News and Events

New York Medical College Hosts Annual Founder's Dinner

Event Honored Dr. Mark Hasten, Robert G. Lerner, M.D., Robert J. Lifton, M.D. ’48, and Ira Schwartz, Ph.D

Valhalla, N.Y., September 20, 2017– Sunday night, New York Medical College (NYMC) held its annual Founder’s Dinner at the DoubleTree Hilton in Tarrytown, N.Y. Attended by numerous influential members of the community, College administration, faculty, alumni and staff, this black-tie fundraising gala generates crucial operating revenues for NYMC each year by attracting significant support from benefactors. The day was designated as “New York Medical College Day” by a special proclamation by Mount Pleasant Town Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi.

This year, four distinguished guests were recognized for their commitment to NYMC and the larger medical community. The honorees included Dr. Mark Hasten, Robert G. Lerner, M.D., Robert J. Lifton, M.D. ’48, and Ira Schwartz, Ph.D.

“Every year we look forward to bringing together friends of New York Medical College for our Founder’s Dinner,” said Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., NYMC Chancellor and CEO. “We had the honor of celebrating four distinguished individuals who have not only made an impact on the College, but have improved the field of health care and beyond.”

Ira Schwartz, Ph.D., was awarded The Jackson E. Spears Community Service Award, which is bestowed upon individuals or organizations who have demonstrated exceptional service and commitment to their communities. The award honors the late Jackson E. Spears, who served as a member of NYMC’s Board of Trustees from 1943 to 2003.

Dr. Schwartz came to NYMC in 1980 and has served with distinction as professor and chairman in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology since 2002. As chair, he led the department to a position of excellence at NYMC as one of the most highly regarded research-funded programs for competitive federal and foundation grants. His laboratory research focuses on emerging tick-borne infectious diseases, primarily Lyme disease.

Dr. Mark Hasten was presented with the Alfred DelBello Distinguished Service Award, which is bestowed upon individuals who have helped advance NYMC’s mission of education and research though service, commitment and expert ability.

Dr. Hasten is chairman of the Board of Trustees of NYMC, and Touro College and University System. During Dr. Hasten’s remarkable life, he served in the Polish Brigade of the Red Army during World War II, and after the war moved to Israel, served in the fledgling Israel Defense Forces.  During his career at General Mills, Dr. Hasten engineered the bendable straw and the machinery that produces Cheerios, Pringles and Bugles snacks. Dr. Hasten experienced additional career success in real estate and banking, as well as a lifelong commitment to philanthropy.

Robert G. Lerner, M.D., received the Golden Faculty Service Award, created to celebrate 50 years of service at NYMC. His outstanding service helped smooth transitions for three separate school administrations, and he currently serves as professor of medicine and pathology, vice chairman of Department of Medicine and chief of hematology at Westchester Medical Center. He is the second recipient of this award.

Robert J. Lifton, M.D. ’48, was honored with the William Cullen Bryant Award, established to recognize those remarkable individuals who, in the tradition of the College’s founder, William Cullen Bryant, demonstrate seminal leadership in health care, science, education, business, or the arts.

Dr. Lifton is a NYMC School of Medicine alumnus.  He is a leading expert in the study of the psychological causes and effects of war and political violence, as well as mind control and the theory of thought reform. His career spans nearly 70 years as a world-renowned psychiatrist and author.

You can find photos from the event here.

About New York Medical College

Founded in 1860, NYMC is one of the oldest and largest health sciences colleges in the country with more than 1,400 students, 1,300 residents and clinical fellows, nearly 3,000 faculty members, and 19,000 living alumni. The College, which joined the Touro College and University System in 2011, is located in Westchester County, New York, and offers degrees from the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences, the School of Health Sciences and Practice, a School of Dental Medicine and a School of Nursing. NYMC provides a wide variety of clinical training opportunities for students, residents, and practitioners.