Message From the Dean to Alumni

Dear Alumni,

Did you know that SCPS is now the fourth largest graduate school at NYU, with more than 2,000 students enrolled in 14 Master of Science and Master of Arts programs? Or that we are the fifth largest undergraduate school, with nearly 2000 full- and part-time students?

SCPS’s academic reputation in all of our sectors continues to rise. Linkages are increasing with other NYU schools—and partner universities and professional organizations around the world. Our graduate and undergraduate students routinely win the President’s Outstanding Service Awards and national academic competitions. For the first time, a remarkable—and representative—SCPS McGhee undergraduate was selected as the 2007 NYU student speaker at commencement.

Across the School, we have outstanding full-time and adjunct faculty members. Academic leaders and new academic structures are fostering collaboration and innovative resource-sharing. Every semester we welcome great and dynamic students from New York—and nearly every other U.S. state, and around the world—who aspire to follow in your paths to achievement.

Thanks to our growth and renewal, program-specific newsletters are being developed to showcase academic accomplishment, create community, and promote career development. We are establishing School and program-specific career services, soon to be available to alumni too.

Along with a growing student population—and a growing prestige—our alumni community is growing as well. That’s why we are committed to developing more and better ways to keep you connected—to each other, to new generations of students, to the programs that were your academic homes, and to our School.

We have milestones to celebrate together. This past fall, we hailed the 10th anniversary of the graduate program in publishing. In 2007-08, our focus is on the 40th anniversary of the NYU Real Estate Institute, which is to be marked by a series of planned and special celebratory events. Next summer, the Tisch Center hosts the 30th Annual Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. And in just two years, in 2009, we gear up for the 75th anniversary of SCPS itself.

Perhaps the most exciting news of all is that the University, in recognition of our achievements and needs, has committed to allowing us to acquire our own building for our programs and services currently based in the vicinity of Washington and Union Squares. Imagine the importance or having our own student—and alumni—lounges, classrooms, and—yes—our flag waving high above a doorway in Greenwich Village.

As you can see, one of my key goals is to make sure that every year all of our alumni grow ever more proud of having earned an NYU degree at SCPS. I hope your pride translates into advocacy and support; active participation as advisory board members, potential lecturers, or even adjunct faculty yourselves; and mentors and guides to current students.

We’re making that aspiration easier: With this new website, we are launching the long-promised alumni directory. My hope is that you use it, keep your information up-to-date, and stay in touch. And partner with us in the ever-rising excellence and reputation of your programs, your School, and your University.

Yours,

Robert Lapiner