Andre J.L. Koo Honored at the 2024 Haskins Giving Society Award Dinner
On April 18, 2024, NYU Stern hosted the Haskins Giving Society Award Dinner, an annual gala that brings together the School’s most generous and loyal donors. This year, more than 400 attendees gathered at The Plaza to honor Andre J.L. Koo (MBA ’94), chairman of the Chailease Group, member of the NYU Board of Trustees, and current Chair of the NYU Stern Executive Board.
The evening was especially poignant as it marked Andre’s last dinner as the Chair of the NYU Stern Executive Board. Andre’s dedication to Stern is unmatched. Through philanthropy, collaboration, and leadership, Andre's commitment to the School is a direct reflection of the enduring values of excellence and innovation that define Stern's mission.
Since he graduated with his MBA from Stern in 1994, Andre and his wife, Jana, have contributed to countless initiatives, including the creation of the Andre Koo Technology and Entrepreneurship MBA Program and the reimagining of the high-traffic lobby of the Kaufman Management Center, renamed as the Andre J.L. Koo Lobby. The Koos have also demonstrated their generosity by supporting scholarships, as well as establishing an endowed faculty chair.
In addition to his roles on the NYU Board of Trustees and the NYU Stern Executive Board, Andre currently serves as president and founder of the NYU Pan-Asia Alumni Association; is a member of the President’s Global Council; and president of the NYU Alumni Club in Taiwan. In recognition of his dedication to the community, Andre received the NYU Albert Gallatin Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Society, one of NYU’s highest honors, in May 2023.
Dean Raghu Sundaram began the evening with welcome remarks and shared recent updates about the School, followed by Linda Mills, president, NYU and Evan Chesler, chair, NYU Board of Trustees. A tribute video recognized Andre's extraordinary commitment to Stern over the years, including his many leadership roles and generational ties to the business school.
“Andre is a true champion of the University and of the Stern School,” said Dean Sundaram. “His generosity is remarkable—a testament to his legacy at Stern.”
In his acceptance speech, Andre recalled the importance of his time at Stern: “To serve my alma mater is an extraordinary privilege of which I am very proud,” said Andre. “NYU and Stern have elevated what it means to deliver a world-class education. To be recognized by the University is a tremendous and unexpected honor I am humbled to receive.”
The evening also featured a surprise tribute video with prominent alumni voices in celebration of Dean Sundaram's tenure at Stern, at what is his last Haskins Award Dinner at the School.
Andre steps down as Chair of Stern’s Executive Board on July 1, 2024 and Dietrich Becker (MBA ’91), partner and president of Perella Weinberg Partners, 2023 Haskins Award honoree, will become the new Chair.
NYU Stern Honors Andre J.L. Koo (MBA ’94)
Watch the Andre Koo tribute video.
Photo Album
See photo highlights from the Haskins Award Dinner.