Earle I. Mack
Chairman, Cardozo Board of Directors
Earle I. Mack has been chairman of the Cardozo Board of Directors since 1992, working diligently with faculty and administration in building the financial and physical infrastructure, as well as the personality, of the Law School. He is a businessman, political advisor, and arts advocate who has played a major role in the life of New York City and of Cardozo. Susan Davis, editor ofCardozo Life, sat down with him recently to discuss the Board, his role on it, and his goals.
DAVIS: When did you join the Cardozo Board?
MACK: I joined the Board in 1980, becoming the youngest person on it. I think the other Board members were hoping I would bring a young spirit and energy. I hope I haven't let them down. The first Board meeting I attended was an unforgettable moment in my association with Yeshiva University and Cardozo. It was 23 years ago and seems like yesterday!
I came to the meeting knowing only that Cardozo was a work in process--something new. At that meeting, Morris Abram, Cardozo's outgoing Board chairman, gave the most eloquent eulogy I've ever heard. Dean Monrad Paulsen had just died and Abram, a partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkin, Wharton &
Garrison and an advisor to five presidents, a most distinguished man, spoke about Monrad and his great leadership--highlighting his enormous dedication and passion and his relentless work toward putting Cardozo on a path for future greatness.
I was truly inspired and energized, and I became very enthusiastic about the School and quickly began to feel that I was part of a winning team.
My involvement on the Cardozo Board became a very important association for me. Immediately, I got to know the students and faculty. Those who came to Cardozo in the early days were pioneers, and that spirit was awe-inspiring. I saw the passion and dedication of the faculty. It was clear that their goal was to build a law school that was going to achieve greatness. These early experiences created my passion for the School.
Then Monroe Price was appointed dean in 1982, and the transition was easy and very special for me. Monroe had been involved in the entertainment industry as had I, so we had lots in common and worked well together to build the Board, faculty, and School. During Monroe's tenure, I was appointed chairman of the Board's nominating committee. I believe Monroe hoped that through synergistic energy we would build an enthusiastic, committed board that included prominent New Yorkers. And we did.
The Board chairman was then Charles Ballon, who died several years ago. He was a wonderful person, a senior partner at Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin, Krim & Ballon, a major law firm. He was one of the key attorneys in the evolution of Calvin Klein. Later, that association was instrumental in bringing Barry Schwartz, the current chairman and CEO of Calvin Klein, to the Cardozo Board. Mr. Ballon wanted to strengthen the Bet Tzedek Clinic, which I was also very interested in, so we worked together to make it an important part of Cardozo.
Excerpt retrieved from Cardoza University. To view the source and read the rest of the interview with Earle I. Mack, see http://www.cardozo.yu.edu/life/spring2003/interview/ .
This website is about Earle I. Mack, Earle Mack’s career and achievements, and his philanthropic associations. The information regarding Earle Mack provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Ambassador Mack himself. Visit Earle I. Mack’s official home page at earle-i-mack.com.
|
