Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebrates the Unveiling of the Phillip Capozzi, M.D., Library
Dr. Capozzi Remained True To His Promise Of Giving Back To NYMC With A Generous Legacy Gift To the Library
It was a grand occasion on May 20 for the New York Medical College (NYMC) and Touro University community, when the Health Sciences Library was officially renamed the Phillip Capozzi, M.D., Library, after Philip D. Capozzi, M.D. ’96, center. Dr. Capozzi’s legacy gift to NYMC will enable the library to continue its tradition of being a dedicated communal learning space.
The event opened with remarks by Alan Kadish, M.D., president of TU. “We honor an alum today, who has lived the best of values, who has practiced as a highly successful physician, has mentored students and who has been generous not just to us, but to other institutions,” Dr. Kadish said. “This is a very important moment in the history of the College.”
Following Dr. Kadish were Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., and Marie T. Ascher, M.S., M.P.H., the Lillian Hetrick Huber Endowed Director of the Capozzi Library, who spoke of the important role that libraries play at educational institutions as repositories of information for all to learn.
“Many things have changed, but Dr. Capozzi’s gift will assure us that three things remain the same, with the first being that the tripartite mission of a university is the generation, conservation, and dissemination of knowledge—and libraries are the lynchpin of the conservation of knowledge,” Dr. Halperin said.
“What has not changed but has been amplified is the ethos of the library—the library is dedicated to providing the information needed by its learners, educators, researchers and practitioners. More than ever the library is also a place where shared tools, technology, and resources can be explored and used,” Ms. Ascher said. “What we are offered today is an opportunity to both continue and continue to enhance the services, the resources, the space and the staff of the library. We will make you, and do your name, proud.”
Dr. Capozzi, who has long planned to give back to NYMC in a big way, told of his untraditional story leading into medical school. Despite graduating near the top of his class at Syracuse University, Dr. Capozzi was not admitted into medical school, which became a dream that didn’t come to fruition. He helped run his family’s business and developed a thriving real estate practice. However, he was convinced by his urologist friend and his wife to reapply for medical school when he was 38. Dr. Capozzi eventually earned an interview at NYMC and was admitted into the School of Medicine.
He reflected on the immensely supportive faculty that helped guide him in the program.
“I was given a second chance at life. [The faculty and administration] wanted me to succeed,” Dr. Capozzi said. “I made a commitment 30 years ago that if I did succeed, I would make provisions to benefit this medical school. I am here today to fulfill that commitment.”
The event concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting of the newly named Capozzi Library and a time for Dr. Capozzi to reconnect with old NYMC acquaintances.
