President's Column

Fall 2007

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Almost every day, at meetings, conferences, receptions, athletic competitions and alumni gatherings, I meet Hofstra alumni from all over the United States, and indeed, all over the world. Meeting and conversing with so many accomplished and interesting graduates is one of the most fulfilling responsibilities I have as president of this great university.

And it never fails to amaze me, that no matter how different Hofstra alumni may be, there is a common thread that runs through all these conversations. There is always talk about how well Hofstra University prepared them for a career or further scholarly pursuits, and how internships and particular faculty mentors made a tremendous difference in their lives. Knowing our faculty and their dedication to classroom teaching and working with students, I would expect nothing less.

That connection between student and teacher, that extraordinary experience when a teacher’s influence sparks something new and special within a student, changing that student forever, is why Hofstra University flourishes. It happens thousands of times each academic year, and is the reason that the onset of the fall semester, and another academic year, is such an important time for all of us.

In this fall's Hofstra Magazine, you’ll read many stories of how these connections changed the lives of several alumni. The people profiled within these pages were once students who toiled in classrooms, studied late into the night, perhaps joined a club or a Greek organization, or worked on campus to make ends meet. The stories in this issue illustrate the connections that still play an important part in their lives, and indeed, have shaped them for the better.

You’ll meet this year’s Alumni Awards Dinner honorees, including Jim Quinn ’74, president of Tiffany & Co. and one of the newest members of the Hofstra Board of Trustees, and seven other extraordinary individuals we’ll honor on October 4.

You’ll be reintroduced to Joe Corcocan ’82, who will bring his longrunning production of Tony n’Tina’s Wedding to Hofstra to benefit scholarships on Friday, October 5. It was the unique connection between Joe and two Drama Department alumni, Mark Nasser ’81 and Nancy Cassaro ’81, that created this celebrated, participatory dramatic event, now about to celebrate its platinum anniversary.

There are countless stories like this, stories of great success first forged on the grounds of Hofstra University. Our alumni connect to faculty and students, to each other, and to the world. These connections continue to happen today, thanks to our faculty and alumni, and the facilities and resources we have here on campus.

As we enter the final phase of our Capital Campaign, which funds scholarships, technology, and faculty resources, we ask you to join us in making Hofstra University the greatest university it can be. Over the past 73 years, we have built a strong foundation that – with your continued support – will allow us to take Hofstra University to the next level.

The campus resources and facilities allow our faculty to provide students with varied opportunities to apply the theory they have learned, and connect to the greater world. These resources are often funded through the generosity of our alumni. Just dedicated this past May, the Martin B. Greenberg Trading Room gives Hofstra faculty and students the ability to access and analyze a vast array of financial and economic data, apply analytical methods, conduct interactive trading simulations, and develop contemporary financial models.

Examples of combining cutting-edge technology with innovative academic applications exist throughout Hofstra’s academic disciplines. Opening this fall in the School of Communication is the Converged Media Center, a technologically advanced media production facility, which will train our communication students to tell stories through a variety of media technologies and to work across academic disciplines. Facilities and technology such as these allow students to connect theory and practice, providing students with unique and invaluable experiences.

The stars are aligned for Hofstra University’s continued ascendance. While it is still early, we expect that for the sixth consecutive year, the incoming fall freshman class will be our most academically qualified ever. The average SAT score of the Class of 2011 is now 1178, with an average GPA of 3.33, and fully 25 percent of them were in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class. More than half will join us from states other than New York. Academically accomplished students are increasingly recognizing the value of a Hofstra University degree, due in no small part to your success, and what you have done with your Hofstra education.

In my now six years as president, and in my 35 years as a member of the Hofstra community, I have seen great progress as Hofstra University continues to grow in reputation and as a member of an international academic community. Thanks to the connections between you – our alumni – and our faculty and students, Hofstra University will fulfill the promise it has always shown. The world will recognize what we have always known – that Hofstra University is an extraordinary institution of academic excellence.

Best regards,
Stuart Rabinowitz