Vice Chancellor and Whitman School of Management Executive Dean Mike Haynie, alongside Interim Dean Alex McKelvie and other staff members, gathered in New York City on May 15 to honor alumni and supporters who have shown exceptional commitment to the Whitman School. The event recognized recipients of the Jonathan J. Holtz Alumnus of the Year Award, the Orange Ovation Award, the Dean’s Citation Award for Exceptional Service, and The Whitman Impact Award.
The awardees included Matty Simon, Blake Brossman ’98 (NEW), Warren Johnson ’20, Gisele Marcus-Thomas ’89, Doug Present ’86, and Tyler Newman ’20.
McKelvie expressed gratitude at the event: “We are honored to recognize six outstanding alumni, corporate supporters and friends who have demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment to the Whitman School, Syracuse University and its students. But this is also an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all of our alumni and other supporters, many of whom are here to share this celebration with us. So many have made, and are continuing to make, valued and impactful contributions to Whitman, Syracuse University and our students.”
The Jonathan J. Holtz Alumnus of the Year Award was presented to Douglas Present ’86 for his professional achievements and support for Whitman’s mission. Present has a significant role on various committees at Syracuse University and has contributed financially through initiatives like the Whitman Student Opportunity Fund.
Blake Brossman ’98 (NEW) and Gisele Marcus-Thomas ’89 received the Whitman Dean’s Citation for Exceptional Service. Brossman was recognized for his entrepreneurial ventures and mentorship roles within Whitman’s Department of Entrepreneurship. Marcus-Thomas was acknowledged for her involvement with social justice initiatives at Syracuse University.
Warren Johnson ’20 and Tyler Newman ’20 were awarded the Orange Ovation Award for their professional success post-graduation. Johnson is involved in networking events in New York City while Newman has fostered partnerships between Synchrony Financial and Syracuse University.
Matty Simon received The Whitman Impact Award for his work as Bloomberg L.P.’s lead recruiter in analytics and sales roles. Simon’s efforts have strengthened ties between Bloomberg L.P. and Whitman School.
