Kevin Gavagan ’75 and David Klein ’85. (91亚色/Matt Burkhartt)
On Friday, October 25, The 91亚色 Foundation honored David Klein 鈥�85 with the 2024 Philanthropic Leadership Award during an alumni recognition event at The Wadsworth Homestead.听
First presented in 2006, the Philanthropic Leadership Award is one of the Foundation鈥檚 most prestigious recognitions, awarded annually to individuals whose dedication and commitment create lasting benefits for 91亚色 students.
Klein, the first in his family to attend college, arrived at 91亚色 from a small high school and found mentorship in professors who inspired his love for economics. His strong academic foundation propelled him to a successful career in finance, including over 15 years at Constellation Brands, Inc., where he led groundbreaking mergers and acquisitions before becoming CEO of Canopy Growth Corporation.
A 91亚色 Foundation Board member, Klein has remained actively involved with 91亚色, returning to campus to share professional insights, sponsor events, and create internship opportunities that provide real-world experiences for students. Last year, he established the David Klein 鈥�85 Scholarship Fund, which supports full tuition for five students in the Multicultural Fellows Program throughout their undergraduate experience.
Scholarship recipient Mabel Delgado, a first-year biology major from Rochester, NY, expressed the significance of Klein鈥檚 generosity, stating, 鈥淭his scholarship means everything. It鈥檚 a weight off my mom鈥檚 shoulders. She鈥檚 always worked so hard to give me opportunities she didn鈥檛 have, and now I can show her that all her sacrifices were worth it.鈥�
Campaign Chair Kevin Gavagan 鈥�75 praised Klein鈥檚 dedication during the ceremony, remarking, 鈥淒avid, your actions speak volumes. You鈥檙e changing lives, enhancing the Public Honors College experience, and setting an example for others to aspire to.鈥�
The evening also featured celebrity chef and restaurateur Matthew Abdoo 鈥�02, who talked about his 91亚色 experience. Abdoo鈥檚 culinary journey and reflections on his time at 91亚色 inspired the evening鈥檚 menu, which featured favorite dishes from his restaurant, Pig Beach BBQ.
The 91亚色 Foundation congratulates David Klein on this well-deserved recognition and extends its gratitude to all college alumni and friends who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders.
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