Alex Cohen is set to deliver the keynote address for the 2024 Manhattan College Graduate Commencement ceremony. STEVEN&ALEXANDRACOHENFOUNDATION/COURTESY
By Adrianne Hutto, Senior Writer
Alex Cohen is set to deliver the keynote address during the Manhattan College Graduate Commencement ceremony on May 17, 2024. At this time she will also receive a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. Cohen was a commuter student during her time at Manhattan College studying communication.
Presently, Cohen is the president of the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation which she co-founded with her husband, Steven Cohen. Cohen is a born and raised New Yorker, coming from Harlem, just a train ride away from the MC campus. Their foundation is extremely prominent in the New York area, focusing on healthcare, education and the arts. Cohen’s philanthropic work has earned her recognition as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in U.S. Philanthropy by Inside Philanthropy. In 2020, Cohen and her husband purchased the New York Mets and in tandem created the Amazin’ Mets Foundation according to Inside Philanthropy.
“As the philanthropic arm of the New York Mets, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation aims to serve our community and inspire others to make a lasting impact, on and off the field,” according to the Amazin’ Mets Foundation’s website. Since being founded, the foundation has funded over 160 organizations with over $10.2 million in grants within its community.
The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation has supported Manhattan College with grants funding initiatives including the Manhattan College Baseball Big Brother Program, Summer Literacy Institute, and the Veterans Success Program. The Cohen Scholars Program grants five commuter students coming from under-resourced areas who are majoring in science, technology, engineering, or math with a nearly full scholarship.
Ethan Perez became a recipient of the scholarship in 2022, making him one of the first students to be awarded this grant. “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you [Ms. Cohen] for enabling me to pursue my passion for computer science,” Perez said. “This generous support not only aids my personal aspirations but also signifies a significant milestone, particularly as a member of the Hispanic community.”
“I’m so excited to return to Manhattan College to speak to the graduating class of 2024,” Cohen said in an article posted on manhattan.edu. “I’m also humbled and grateful to receive this honorary degree. My time at Manhattan College was transformative for me, and I will never forget the people there who made a difference in my life.”
On April 18, Milo Riverso, president of Manhattan College announced the news to the school. “It is a distinct honor and privilege to confer this honorary degree upon Alex,” Riverso said in the online article. “Her tremendous support for the College, particularly for our students coming from under-resourced communities, is typical of her spirit of generosity and her recognition of the importance of the solid educational experience that Manhattan College offers all its graduate and undergraduate students.”
As an embodiment of the Lasallian spirit, Cohen serves as an inspiration to the 2024 graduate class. Her keynote address is a testament to the achievements of Manhattan College students and reflects a bright future for graduates.