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, the noted astrophysicist and bestselling author, is the 2024 John H. Finley Award recipient. The award is given out by the Alumni Association of ����Ӱҵ for exemplary and dedicated service to the City of New York. . 

In addition, the association is honoring seven ����Ӱҵ alumni for outstanding post-graduate achievement. They’ll receive the Townsend Harris Medal at the 144th Annual Alumni Gala, at 6 p.m. on Nov. 7 in the Great Hall of Shepard Hall, at ����Ӱҵ. 

The Townsend Harris recipients are:

• ’12; a military veteran turned actor, his credits include shows such as Homeland, Empire, Blue Bloods, Chicago PD and High Maintenance.   
   
• Gary Calnek ’67; helped create the NYC career path for minorities in the Emergency Medical Service, EMT and paramedic ambulance workforce, and was pivotal in establishing the School Construction Authority. 
   
• ’77; Professor of Cardiology at the Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute; Past President of the American College of Cardiology; Emeritus Trustee American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation and past consultant to the United Nations World Health Organization. 


• ’76; a veteran journalist and author, he later became an international peacekeeper with the U.N. Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK) in 2003, and was the mission’s first coordinator for dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.
   
• Charles Powell ’71; previously a litigator in Civil Rights and constitutional law, he assisted in the development and establishment of South Africa’s first democratic constitution. He’s president and CEO of New Origins Development Corporation. 
   
• Art Stevens ’57; a distinguished leader in the public relations industry, he is managing partner of The Stevens Group, a mergers and acquisitions firm for public relations Agencies.
    
• Gail Konstantin Purchia ’74;  a senior vice president of Wealth Management with UBS, she was named on the Forbes SHOOK list of Top Women Wealth Advisors in 2020. 

Named after ����Ӱҵ founder Townsend Harris, the medal was established in 1933 by the Class of 1906.  Each year, the Alumni Association honors up to seven alumni for outstanding postgraduate achievement in their respective fields at the organization’s annual gala.

“It’s our privilege to host the 144th Annual Alumni Gala and bring together our incredible community once again,” said David Covington, Executive Director of the Alumni Association.

“Each year, we are continually impressed by our community’s commitment to success, as we watch our alumni consistently reach new heights and conquer any obstacles in their careers. I look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus to gather and share a meal together while fundraising to support our programs including student scholarships, mentorship, and more.” 

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