NYU Stern Celebrates its Haskins Giving Society and Honors Nicolas Berggruen, BS '81

Each year, Stern recognizes its most generous donors with an evening of celebration at the Haskins Giving Society Award Dinner, now in its 37th year. The Haskins Giving Society, a growing network of more than 1,000 business leaders brought together by their shared dedication to the School, is named for Charles Waldo Haskins, founding Dean of Stern, and celebrates his legacy of commitment to business and public service.

This year’s dinner at Cipriani 25 Broadway honored Nicolas Berggruen, an alumnus of Stern’s Undergraduate College and Chairman of Berggruen Holdings and Berggruen Institute, for his illustrious career and commitment to philanthropy. Through the Berggruen Institute, a non‐partisan think tank that Mr. Berggruen founded in 2010, he encourages the study and design of systems of good governance suited for the 21st century, and he encourages new ideas and develops fresh thinking across cultures and disciplines. Additionally, he became a signatory of Warren Buffett’s Giving Pledge in 2010.

Peter Henry, Dean of Stern, presented Mr. Berggruen with the distinguished award of the evening. “Our vision here at Stern is to develop people and ideas that transform 21st century problems into opportunities to create value for business and society,” said Dean Henry. “Nic is someone that not only embodies his alma mater’s values, but understands the importance of philanthropy in making the world a better place.”

Mr. Berggruen was deeply honored to received the award and shared how proud he is of Stern's transformation over the years. “It’s amazing to reflect on how far Stern has come since I graduated from the Undergraduate College in 1981; our School has evolved from a commuter campus to a top business institution with an outstanding global presence,” remarked Mr. Berggruen. “This evolution has happened in large part due to the inspiring efforts of Dean Henry and Dean Menon, both of whom work tirelessly to support the world‐class education that Stern provides and to ensure that all students—regardless of means—have access to, as we say, an ‘education in possible.’ I encourage you all to continue investing in Dean Henry, in Dean Menon, and in our incredible School,” he said.

The Haskins Giving Society is essential to Stern’s success. To learn more about Haskins, your gift’s impact, and membership benefits, please visit our Haskins page or call (212) 998-4161.​