Kevin Gavagan '75 and David Klein '85. (SUNY Geneseo/Matt Burkhartt)
On Friday, October 25, The Geneseo Foundation honored David Klein ’85 with the 2024 Philanthropic Leadership Award during an alumni recognition event at The Wadsworth Homestead.
First presented in 2006, the Philanthropic Leadership Award is one of the Foundation’s most prestigious recognitions, awarded annually to individuals whose dedication and commitment create lasting benefits for Geneseo students.
Klein, the first in his family to attend college, arrived at Geneseo from a small high school and found mentorship in professors who inspired his love for economics. His strong academic foundation propelled him to a successful career in finance, including over 15 years at Constellation Brands, Inc., where he led groundbreaking mergers and acquisitions before becoming CEO of Canopy Growth Corporation.
A Geneseo Foundation Board member, Klein has remained actively involved with Geneseo, returning to campus to share professional insights, sponsor events, and create internship opportunities that provide real-world experiences for students. Last year, he established the David Klein ’85 Scholarship Fund, which supports full tuition for five students in the Multicultural Fellows Program throughout their undergraduate experience.
Scholarship recipient Mabel Delgado, a first-year biology major from Rochester, NY, expressed the significance of Klein’s generosity, stating, “This scholarship means everything. It’s a weight off my mom’s shoulders. She’s always worked so hard to give me opportunities she didn’t have, and now I can show her that all her sacrifices were worth it.”
Campaign Chair Kevin Gavagan ’75 praised Klein’s dedication during the ceremony, remarking, “David, your actions speak volumes. You’re changing lives, enhancing the Public Honors College experience, and setting an example for others to aspire to.”
The evening also featured celebrity chef and restaurateur Matthew Abdoo ’02, who talked about his Geneseo experience. Abdoo’s culinary journey and reflections on his time at Geneseo inspired the evening’s menu, which featured favorite dishes from his restaurant, Pig Beach BBQ.
The SUNY Geneseo Foundation congratulates David Klein on this well-deserved recognition and extends its gratitude to all college alumni and friends who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders.