Baruch College Honors Distinguished Alumni
Baruch College hosted their 2013 reunion to celebrate the alumni classes of 1943, 1953, 1963 and 1988. The all-day event took place on the Baruch campus and included a performance by Song Fusion at the Baruch Performing Arts Center, walking tours, and a brunch to honor Baruch alumni with the Alumni Allegiance and Alumnus of Distinction Awards.
This year, Baruch College was proud to honor two alumni with the Alumni Allegiance Award. First awardee Lawrence L. Bendik ’63, has overseen the formation and growth of our alumni chapter centered in Tampa and continues as a tireless ambassador for the college. Larry spent his career working with Moore Business Forms, now RR Donnelley, providing print and digital solutions nationwide and in the Caribbean.
Second Awardee Frank Lourenso ’63 has been a loyal friend and supporter of Baruch College for nearly 20 years and a member of the 17 Lex Society since its inception. His distinguished banking career spanned the time from his graduation until June 2013, when he retired as Chairman of Commercial Bank and Middle Market at JP Morgan Chase.
Baruch also presented the Alumnus of Distinction Award to five alumni this year. These honorees were Paul J. Ash ’53, co-founder of Sam Ash Music Stores, the second largest musical instrument retailer in the United States, and president of Samson Technologies, David C. Bukzin ’88, Partner-in-Charge of the New York City office of Marcum LLP, a top-ranked national accounting and advisory services firm, as well as the leader of the Firm’s national SEC and Transaction Services practice groups and its New York Assurance Services division, and Diane Dixon ’88, an Olympic Gold Medalist (1988), American Record Holder, World Champion and National Champion in Athletics who blazed the trails in the 400 meters and 4x400 meter relay. Nicknamed “The Indoor Queen,” Diane represented the U.S. Track & Field Team in over 10 championships. Diane is now a professional in NYC real estate and currently applies her talents at Citi Habitats. Fourth awardee, Dennis H. Friedrich ’88, was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield Properties in July 2012 following a year as President and Global Chief Investment Officer. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Commercial Operations since 2009. And lastly was Bert N. Mitchell ’63, the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Mitchell & Titus, the nation’s largest minority-controlled CPA firm. The firm ranks among the 100 largest CPA firms in the U.S. and has a staff of more than 180 in six cities nationwide.
For more information about Reunion 2013, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (646) 660-6101 or send an email to: alumni@baruch.cuny.edu. #
