A Family Affair: 30 Years of Milstein Scholars

For Philip L. Milstein CC’71, what began 30 years ago truly has been a gift that keeps on giving.

When Milstein, principal and owner of Ogden CAP Properties and a University Trustee Emeritus, was in his mid-30s, he donated 5,000 shares, then worth about $100,000, to endow one scholarship at Columbia College. In the three decades since, thanks to subsequent gifts and a well-managed University endowment, Milstein has witnessed 111 young men and women benefit from his generosity and receive a College education they otherwise could not have afforded.

“I’ve always believed you get more by giving than by taking,” Milstein said, when asked about his devotion to helping students. “This is one of the great win-wins, helping to shape the lives of young people.”

Phil and his wife, Cheryl, have demonstrated an admirable personal commitment to their scholars as well, by hosting annual luncheons for Milstein Scholars, meeting them one-on-one on campus and at athletic events, and by participating regularly in the annual Dean’s Scholarship Reception, which brings together benefactors and the students receiving named scholarships.

“Phil and Cheryl have been personally engaged with their scholarship recipients both while they have been students at Columbia College and after,” said Dean James J. Valentini at the 2016 Scholarship Reception on February 9. “Their commitment to them as individuals and their interest in propelling their success is something of great significance, and something to which many of us would aspire.”

Last year, Milstein hosted a dinner to which all Milstein Scholars from the past three decades were invited so they could meet each other once again — or in some cases, for the first time — and share each other’s stories. “I sat next to one of my very first scholarship recipients, Josh Greenwald CC’91, a doctor who lives in Westchester and has three children.” Milstein said. “He told me, ‘I couldn’t have done any of this without you. I’ve achieved a lot, and it wouldn’t have been possible without you.’ That really makes you feel good. You recognize how worthwhile it is by hearing their stories, their achievements, and their desire to give back.”

“These kids are superstars,” Milstein added. “The quality of these young people is special. They are very proud of their college education and having the chance to go to Columbia, and they wouldn’t have that chance if they had to rely solely on their parents because the cost is so high, and rising every year.”

By sponsoring an annual luncheon for all the scholarship recipients in school each year, Milstein says they have been able to “create their own little network” so the students can establish real connections and help one another through their Columbia journeys. “They get a kick out of being part of a select group,” he said. “There’s a human connection. Seniors can help first-years and tell them what to expect. Often they come in shy, unsure of themselves, and by getting to know one another they develop a level of confidence.”

“This network is invaluable,” said Clare Buck CC’13, an analyst at a healthcare consulting company. “While a student, I met other recipients at the events that Mr. Milstein hosted. Everyone was warm and welcoming — it is a special group.” Milstein, speaking at this year’s Scholarship Reception, noted that the Milstein Scholars include several doctors and lawyers, a woman who worked for the State Department at several embassies overseas, a woman who ran a homeless shelter in Brooklyn and a successful and talented dress designer.

“The Milstein Scholarship provided me with access to a tremendous education and exposed me to people and places I never knew existed,” said Ann Kansfield CC’98, an FDNY chaplain and a pastor at the Greenpoint Reformed Church. “I learned how to think analytically and creatively, I developed a deep self-confidence about my academic abilities and the gifts I have to offer to the world and I made lifelong friends. Receiving the Milstein Scholarship has been an amazing blessing in my life.”

Milstein, who also financed a major renovation in Butler Library to create the Philip L. Milstein Family College Library and is a loyal supporter of Columbia’s tennis program, has three scholarships at Columbia. In addition to the Philip and Cheryl Milstein Scholarship that he established in 1986, he also endowed two other scholarship funds in 2002: the Seymour Milstein Scholarship Fund in honor of his father, and (with other donors) the 9/11 Memorial Fund Endowed Scholarship in memory of the eight College alumni who were killed on 9/11.

Speaking on behalf of benefactors at the Scholarship Reception, Milstein said, “We are all here because Columbia University and its president, and the College and its dean, recognize the core value of full financial aid and need-blind admissions. As the cost of a college education continues to rise every year, more of us will need to step up as alumni to continue this philanthropy and continue this core value.”

Milstein is happy to lead the way because, he says, “You get a lot more from giving than receiving when it comes to endowing a Columbia College scholarship.”