Connie Milstein

The Collegiate Seminar Program is an exclusive program established by NYU graduate Connie Milstein in 2007. This special program, unique to NYU’s College of Arts and Science, provides seminars for freshmen students and creates a mentoring relationship with the faculty of the Seminar program with each student; a relationship that continues throughout the student’s undergraduate careers.

Connie Milstein has been the force behind other innovative programming at the University, including the establishment of a branch of NYU in Washington, D.C., the Constance Milstein and Family Academic Center. With a branch in the nation’s capital, students of politics have a ‘home away from home’ in which to observe the workings of government up close.

Connie Milstein is about to embark on a new building project, the Washington, D.C. branch of the New York University study-abroad program.  Ms. Milstein is directing $10 million to construct the 12-story, 75,000-square-foot center, which will join 11 other extensions of NYU which are located throughout the world.

The Washington, D.C. campus will offer a one semester study-abroad program in which students will be able to learn journalism, political science and American history just steps away from the White House, in one of the most powerful governmental cities  in the world.

Groundbreaking is due to commence in September, 2010 with the first students arriving at the campus for spring semester in 2012. Students will arrive to find a building with dormitories on the upper floors, suitable for 125 students. The rest of the building will house lecture halls and seminar rooms. Located within the walls of the new building will also be the offices of Government and Community Affairs and the Brademas Center for the Study of Congress.

Connie Milstein explains her special interest in this project:

“I used to think New York was the capital of the world, but being in D.C. will give these students a totally different view of the United States and its position in the world.  It’s an important place to teach students how the government works and the history of the U.S., not to mention opportunities for internships, which will allow them to understand the political system and get exposure to a much larger global network.”

New York University is the latest recipient of the largesse of Connie Milstein and her philanthropic activities.  Ms. Milstein is embarking on a $10 million project to expand the NYU campus to Washington D.C. by building an extension there.

The 12-story building will be the 12th additional campus for NYU which houses their extensive study-abroad program. The Washington campus will join the other satellite campuses which are located in internationally important cities such as London, Shanghai, and Tel Aviv. The Washington, D.C. program will be offering a one semester study-abroad program in journalism, political science and American history. Internships will also be offered in various government offices and non-governmental organizations.

The new building will be located on  northwest L Street, just a few blocks from the White House. Ground-breaking for the new structure is scheduled to commence in September, 2010.

NYU is set to have a 12^th location as part of its semester long study abroad program. Thanks to the generous $10 million contribution from Connie Milstein, they will soon begin construction on the 75,000 square foot building to be located at northwest L Street.  This new location will join cities such as London, Shanghai and Tel Aviv in offering an exceptional study abroad experience for students from NYU.

As Connie Milstein explains, “For me, the idea of higher education is non-negotiable. The better educated our children are, the greater our opportunities we have to achieve peace in our world.”

This new location will be for students who are interested in journalism, political science and American history, and it will include lecture halls, seminar rooms and dormitories.  Students will also enjoy internships with government offices and nongovernmental organizations.

Spring is the season for blossoming flowers and trees, warming weather trends, and graduation events and commencements. This year, at the 2010 commencement for the prestigious New York University, Connie Milstein will be honored with the coveted “Albert Gallatin Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Society” award. This honor is being bestowed upon Connie Milstein in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to society as a lawyer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, as well as an alumna of NYU.

This year’s Commencement Exercises will be held on May 12, at Yankee Stadium. The President of NYU, John Sexton and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Martin Lipton, announced in March the names of all those that will be honored at the event.

In addition to Connie Milstein, several other notable people are receiving honors from NYU. Among them is the actor Alec Baldwin, who was one of the co-hosts of this year’s Academy Awards, who will address the graduates and guests and receive a Doctor or Fine Arts degree, honoris causa, at the ceremony.

Wayne Shorter, the award-winning jazz musician and composer is a NYU Steinhardt alumnus. He will also receive a Doctor or Fine Arts degree, honoris causa.

Merryl Tisch, the chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents and NYU alumna will be receiving the “Lewis Rudin Award for Exemplary Service to New York City” in recognition of her contribution to the improvement of the quality of life in New York.