Celebrating Excellence and Impact Silberman College of Business Hall of Fame Gala 2025
The Silberman College of Business proudly announces that the 2025 Hall of Fame Gala raised more than $200,000 in support of student scholarships and academic programming.
Held on Friday, October 17, 2025, in historic Lenfell Hall at the Florham Campus, this year’s event brought together alumni, faculty, students, and friends of Fairleigh Dickinson University for an evening celebrating leadership, generosity, and community.
This year’s distinguished honorees included Leonard C. Green, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Hall of Fame inductees Sarah Hassan, BS’09, MBA’10, Clinton A. Lewis Jr. MBA’90, and Arleen Paladino MBA’91 who were recognized for their visionary leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and enduring commitment to FDU.
Dean James Almeida opened the evening by welcoming guests and reflecting on the enduring impact of the Silberman community.
“Each year, this celebration reminds us of the power of education, innovation, and community,” said Almeida. “The honorees we recognize tonight embody the entrepreneurial spirit and integrity that Buddy Silberman championed and their stories inspire our students to aim even higher.”
Following Dean Almeida’s remarks, President Michael J. Avaltroni, the first FDU graduate to serve as University President, emphasized the College’s global mission and the importance of investing in tomorrow’s leaders.
The evening featured two tribute videos and powerful acceptance remarks from each honoree.
Leonard C. Green, founder and chairman of The Green Group, shared wisdom from his entrepreneurial journey and underscored the importance of character, creativity, and giving back.
“With success comes the obligation to use your intellectual and financial capital to help others,” Green said. “Entrepreneurs can—and should—be the leaders in making the world better for those without a voice.”
Sarah Hassan, fund manager at Dynagrow Capital and former founding partner of IM HealthScience, reflected on innovation and leadership in healthcare.
Clinton A. Lewis Jr., CEO of AgroFresh Solutions and board member of International Paper, shared how FDU’s flexible and industry-relevant MBA program shaped his career trajectory.
Arleen Paladino, CFO of Crum & Forster and one of this year’s NJBIZ Leading Women in Business, spoke about the life-changing opportunities FDU provided.
“When I say FDU changed my life, I mean it in every sense,” Paladino said. “This community builds confidence, resilience, and a lifelong network of support.”
Fiorella Merriman-Mendez, a Silberman business student and scholarship recipient, captured the mission behind the gala through her remarks. Her story illustrated the direct impact of philanthropy on student opportunity and success, an emotional reminder of why the community gathers each year.
Special thanks to our sponsors, guests, and partners whose generosity made this record-breaking evening possible, and to the Silberman College of Business Board of Advisors for their leadership and support.
The 2025 Hall of Fame Gala’s impact continues. Every dollar raised supports scholarships that open doors for FDU students to become tomorrow’s business leaders.
To make your gift, visit: support.fdu.edu/giving/silberman-hof/