Alan Gallo (BS ’87, MBA ’90) Leads the Alumni Council
The two-time Sternie and self-described Amex “lifer” stresses engagement
Compared to other schools of Stern’s caliber, the percent of alumni who give is too low.
For Alan Gallo (BS ’87, MBA ’90), who is beginning his three-year term as chair of NYU Stern’s Alumni Council, giving back to Stern rises to the level of a calling. A self-described “lifer” at American Express, Gallo joined the company as a finance trainee right out of college, earned his MBA at night, and has risen through a succession of bigger jobs to his current position as executive vice president of global business services. But he’s always found the time to stay connected to Stern, as the executive sponsor of Amex’s recruiting relationship with the School and, since 2010, an active member of the Alumni Council. “Stern is a very big part of who I am,” Gallo said.
Stern’s Alumni Council comprises 17 top alumni volunteers and ambassadors for the School who help guide alumni programming and advise the administration on initiatives and activities, including the many alumni affinity groups and events.
The purpose is to foster alumni engagement and to ensure that alumni have a voice. “It’s a great way to give back to the School and build deeper connections with the students and faculty,” Gallo said.
Between recruiting for Amex and working with the Alumni Council, Gallo spends plenty of time on campus and he is generous with career advice. He stresses the importance of communication skills, relationship-building, and educated risk-taking, and offers a personal strategy for success: Always try to make the job bigger than it is. “I picture it as a circle, envision larger concentric circles around it, and focus on how I can help solve the boss’s problems.”
Gallo’s dedication stems from his own experience attending NYU. As the youngest of five brothers of a blue-collar family on Staten Island, he considered Greenwich Village an “exotic” destination. “It never occurred to me that I’d go to a school as good as NYU,” he said. But he received a scholarship, and that has spurred his desire to provide the same opportunity for other deserving students. “I want to make sure I’m there for young people who deserve to attend and who are there today,” he said.
Though the business of the council is more about alumni engagement than fundraising, Gallo feels strongly about increasing donations. “Compared to other schools of Stern’s caliber, the percent of alumni who give is too low,” he said. “That’s our challenge.”
Stern’s Alumni Council comprises 17 top alumni volunteers and ambassadors for the School who help guide alumni programming and advise the administration on initiatives and activities, including the many alumni affinity groups and events.
The purpose is to foster alumni engagement and to ensure that alumni have a voice. “It’s a great way to give back to the School and build deeper connections with the students and faculty,” Gallo said.
Between recruiting for Amex and working with the Alumni Council, Gallo spends plenty of time on campus and he is generous with career advice. He stresses the importance of communication skills, relationship-building, and educated risk-taking, and offers a personal strategy for success: Always try to make the job bigger than it is. “I picture it as a circle, envision larger concentric circles around it, and focus on how I can help solve the boss’s problems.”
Gallo’s dedication stems from his own experience attending NYU. As the youngest of five brothers of a blue-collar family on Staten Island, he considered Greenwich Village an “exotic” destination. “It never occurred to me that I’d go to a school as good as NYU,” he said. But he received a scholarship, and that has spurred his desire to provide the same opportunity for other deserving students. “I want to make sure I’m there for young people who deserve to attend and who are there today,” he said.
Though the business of the council is more about alumni engagement than fundraising, Gallo feels strongly about increasing donations. “Compared to other schools of Stern’s caliber, the percent of alumni who give is too low,” he said. “That’s our challenge.”