UNIVERSITY NEWS
L
ong Island University paid tribute to the exceptional careers of Mary M. Lai ’42, Gale Stevens Haynes ’72, and other distinguished alumni at the annual LIU Gala. The virtual event included a moving tribute video celebrating the life and extraordinary legacy of the late Mrs. Lai, and a lifetime achievement award presented to Mrs. Haynes for her 46 years of service to LIU. Mary M. Lai was an authentic pioneer in finance having served as one of the first women to be CFO of such a large institution. In the world of academe, she rose to the heights of her profession. She was the first woman elected to chair the National Association of College and University Business Officers. As she approached her centennial year, Lai remained instrumental at the University as Senior Advisor and Treasurer Emerita, providing guidance, understanding and perspective.
She remembered fondly her correspondence with Warren Buffet and learning of their similar paths. Mary Lai was a gift to LIU and all those she touched, and she will be greatly missed. Reflecting on the University’s accomplishments in 2020 despite the challenges faced by everyone across the world, LIU President Dr. Kimberly R. Cline noted that alumni have been crucial in paving the way for this success. “Tonight’s honorees are the ideal example of how Long Island University has been shaped by commitment and dedication from members of our campus community,” said Dr. Cline. “Lifetime Achievement Honorees and alumnae, Mary M. Lai and Gale Stevens Haynes, dedicated their entire careers to LIU and our students. It is my honor to thank you for your ongoing support of LIU. It has been a challenging year for everyone across the globe, but at LIU, we have persevered through resilience and a dedication to our community.”
A
chievement awards honoring decades of alumni were presented to: Alfonso Duarte ’59; Irene Natividad-Cortese ’71; Andrea Cortese ’71, ’79; Nick Signorile ’86; Robin G. Senior ’90; Mohammed Taher ’09; and Lewis Lirosi ’15.
28
LIUMAGAZINE | Fall 2020
A L F O N S O D UA RT E ’5 9 Graduating with a BS degree, Al enjoyed a successful career, ultimately serving as a senior partner at Korn Ferry Management Consulting Company. His advice to students: follow the ten commandments, be disciplined, work hard, exercise humility, and hope for a little luck along the way.
I R E N E N AT I V I DA DC O RT E S E ’7 1 Irene attended the Honors College and graduated as Valedictorian with a BA in literature. Today, she is a globally recognized leader and women’s advocate, and her support of LIU is rooted in her feeling that the University provides an outstanding education and opportunity for first- and second-generation Americans.
A N D R E A C O RT E S E ’7 1, ’7 9 With aspirations to become a teacher, Andrea ended up with a business career and credits his education and mentoring for his success. He earned an MBA from LIU and continues to support the University because he believes it is uniquely positioned, with multiple campuses and a range of programs, to attract the best students from the US and around the world.
