When an alumnus like Richard J. Koehler, (BA ’73) gets involved with his alma mater, he doesn’t do it halfway. A former NYPD executive and a busy labor attorney for the past 30 years, Koehler is a John Jay College Foundation Trustee, chaired the College’s first Founding Generation activities in 2012, and received the Alumni Association’s 2010 Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Late last year, he took on more responsibility by becoming chair of a new Alumni Campaign Committee. This 15-member group is organizing several exciting fundraising events to generate new financial resources for the College. Among them will be a golf tournament in the spring of 2014. (Click here to sign up for early bird notifications.)
And yet, this fierce advocate for justice wanted to do even more, so earlier this year, he made a generous leadership pledge as part of the $50 million Campaign for the Future of Justice. His gift will support the Student Opportunity Fund, which provides resources to help cover the costs of unpaid internships and study abroad for students and to meet critical needs so the College can provide a cutting-edge 21st Century education to all its students. It will also support the College’s annual Jack Brennan Holiday Party for 600 children in need – a longstanding partnership with the community.
“Richard is an outstanding servant-leader, and John Jay is fortunate to have him in its family,” said President Jeremy Travis. “No matter how busy he is in his law practice, he is always ready and willing to do more for the College. His generous Campaign gift will play an important role in educating future leaders such as him.”
In recognition of Richard J. Koehler’s unstinting commitment to John Jay, the College will designate Room L.76 in the New Building as Richard Koehler ‘73 Lecture Hall at a ceremony in late September. Fittingly, this is the first classroom to be named for an alumnus. An extended interview with Koehler will be featured in the October, 2013 issue of Justice Matters magazine.