The Alumni Association of the City College of New York (AACCNY) announced that it will host its 144th Annual Alumni Gala on Thursday, November 7th, 2024, at 6:00 pm EST.
The annual gala is the primary fundraiser, garnering support for the organization’s mission. For 172 years, the AACCNY has promoted the general welfare of City College and established a mutually beneficial relationship between the college and its alums.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ph. D., a renowned astrophysicist and The New York Times #1 bestselling author of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry (Astrophysics for People in a Hurry Series), will be honored as the recipient of the 77th John H. Finley Award. Since 1996, Dr. Tyson has been the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, making significant contributions to science education. He is known for hosting the acclaimed TV series Cosmos and the Emmy-nominated podcast StarTalk. Among his numerous accolades, Dr. Tyson has received 25 honorary degrees and prestigious awards from the National Academy of Sciences and NASA.
This gala will also highlight the annual Townsend Harris Medalists, recognizing exceptional alums whose postgraduate achievements have made significant contributions to society. The AACCNY takes pride in the accomplishments of remarkable alumni and aptly recognizes those selected for distinguished service. This year’s Townsend Harris Medalists include Victor Almanzar ’12, Gary Calnek ’67, Dr. John Gordon Harold ’77, Jolyon Naegele ’76, Charles Powell ’71, Art Stevens ’57, and Gail Konstantin Purchia ’74.
“Each year, we are continually impressed by this community’s commitment to success. We watch our alumni conquer career obstacles and consistently reach new heights. The 144th Annual Alumni Gala is our opportunity and a privilege to reunite with our incredible community.”
“I look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus to share a meal and discuss how the programs we are funding continue to lead to student scholarships, mentorship, and enrichment in other ways,” said David Covington, Executive Director of the Alumni Association.
The John H. Finley Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to public service, education, or community development. John H. Finley was the third President of City College, presiding from 1903 to 1913. He believed service to the community was the first principle of good citizenship and instilled this concept in the minds of students and alumni. To this end, the Class of 1918 established the John H. Finley Award and since 1948 has presented the award to New Yorkers who has proven exemplary and dedicated service to New York City and its citizens. In 2001, the award was presented to Author Miller. The world-renowned playwright and author of Death of a Salesman had been known to have attended The City College of New York, but was more widely known for his marriage to Marilyn Monrow from 1956 to 1961. The Alumni Association of the City College of New York continues to present this prestigious honor as part of the Annual Alumni Gala.
The award recipient is selected by a committee of active members of the CCNY Alumni Association. The committee meets once annually to select an individual or individuals who show outstanding service and positive contributions to the City of New York.
Some of the qualities committee members look for when assessing nominees:
- A history of volunteerism or service that has had a positive impact on the local or greater NYC community;
- Partnerships with other service, city, state, or non-profit, organizations;
- Proven use of resources to strategically address city or community needs;
- Inspires others to service or community action.
Community leaders foster a sense of pride and empowerment among residents. The achievements of deserving candidates uplift and inspire whole neighborhoods in tight-knit communities like Harlem. Consider nominating someone in the community. Hopefully, it will inspire Harlem’s next generation to continue in the tradition of public service.
To nominate someone for this award, submit a cover letter and relevant information, no more than five (5) pages in total, for each nominee to The Finley Award Committee, c/o: David Covington, dcovington@ccnyalumni.org. You can also mail your submission to The Finley Award Committee, The Alumni Association of CCNY, PO Box 177, New York, NY 10027.
Notable award winners with a significant impact on Harlem and the surrounding communities include:
2023 – Dave R. Jones, Esq., President and CEO of Community Service Society
2022 – Anthony Romero, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union
2021 – Deborah Lipstadt, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism
2019 – Michio Kaku, American Physicist and Henry Semat Chair and Professorship in theoretical physics at CCNY
2014 – C. Virginia Fields, former Borough President of Manhattan and CEO of Black Health
For a more extensive list of previous Finley Award recipients, view online: https://www.ccnyalumni.org/about/finley.
The Alumni Association of CCNY promotes the general welfare of The City College of The City University of New York and its graduates and seeks to ENGAGE, generate, and sustain meaningful connections among alumni, students, faculty, and staff through networking events, award ceremonies, fundraising, and activities.
Find out more at www.ccnyalumni.org.
Photo credit: Neil deGrasse Tyson.
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