Alumnus Donates $500,000

Last June, Nate Kacew '98 gave Cardozo the largest gift ever received from a graduate, with the hope of seeing his vision of the Law School as a nationally recognized, first-rate institution become a reality. Nate believes that through participation and financial support of Cardozo, alumni can help the Law School achieve a national reputation, improve its programs and facilities, and have a superior student body and faculty.

Nate designated his generous gift to the building fund, helping to pay for renovations currently being completed. His timely contribution enabled the Law School to make some critical progress with regard to the physical plant. Nate also recognizes the need for annual unrestricted support of the Law School and encourages alumni to participate in the annual fund at the level they are able.

"Cardozo needs to offer students more scholarship funds, enhanced academic programs and opportunities, and a strong alumni network," says Nate. "We can achieve this if alumni are committed to helping the Law School succeed and actively contribute their time and money to ensure that Cardozo can meet its growing needs."

Nate was elected to Cardozo's Board of Directors, where he expects to find a platform to discuss fresh, new ideas that will help propel Cardozo forward. He has also volunteered his entrepreneurial expertise, looking forward to using his marketing and negotiating skills to benefit the institution. "Nate is just the type of person our Board is looking for," says Dean David Rudenstine. "He's a smart businessman offering his advice on how to make Cardozo stronger and an alumnus who wants to invest in his law school and see it thrive."

Nate came to Cardozo in 1995 after selling his corporation, The Corporate Presence. Complete with a three-year, no-compete clause, the final contract offered him the perfect opportunity to pursue a J.D--the educational challenge he passed up when he chose instead to pursue an MBA at Stern School of Business. Upon graduation from Cardozo, Nate took advantage of the dot-com craze in full swing at the time and started a new company, The Gifted Portfolio. As founder and CEO, he provides leadership for the boutique, mid-sized company, which works with financial institutions to promote and publicize their transactions.

Nate's reputation in the financial community is stellar. A partial listing of his impressive roster of clients includes Goldman, Sachs & Co., Wasserstein Perella and Co., Allen and Company, Credit Suisse First Boston, and Lazard Freres. He has played a role in some of the largest corporate mergers and acquisitions and financings of the past two decades. "Having a law degree keeps me in-the-know with regard to the many business decisions we face on a daily basis," says Nate. "I am more aware of when I need a lawyer and when litigation would be frivolous." Nate wants to see Cardozo be the best it can be and he has committed to that goal with his generous support. His dedication serves as a model for alumni, whose involvement will help Cardozo achieve its ambitions and bring greater recognition to the Law School as one of the best in the country.

Ruth Katz, Earle Mack, Fran Spilke (mother of Gary Nitsberg '94), and Steve Katz. Mr. and Mrs. Katz are the parents of Hillary Katz '04.

Cardozo Treasurer Receives Honorary Doctorate

Barry Shenkman talks with students at a luncheon held for Jacob Burns Scholars.
Barry A. Shenkman, treasurer of Cardozo's Board and president of the Jacob Burns Foundation, a private charitable organization founded by and named for Mr. Shenkman's grandfather, received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree at Yeshiva University's 78th Annual Hannukah Dinner in December. New York City Mayor Michael M. Bloomberg, who also received an honorary doctorate that evening, gave the keynote address. Rachel Warren '92, Cardozo Board vice chair, was vice chair of the dinner.

Mr. Shenkman continues the philanthropic tradition begun by his grandfather, a founder of Cardozo and a chairman of the Board, who provided the vision and support for the establishment of the Jacob Burns Institute for Advanced Legal Studies, the Center for Ethics in the Practice of Law, the moot court room, and the merit scholarship fund, all named for him. Through Mr. Shenkman's leadership, this extraordinary partnership has grown. Most recently, the Jacob Burns Foundation provided major funding for the expansion of the Jacob Burns Moot Court Room. Mr. Shenkman was instrumental in creating the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, NY, a non-profit cultural arts center affiliated with the Film Society of Lincoln Center.

Lautenberg Wins in NJ

Cardozo Board members toured the new library after the December Board meeting.
(From left) Mark Lieberman '84, Sen. Frank Lautenberg, and Rachel Warren '92.
Senator Frank R. Lautenberg of New Jersey, a member of Cardozo's Board since 2001, was elected to a fourth term in the US Senate, ending a two-year retirement. Senator Lautenberg was, until his recent election, chair of the Board's nominating committee and has participated as a speaker at several Law School events. He was named recently to the Senate committees on commerce, science, and transportation and governmental affairs. His daughter, Ellen Lautenberg Hendel, is a graduate of Cardozo's class of 1993.

Board members Ronnie and Samuel Heyman opened up their home for a special evening for alumni, parents, and friends. They are shown above with Dean Rudenstine.

In Memoriam

Siggi B. Wilzig, a founding director of the Cardozo Board, died in January at the age of 76. Wilzig was an influential business and community leader, a philanthropist, and a Holocaust survivor. He was chairman of The Trust Company of New Jersey, a member of the National Israel Bond Cabinet of the US, and held the Prime Minister's Medal of the State of Israel. In 1980, Wilzig was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the US Holocaust Memorial Council, and in 1998 he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for outstanding contributions to the United States. His son, Ivan Wilzig, graduated from Cardozo in 1980.