2011 Financial Services Event

Event Panelists Speakers and Host Committee Speakers and Host Committee Cooper Union Stock Photo Cooper Union Stock Photo Cooper Union Stock Photo Cooper Union Stock Photo Cooper Union Stock Photo Cooper Union Stock Photo Cooper Union Stock Photo Cooper Union Stock Photo
Event Panelists

On Thursday, November 10, nearly 70 alumni and students from Cooper Union’s engineering, art and architecture schools gathered for the annual alumni in financial services event.  Each year, this popular event strengthens the community on campus by providing invaluable networking opportunities for students and helping alumni reconnect with the college.

The theme of this year’s event was how Cooper prepares students for success in today’s uncertain world.  Rohan Chauhan (IE '09/MCE '10), Frank Napolitano (ME ‘88/MME ’88) and Phil Weisberg (EE ’89) gave remarks, describing how Cooper helped them develop strong values that have guided their lives and careers.   

President Jamshed Bharucha also offered his perspective, observing that Cooper encourages its graduates to build socially-responsible careers.  He said “Cooper’s alumni embody the qualities of Peter Cooper, who was a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to elevating people in need.  Our alumni in finance are leaders who create wealth and prosperity and understand their responsibility to help those who are less fortunate.” 

After the speeches, there was a raffle with very special prizes – the opportunity to share a meal with President Bharucha or a member of the alumni host committee.  Jonathan Wong (ME ’03) won lunch with the President, and Woojae Kim (ME ’13), Aakash Shah (EE ’13) and Omar Walker (Arch ’13) won lunch with alumni. 

The event provided a unique opportunity for students and alumni to build meaningful connections. “It was really wonderful to have a chance to talk to alumni,” said one engineering student. “I hope there will be other opportunities to meet alumni who can share their insights and give advice to current students.”

This year’s event was organized by financial services affinity group co-chairs Ray Falci (ME ’86) and Eric Hirschhorn (ME ’89). Jeffrey Hersch (EE ’87), Malcolm King (EE ’97), Ming Lai (EE ’95), Darrell Low (EE ’89), Kenny Yeung (EE ’94) and Jack Zar (EE ‘90/MEE ’94) served on the host committee.  We are especially grateful that Ray Falci, Eric Hirschhorn, Darrell Low and Kenny Yeung made donations to underwrite the cost of the event.

The financial services affinity group organizes professional development programs for Cooper students and alumni.  The group also develops fundraising strategies that help to ensure the college’s strength and stability.  To get involved, contact Brooke Bryant at (212) 353-4171 or bbryant@cooper.edu.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.