Robert O’Brien inducted into 2008
Independent Sector Alumni Hall of Distinction

      ALBANY, N.Y., March 3, 2008 — Wagner College Lifetime Trustee Robert C. O’Brien was among 19 individuals honored today by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities during the 2008 Independent Sector Alumni Hall of Distinction Awards Ceremony and Legislative Reception, held in the War Room of the New York State Capitol.

      The Alumni Hall of Distinction was created in 2000 to recognize New York’s Independent Sector graduates who make contributions to society through their careers and community involvement. This year, CICU has recognized courageous alumni who are actively serving in the United States military or are veterans.

      Robert C. O’Brien, managing director and head of Credit and Loan Management, Credit Suisse First Boston, graduated from Wagner College in 1966 with a bachelor of science in economics degree.

      “I’m deeply grateful to Wagner College for giving this kid from Staten Island an opportunity to find a place in the professional world on some level of success,” O’Brien said.

      As managing director of CS First Boston, O’Brien has become one of the most highly regarded financiers in the business.

      Specializing in major corporate leveraged loans, O’Brien has been responsible for underwriting some of the largest transactions in corporate history, including the now legendary $25 billion leveraged buyout of R.J. Reynolds–Nabisco, which is the largest leveraged buyout to date and the inspiration for the book and movie, “Barbarians at the Gate.”

      In the four decades since his graduation from Wagner College, Robert O’Brien’s career at Bankers Trust, Manufacturers Hanover, Chemical and, now, CS First Boston has positioned him at the very top of his profession.

      Before embarking upon his career in finance, O’Brien served a tour of duty in Vietnam. There, as a first lieutenant and infantry platoon leader, he was wounded and received a Purple Heart for his valorous service. It was an experience that helped to shape his character in his subsequent endeavors.

      Throughout his career, O’Brien has shared his success with both his community and his alma mater. Elected a lifetime trustee of Wagner College, he has been one of the institution’s most active and supportive board members. Currently, he serves as co-chairman of Wagner’s comprehensive capital campaign, “Putting Wagner First.” In addition, he has served as head of Wagner’s trustee development committee and has been active in the school’s mentoring program. Before that, he was a member of Wagner’s National Alumni Association board and chaired the annual giving campaign.

      As a member of the board for Good Shepherd Services, a venerable and highly respected social service and youth development agency in New York City, O’Brien helped Good Shepherd raise $20 million to build the thriving South Brooklyn Community High School. This small and intimate alternative public school provides counseling and education for 125 South Brooklyn students who were formerly frequent truants or had dropped out of school completely. After its first year in existence, the school’s graduation rate exceeded that of others in the area.

      “I’m very proud to be a Wagner alum,” said O’Brien upon being named to the Independent Sector Alumni Hall of Distinction. “It is very, very important to me, because of the significant contributions it has made to my life both as an individual and as a professional.”

      Hall of Distinction honorees were selected by CICU Board of Trustee member presidents. Approximately 50 college and university presidents attended today’s reception, along with state legislators and other policymakers. The master of ceremonies for this year’s Alumni Hall of Distinction Legislative Reception and Awards Ceremony was Joseph Robert Kerrey, president of the New School. Kerrey is a former governor of Nebraska and U.S. senator who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service during Vietnam.

      In addition to recognition at the reception, a full-scale exhibit including alumni photos and biographical profiles will be on display in the Legislative Office Building in Albany through March 7. A virtual gallery can be found online at http://www.cicu.org/successStories/alumnihall.php.

      Also honored in the 2008 Independent Sector Alumni Hall are: Lee A. Archer Jr., New York University; Roscoe C. Brown Jr., New York University; Khamkay Chitaphong, Roberts Wesleyan College; Richard S. Colt, Fordham University; Charles E. Crusha, Elmira College; Michael Dragotta, St. Joseph’s College; Kelvin B. Gentles, College of Mount Saint Vincent; Arthur V. Gorman Jr., St. Francis College; Larry K. Grundhauser, Rochester Institute of Technology; Mickala S. Henson, Clarkson University; Henry Chin-Hong, New York Institute of Technology; Adam P. Jameson, College of Saint Rose; Lee Joffee, Long Island University; John J. Phelan Jr., Adelphi University; Robert F. Porr, Marymount Manhattan College; James M. Shuart, Hofstra University; Richard C. Trietley Jr., St. Bonaventure University, and Willie J. Trotman, Dominican College.