70

Ivan Berkowitz (MBA) has been appointed to the board of directors of Trunity Holdings, Inc., the creator of the Trunity eLearning Platform. He is a corporate executive and advisor with 40 years professional experience in the financial and real estate industries.

75

Hannah Atterman has joined the forensic accounting litigation support group at David Landau Associates, LLC, as a senior manager. John M. Grimaldi has been elected to the Endicott College Board of Trustees. He is the chairman and CEO of Mullen, a public relations and marketing agency.

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Arnold Kazsbom has been appointed to the board of directors of SED International Holdings, Inc., a multinational provider and distributor of computer technology, consumer electronics, and small appliances.

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Harvey Grunwald, CFO of the Gleneagles Country Club, was a finalist in the South Florida Business Journal’s 2014 CFO Awards, honoring the region’s top financial officers. Elizabeth Papierowicz recently participated in Baruch’s Class Act Campaign. A Newman Vertical Campus classroom, Room 9-160, is named in her honor.

79

Construction lawyer Mark A. Canizio, partner in the Duane Morris Construction Group, has assumed the role of the firm’s vice chair. Lynne Gerald is the president of What’s Cooking? A Culinary School and Birthday Place for Kids, in Oyster Bay, N.Y., which offers cooking classes in addition to a 10-week summer camp. Eric Kesselman has been promoted to second VP/director of marketing at Kearny (N.J.) Federal Savings Bank.

60

Anthony DeFazio was elected chairman of the Staten Island chapter of SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives. He most recently worked as the enforcement and customer service chief for the New York City Human Resources Administration’s Office of Child Support Enforcement. Louis “Jake” and Sherry (Kershnar) (’62) Jacobson established—along with Jake’s brother Hal—the Vera and Jacob I. Jacobson Scholarship Fund, which annually offers financial assistance to two third-year students. The fund honors their parents, who never had the opportunity to pursue education beyond elementary school. Jake is a tax consultant with CohnReznick LLP.

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Alan E. Weiner has been appointed to a sixth term (2014-2015) as a judge on the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants Excellence in Financial Journalism Awards Committee. He is partner emeritus at Baker Tilly (formerly Holtz Rubenstein Reminick, at which he was the founding tax partner).

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Photographer Elliott Landy (the subject of a Fall 2007 BCAM profile) is publishing a book of rare, early photographs of The Band, the project made possible by a successful Kickstarter campaign.

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Alan S. Bernikow has been appointed lead independent director of the Mack-Cali Realty Corporation board of directors. Retired as deputy CEO of Deloitte & Touche, Bernikow has been a member of the Mack-Cali board since 2004. In December Roger Hertog was honored, along with David Petraeus, at the New-York Historical Society’s Annual History Makers Gala. Hertog is president of the Hertog Foundation and chairman of the Tikvah Fund; he is one of the founding partners of the investment research and management firm Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., which merged with Alliance Capital Management in 2000. He served as chairman of the board of the New-York Historical Society from 2007 to 2013.

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M. Freddie Reiss (MBA ’00) was inducted into the Turnaround Management Association’s (TMA) Turnaround, Restructuring, and Distressed Investing Industry Hall of Fame during the 25th TMA Annual Conference held in Washington, D.C., in October. Reiss is senior managing director in FTI Consulting’s corporate finance/restructuring segment.

When it comes to the pursuit of happiness, Baruch double alumna Tanuja Ramchal (’00, MBA ’03) walks the talk: after a decade in financial services, the former finance major with an MBA in computer information systems jumped off the corporate ladder and embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Today, as a lifestyle and productivity coach and the founder of The Conscious Life Project (www.theconsciouslifeproject.com), she finds fulfillment in helping people align the way they live their lives with the passions that inspire them. At a March 2014 presentation to the Baruch Young Alumni Network (aka BYAN), Ramchal shared strategies to unleash one’s true potential, among them:

1) Understand fear’s roots. Fear is normal and often helpful. It can protect you from bodily harm, but it also arises when you push boundaries. Don’t let unhelpful fear tell you you “can’t.”

2) Act! Successful people weren’t born that way. All faced roadblocks, but they all took action to get where they are. Thinking leads to thoughts, while action leads to change.

3) Take pleasure in the journey. Don’t pin all your hopes for happiness on reaching your goal. Change is a process. Focus on making consistent progress and enjoy the path you’re on.

4) Create a “Not-To-Do” list. Make sure you’re not wasting time and effort on counterproductive activities that aren’t aligned with your vision.

5) People matter. The people you surround yourself with influence the quality of your life. Those who undermine your goals keep you from living up to your potential. As the CEO of your life, take an inventory and hire, fire, demote, and promote people as necessary.

—Sally Fay

Photo by Manny Romero

The Baruch/CCNY Downtown campus community of the 1940s raised $75,000 in bonds and stamps to "purchase" the fighter plane Spirit of CCNY.

Seventy years ago, on Feb. 14, 1944, the Baruch student newspaper The Ticker announced the completion of the U.S. fighter plane the Spirit of CCNY:

“The long-awaited fighter plane, ‘Spirit of CCNY,’ has finally rolled off the assembly line and is scheduled to take to the air . . . The quest was successful and the Spirit awaits a crew to fly it to victory.”

What made Spirit even more dear to the hearts of the students was that the campus community had raised the $75,000 in bonds and stamps needed to “purchase” (essentially name) the fighter plane.

CCNY students were equally proud of two vessels under the control of the U.S. Maritime Commission that honored their college and its heritage. In 1943 the S.S. Townsend Harris was launched from the Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard near Baltimore. Two years later, the C.C.N.Y. Victory, a cargo ship fitted to carry troops during the period of redeployment, was launched from that same yard.

The ships were outfitted with various souvenirs from the College: framed photographs and Wedgwood commemorative plates.

—Diane Harrigan

Note: The above article first ran in Baruch College Magazine Winter-Spring 2004.

Alumni, Share Your Baruch Stories: Do you have a memory from the World War II era at Baruch College/CCNY Downtown? We’d love to hear it. Leave it as a comment below, or e-mail communications@baruch.cuny.edu to share it with a BCAM editor.

Related Articles

Putting The Reporter “To Bed”: Grace Lichtenstein Salant (’47) Remembers P.M.-Session Newspaper

A WWII Mobilization in the Tale of The Ticker

World War II Comes to 17 Lexington Avenue 

Longtime Baruch Professor Martin Mellman circa 1976.

Stan Ross Department of Accountancy Professor Martin Mellman died on Oct. 11, 2013, at his home in Boca Raton, Fla. He was 87 years old.

Professor Mellman was a faculty member at Baruch College for over 30 years, nine of which (from 1972 to 1981) he served as chair of the department.

Mellman earned his BBA from City College of New York “Downtown” (today’s Baruch) in 1949 and an MBA and PhD from New York University in 1952 and 1961, respectively. He began his career in public accounting with Leidersdorf and transitioned to teaching, first as an assistant professor of accountancy at NYU while earning his PhD and later, in 1961, returning to his beloved Baruch College. Mellman was dedicated to his students and, after retiring from Baruch in 1994, continued to teach at Hofstra University and at Florida Atlantic University.

Professor Mellman was a consultant for Deloitte-Touche for over 25 years. In addition, he was a consultant to industrial and financial corporations, law firms, and governmental agencies. His writings included such influential books as Accounting Theory—A CPA Review and Discovery Techniques: Obtaining and Analyzing Business Financial Data. Mellman authored and co-authored over 40 articles and publications throughout his career.

During his tenure at Baruch College, he established the Emanuel Saxe Distinguished Lecture Series, which honors the legendary dean by welcoming to the Baruch campus prominent speakers in business fields.

Martin Mellman was a devoted husband to his wife of 55 years, Pauline, who passed away in 2008. He was an involved father and grandfather and derived great pride and joy from his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He also cherished his extended family at Baruch College, both as a student/alumnus and longtime faculty member. To quote his retirement speech, “[T]here is a common thread that runs through Baruch students then and now, and that is the motivation and drive to learn, to get ahead, and to make it in mainstream America. In that sense, I see myself in the student body of today.”

A Colleague Remembers

“Martin Mellman was a colleague, close friend, and mentor.” —Steven Lilien

We first worked together in designing a methodology for arriving at profitability measures for the cereal segment of cereal companies, which required developing a sub-methodology for carving out dog food, also a major line of business for these companies. Our goal was to train bright Federal Trade Commission attorneys in accounting and financial analysis in a major antitrust case. That endeavor/collaboration eventually resulted in three books to train attorneys and managers in accounting systems.

Martin was also a close friend. Our families socialized and shared many family events. We kept in touch even after his retirement.

Although few know this and will give credit, Martin Mellman—in his collaboration with Professor Michael Schiff—was the true frontrunner in developing what is now called activity-based costing.

Closer to home, Martin transformed the path of Baruch’s accountancy program, launching a major curriculum change that brought the College’s program into the 20th century. The College and generations of accountancy alumni owe him a debt of gratitude.

—Steven Lilien, Irving Weinstein Professor, Stan Ross Department of Accountancy (former department chair)

Earlier this year, Paul Raymond was vacationing in Maztlan, Mexico, with a friend. Over the course of 10 days, the metal-detecting hobbyist found 12 rings, two silver bracelets, one gold chain, and $38 worth of pesos. In this haul: a Baruch College class ring from 1972. “I found the ring on Rock Island in about 6 feet of water about a foot down,” Raymond recalls. “The class ring was special, and I knew the College would be able to track down its owner [because of the ring’s inscription].”

So Raymond, retired from two careers—first as the owner of a welding business for 30 years and then as the owner/operator of an RV campground in Lebanon, New Hampshire, for 10—contacted the College. Then he mailed the ring back to Baruch, which is in the process of getting it into the hands of—and preferably on the ring finger of—owner/alumnus Thomas Bolger (’72), who lives in Texas.

“Thrilled by the adventure of finding relics and rings, bracelets and gold chains,” Raymond has been embarking on modern-day treasure-hunting excursions for the past 15 years. Of the Baruch class ring, he says, “It has had such a great journey already, and I’m glad to have been part of it.”

—Diane Harrigan

Other items found by this Good Samaritan on the next page.

Alumna Harriet Borah Leib (’54, MS ’58) offers a unique twist on the Baruch College romance: She and her husband of 59 years, George Leib (’54), were “caught” kissing on the 2nd floor balcony of 17 Lex building by none other than College namesake Bernard Baruch during one of his visits to the College in 1953.

A girl from Brooklyn, 16, intelligent, not very sophisticated, arrived at City College Downtown, on Lexington Avenue and 23rd Street [today’s Baruch], determined to succeed. The school was to be my passport to life—to help me find what I wanted to do. The 9th floor was the school’s “campus” then. There I met with students who came from varying backgrounds, joined a House Plan, and just had a wonderful time.

A boy from the Bronx, 17, intelligent, somewhat sophisticated, knew what he wanted from the college: to earn a degree, majoring in retailing/management; join a fraternity; investigate all else the school had to offer; and meet people with whom he could connect.

And so, the girl and the boy met! We became good friends who got together on the 9th floor, had lunch together, and ended up in some of the same classes. The more time we spent together, the more we realized how strong the attraction was. As time went on, we met between classes, sometimes in the auditorium, the halls, etc., and did a bit of hugging and smooching. The school was where we learned but was also our playground.

The word was out that that an exciting event was about to happen at our beloved school. We were going to have our own identity with a most notable gentleman’s name replacing the common “Downtown” appellation. Soon we would be the Bernard Baruch School of Business and Public Administration.*

My boyfriend and I planned to meet in one of our haunts, the stairwell near the 2nd-floor balcony. The area was private and quiet. We were laughing while hugging when we heard noise, people coming down the stairs. Oh my, it was Bernard Baruch and the school’s president and entourage! We thought that we had been “caught,” but, as we scattered away, we saw their smiles. That was quite a day. The school became the Bernard Baruch School of Business and Public Administration, and I was sure that my fella and I were meant for each other.

We have been happily married for 59 years, and I was right.  We were meant for each other.

Thank you, Baruch College, for all that you gave us.

—Harriet (née Borah) Leib (’54, MS ’58) 

*The City College School of Business and Public Administration officially became the Bernard M. Baruch School of Business and Public Administration in a ceremony on Oct. 8, 1953.

Related Articles: More Love at Baruch

A Ticker Love Story: Newspaper Was the Setting for Romance

Where Hearts Intersect: Daniel (’45) and Charlotte Bender (’50) Eth

An Evening Session Romance: Barbara Traiger and George Gershon (’56)

17 Lex Lovebirds: Martin Gitter (’49) and Valerie (Shark) Gitter (’50)

Love Italian- and New York–Style: Helen Mills and Gary Tannenbaum (’70) Share Their Story

Seng Tiong Gan (MS ’13) participated in PCCW Global Charity fundraiser for the Society for the Physically Disabled in Singapore last June.

In anticipation of the New York City Marathon 2014, which will be run on Nov. 2, BCAM asked our alumni readers to share their marathon memories (we were right in assuming that many marathoners are among our ranks).

Nine Baruchians—runners from the Class of 1956 through the Class of 2013—answered our request with not only stats but their reasons and inspiration for crossing the finish line, which range from answering a dare, improving their health, challenging themselves, to checking off an item on their bucket list. Along those 26.2-mile routes, many found more. For alumna Izabela M. Biel (’99), running the 2010 NYC Marathon was “an unbelievable experience—almost indescribable. You have to live it to know how it feels.” Read their stories.

Warning: You may be inspired to lace up.

RACHELLE ANDUJAR (’07)

*Did you run for the Baruch cross country team? Yes. 

What made you decide to run a marathon? I was a middle-distance runner looking for a challenge. 

What races have you run? The NYC Marathon in 2005, and I am running the NYC Marathon this year, on Nov. 2, 2014.

Which was your favorite? So far I have run only one, but it was memorable. I didn’t know it at the time but found out shortly after that I ran the marathon and had mononucleosis! I certainly wouldn’t do that again, but at least I raised money for a good cause. Therefore, this year I’m aiming for a memorable “first” marathon. I’m hoping it will be fun and to post a decent time. Besides, they say you can only have mono once.

CATHY HUANG (’11)

What made you decide to run a marathon? I had completed two half marathons, was already in training mode, and wondered if I could push myself to the next level. So I talked with other marathon runners, who all said I already had a good foundation and should continue my training.

Please list all the marathons you’ve participated in. Philadelphia Marathon 2013, NYC Triathlon 2014, and the Wineglass Marathon 2014.

Which was your favorite marathon?

The 2013 Philadelphia Marathon was my first marathon and will always be my favorite. Also, I was going through some personal challenges right around that time, and being able to finish something physically difficult made me emotionally stronger. The sense of accomplishment when you cross the finish line—even if you’re literally dragging yourself across—cannot be compared to anything else. While I look forward to a stronger finish in my next marathon, I will always remember the finish line in Philadelphia.

IZABELA M. BIEL (’99) 

What made you decide to run a marathon? Running a marathon was always on my bucket list. I wanted simply to prove to myself that I CAN do it.

What races have you run? The NYC Marathon 2010.

Which was your favorite? Since the 2010 New York City Marathon was the only one I ran, it was my favorite. It is unbelievable experience—almost indescribable. You have to live it to know how it feels. From the very beginning in Staten Island to the last inch in Central Park, there are wonderful people along the entire way, cheering you up, handing you water or simply tissues. People of all ages from all over the world running together through the best city in the world!

LEONARD NATURMAN (’56)

What made you decide to run a marathon? My track career ended as a freshman at Evander Child High School with a dispute with the coach. But at age 35, overweight and out of shape and with four small children and a wife (Florence Kanes ’55) to support, I decided I should start to jog for my health. Next thing you know, I’m running 13 marathons.

Please list all the marathons you’ve participated in: New York, Long Island, Boston Qualifier, Tucson

Which was your favorite marathon? The NYC Marathon, because all of the family, including my grandchildren, could watch.

PHILIP HONIG (’58) 

What made you decide to run a marathon? It started out as a dare. I was watching the NYC Marathon with a group of friends and commented on the age of some of the finishers. I suggested that if they could do it so could I. They laughed and jeered at my comment. That’s all I needed. With that, I began to train and subsequently ran three NYC Marathons, with my wife Dianne accompanying me on two of them.

What races have you run? I ran marathons in 1991, 1992, and 1994, with my wife, Dianne, joining me in 1992 and 1994. To prepare for these races, we also completed many half marathons and some shorter races as well throughout the metropolitan area.

Which was your favorite? The NYC Marathon in 1994 was our favorite for several reasons:

1. It was the 25th anniversary of the event, so the hoopla around it was special.
2. It was the easiest one for both of us because our training was very scientifically done. When we finished, we felt as if we could have gone another 10 miles.
3. Looking back now, we realize that between the two of us we earned five medals, which allows us to give each of our five grandchildren a medal to help remember us.

We are now 77 and 76 years old, respectively, and no longer think about racing. Anyway, when we moved to a community built on two mountains, we effectively put an end to our ability to practice.

SENG TIONG GAN (MS ’13) 

What races have you run? I have run the 2014 Paris Marathon, the 2013 Berlin Marathon, the 2013 Gold Coast Marathon in Australia, the 2013 Singapore Marathon, the 2013 Sundown Marathon in Singapore, and the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, among others.

Which were your favorites? The Berlin Marathon and Paris Marathon: great running routes and event atmosphere.

See Gan’s photo top. 

IRA GREENBERG (’81)

What made you decide to run a marathon? New York City inspired me—and the thrill and passion did, too.

What races have you run? The New York City Marathon in 1990.

Which was your favorite? The 1990 marathon was the highlight of my sports life.

I had quit training because of the hours involved and was going to turn in my number. I had lost my enthusiasm. But then I figured, “What the heck. I’ll run even if my time turns out to be six hours.”

Well, on race day, it was 72 degrees and the crowd was out. And that crowd carried me to a 3:30 marathon time! I think I high-fived every fan along the route and ate everything that was handed to me. I even missed meeting my wife and family at planned mile markers, because I was so far ahead of my planned pace.

The crowd got me so high. I had a mind-blowing experience!

NELSON WEBSTER (’05)

What made you decide to run a marathon? I started running in 2009. Running a marathon was on my bucket list. 

What races have you run? I ran in the 2010 and 2013 New York Marathons.

Which was your favorite? The NYC Marathon is much different than running other races. It’s much bigger and lots of people cheer you on. And what joy finally crossing the finish line.

RACHEL KIMBER (’13) 

What made you decide to run a marathon? I started running with the Van Cortlandt Track Club in 2007, and the team encouraged me to try racing a marathon. They supported me through the training journey and shared their accumulated knowledge. I’m not sure I would have tried a marathon without the support of my team. 

What races have you run? I’ve run the Chicago Marathon in 2008, the Long Beach, N.J., Marathon in 2009, the New York City Marathon in 2009, the Boston Marathon in 2010, the North Face Endurance Challenge in New York 2011 and 2012, and the D.C. 50K in 2012.

Which was your favorite? Each was a very unique experience: Chicago was my first; N.J. was my Boston-qualifying race; New York City made me feel like a true champion, racing on my home turf; and at Boston, I was a global elite. In Boston, I was as close as I would ever get to an “Olympic Village” at the start line, surrounded by the best in my sport.

My final long-distance races were completed on the trail, which I discovered is my favorite place to run. An hour train ride out of the New York City lands me on some of the best single-track trails I’ve ever raced on.

The beauty of the marathon is that each is so very different. Each one, no matter how many you race, will be treasured.

We runners are privileged to get up and run each day.

* Note: Most of the alumni marathoners above did not participate on the College’s cross-country teams (which—when you think about it—makes their later-life marathoning even more impressive). When the question “Did you run for the Baruch cross country team?” is absent from an individual Q&A, it indicates that the alum was not part of the College’s track program.

Longtime director of House Plan and Lamport House, famous for his ubiquitous pipe, Irving Greger.

By Dr. Anita (Varesio) Lohman (’62)

I came from an Italian immigrant family where no one went to college let alone a female! So I had no inkling of my true potential until I met him.

In fact, I majored in psychology with the goal of becoming a dean of students, inspired by him and his relationships with students. I wanted to give back to other students what I had received at Baruch from Irv and others.

But that specific career was not meant to be. My involvement with clinical psychology began by working with severely emotionally disturbed children, and I was hooked. For 30 years, I helped others through clinical practice, teaching, and research.

I loved my career, and now I have been enjoying retirement for the past 16 years.

About the Alumna 

Anita A. (Varesio) Lohman enjoyed a 30-year career as a clinical psychologist. Today she is retired and living in Oregon. In addition to loving the outdoors, Lohman has discovered a previously untapped talent for art. “I enjoy art so much—the process of communicating through color and form things deeply felt and lived . . . . I’m also interested in helping others find their own artist within.”

About Irving Greger

Professor Emeritus Irving “Greg” Greger was a Baruch professor and staff member from 1947 to 1986. He held such jobs as coordinator of student activities, coordinator of freshman activities, associate dean of students, and director of orientation and special programs.

For many alumni, his name is synonymous with House Plan, Lamport House, and the Lamport Leaders Society. Says Greger, who by training is an applied psychologist with expertise in group dynamics, “I relished any job that involved working directly with students.” Greger is retired and living in Long Island.

Note: When Greger heard of this tribute, he immediately launched into memories of Dr. Lohman, whom he called “a brilliant student.” He shared this anecdote: Greger called Anita at home one night to talk with her about Lamport Leader business. Her mother would not connect the administrator with his student leader, saying Anita was not to be disturbed while she was studying. Greger was impressed that both Anita and her family had taken his advice about time management to heart, even if it meant that he could only leave a message for her to call him back.  

Spanish Language Professor Marshall Schneider

“An unsung personal hero of mine, Dr. Schneider was, without a doubt, one of the greatest professors I ever had the distinct pleasure and honor of knowing. His classroom was his palace, a place where I always felt inspired, where the comfort zone for the creative process could always be found. A perfectionist in a very good way, he was certainly not shy in telling you where a new paragraph should begin—and where one should end.

“I never missed any of his classes, and he always read each and every one of my compositions . . . with great interest in front of the entire class. Also, I never had any doubts that he had a big hand in my getting a job at Baruch as the language lab director for the Romance languages department. Had it not been for Professor Schneider’s keen interest in my writing, I very seriously doubt that I would have had the courage to embark on the two journeys now known as Nothing Missed, Everything Gained and Nothing Missed, Everything Gained Volume II.”

“Rest in peace, maestro.”

Note: The above tribute was taken from the dedication to Guzmán’s revised version of Nothing Missed, Everything Gained Volume II (BMG Press, 2012). Says the author, “I decided to rededicate Volume II entirely to Professor Schneider because he truly deserves it.” Some of Guzmán’s classroom assignments from Schneider’s classes appear in these volumes, together with another piece that Guzmán wrote for Professor Casanova’s class, another of the author’s favorite faculty members.

“Baruch College transformed my life in so many ways for the better, and Dr. Schneider was a major catalyst,” says Guzmán. “He couldn’t have shined as he did, in my humble opinion, without the influence and encouragement of the other great professors he interacted with, his colleagues.”

About the Alumnus 

Bill Guzmán is currently a licensed insurance agent for the state of North Carolina, where he has lived for more than 20 years. Since 2000, Guzmán has been self-employed, following a long and successful career as an IT professional. In 2009 he dedicated himself to fulfilling his long-held ambition of creating a collection of short stories and poems and is now the proud author of two volumes.

About Marshall Schneider 

Modern Languages and Comparative Literature Professor and Chairman Marshall Schneider taught at Baruch College from 1967 to 2001. He died in April 2001 at the age of 58. Says current Department of Modern Languages and Comparative Literature Chair Elena Martinez, “A distinguished scholar of Spanish literature, Marshall Schneider was an excellent teacher and one of the most generous and committed members of our community.”

Dean Emanuel Saxe (’23) (left) circa 1970.

In 2008 one of Baruch College’s most celebrated sons, Eli Mason (’40, LHD [Hon.] ’78) wrote about his mentor and one of the most famous of all Baruch administrators, Dean Emanuel (“Mannie”) Saxe (’23). Mason’s essay, “CPAs I Have Known,” was published in Accounting Today (May 21, 2007) as well as the alumni magazine. 

On the 90th anniversary of Dean Saxe’s graduation from City College/Baruch and inspired by alumnus George Gershon’s recent Saxe tribute, we publish Mr. Mason’s essay online.

“CPAs I Have Known”: An Excerpt

During six decades as an observer, I have met and known a myriad of accountants—in public practice, as corporate executives, in government positions, as teachers, and in our national and state accounting organizations. To me, some are unforgettable and admirable. . . . 

In September 1937, I registered for Accountancy 210 Cost Accounting at Baruch College. One had to be impressed when Professor Emanuel Saxe entered the room. He was big vertically and horizontally, with a large bald head. In a crease in his vest rested a sizable Phi Beta Kappa key. The class was scheduled for two o’clock on the 14th floor facing west. The rays of the sun reflected off the facets of his Phi Beta Kappa key into my eyes, and I was hypnotized, mesmerized, and Saxenized.

It was not until October, when the sun was setting earlier in the day, that I could see the blackboard for the first time. I was seated in the last row, I was short, and suddenly Professor Saxe fixed his stare on me. I knew I was in trouble, and I crouched behind the chair in front of me.

“Where did that little guy go?” Saxe wondered.

Baruch College was tough and had strict standards. Seniors majoring in accountancy were required to write a baccalaureate thesis on a topic approved by a thesis advisor. I had an evening job with RCA Communications, a subsidiary of Radio Corp. of America, and I requested permission to write my thesis on Accounting and Commercial Aspects of a Radiotelegraph Company.

I had been dating Claire [Rosen ’40], a coed (later, she became Claire Mason), who typed my thesis on her Underwood typewriter. On the morning of Commencement, Claire phoned me. “The New York Times just published the graduation awards, and we won the thesis prize.” I was curious as to who had selected my thesis. It was Professor Saxe.

During 1946 The CPA Journal, published by the New York State Society of CPAs, announced an essay contest, and I submitted “Random Thoughts of a Young Accountant.” I received a phone call from the editor of The CPA Journal, Emanuel Saxe.

“Your article will be published in the May 1946 edition of The CPA Journal; please meet me at my office,” he said.

When Claire had typed the article, it was black and white; the copy on Dr. Saxe’s desk was now black and blue. “I made some changes,” he said.

“Thank you, sir,” I respectfully replied.

When I was appointed to the State Board for Public Accountancy by the New York State Board of Regents, Emanuel Saxe was already on the state board. When I was nominated for the presidency of the New York State Society of CPAs, Emanuel Saxe was on the nominating committee.

In November 1977, I was designated co-chairman of the Third Jerusalem Accounting Conference. I phoned Emanuel Saxe and told him, “You must come to the meeting and sit at my right hand.”

In his quixotic manner, he asked, “Why must I go with you?” I replied, “Because I’m losing my eyesight, and because I would like you to deliver a paper on malpractice suits against accountants.”

The meeting was attended by several thousand accountants from all parts of the world. The co-chairman was Lord Hirshfield, the queen’s personal accountant. On the opening morning, Lord Hirshfield was seated in the front row. I turned to my right and said, “Mannie, how do I address Lord Hirshfield?” Saxe replied, “You refer to him as ‘M’Lord.’

“Look Mannie,” I said, “I’m not calling anyone ‘M’Lord’!” Saxe replied, “Don’t ask my advice, if you don’t like my answers.”

So I rapped the gavel and said, “M’Lord Hirshfield, ladies and gentlemen.”

I have described my close relationship with Emanuel Saxe, but there were dozens of others who were also recipients of his largesse.

Philip Piaker [’44], who came from a working-class family in New York, attended Baruch College, received a degree in accounting, and took a job teaching English in the New York public schools to help support his family. Dr. Saxe learned of an opening to teach accountancy at the State University of New York at Binghamton. He phoned Piaker, who took the post. In time he became chairman of the accounting department and established a CPA firm, Piaker & Lyons.

One of Professor Saxe’s bright students was Michael Del Guidice [’64], who graduated from Baruch with a 4.0 average. Saxe learned of an opening for a technical assistant with the New York State Assembly Ways & Means Committee and recommended Michael, who got the job. Del Guidice worked his way up the legislative ladder and at the pinnacle of his ascent, he became secretary to Governor Mario Cuomo. After leaving government posts, Del Guidice became senior partner of Millennium Credit Markets LLC, an important brokerage firm.

Piaker, Del Guidice, myself, and, of course, the brilliant Abraham J. Briloff [’37, MS ’41], as well as scores of other Saxe students, were indebted to him for his sincerity, integrity, and warmth.

He was our teacher, advisor, and friend.

About the Author: Eli Mason

As a senior partner of Mason and Company, LLP, an accounting and tax firm formed in 1946, now merged with J.H. Cohn, Eli Mason (1920–2009) held numerous influential positions in such professional organizations as the New York State Board for Public Accountancy, the American Institute of CPAs, the National Conference of CPA Practitioners, the Foundation for Accounting Education, and the New York State Society of CPAs. He and his wife were extremely active in the life of their alma mater. He was the first president of The Baruch College Fund and subsequently named president emeritus of the BCF Board of Trustees. The main auditorium in the Field Building (also know as 17 Lexington Avenue) is named Mason Hall in honor of Eli and Claire, both Class of 1940. The couple supported the Claire and Eli Mason Professorship in Accountancy, and the conference room located on the third floor of the Administrative Building is named the Eli Mason Conference Room.

Copyright: Originally published in Accounting Today. May 21, 2007. Reprinted with permission.

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Saxe Appeal Still Strong

Five members of Executive MPA Cohort 29 in Baruch’s Steven L. Newman Hall, named in remembrance of the son of William (’47) and Anita Newman, longtime benefactors of the College. Photo by Elena Olivo.

Cohort 29 of the Executive Master of Public Administration (XMPA) Program became close over the course of 70 Saturdays during the last two years. Says Greg DeStefano, “We have not only learned and grown professionally together, but we have formed lifelong connections that span organizational sectors and policy areas.” The group of 16—including (from top left) Meishay Gattis, Wendy Sutaria, Gregory DeStefano, Tenaja Jordan, and Nicole Souza—graduated in May.

With their program experience having fostered a spirit of teamwork, Cohort 29 has pledged to participate in the Hagedorn Challenge, a new matching-gift initiative within the School of Public Affairs (SPA). “By appealing to their sense of teamwork, alumna Amy Hagedorn has shown she understands her fellow Baruchians well,” says Public Affairs Dean David Birdsell. The announcement of Hagedorn’s second million-dollar gift (of which the challenge is a part) comes as SPA celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Psychology Professor John Bauer from the 1964 Lexicon.

Robert Brooks (’64) today.

It’s important to remind ourselves of the power that a few well-chosen words can have to alter the course of someone’s life. I’ve experienced it many times over, with no instance being more powerful than a conversation I had with a professor during my Baruch/City College undergraduate years. Psychology Professor John Bauer—his words forever changed the path I took in life.

I was an economics major—this was my second major. As an upper junior, I needed to take a course in the social sciences. I had heard from friends that Dr. Bauer’s introductory psychology class was excellent, featuring lively discussions that touched both the hearts and minds of students. I enrolled in his course and was immediately impressed by his love of the subject, his ability to challenge students in a nonjudgmental manner, his obvious enjoyment of teaching, and his accessibility to students. He made the subject matter exciting and relevant. Throughout the semester, I looked forward to the readings he assigned and to participating in his class.

At the end of the semester, I questioned whether I wanted to remain an economics major or switch to psychology. Such a shift would require me to stay in college beyond my original graduation date in order to take all of my psychology requirements. In addition, I wasn’t certain if my attraction to psychology was based primarily on John’s teaching style and/or the field. (After I graduated, John insisted that I refer to him by his first name, so I will do so for the rest of this article.) Since John always made himself available to students, I went to see him. I shared my thoughts about possibly changing majors, explaining that I was trying to sort out why I was drawn to psychology.

Not every professor would have taken the amount of time to do what John did. In reflecting upon my questions, he said, “I’m not certain what is drawing you to psychology, so why don’t we talk about it. If you have time now, we can go out for lunch.” I eagerly responded that I had the time, and John took me to a restaurant near the college. We sat and talked for more than two hours. Although I must admit that there was a part of me that wanted John to make the decision for me, instead he asked questions—questions that I have not forgotten more than 40 years later.

John asked me to place myself in the future and envision being either an economist or a psychologist and what seemed most appealing to me. Although we joked about my being uncertain of the activities of an economist (even though I had taken 24 credits of economics courses) and even less certain of all that a psychologist did after having only one course, I told him that based on his description of the various activities in which he was engaged (teaching, consulting, therapy), I was drawn more to psychology than economics.

Then I told him that I was concerned about changing majors this late in my college career and remaining in school beyond my original graduation date. He asked how much difference one year would make if it meant finding something about which I was passionate. We discussed being willing to take risks. John talked about individuals he had seen in therapy who felt trapped, having gone into careers that brought them little satisfaction but were afraid to take new paths in life.

Even before we left the restaurant, I knew that I was going to switch my major to psychology. I told John what I planned to do. He smiled and said, “Bob, I think you will be a wonderful psychologist and enjoy being one.” I thanked him. I did not realize at that moment the ways in which our two-hour lunch had transformed my life.

Well, John was right: I have loved my career as a psychologist. Needless to say, we remained close friends for years. He invited me to speak at my first national conference as a panel member of a workshop he had planned. He died almost 20 years ago.

I often wonder what might have happened to me had John not invited a somewhat anxious undergraduate student to join him for lunch. Because of him, I have always attempted to make myself available to others.

Editor’s Note: One of the most popular faculty members from the 1960s, Dr. John Bauer was a professor and chair in the Department of Psychology. During his 30-year academic career, he received numerous awards. Bauer earned a bachelor’s degree from City College, a master’s degree from Boston University, and a doctorate from New York University. He died in 1984 at the age of 63. His memory is perpetuated at the College with the John Bauer Scholarship, awarded to a student who demonstrates Bauer’s personal characteristics and qualities of “leadership, unselfish devotion to the service of others, compassion, candor, courage and strength of conviction.”

Attention Readers: Did a Baruch professor or administrator positively, profoundly impact your life? Share your story with fellow alumni here or by contacting communications@baruch.cuny.edu.

Related Article: A Ticker Love Story: Newspaper Was Setting for Romance 

On Dec. 12, 2013, Baruch College said goodbye to one of its most noteworthy alumni and distinguished faculty members, accountancy legend Abraham J. Briloff (’37, MSEd ’41). He was 96 years old.

Often called “the conscience of the accountancy profession,” Briloff stood as a champion of the highest principles and ethics. His scholarship—prodigious and influential—included Effectiveness of Accounting Communication, Unaccountable Accounting, More Debits than Credits, The Truth About Corporate Accounting, and three decades of columns for Barron’s. Among a lifetime of accolades was his inclusion in 2012 in The Journal of Accountancy’s list of “125 People of Impact in Accounting.”

The Emanuel Saxe Distinguished Professor Emeritus was admired by decades of Baruchians, among them his star student, Charles Dreifus (’66, MBA ’73). Dreifus honored his friend and mentor in 1995 by establishing the annual Abraham J. Briloff Prizes in Ethics at Baruch. Speaking for all those who loved Abe, Dreifus said, “Witnessing your brilliance, your refinement, your compassion and scruples, your social and moral conscience, your absolute eloquence—this is what shaped so much of our [your students’] successes. . . . Rest assured that you will live on in our hearts and in the deeds we hope to accomplish in your honor.”

Solomon J. Lirtzman ’35
*Abraham J. Briloff (’37, MSEd ’41)
Freda R. Casner ’37
Jordan Hale ’37
Seymour L. Goldstein ’38
*Claire R. (Rosen) Mason ’40
Percival Wallman ’40
Frances K. (Keitel) Daniels ’41
Richard L. Gilbert ’42
Philip Hyman ’42
Hilton M. Soba ’43
Sidney Weintraub ’43
Victor Neiditz ’44
Daniel S. Roher ’46
*Martin H. Schneider ’46
*Bernard I. Klein ’47, MBA ’61
Herbert Sitver ’47
Henry Dachinger ’48
Jerome L. Fisch ’48
Harold Rosman ’48
Murray Weiss ’48
Frederick Ekstrom ’49
Peter F. Freund ’49
Elmer T. Lokkins ’49
Theodore Shulman ’49
Gordon S. Strenger ’49
Stanley I. Keller ’50
Albert G. Cizmarik ’51
Murray M. Rosenzweig ’51
Ruth Steinberg ’51
Stanley P. Tuchman ’51
Warren A. Blicht ’52
Domenic R. Parisi ’52
Paul J. Ash ’53
Seymour N. Berzofsky ’53
Robert Coleman ’55
Melvin S. Wolfman ’55
Joel B. Zweibel ’55
Richard H. Cowlan ’56
Irving N. Kleiner ’56
Marvin E. Hirschorn ’57
Lorraine (Langfan) Dell ’59
Robert E. Kramer ’59
Barbara H. Kosson ’60
Diana Piera Skaggs ’61
Leonard Fedorschak MPA ’62
Michael A. Graf ’62
Robert Wong ’62
David S. Klarman ’63
Alfred C. Lehman ’63
Bruno F. Reinberg ’63
Joseph Tuckman ’63
Jeffrey M. Steinig ’64, MBA ’68
George B. Brosan ’65
Roy E. Mayers ’66
Carl M. Pauzner ’66
Alvin A. Joshua ’69
William S. Karp MBA ’69
Stephen Nazar ’69
Eleanor J. (Schwartz) Butner ’70
Joseph F. Indinemao ’70
James J. Killerlane ’70
Arnold Shindelman ’71
Anthony V. Larocco ’72
Richard E. Bragg ’73
Mark V. Posner ’73, MBA ’77
Joseph Ruivo ’74
Walter E. Kreher ’75
Sylvanie R. Phills ’75
Thomas C. Troiani ’76
Joseph Vaccaro ’76
Nicholos Diamantis ’79
Mary Pengrin-Sal ’85
Fredric J. Shenn MS ’87
Melanie Richards ’90
Randal E. Blank ’93
Sachin Kanwar ’00
Daniel Belmonte MS ’13

*Benchmark Society member

Thanks to Edith Stein (’53) and her husband, Martin, who made Baruch’s Mishkin Gallery exhibition Theresa Bernstein: A Century in Art possible. The show, with art drawn entirely from the Steins’ private collection, ran concurrently at Baruch and the CUNY Graduate Center last winter. “My husband and I spent very little time with Theresa, so we really did not get to know her very well,” said Mrs. Stein. “The most gratifying part of the exhibition experience for us was the chance [at the symposium] to meet the artist’s close friends and relatives. . . . She was so prolific; I am sure that her paintings are in homes unaware of her background and talent.” The two-gallery exhibition brought the art of Theresa Bernstein (1890–2002) to new audiences throughout the city.

Photo by Jerry Speier

10

Warren Heusner (MSEd) is the new associate VP of enrollment management at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla. Previously he was executive director of enrollment management at Medgar Evers College/CUNY. Michelle Hunter is a New York–based artist who is exploring neuroscience through art in her series of brain paintings and drawings: www.hunterart.com. Jessica Penaherrera-Kang, one of Baruch’s most successful student-athletes in swimming and cross country, competed in her first Ironman in Cozumel, Mexico, in December. She is currently employed at J.P. Morgan Private Bank.

11

Katsiaryna Colka is pursuing a law degree at Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law. The Center for American Progress chose Mekaelia Davis (MPA) as a 2013–14 Leadership Institute Fellow. She is a program associate with the Aspen Institute in Washington, D.C., where her work focuses on supporting educational access and career success for low-income and marginalized populations. Michael Hattem (CUNY BA) is earning a PhD in history at Yale University. His scholarly assistance was acknowledged by Baruch History Professor Emerita Carol Berkin in her latest book, Wondrous Beauty: The Life and Adventures of Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte (Knopf, 2014). Agustin Lastra, who competed at Baruch in three sports—swimming, soccer, and cross country—competed in the New York City Half Marathon in March. In November men’s cross country “alum” John Moroni successfully completed the 2013 ING New York City Marathon. Since his graduation, Arki Wisnu has been playing professional basketball in Indonesia as point guard for team Satria Muda Britama Jakarta.

12

Louis F.G. Joachim (MS) has joined real estate firm Rose Associates as a commercial leasing associate. He was previously a senior associate at SKH Realty. Last April Eric Khorshad opened the restaurant Pizza King, located on Lexington Ave. and 34th St., along with two associates.

13

Clare Bruff (XMPA) joined ASME, a not-for-profit membership organization serving the global engineering community, as manager of volunteer leadership development in fall 2013. In December she was elected president of the board of directors of the New York Association for Volunteer Administration. John Fout (MBA), who won second place in the 2013 SmartPitch Challenge for student entrepreneurs, is the cofounder—along with his wife, Angela—of Sohha Savory Yogurt. In addition to selling their product at local farmers’ markets, the Fouts recently opened a store in Chelsea Market. Crystal Joseph was awarded the first-ever CUNY Terence D. Tolbert Public Service Internship in February. As part of her fieldwork, Joseph—a graduate student in the CUNY School of Professional Studies—interned in the office of N.Y.S. Assemblyman and Housing Committee Chair Keith Wright (D-Harlem). Tolbert Interns work with community members and stakeholders to resolve policy problems and address local needs. Sean Karako and two of his cousins founded Flip My Tie, which offers high-quality, reversible ties in a large selection of prints and patterns. All three entrepreneurs are second-generation retail businessmen: their fathers founded Karako Suits, with 11 stores in New York and New Jersey, 32 years ago. Michael O’Keefe is a production associate for ABC’s Good Morning America. Sangya Singh is pursuing a Master of Science in global affairs at NYU; she works for the news and media division of the United Nations. Jahnhoy Smith (MBA) was selected by Governor Andrew Cuomo as a member of the 2013–2015 class of Empire State Fellows. He is one of 21 professionals chosen for the unique skills they bring to government, in addition to their leadership potential, commitment to public service, and creativity. Previously an operations manager for New York City’s Health and Hospital Corp/Metro Plus Health Plan, Smith has been placed in the New York State Division of the Budget.

14

Srinivas Kannepalli (MFE) took second place out of 900 participants in the 1st Financial Engineering Quiz Competition organized by Hong Kong–based Risk Latte, a boutique financial engineering firm. Hosted on Facebook, the competition was liked by more than 8,000 students and professionals worldwide from the engineering, physical sciences, and banking and finance sectors. Kannepalli is part of the Quantitative Analysis Group, CLS Bank International, in NYC.

00

Ishani Chowdhury is contracting officer’s representative and senior IT project and program manager at the Food and Drug Administration. She is also a member of Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s Commission on South Asian American Affairs and chairs its health subcommittee.

01

Kevin Sasz (MS) has been promoted to senior director in the tax practice of Rothstein Kass, a national professional services firm. Mosharraf Zaidi (MPA) has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as a 2014 Young Global Leader for heading a global campaign to improve the quality of education for children in Pakistan. A global influencer in the making, Zaidi contributed an op-ed, “How Pakistan Fails Its Children,” to the 14 Oct. 2014 New York Times.

02

Robert Poliseno (MBA) has been appointed senior VP and regional executive officer, mid-Atlantic region, for ACE USA, the U.S.-based retail operations of the ACE Group.

03

The New Jersey office of international law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP has promoted attorney Lennie Bersh (MBA), Intellectual Property and Technology, to the position ‘of counsel.’ Christian fiction author Theresa A. Campbell published her first novel, Are You There, God? (Urban Books, 2013), a coming-of-age tale about a young Jamaican woman’s struggles to establish herself. Born and raised in Jamaica, West Indies, Campbell hopes to inspire readers with her writing (see www.theresaacampbell.com). Gbubemi Okotieuro has been appointed to the position of Berkeley College VP for government relations. Previously he served as associate dean, Office of Government and External Relations, Medgar Evers College/CUNY. Desiree Peterkin-Bell (MPA) has been Philadelphia city representative since 2012, in addition to serving as Mayor Michael Nutter’s director of communications and strategic partnerships. Florida attorney Victor Semah, a member of international law firm Greenberg Traurig’s Corporate & Securities Practice Group, has been named shareholder.

04

Accountant Randy Page has opened a chain of five Liberty Tax Service offices in Brooklyn and the Poconos since 2008. He lives in Bushkill, Penn. Lenny Pridatko is the author of Columbia University in Pictures (Luminance), which was named a finalist as Photography Book of 2013 by ForeWord Reviews. His second book, 23 Post-Cards of Columbia (Luminance, 2014), is its companion paperback. Pridatko is the founder of Get-Shot-in-New York, which provides personalized photo shoot tours. Christopher F. Smith, a vice president and financial advisor in Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management office in Jericho, N.Y., was named to the firm’s Pacesetter’s Club, which recognizes advisors who, within their first five years of service, demonstrate the highest professional standards. He lives in Smithtown, N.Y., with his wife and two children. 

05

Samantha Stephens (’05), owner of eatery OatMeals in Greenwich Village, was named “Creative Oatmeal Officer” for Quaker Oats last September. As “COO” she participates in the brand’s marketing efforts. As spokesperson, Stephens served a few of her signature recipes to celebrities and attendees at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival in Utah last January. “Quaker is an iconic oatmeal brand, and our partnership is a perfect fit!” says the alumna.

06

Joel S. Bodner (MBA) is a senior wealth advisor at Fusion Family Wealth, where he works with clients on researching and managing investment opportunities. Natalie Madeira Cofield (MPA), president and CEO of the Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce in Austin, Tex., was recently named one of the Top 10 Black Innovators at the South By Southwest conference. Edrizio De La Cruz, who recently graduated from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, is the co-founder and CEO of Regalii. The tech company allows immigrants to send a PIN code directly to cell phones of family in Latin America, where it can be redeemed to buy food and medicine or pay bills. Rachel Fester (MSEd) has been appointed associate vice president of institutional effectiveness at Berkeley College. She most recently served as executive director of assessment and planning for the College of Mount Saint Vincent and as associate research scholar at the Center for Institutional and Social Change, Columbia Law School, Columbia University. Fahri Ozturk has joined Massey Knakal Realty Services as a director of sales, focusing on New Jersey’s Hudson County. Previously he was an investments associate at Arsenal Real Estate Partners. Michael Yampol (MFE) and Srinivas Kannepalli (MFE ’14) took first and second places, respectively, out of 900 participants in the 1st Financial Engineering Quiz Competition organized by Hong Kong–based Risk Latte, a boutique financial engineering firm. Hosted on Facebook, the competition was liked by more than 8,000 students and professionals worldwide from the engineering, physical sciences, and banking and finance sectors. Says Yampol, “I was quite thrilled, but hardly surprised, to learn that another Baruch MFE student shared top honors!” The winners received a selection of books on quantitative finance. Yampol is an independent risk management consultant in NYC.

07

Nakia James-Jenkins (MPA) is one of six women who have purchased and remodeled the 200-year-old Gansevoort Mansion in Saratoga County, N.Y. It is currently run as a bed and breakfast in addition to hosting lectures and other events. James-Jenkins is director of HR for KIPP NYC, a charter school network. John Lisyanskiy, a legislative financial analyst for the New York City Council, was included in City Hall News’ “40 Under 40 Rising Stars: The Next Generation of Political Leaders in New York.”

08

Abe Goldschmidt received a certificate in national security and counterterrorism law from Syracuse University’s Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism. He works in the Miami office of the Florida State Attorney General. Sue-Ellen Guzman is a national account executive with Starlite Media LLC, which specializes in large-format, high-impact signs strategically placed in major retail shopping centers across the country. Maya Lupa (MSEd) is an enrollment management assistant at CUNY. Zoryana Matarelli (MBA) was selected as a Pfizer Global Health Fellow. Assigned to Accra, Ghana, since March, she is assessing that country’s pharmacy business model, regulatory environment, and supply chains. Matarelli has been with Pfizer in various roles since 2004.

09

William Ayers is the founder of Teeconomist, a t-shirt design website featuring exclusive designs available for purchase during 24-hour blocks, plus innovative interactive pricing (https://teeconomist.com). Doran Chan (MPA) is an eLearning assistant for Healthcare Chaplaincy, a leader in the research, education, and practice of palliative care. Baruch assistant swim team coach and swimming alumnus Brian Ramirez competed in the New York City Half Marathon in March. In November, men’s cross country coach Matt Soja placed 181st overall among more than 50,000 runners in the 2013 ING New York City Marathon.

90

Manish Bhatia (MBA) has joined digital measurement and analytics firm comScore, Inc., as chief revenue officer. He most recently served as executive VP of new product innovation at Arbitron. Rebecca Holecko (MBA) has founded SAT by MBA, an SAT tutor center, in Parsippany, N.J. Holecko is community liaison representative from the Montville Township Literacy Foundation.

92

Bruce Higson-Smith (MBA) has been appointed to the board of directors of Saskatoon, Canada–based Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. A mining engineer, Higson-Smith is senior VP of corporate strategy at Golden Star Resources Ltd. In November Chester McPherson was appointed acting commissioner of the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB). He has served as the deputy commissioner of market operations for DISB since 2011.

93

In January Eric Rivera (MPA) was appointed VP for student affairs at San Diego State University. He was formerly acting VP.

94

John P. Butler (MBA) has joined the board of directors at Relypsa, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company that develops and manufactures drugs to treat disorders in the areas of renal, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. He is the president and CEO of Akebia.

95

Klein Wealth Management, helmed by Peter J. Klein (MBA), recently entered into partnership with HighTower entrepreneurial advisors, where Klein is now partner and managing director. Thomas Walker (MBA) is CFO of Tableau Software, which launched a successful IPO last year.

96

In February Alessandra Otero-Reiss (MBA) was one of 12 television executives honored at the Multicultural TV Leadership Awards ceremony in New York, sponsored by Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News. Otero-Reiss is VP of multicultural marketing at Time Warner Cable, where she has worked since 2009.

97

Yoav Sibony has been hired as VP of global sales by Harvard Bioscience, Inc., which develops products used to advance life science research and regenerative medicine. He previously served as global sales effectiveness manager at Corning Life Sciences. Victoria E. (Siculiano) Smith is an online marketing coach and founder of Say WOW Marketing. She is the host of the Smarter Online Marketing podcast, geared to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

98

Rachel Katz-Galatt (MBA) is founder of Healthy Mama, which offers support, resources, and product solutions for pregnant, nursing, and busy moms. Katherine Sheehan (MBA) is executive VP and general manager of research company GfK’s consumer trends team.

99

Anna Aleman (MPA), executive director of the FEMAP Foundation, was given the 2013 Hicks-Middagh Award, presented annually to the University of Texas at El Paso alumnus/alumna who best represents excellence in the communications field. Michelle DePass (MPA) has been named dean of the Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy at the New School. She will also be the Tishman Professor of Environmental Policy and Management as part of her appointment. She previously worked at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where she served as assistant administrator for international and tribal affairs.

80

Kenneth Kronenfeld has joined Fitech Consultants as VP, focusing on the New Jersey–based firm’s real estate technology practice. He was previously manager of lease analysis for Kimco Realty. Bert Prohaska (MBA), who works in quality management and program evaluation for the Greater Binghamton (N.Y.) Health Center, took part in the Broome County Mental Health Association’s Annual Bell of Hope 5K Run to raise awareness of mental health issues.

82

Leslie Billet (MBA) has been appointed managing director at Clearbrook Global Advisors, an independent investment management firm. She was previously senior VP at Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors. Jimmy Wadia is the owner and webmaster of www.DentistReferralCenter.com.

83

Richard Ziskind is the VP of business development, sales, and marketing for Solaeris Aviation, based in Houston, Tex. He was formerly VP of sales and marketing for Dynamic Airways, based in Greensboro, N.C.

84

Shipping finance lawyer Brad Berman (MBA) has joined global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright as partner, based in New York. Previously he served as executive director at the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry. Fred Podolsky, executive VP of Alliant Insurance Services, Inc., has been named to the National Kidney Foundation board of directors. He lives in Fairfield, Conn.

87

Joseph Sclafani owns Simply Wine & Liquor in Albertson, Long Island. For the past 12 years, he has also been a real estate developer with Lots Plots & Acres Realty Corp.

89

Barbara Kimmel (MBA) is the founder of Trust Across America, a group that seeks to help enhance trustworthy behavior in organizations. In 2012 Kimmel was named one of “25 Women Who Are Changing the World” by Good Business International. David Steinberg was appointed to the Pascack Valley (N.J.) Regional High School Board of Education. The financial services consultant lives in Woodcliff Lake.

The Baruch/CCNY Downtown campus community of the 1940s raised $75,000 in bonds and stamps to "purchase" the fighter plane Spirit of CCNY.

Seventy years ago, on Feb. 14, 1944, the Baruch student newspaper The Ticker announced the completion of the U.S. fighter plane the Spirit of CCNY:

“The long-awaited fighter plane, ‘Spirit of CCNY,’ has finally rolled off the assembly line and is scheduled to take to the air . . . The quest was successful and the Spirit awaits a crew to fly it to victory.”

What made Spirit even more dear to the hearts of the students was that the campus community had raised the $75,000 in bonds and stamps needed to “purchase” (essentially name) the fighter plane.

CCNY students were equally proud of two vessels under the control of the U.S. Maritime Commission that honored their college and its heritage. In 1943 the S.S. Townsend Harris was launched from the Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard near Baltimore. Two years later, the C.C.N.Y. Victory, a cargo ship fitted to carry troops during the period of redeployment, was launched from that same yard.

The ships were outfitted with various souvenirs from the College: framed photographs and Wedgwood commemorative plates.

—Diane Harrigan

Note: The above article first ran in Baruch College Magazine Winter-Spring 2004.

Alumni, Share Your Baruch Stories: Do you have a memory from the World War II era at Baruch College/CCNY Downtown? We’d love to hear it. Leave it as a comment below, or e-mail communications@baruch.cuny.edu to share it with a BCAM editor.

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