Shaping the Future

Hofstra's philanthropic leaders are ushering the University into a new era of national prominence.

John D. Miller '79

With his recent $6 million gift to Hofstra University's Honors College, John Miller aims to make an enduring difference at his alma mater and in the lives of current and future generations of Hofstra students. He also hopes his actions will send a powerful message to his teenage sons about the importance of giving back. "I hope they understand why I'm doing the things I do," he says.

Mr. Miller, who chairs the Board of Trustees and The Campaign for Hofstra University, feels fortunate to be in a position to contribute his energies and resources to the University. A 1979 graduate of the School of Business, he co-founded Arterial Vascular Engineering (AVE), a California-based manufacturer of medical equipment. The sale of AVE to Medtronic allowed him to move back to Long Island and gave him the means to begin his philanthropic activities.

"The nice thing about participating in the life of Hofstra," he says, "is that I get to be part of a close and collegial community, and I'm helping build the University's future."

David S. Mack '67

As chair of Hofstra's Physical Plant Committee, David S. Mack played a pivotal role in planning the new Hofstra University Arena from the drawing board to completion. His tireless leadership, along with his pledge of $3.6 million for student scholarships in 2005, has inspired Hofstra to name the arena in his honor.

His generosity toward his alma mater has kept pace over the years with his professional success, as evidenced by the naming of the Student Center in honor of him and his wife, Sondra.

Mr. Mack also pledged an additional $750,000 toward the maintenance and improvement of the Hofstra Information Center. "Alumni should come back to Hofstra and see what great strides the University has made since they were here," he says.

Mr. Mack is also very generous with his time and talents. He currently serves on the University's Board of Trustees, as well as the Campaign Executive Committee. "Our education enabled us to be a success," he says. "You have to give back."

Amy Hagedorn

Mrs. Amy Hagedorn and her late husband, Dr. Horace Hagedorn, with President Stuart Rabinowitz at the 2003 dedication of Hagedorn Hall.

When Amy Hagedorn and her late husband, Horace, were introduced to Hofstra University many years ago, they were captivated by the idea of a campus arboretum.

"We thought it would be a wonderful environment in which to gather as a community and learn," says Mrs. Hagedorn, who currently serves on the University's Board of Trustees and the Capital Campaign Executive Committee.

Since then the Hagedorns have contributed generously to Hofstra.

Their support – combined with a grant from New York State – enabled Hofstra to renovate the former federal courthouse that now houses the state-of-the-art home of the Hofstra University School of Education and Allied Human Services.

"We saw the potential for an exciting and innovative learning space, and we felt confident in the School of Education and Allied Human Services," she recalls. "We had confidence in the people." The building was dedicated as Hagedorn Hall on Oct. 9, 2003.

The Hagedorns' interest in Hofstra's success is part of a long-standing dedication to the people and institutions of Long Island. Their philanthropy has maintained a decidedly local focus, with 90 percent of all donations staying on Long Island.