Baruch College Fund Raises $1.2 Million at Bernard Baruch Dinner

Baruch College Fund Raises $1.2 Million at Bernard Baruch Dinner

May 2, 2025

Hundreds of alumni, friends, and community leaders came together to attend the annual Bernard Baruch Dinner held on April 23 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom celebrating Baruch College's proud history and promising future.

Nearly $1.2 million was raised for the Baruch College Fund (BCF), where proceeds help students through career services, classroom technology upgrades, and much more. This marks the ninth straight year the event has raised at least $1 million.

With the Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs celebrating its 30^th anniversary, the school's namesake, Austin Marxe ('65), provided a special scholarship challenge, tripling all gifts to support scholarships for Marxe students. This initiative raised over $320,000, extending our 30-year impact even farther by creating more opportunities for a new generation of aspiring public servants.

Baruch College President S. David Wu acknowledged why events like this are important for the institution, stating, "Together, we are unstoppable. This motto is more than words - it defines our mission as we enter a new era of innovation, excellence, and growth."

Wu added, "With your support, we are preparing the next generation of leaders, equipping them not just to succeed, but to stand out. Your generosity fuels initiatives that change lives - from scholarships and emergency funds to vital student resources like the Starr Career Development Center, the Bearcat Pantry, and the Counseling Center."

Distinguished Alumnus Award: George E. Roach, Global Business Leader

George E. Roach ('71), CEO of GER Industries launched in 1973, received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for his 50 years of diverse business experiences, spanning from marketing and sales.

Upon graduating in 1971, Roach faced a pivotal decision: accept a position with Owens Illinois, Inc.'s Forest Products Division, or remain close to the woman he loved. Choosing love over a move to Ohio, he joined his best friend at The Millwork Company, despite having no prior experience in the industry.

Demonstrating remarkable adaptability, Roach quickly mastered the business, establishing a robust sales and marketing team and doubling the company's size within six months. His dedication extended beyond sales, as he immersed himself in the production process, gaining a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the operation.

This experience ignited his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the millwork industry. Driven to build his own company, Roach secured contacts with Fortune 500 companies and specialized in high-end hotel furniture. He established a 35,000 square-foot factory in New Rochelle, followed by a 175,000 square-foot facility in Vietnam, which remains operational. Expanding his portfolio, he also opened a second factory dedicated to high-end ornamental metal and glass work.

Ultimately, Roach's decision to stay close to home proved fruitful, as he married the love of his life, a partnership that has lasted 53 years.

Distinguished Alumna Award: Jacky Wright, Leveraging Technology to Drive Innovation

Jacky Wright ('86) is McKinsey & Company's first chief technology and platform officer and leads McKinsey's overall technology portfolio and strategy.

She is focused on strengthening and accelerating technology use in client work and innovating new platforms to help client organizations transform and grow. She also leads McKinsey's internal technology team, which serves more than 40,000 colleagues across 66 countries.

Wright brings more than 30 years of experience helping some of the world's leading institutions leverage technology to drive innovation, adopt sustainable and accessible business models, and digitally transform. Most recently, she served as chief digital officer and corporate vice president for Microsoft US. Before that, she held senior technology leadership roles spanning multiple industries, including chief information officer roles at BP and General Electric. She also held a leadership role within the UK government as HMRC's chief digital and information officer.

Wright earned her BBA in computer science and accounting from Baruch, and holds honorary doctorates from Aston University and the University of Bath, as well as the Innovative CIO Executive Education certification from Stanford University. She was recently named the UK's most powerful Black Briton in the Powerlist 2022, is a Women in Science and Engineering Ambassador, a member of the World Economic Forum Chief Digital Officer Community and sits on the advisory board for the Paul H. Chook Department of Information Systems and Statistics at Baruch College.

Widely regarded as an innovative technologist, and passionate STEM advocate, Wright uses her platform not just to create digital transformation for business but also for social, economic, and environmental change.

Supporting the Baruch College Fund

Contributions to the BCF are ongoing and support Baruch's ability to provide a high-caliber education and open the door to the world for students who might otherwise be denied that opportunity.

Gifts help support critical areas of urgent need, including financial aid, emergency grants, technology assistance, career services and faculty support.

Learn about the BCF

Support Baruch College

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