Baruch College Fund Raises Record-Setting $1.5 Million at 30th Annual Bernard Baruch Dinner

May 15, 2019

A record-setting $1.5 million was raised for the Baruch College Fund (BCF) at the 30th annual Bernard Baruch Dinner held on May 1. More than 400 people attended the sold-out event at the Ziegfield Ballroom.

Proceeds from the dinner will provide scholarships to students, offer career services, give professors proper resources for the classroom, improve facilities, upgrade technology, and expand the campus.

This year’s dinner marks the fourth consecutive year the event generated more than $1 million.

“For three decades, this spectacular event has brought together a broad array of alumni, business and community leaders, along with Baruch faculty and staff, to celebrate our students and to thank the members of the Baruch College Fund for their enduring support,” said Mitchel B. Wallerstein, PhD, Baruch College president.

President Wallerstein added, “As Baruch College celebrates its 50th Anniversary of existence as an independent senior college in The City University of New York system, the role played by the BCF in this incredible mission is our ‘secret sauce.’ Its support is integral to so many aspects of what we are able to do for our students and faculty.

“We literally would not be here tonight celebrating the achievements of Baruch College were it not for the creative energy and determination of some very dedicated alumni.”

Bernard Baruch Dinner Honorees

The 2019 Bernard Baruch Dinner honored two individuals for their professional achievements and community service. Ian M. Cook was presented the Bernard Baruch Award for Business and Civic Leadership, and Stuart A. Shikiar (’68) received the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Ian M. Cook

Cook became executive chairman of Colgate-Palmolive Company in 2019. He joined the consumer goods company in 1976 and progressed through a series of marketing and other management roles in the United Kingdom, United States, and Philippines.

In addition to Colgate, Cook serves on the board of directors of PepsiCo, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Catalyst, the women’s leadership organization, and New Visions for Public Schools.

Stuart A. Shikiar (’68)

A Baruch College alumnus, Shikiar graduated with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree from the Zicklin School of Business. In 1995, he became chairman and chief executive officer of Shikiar Asset Management, a registered investment advisory firm.

Prior to founding Shikiar, he was a partner and portfolio manager at Omega Advisors, a New York City-based hedge fund. Previously, Shikiar was chief investment officer and managing director of Prudential Securities Investment Management for 10 years.

Shikiar has served on the Board of Directors of three publicly traded companies, and has been a trustee of the Baruch College Fund since 2005.

Special Appeal: Newcombe Scholarship for Mature Students Program

During the dinner, a special appeal was made to support the Newcombe Scholarship for Mature Students Program, which provides financial assistance to Baruch students who are 25 years or older and pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.

Out of the $1.5 million, more than $160,000 came from this special appeal. The Newcombe Scholarship was established in 2018 with a grant from the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation.

With 32 percent of Baruch’s student population over the age of 25, this scholarship support makes a difference in helping students beyond the traditional age complete their degree programs on time and with a lower debt load.

Baruch College: A Steadfast Mission of Access and Excellence

During his remarks, President Wallerstein spoke to the city’s changing demographics yet the mission of the College has remained steadfast over the decades.

“In 1968, many of Baruch’s students were immigrants –first-generation Americans – and the first in their families to go to college. The same is certainly true today, even though the demographics of the city—and of Baruch—have changed dramatically,” Wallerstein said.

“In 2019, we boast one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse campuses in the world. Yet our mission and our purpose has remained the same: to serve as a highly affordable catalyst for the social, cultural, and economic mobility of smart, ambitious students whose families hail from over 160 countries around the world.”

Wallerstein continued, “I want to thank everyone in this room for the part you’ve played in helping the BCF to produce such an incredible list of accomplishments.”

Opportunities to Support Baruch Students

Contributions to the BCF and the Newcombe Scholarship are ongoing. Support the Newcombe Scholarship campaign by donating here, or visit the BCF website to donate now.

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