former Global CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., served as the first executive-in-residence, followed by Aon EVP Aaron Olson.

The post Koppelman Continues Executive-in-Residence With Anthony R. Castellanos appeared first on ������Ƶ.