I was very sad to hear today that the previous President of NYU, Jay Oliva, passed away.
It’s hard to describe the positive effect that this man had on our University. Whereas other presidents of great universities carry themselves with a certain “air of command”, Jay never did any such thing. He continually reminded us, through his policies and his wonderfully warm personal style, that we are, after all, just people on this planet, each of us trying to do the best we can.
Our University became a warmer, kinder, more human place under his guidance, and that warmth has become a permanent part of our culture.
I will miss him, as well many in our community.