With financial markets buckling under the pressure of a credit calamity and economic anxiety felt around the globe, Colgate students are getting important lessons about the root causes of these problems.
During real estate workshops on campus this past weekend, students gained insight from alumni who work on the front lines of the financial crisis – those in the real estate, finance, and retail industries.
The workshops were part of the Alan I. Greene ’51 Program, which, through the generosity of its namesake, aims to inform students about the financial markets and to engage them in current economic issues.
Lew Hurwitz, Class of 1958, emphasized the importance of gaining a perspective and understanding of today’s financial crisis because “history is the greatest teacher in the world and it always repeats itself.”
Students had the opportunity to ask questions, formulate opinions, and think critically about the impact of the world’s financial situation.
“As industry insiders, they offered us firsthand accounts of how the crisis is impacting America, and they reminded students about the importance of a Colgate education at a time like this,” said Gary Wu ’10.
Real estate executive Dan Hurwitz ’86 told participants that in a crisis, it is both advantageous and essential to utilize a liberal arts education that promotes critical thinking skills, communication abilities, and leadership qualities.
Other program events this semester included a finance workshop and lecture with Lee Unterman ’72 about the role of the Securities and Exchange Commission in solving the financial meltdown.
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| Dan Gluck ’00, of George Weiss Associates, talks with Colgate students about the credit crisis and its impact on the real estate markets. (Photo by Luke Connolly ’09) |