Founder's Dinner Recognizes Distinguished Honorees and Furthers the Future of Health Care Innovation

College Honors John J. Connolly, Ed.D., and Zvi Lefkovitz, M.D., and Pays Lasting Tribute to the Late Alfred B. DelBello

October 23, 2026

Six attendees in formal evening attire stand in front of a red New York Medical College step-and-repeat backdrop at a reception event. The group poses shoulder to shoulder for a photo, with NYMC logos displayed repeatedly across the background.

From left: Zvi Lefkovitz, M.D.; John J. Connolly, Ed.D.; Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A.; Alan Kadish, M.D.; Dee DelBello, and John Lipman

Beneath the glow of chandeliers at Greentree Country Club in New Rochelle, New York, alumni, faculty, donors, health care leaders and community partners gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of New York Medical College (NYMC). The annual Founder's Dinner on October 21, brought 375 community members together for an evening of recognition, philanthropy and reflection, honoring distinguished leaders while raising support for scholarships, medical research and the next generation of health care professionals.

The event raised approximately $570,000 to support student scholarships, medical research and other critical initiatives that advance NYMC's mission of education, discovery and patient care. These funds will help provide opportunities for students while supporting research that drives innovation and improves health outcomes.

“As we celebrate 166 years of NYMC, we honor not only the institution that our founders built, but also the generations who will carry its mission forward. Together, we are helping build a healthier world—and ensuring that the work of healing, discovery, and service continues for generations to come,” said Alan Kadish, M.D., president of NYMC and TU.“Your generous support this event, along with your continued dedication to NYMC, allows our dedicated faculty to continue to educate some of the finest health care professionals, public health leaders and biomedical scientists in the country.”

The evening honored NYMC leaders John J. Connolly, Ed.D., chairman of Castle Connolly Private Health Partners, LLC, and former NYMC president and chief executive officer (1981–1992); and Zvi Lefkovitz, M.D., professor of radiology and director of leadership development at NYMC, former chair of the NYMC Department of Radiology (2009–2026) and former director of radiology at Westchester Medical Center (2009–2026). The evening also included a lasting tribute to the late Alfred B. DelBello, accepted by Dee DelBello, owner and publisher of Westfair Business Publications and former member of the NYMC Board of Trustees (2016–2024).

The awards honor individuals whose careers and contributions to health care, science and the community have profoundly impacted the practice of medicine and have added immeasurable prestige to the College. Dr. Connolly received the Alfred B. DelBello Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes advancing NYMC's mission through dedication, leadership and transformative contributions to medicine and science. The Distinguished Service and Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Lefkovitz for his lasting commitment to excellence in health sciences education, research and institutional leadership. The Jackson E. Spears Community Service Award in lasting tribute honored Alfred B. DelBello for his enduring legacy of public service and his contributions to NYMC's mission.

"Our college has its role to play in turning the path laid out for us in memories of the past into a blessing for the future," said Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., chancellor and CEO. "We hold that power and we bear the responsibility. Thank you all for sharing that responsibility with us through your financial support; and for the role your support has had in generating the blessings of biomedical research, education, and clinical care for the future."

"Tonight's results speak to the strength of this community," said Stacy Velarde, chief development officer. "Every gift made here goes directly toward lifting up our students and advancing research that saves lives, and on behalf of the College, I want to thank everyone who stepped up to support our honorees and our mission this year."

Videos from Founder's Dinner and other NYMC events are available on the NYMC YouTube Channel.

Founder's Dinner Recognizes Distinguished Honorees and Furthers the Future of Health Care Innovation

College Honors John J. Connolly, Ed.D., and Zvi Lefkovitz, M.D., and Pays Lasting Tribute to the Late Alfred B. DelBello

2026 Founder’s Dinner Sponsors