Today, I attended an alum event in Long Island. It was a great experience.

Senior Director Laura Abrams did a marvelous job, as usual, hosting the event.

VP Laurie Dorf’s Midas touch was evident throughout.

I cannot communicate enough about President Frank Wu’s inspirational presentations.

He pulls the audience right into his mindset. President Wu has the skill of speaking not only to the mind but also to the heart. Maya Angelou’s quote, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” captures the President’s speaking style.

I want to thank Director Zavi Gunn for initially inviting me to the event.

The highly hardworking Dean Kate Pechenkina was also present at the event.

Jimmy McMillian (St. Francis Prep, BA from Queens College, MA from Teacher’s College, Columbia University) and his wife, Ashley McMillian, were present and spoke. They both own two tutoring and mentoring companies – employing several employees and paid interns, including from Queens College.

A note on Ashley McMillian! Ms. McMillian was a Macauly Honors student who graduated in three and a half years with a 4.0 GPA.

Recently, she spoke at the Queens College Business Breakfast. Not only is she the youngest to speak at the Business Breakfast, but she is also one of the best presenters/speakers to grace the stage. Please see her in action here! Being a professional singer makes her a natural, too.

Currently, Ms. McMillian is working on applying to the joint JD/MBA program at Harvard University.

Some of my other former mentees were absent for good reasons.

Pavel Tchingirinski (Bloomberg), an up-and-coming donor to Queens College, wanted to attend but has been under the weather since yesterday. He will attend the QC Gala.

Sujen Wu Wu (HQ Capital) did not make it since a family member is visiting from her home country for the weekend.

Last but not least, Reginald Wills (Goldman Sachs) would have been present if he had not been slated for military reserves duty out of state this weekend.

The above three alumni would have added more flavor to a great gathering.

It was a beautiful turnout.

A VIP alumnus (a national celebrity) was in attendance today.

Please see a few pictures below: