Julian Abreu ‘00, a graduate of our Economics and Business program and a current Director at Barclays, recently celebrated a personal milestone: his 50th birthday. In celebration of his own achievement, he decided to ask his friends and colleagues to donate to the Colin Powell School, his alma mater, with the following heartfelt message: “This year, I’m celebrating a milestone—50 years of life, learning, and opportunity. As I reflect on this journey, I recognize that knowledge has been the key to every achievement, every challenge overcome, and every door opened. I’ve been incredibly fortunate, and as I mark this occasion, I’d love nothing more than to pay it forward. Instead of gifts, I ask you to consider supporting my alma mater, an institution that played a vital role in shaping who I am today. Education transforms lives, and together, we can help others access the same opportunities that made a difference in mine.”
Abreu has long been a mentor to Powell School students. Interim Dean Kevin Foster, who has known Julian since his student days, calls him a “grand-mentor” since Julian’s mentees have, in turn, mentored further generations of students. Foster was heard on a ‘hot mic’ saying, “Actually he’s more of a great-grand-mentor or even great-great-grand, but I don’t want to make him sound like a total antiquity.”
Julian’s long-lasting engagement and commitment with the school and its community serves as inspiration for our alumni network, whose advice, financial support, time commitment, and relationship building can greatly benefit our next generation of leaders. If, like Julian, you are interested in increasing your engagement with the school, our Alumni Network team can help you identify what’s the best way to do so, or even brainstorm new opportunities to get engaged with our community. Visit our Alumni Network page to learn more or contact Lesly Calle at Lcalle@ccny.cuny.edu
