L-R: Zvi Lefkovitz, M.D., John J. Connolly, Ed.D., Edward C. Halperin, M.D., M.A., Alan Kadish, M.D., Dee DelBello, John A. Lipman
Annual event honors Dr. John J. Connolly and Dr. Zvi Lefkovitz, pays tribute to the late Alfred B. DelBello, and raises $570,000 for scholarships and research
New York Medical College (NYMC), a member of Touro University (TU), hosted its annual Founder’s Dinner on October 21, bringing together more than 375 academic, health care, business and community stakeholders at Greentree Country Club in New Rochelle, New York, to celebrate NYMC’s distinguished leaders and their impactful and transformative achievements. This event marked the 166th anniversary of the founding of the College and raised $570,000 that will go toward scholarships and medical research. These proceeds will directly benefit NYMC students through scholarships and important initiatives, furthering NYMC’s mission to educate the next generation of physicians and health care providers, and support life-saving biomedical research.
“Each year, this dinner reminds us NYMC’s mission is just as relevant today as it was when it was founded 166 years ago,” said Alan Kadish, M.D., president of NYMC and TU. “The generosity shown here tonight gives our students and faculty the resources they need to dive deeper into medicine and patient care, and I am grateful to everyone who made that possible.”
The honorees were 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 our communities 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 was presented in lasting tribute to Alfred B. DelBello for his enduring legacy of public service and his contributions to NYMC’s mission.
“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.”