LIU Gala

Long 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. awards honoring decades of alumni were presented Irene Natividad-Cortese ’71; Andrea Cortese ’71, and Lewis Lirosi ’15. 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

Achievement to: Alfonso Duarte ’59; ’79; Nick Signorile ’86; Robin G. Senior ’90; Mohammed Taher ’09; resilience and a dedication to our community.”

ALFONSO DUARTE ’59

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.

IRENE NATIVIDADCORTESE ’71

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.

ANDREA CORTESE ’71, ’79

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.

Gale Stevens Haynes earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in counseling at LIU. After completing her law degree at St. John’s University in 1983, she returned to LIU to serve as its legal counsel before assuming the position of Provost in 1989. In 2013, as a result of her years of experience and leadership, Haynes was named Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the University at large.

Haynes also served as the Chairwoman of the Board of Education for the Roosevelt Union Free School District from 2007 to 2010. In November 2008, she was named Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee for the Brooklyn Hospital Center. She is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. Her 46 years of service to LIU culminated with her appointment as the Vice President of Academic Affairs for the Brooklyn Campus. The additional alumni achievement awardees further represent the legacy of LIU spanning across numerous decades and their commitment to supporting the University.

These alumni have gone on to impact the world through distinguished careers in finance, research, education, business, theatre, pharmacy and more.

“As higher education rapidly evolves, our University is at the forefront of the curve with groundbreaking new academic programs and an exceptional research agenda,” said Eric Krasnoff, Chairman of the LIU Board of Trustees. “LIU’s success relies on the dedication displayed by our honorees tonight. Their leadership and imagination have brought the institution to amazing heights throughout its history. Tonight continues our proud tradition of honoring their contributions with our utmost respect and admiration.”

NICK SIGNORILE ’86

Nick is a graduate of LIU’s School of Accountancy. He commuted to both the Brookville and Brentwood campuses of LIU while working at a home improvement center, and he is now retired as CFO and COO of an alternative asset management firm. Nick feels it is important to give back as a way to say thank you to those who helped him.

ROBIN G. SENIOR ’90

Robin graduated with a BA in Theatre. She enrolled at LIU at the age of 33 after having begun her college career at UC Santa Barbara and then studying fashion design in Paris, France. It is important to her to support LIU because the education she received enriched her life, allowing her to realize her potential.

MOHAMMED TAHER ’09

Mohammed graduated from LIU Pharmacy and today is a business owner. Mohammed provides scholarships for LIU Pharmacy to help talented students have access to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, which he feels will lead to professional success and improved health care services and outcomes for patients.

LEWIS LIROSI ’15

Lewis greatly valued the leadership roles and opportunities he had on campus from being a resident assistant to a founding father of a fraternity. Lewis gives back to the University because of the tremendous support he had as a student here. He hopes that current undergraduates dream big, take risks, and live fearlessly.