Baruch College Honors Donors Jack and Barbara Sobel at Virtual Classroom Dedication

July 12, 2022

Baruch College held its first-ever virtual classroom dedication, naming a lecture hall in the Newman Vertical Campus in honor of generous and proud alumnus Jack Sobel (’59) and his wife, Barbara.

Baruch College President S. David Wu joined students, staff, and Sobel’s family and friends from across the country for the momentous occasion. In a recorded video, student Lauren Farrugia (’22) cut the official ribbon on Room 3-160 of the Newman Vertical Campus and provided a tour of the high-tech classroom, which accommodates up to 120 students.

“I owe it to the next generation of students,” said Sobel. “I want them to have a chance, just as I did when I was their age.”

A Profound Impact

At the dedication, students who have benefitted from Sobel’s generosity shared their stories.

“Words cannot express my deepest gratitude,” said Francesca Pratesi (’22), a recent graduate with a degree in clinical psychology and a recipient of the Jack and Barbara Sobel Scholarship.

Originally from Italy, Pratesi moved to New York City seven years ago, and the financial support of Sobel’s scholarship helped her focus on transitioning to a new country and learning a new language.

Finance major Julia Kaneko (’24), originally from Japan, also thanked Sobel for his support. “You didn’t just change one person’s life,” she said. “I’m going to pay it forward and influence as many people as I can.”

Baruch College Fund (BCF) President Helen Mills and BCF trustee Jay Berman (’59) shared their thanks, paying particular attention to the plaque inside the classroom which details Sobel’s life story.

“All faculty, staff, and visitors who enter this lecture hall will appreciate your story,” said Mills.

A Quintessentially Baruch Story

Born during the end of the Great Depression, Sobel worked as a shoe shiner while growing up, earning 40 cents an hour. He attended Baruch mostly at night to earn his college degree while also running a wholesale business by day. After graduation, he went on to become a respected leader in the pension and defined benefits industries, remaining there until he retired in his mid 70s.

At the entrance of his dedicated classroom, Sobel selected a quote from late entrepreneur Steve Jobs to be inscribed: “Stay hungry. Stay foolish. Stay eager to learn, take risks, and keep trying to do what others say can’t be done.”

Sobel said that he hopes that this philosophy, as well as his own personal story and philanthropy, will inspire other current and future alumni also to give back to Baruch.

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