Alumni awards dinner celebrates successes, looks to future goals

Rutgers Business School recognized six alumni and one of its long-standing Wall Street partners at its fifth annual alumni awards dinner.

The Sept. 22 ceremony was marked by ardent support for Rutgers University and Rutgers Business School and pride in the increasing reputation of both for student accomplishment, alumni engagement and faculty excellence.

In her welcoming remarks, Dean Lei Lei said the success of alumni is one of the criteria that lead to Rutgers Business School’s high rankings for return-on-investment, which she described as “one of our signature strengths.”

“Our success is driven by you – by your resilience in challenging times, your problem-solving in the workplace and your responsiveness as ethical leaders,” Lei said. “You demonstrate the profound value, social mobility and career impact that Rutgers Business School can deliver.”

School spirit and pride was evident early on. Some of the recipients sat with former professors and others invited old roommates to the dinner. When members of the Rutgers Glee Club appeared to perform, alumni sitting around the room sang along to alma mater “On the Banks of the Old Raritan.” But the night was about more than nostalgia.

“President Tate has emphasized the importance of Rutgers being indispensable to the State of New Jersey, and we aspire to become the nation’s premier institution for social mobility, “said Ralph Gigliotti, who is chief of staff for university President William F. Tate. “Central to that vision is elevating the importance of business education and strengthening the connection between Rutgers and the economic future of our state.”

“Under Dean Lei’s leadership – and through the tremendous collaboration of faculty and staff – Rutgers Business School continues to build momentum in rankings, reputation, enrollment and impact,” Gigliotti said. “Our alumni and partners are equally vital to this process, extending the reach and impact of RBS and Rutgers far beyond our campuses.”

Among the night’s recipients was JPMorganChase, which Dean Lei recognized for its “involvement and meaningful engagement.” The company received the Corporate Partner Award.

Alex Picou, a Rutgers alumnus who started at J.P. Morgan in 2012, accepted the award as colleagues, including other Rutgers alumni, who accompanied him to the dinner applauded. In his remarks, Picou noted similarities between the company and the university. Both date back to the 1700s, both have diverse populations, he said, citing specific numbers for both the company employees and the university's student body.

Picou, who received the Distinguished Leadership Award last year, also read an excerpt from a letter President Tate shared with the Rutgers community earlier this month in which he expressed his hopes for students arriving on campus. Picou said he was happy it had been shared with him. 

“We hold the same values at JPMorganChase,” Picou said, looking at the audience. “We value excellence and courage.”

“JPMorgan and Rutgers also share a common goal to develop human and economic potential,” he said.

In addition to JPMorganChase, the following individuals were recognized: Robert Campbell, Lifetime Achievement Award; Dante Fornari, Distinguished Leadership Award; Milwood Hobbs, Business Excellence Award; Brian Fagen and Billy Kim both received the Alumni Service Award; and Michael Hartman received the Industry Leadership Award.

Many recipients was introduced by another alum – many previous winners – and Dean Lei presented each with a medallion. Billy Kim, who received the Alumni Service Award, recounted how more than 20 years ago, he left the military and began working at Johnson & Johnson. He started classes at nearby Rutgers soon after. “I never knew it would turn into such a rewarding journey,” Kim said, expressing appreciation to several supply chain professors who invite him to speak to their classes now. “The award,” he said, “sparks a fire to continue serving the Rutgers community in every way I can.” 

The ceremony ended with a now traditional champagne toast. Sharon Lydon, associate dean of alumni and corporate engagement, facing a crowd with champagne glasses raised, commended the award recipients and Rutgers Business School’s leadership “for taking the school to new heights.”

 “This,” she said, “is what success looks like.”

-Susan Todd