Hofstra’s gala will honor David Mack

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Hofstra University’s annual gala will honor David Mack, a real estate developer, philanthropist and university graduate, class of 1967, and the secretary of the university’s board of trustees.

“The Mack name is an integral part of the culture at Hofstra,” Susan Poser, president of Hofstra University, said in a written statement.

“The buildings that are named for David S. Mack are the major student hubs of the University and at the center of the student experience,” Poser added. “That speaks to only one aspect of David’s legacy with Hofstra. He has also donated his time, energy, and wisdom to his alma mater, which benefit every single Hofstra student in some way. David is a most deserving honoree for this year’s gala, and I am so proud to be his colleague and friend.”

This year marks Hofstra’s 28th annual gala, and it is set for May 2. The event also serves as the university’s largest scholarship fundraiser.

The Mack name is a familiar one to anyone who has spent time on the campus. For example, the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, or “The Mack” as it is known, has been the site for three U.S. presidential debates. But for community members, it is also the home for the university’s men’s and women’s basketball games and wrestling matches, as well as summer camps, robotics and cheerleading competitions, local church Easter services and other events – including the university’s gala.

A long-time benefactor of the university, Mack has been recognized with additional campus buildings bearing his name, including the David S. Mack Fitness Center, David S. Mack Hall, and the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center.

In 2006, Mack was named the univeristy’s “Alumnus of the Year” for his efforts and support.

Mack, who earned a BA in business administration at Hofstra, spent much of his career as a real estate developer and is currently a senior managing partner and vice president of the Mack Management and Construction Corporation, headquartered in Fort Lee, New Jersey, and Scottsdale, Arizona. He also currently serves on the board of directors of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York State, and is a member of the board of the United Nation’s Commission of New York State.

Mack also serves on the board of several not-for-profit and charitable organizations including Northwell Health, MorseLife Health System, and the Kravis Center, among many others. He is also first assistant commissioner of the Nassau County Police Department, first vice president of the Palm Beach Police Foundation, and undersheriff executive assistant for governmental affairs for Palm Beach County, Florida.

“To say David is a generous man would be an understatement,” Donald Schaeffer, chair of Hofstra’s board of trustees, said in a written statement.  “The number of organizations he is involved with through service and support is without equal and we are grateful that Hofstra is so important to him.  I congratulate my friend and fellow trustee David Mack on this very special honor.”

The gala raises over $1 million for scholarships each year, and, according to the university, last year’s gala was the most successful to date.

Tickets, sponsorships, journal ads, and donations are available as ways to contribute.  The event begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing at 7:30 p.m.