NYMC Applauds Esteemed Educators and Leaders at Annual Founder’s Dinner

The Evening Honored Drs. Pravetz and Rosenthal, While Fundraising for Future Doctors, Public Health Leaders and Scientists

October 30, 2023
Four men in suits smiling in front of NYMC backdrop
From left: Alan Kadish, M.D.; Alan B. Rosenthal, D.M.D.; Matthew A. Pravetz, O.F.M., Ph.D. '88; and Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A.

The annual Founder’s Dinner was a night to remember at Marina Del Rey in Throgs Neck, New York, on October 25. The annual fundraising event brought together over 300 academic, health care, business and community stakeholders to commemorate New York Medical College's (NYMC) rich legacy and bright prospects, while also paying tribute to two distinguished leaders for their impactful and transformative accomplishments.

“We always look forward to our annual Founder’s Dinner where the NYMC community can come together to honor the College’s accomplishments over the past year and acknowledge leaders who have had a positive influence on our students and the medical community,” said Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., right, chancellor, and chief executive officer of NYMC. “The immense support from all the gala’s attendees is highly valued and appreciated. Together we are nourishing trailblazing biomedical research as well as sustaining the next generation of graduates through the scholarship funds raised.” 
 
Most notably honoring, Matthew A. Pravetz, O.F.M., Ph.D. '88, second from right, professor emeritus of cell biology and anatomy, and Alan B. Rosenthal, D.M.D., second from left, adjunct assistant clinical professor of dental medicine and member of the Board of Trustees at NYMC, and assistant dean of community outreach and global health at Touro College of Dental Medicine, with Distinguished and Service Leadership Awards. The awards honor individuals whose careers and contributions to health care, science and our communities have profoundly impacted the practice of medicine and have added immeasurable prestige to the College.
 
“NYMC clinicians remain on the front lines of patient care at all times, while our faculty appear on television, are heard on the radio, and are often quoted in print media, dispensing sound advice that is vital to our communities,” said Alan Kadish, M.D., left, president of NYMC and Touro University. “In all, we continue to confirm the truth that our College has a proud past, a vital present and an exciting future.”
 
The emcees of the night were Vilma E. Bordonaro, M.B.A., chief of staff, and Mill Etienne, M.D. ’02, M.P.H., vice chancellor of diversity and inclusion, associate dean of the School of Medicine student affairs and associate professor of neurology and of medicine.

“As always, it was a pleasure to credit and commemorate our distinguished award recipients,” said Bess J. Chazhur, M.S., chief development officer and executive director of alumni relations. "This year’s event raised $350,000 toward the endowment and other important student initiatives at NYMC. We recognize and thank our more than generous donors for their contributions.”

Proceeds raised during the evening contribute to scholarships and essential initiatives that advances the College’s commitment to educating future physicians, public health leaders and support life-saving biomedical research. 

View videos from Founder's Dinner and other NYMC events are available on the NYMC Youtube Channel.
 
Presenters throughout the evening included:

  • Alan Kadish, M.D., president, NYMC and Touro University
  • Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., chancellor, and chief executive officer, NYMC, provost for biomedical affairs, Touro University
  • Rabbi Moshe D. Krupka, M.S., executive vice president and university ombudsman, Touro University
  • Joseph D. Mark, chair of NYMC Board of Trustees 
  • Neil W. Schluger, M.D., dean, NYMC School of Medicine

This year’s presenting sponsors of the Founder’s Dinner include:

  • Presenting: Regeneron
  • Gold: NYMC Board of Advisors, Martin Katzenstein, M.D. ʼ78, Pavarini Construction Company, Avi Retter, M.D., and Margaret Retter Esq., and Westchester Medical Center
  • Silver: Boston Children’s Health Physicians and Alan Rosenthal D.M.D.
  • Bronze: California Bank and Trust, Andrew and Sarah Levy, Dr. Meryl and Mr. Joseph Mark, Ronald and Peggy Poe, Webster Bank, Dee Delbello, and Piazza Brothers
  • Flowers: Lee Pressler, M.D. ʼ90, Walter Lewis, M.D. ʼ91, and Christel Bauer, M.D., NYMC Board of Advisors
  • Dessert: Garfunkel Wild, P.C., KPMG and North80