Statement from SUNY Board of Trustees, Chairman Emeritus H. Carl McCall, and Chancellor Malatras on the Passing of Former SUNY Trustee Carl Spielvogel
April 22, 2021
"Carl Spielvogel lived a truly extraordinary life and was the very definition of a quintessential New Yorker. From modest beginnings as a night student attending City College, Mr. Spielvogel’s unrelenting vision, ambition, and willingness to take chances propelled him to the very top of the advertising world on two separate occasions and made him a legend in the New York City business community.
After decades of success in advertising and serving as U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia, Mr. Spielvogel joined the SUNY Board of Trustees in 2008—bringing the same energy and commitment to SUNY as he did to his own businesses. He helped spearhead groundbreaking policy work on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that created more opportunities for students from economically disadvantaged communities and those from indigenous backgrounds. An army veteran himself, Mr. Spielvogel was deeply devoted to helping military veterans pursue their higher education. From his generous philanthropy, SUNY was able to launch its inaugural Veterans Affairs Conference.
Beyond his many career successes, Mr. Spielvogel was a deeply caring and giving human being who touched countless lives. Upon meeting him he would have a story to tell that gave you a glimpse of his struggles, triumphs, and experiences, but he was an even better listener—particularly when meeting students. He took to heart their experiences—always assessing how we could do more. It was a privilege for all of us to know him and to serve alongside him. On behalf of all of SUNY, we offer our sincere condolences to Mr. Spielvogel’s wife, two children, and three grandchildren."
About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.
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