Dr. Bob has taught at NYU Stern for more than 50 years and has had a long career in the business and civic realms. Read the memories of his former students, friends, and colleagues, and then share your own.
Add your own memories and tell us about how Dr. Bob changed your life.
Our Memories: A Tribute to Dr. Bob
"Bob Kavesh was an important person in my professional life. He was a great teacher and mentor and took a personal interest in his students. With his contagious enthusiasm, Bob welcomed me to Stern's Economics Department. He was a constant source of support and encouragement; always there to boost my confidence-especially during challenging times. True to his word, he helped me reenter the workforce by arranging three interviews upon my completing the MBA program: one led to a successful career as the chief communications officer of a global professional services firm. I will always be grateful to Bob for making this opportunity available to me."
Barbara Perlmutter, MBA '79
Senior Vice President of Public Affairs (Retired)
Marsh & McLennan Companies
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"Dr. Bob is one of those rare individuals who make a lasting impression on your life. His passion for teaching and compassion for his students make him an excellent mentor. I'm proud to call him my friend."
Lance Meyerowich MBA '97
Managing Director
Goldman Sachs
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"I met Dr. Kavesh shortly after enrolling at the GBA in 1969. I introduced myself as a Marine officer who had just left active duty. My objective was to graduate in one year, and I needed Dr. Kavesh's help to do that. I went straight to the point and asked for his guidance on starting my graduate thesis within weeks of school starting. Dr. Kavesh sat back in his chair and didn't say a thing for a few minutes. I think he was both amused and confused by my request. Nevertheless, he opened the door for me to do that. I loaded up with a double helping of courses and made contact with my new thesis advisor, Dr. Kaufman, from Salomon Brothers. That was a superb way to get a jump start in pursuing my MBA degree. I thanked Dr. Kavesh for his help. Nearly 40 years later, I look back on this memory with fondness. With Dr. Kavesh's help, I actually was able to pull off graduating in one year."
Carlton Crenshaw, MBA '71
Executive Vice President Finance and CFO (Retired)
Anteon International Corporation
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"Bob Kavesh—what can I say? He was and is a remarkable teacher, but more than that he was and is a remarkable friend. My days at GBA—the School did not have the lofty Stern name in those days—included courses with Bob, in the evenings after a day of work at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. I remember the hardest part of the first courses I took was just staying awake through the first hour of the evening. Not a problem in Dr. Bob's courses, though—he was always both engaging and challenging. I won the Economics Prize the year I graduated (1977) and Bob was the one on the stage to hand it to me. When I returned to the school—now Stern—as graduation speaker, there he was, just as proud of me as he could be. Imagine, a success story from one of those night owls in his class! NYU performed the most remarkable service to Wall Street in the days when I attended—and still does—and Dr. Bob was and is a vital part of that.
Cathy Minehan, MBA '77
Partner
Arlington Advisory Partners
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"I had Dr. Bob for economics when earning an MBA at night (1992-95.) I loved the course and probably talked too much in class (contributing to the discussion, of course.) For the final exam, Dr. Bob offered to accept a series of haikus in exchange for a formal exam/paper. He warned that if you took him up on his offer, you had better write some good poetry. I figured, "How hard can it be? I know the haiku rhyming scheme." So I wrote a few "business-related" haiku for my economics final. I was secretly convinced that a few haikus would be an easy route to an A for the course. I did not challenge myself. Well, Dr. Bob has poetry in his blood and he not only knows the haiku rhyming scheme, he knows a good haiku when he reads one. He gave me the C I deserved for the final (a B in course.) And I learned once again, that in order to succeed, you must love what you are doing and do it with all you've got. Otherwise you get a C. Thank you, Dr. Bob."
Douglas Capozzalo, MBA '95
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"Mark Twain is credited with saying, "I never let my schooling interfere with my education." Dr. Bob's class was just that: education. I was fortunate enough to experience that weekly hour and a half of insight, perspective, and wit colored by a very refreshing and all too rare sense of humanism. Thank you."
Amir Korvalian, MBA '98
Riskmetrics Group
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"Bob Kavesh was my favorite professor at NYU. During my era at NYU, one had the option of writing a thesis. My thesis was, "Japanese Pension Fund Management," and Dr. Bob was my thesis advisor. I remember sitting in his office when the phone rang. He said, 'Excuse me, I better take this.' From my end, I heard him say, 'Hello? Yes, this is Robert Kavesh...[pause], yes, yes, no, not that I know of, you're welcome." He hung up the phone and said, 'That was the FBI doing a background check on an old friend of mine, Alan Greenspan, and I guess they are checking up on any potential odd behaviors. Alan is normal in nearly every way.... except he wears BLACK SOCKS when he plays tennis!' I still laugh when I think of his smile that day."
C. Bruce Nisker, MBA '87
Managing Partner Investment Hiker, LLC
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"I am one of the luckiest people on earth to have an annual dinner with Dr. Bob. What an inspiration. I'm not sure if Dr. Bob can hit a fastball, but his life reminds me of Ted Williams. A real legend."
Anthony Crowdell, MBA '02
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"Dr. Kavesh was my mentor and was present at my orals examination and during the presentation of my dissertation for the Doctor's degree. He helped me through my course work as well and encouraged me to pursue my degree. I am grateful for the education and encouragement he gave me and will always have fond memories of him."
"Many thanks, Dr. Bob."
Natalie Calabro, PhD '66
Professor Emerita
St. John's University
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Dear Bob,
Thank you for encouraging and actively challenging students like me to use their MBAs for something other than investment banking.
Thank you for bringing a chair to class for me day after day when I was 9 months pregnant in your Econ Class and couldn't fit into those damn desks!
Thank you for your kindness, wisdom and encouragement through the years - and especially through the tough ones.
Roseanne McSween, MBA '97
Loyola School
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"In 1976, Dr. Kavesh was an ardent supporter of Jimmy Carter, and I was a Gerald Ford supporter in the audience. In the interest of fairness, he let me address the class supporting Gerald Ford.
Unfortunately, Mr. Carter won the election; the rest is history..."
David Ziegelheim, MBA '77
CEO
AdmissionSolutions.com
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"I attended NYU between 1979 and 1981. Those were difficult years for our economy. The Federal Reserve changed the way they managed interest rates:"
'From 1979 to 1982, the Federal Reserve tried to control nonborrowed reserves to achieve its monetary target. The procedure produced large swings in both money growth and interest rates. Forcing nonborrowed reserves to decline when above target led borrowed reserves to rise because the Federal Reserve allowed banks access to the discount window when they sought this alternative source of reserves' ("Money Supply," Anna J. Schwartz, in "The Concise Encyclopedia of Economics").
"Interest rates on mortgages and CD's were in the high teens and the economy was in recession. It was fascinating to listen to Dr. Bob interpret events as they unfolded. Additionally, he was the first professor to introduce me to neo-conservativism."
Brenda Bruno White, MBA '81
President
BBW & Company, LLC
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"Dr. Kavesh is one of those rare individuals who made a lasting impression on my life, which I will never forget. His passion for teaching and compassion for his students are really exemplary. I was 9 months pregnant in his Eco class when I took the final exam, barely able to sit and concentrate. He came over to me and said, "Relax, you'll do great and you'll have a remarkable child." And so he was right. Two days later, my remarkable son arrived. Thank you, Dr. Kavesh, for your encouragement and kindness during my difficult days. I wish you good health and many more years of being there for all the students at Stern."
Agnes Goldberger, MBA '80
Managing Director
A. Feldman Associates
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"Bob Kavesh is an extraordinary professor who will always be remembered for his kindness as well as his profound intellectual ability. He was very much a part of my experience at NYU Stern and has left a lifelong fond memory. The professorship in economics is a fitting tribute to this great man."
Judith Arden, MBA '80, APC '83
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"I attended BPA (the Stern Undergraduate division) from 1972 to 1976 and GBA (Stern Graduate division) part time from 1977-1981. "
"I had the pleasure of taking Bob Kavesh's class and having Bob as my MBA Thesis Advisor. I worked full time at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York at the time. Bob Kavesh was always helpful, engaging and made learning fun. He was my favorite professor."
"Thank you for the great memories."
Mindy Rosenzweig Kaplan, MBA '82
Senior Manager
David Landau & Associates
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"I was introduced to Dr. Kavesh before being admitted to NYU in 1984. He was on the same board of directors as my grandfather and was doing him a favor by seeing me. Dr. Kavesh told me that he would help in any way he could, but I would have to get a certain GMAT score at a minimum if I wanted a chance to be admitted. I made the minimum, got in, worked as a research assistant while attending full time, and graduated in 1986. He told me at the time to be sure to help others when given the chance and I have always tried to heed that important advice."
David Lench, MBA '86
Vice President
Finance Wolters Kluwer
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"Sitting in a Professor Kavesh class was a mind expanding experience. His firm grasp of the vast array of economic inter-relationships in the world would leave me in awe. His vision inspired me to significantly expand my frame of reference when considering cause and effect. This perspective has served me well and I now pass it along to others I mentor. Thanks, Dr. Bob!"
Jeffrey Allen, MBA '78
CFO
Gold Group Enterprises
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"I was one of two women who received an MBA in marketing at NYU in 1964, working with Dr. Hector Lazo as an administrative assistant with a Ford Foundation grant. Dr. Lazo convinced me to continue my undergraduate economics and get a PhD. While getting my PhD (it took almost 7 years and 2 pregnancies), I was privileged to have Dr. Kavesh as a professor. His class was always the most stimulating. While I was completing my dissertation, I did teach economics and business subjects at Iona College. But when I finally completed my degree and told Dr. Kavesh that I was going take a job at J. Walter Thompson, he lamented that I would be a "fallen economist." However, I didn't fall too far, since I have had a successful career in healthcare marketing and advertising, including leading my own company for the last 16 years. "
Dorothy Philips, PhD '71
President
Philips Healthcare Communications
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"Truly about the only thing I can remember from my economics class and as a full-time student in '95 was to always pull your socks up high for any Wall Street interview. Being from the south, I always enjoyed Dr. Bob's candor, honesty and true gentleman friendship. A great experience for me."
Taft Stephenson, MBA '95
Financial Advisor
Merrill Lynch
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"Dr. Bob described to our class how he would pore over the “New York Times Neediest Cases” with his daughter and see which cases they could help with. I had just had a daughter at that time and was struck by the image he painted."
"My daughter and I now do this every year."
Harry Lander, MBA '01
Associate Dean, Research Administration
Weill Cornell Medical College
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"I e-volved with Dr. Bob via his: (i) courses while I was working at IBM, 9 months pregnant and traveling from CT; (ii) advice at his retirement party for my Electronic-BoardroomTMVI(r) Solutions; and (iii) in anticipation of his wisdom about my Exchangamania companies and new Post-Death Services business for 78 million boomers receiving $41 trillion of inheritance."
June Klein, MBA '83
CEO
Technology & Marketing Ventures, Inc.
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"Dr. Bob always offered great 'life' advice. One piece of advice I'll always remember and cherish was his encouragement to inject leisure and learning into the working years of your life. Some people, he said, have a notion of working hard their whole adult life and waiting until their retirement to enjoy life and read a book...that's no way to live. And that was great advice for a group of young and ambitious business students. Thank you, Dr. Bob, for showing us how business could be a truly human experience."
Alan Gallo, BS '87
CFO, Global Consumer Services
American Express Company
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"Dr. Bob's seminar was a unique blend of economics, politics, poetry, literature, and the perspective and wisdom gained from decades of experience. It was also one in which students sang about Milton Friedman (to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat)."
"Dr. Bob encouraged us to be good people, in addition to being good students, and he gently reminded us to keep a sense of perspective while pursuing our career goals. For all of these reasons, Dr. Bob is unforgettable. Sitting in his classroom was truly an honor. 'Life is but a dream.'"
Hugh Lambert, MBA '96
Managing Director
Empire Valuation Consultants, LLC
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"As part of NYU's second ever ExecMBA class ('85), I enjoyed the fruits of the school's effort to brand the program as 'Blue Chip.' NYU showcased some of its finest faculty, including Ed Altman, Sam Craig, Ingo Walter and, of course, Bob Kavesh. Standing at the front of an economics class, Dr. Kavesh opened with the first verse of W.B. Yeats's, "The Second Coming." From that moment on, I knew I was in for a treat. Of all the chairs in Manhattan, it's hard to think of a better one to occupy than any in his classroom."
Denis O'Leary, MBA '85
Investor and consultant
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"Professor Kavesh was my professor during the end of the cold war in 1989-90. As we read Paul Johnson, Dr. Bob brought history alive and gave us context for the historical events going on outside the classroom. He taught with passion, authority, and a clear moral compass always pointing north. He cultivated in me a hunger for historical context in economic affairs that I have retained since those afternoons in the long shadow of the World Trade Center. I will never forget him and anyone who took one of his classes was very fortunate. He exemplifies the best of New York University."
Christopher Turner, MBA '90
Partner
Warburg Pincus
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"His lectures were, of course, informative, but also so much more than that. They were inspiring, eloquent and elegant. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be one of his students."
Ellen Hunt Cohen, MBA '78
Bankruptcy Attorney (Retired)
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"Bob Kavesh is a great economics teacher and in this small group he is not quite alone. But alone among economics professors is he quoting Lochinvar by Sir Walter Scott...gently encouraging more then economic literacy in his young charges. With all the finance and economics I've been assaulted with over the last 25 years that is my most distinct memory."
Steven Heller, MBA '83
Director
Merrill Lynch
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"Dr. Kavesh's economics course on Current Issues was among the most memorable for me during my (many) years at Stern (late at night). Back then, I thought I knew everything, sitting on the New York Fed's Open Market Trading Desk. My fingers were on the pulse. I had a whole three years of experience, or thereabouts. But I think I gained many more years worth of experience through just a semester in Dr. Kavesh's class. His perspective, his experiences, his professional relationships, and his way of presenting to a class of very tired MBA students was so valuable to me and to how I've pursued my career. Now I'm at the New York Fed 24 years and I'm still learning. But I hope to be able to provide my own insights and perspectives to those who "know it all" now in the same way that Dr. Kavesh was able to do for me."
Deborah Perelmuter, MBA '91
Senior Vice President
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
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"Truly lasting impression and most unbelievable classes that shine in my memory among the entire Stern experience. Always articulate, simple, entertaining, ingenious... Bob got me into reading Ayn Rand--this and other books Bob suggested made me re-evaluate ME and world around. So many years later, I still have his hand-written list of books suggested. I offered him to read Boulgakov's 'Heart of a Dog' (which he did), my modest contribution to our dialogues. All memories of Bob's classes go together with a warm smile on my face--a huge THANK YOU for all the years, efforts, care, and love he gave and gives to students!"
Alina Plaia, MBA '03
Director
UniCredit Group
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"I ended my degree with Dr. Bob's course, and I'm glad that I did. Each time I turn on a certain business channel, your admonitions on television news ring in my ear. (Does Dr. Bob approve of Bloomberg on the tele?) And while I can't quite remember if white chocolate or dark chocolate kit kats are appropriate fare for a visit to your office, your perspectives on the economy's plumbing, business cycles, and 'ruin' have influenced me heavily. In writing a book on business metrics last year, I found myself thinking about your lectures frequently for perspective. I'm certainly not the first person to say this, but I'd like to add my voice to the crowd: Dr. Bob, the work you did with your students was a mitzvah of the highest order. Thank you for spending your time with us."
Jeremy Shapiro, MS '02
Vice President
Hodes iQ
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“Things are seldom what they seem,
Skim milk masquerades as cream.”
"This William S. Gilbert quote uttered by Dr. Bob in one of his eloquent lectures has stuck with me throughout the years. A small but meaningful life lesson tucked into one of his many enlightening discourses."
"I'm privileged to have learned so much from Dr. Bob, whether it was in the lecture hall during my MBA program, or over lunch years after graduation."
James Harvey, MBA '99
Portfolio Manager
Royce & Associates
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"What can you say about a professor who shares his passion for economics so generously; who can inspire a class of evening students with his energy and wit; whose final exam is a learning experience? Dr. Bob has had an extraordinary influence on generations of students going well beyond the classroom. I am deeply grateful to be one of them. I thank him for a class that was always thought provoking, for forcing us to think beyond the academic, and for the knowledge he imparted which has informed my career and my life. To be a great teacher is a great gift, and we are forever honored that you shared it with us."
Mary Farrell, MBA ’76
Managing Director, Chief Investment Strategist, Wealth Management USA (retired)
UBS
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"So there we were in 1977 sitting in Econ 101. White Boards had just been invented, and Dr. Bob was erasing his, using that smelly liquid spray. He turned to the crowd and mused, "I wonder what will happen if you breath too much of this stuff?" My neighbor quipped, " Your slope will change!" Crowd roared."
Susan Langford Jones, MBA '79
Business Intelligence Group
NYU Langone Medical Center
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"I entered the MBA program at GBA in the fall of 1981, and it was my life-changing good fortune to have Dr. Kavesh as my professor for introductory Macroeconomics. We began to connect when I correctly identified as Shakespeare's the first line of Sonnet 73 ("That time of year thou mayst in me behold...."). His in-class references to policy and social welfare issues stoked my interest in the field of economics, and I would not have entered the doctoral program without his encouragement and help. Great teachers mold students as subject experts and as participants in larger human endeavors; I am privileged to be able to count Dr. Kavesh among my Teachers."
Alan Levenson, PhD '87
Chief Economist
T. Rowe Price Associates
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"You are a remarkable professor. I really enjoyed your lectures. You not only taught us the material but added your personal experiences, which added to the overall learning process. You taught the Great Depression with live examples. I was honored to be invited to your reception. Best wishes and enjoy retirement!"
Letty Zemaitis, MBA '01
Portfolio Manager
PNC Wealth Management
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"I had Professor Kavesh as an undergraduate student sitting in his MBA Social Setting of Business course. It was a fun and very memorable class with a few office hour sessions that had some entertaining stories."
Rita Chu, BS '97
Analyst
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
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"Thank you for all of the wonderful years and the work you have done for NYU and the community as a whole. No one else could have done such a wonderful job. Best Wishes for everything you are going to be doing now."
Madeline Dale, MBA '47
Formerly with Federal Reserve
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"My Dear Prof. Kavesh,"
I believe I may be the only student of yours that simultaneously attended and completed courses of study at NYU and The Juilliard School of Music."
"It was for me, a most encouraging sign, when I asked if you would be my teacher for the dissertation, and you asked me, 'What are you up to?' When I said: Cuban trade, the futures markets, sugar, and music; I thought you bit through your pipe... Well, here I am: most grateful, honored that I met you along the way. Thank you for making it possible; your candor, kindness, and intellect will always continue with me wherever the road takes me. "
"With best wishes and warm personal regards,"
Alan Romney, MBA '80
Managing Director, Principal
Bear Stearns / JP Morgan Chase
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"Thank you so much for all your help and support. You were a fabulous advisor to me for my thesis, which I did for Governor Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia."
"I am so happy for you and look forward to hearing your news as you embark on a new adventure."
Ellen Snibbe Baker, MBA '78
Add your own memories
"Thanks for helping me with the exemption exams after the war in 1971."
John Poindexter, MBA '71
Chairman
JB Poindexter and Co
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"Bob hired me in 1982. Best move I ever made.
All the best, Bob.
Love ya'"
Bill Greene, PhD '76
Professor in Economics
NYU Stern
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"Bob's course in economic forecasting was probably the most interesting of my MBA student courses. He was a spellbinding lecturer who inspired all of us in the class. And who can forget his unique shorthand for expressing his economic forecasts, such as, 'Well, folks, it's going to be a 5 4 6 year.' That means 5% unemployment, 4% growth in GNP and 6% inflation. All the best, Bob."
Roger Baumbereger, MBA '64
Managing Director
Spencer Trask Ventures
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"I remember Dr. Bob quoting Rudyard Kipling's "If" on the first day of class, and I remember reading that poem for the first time in a library in grade school. Dr. Bob's teaching had the same powerful impact on me that that poem did the first time I read it. I will always be grateful for his mentorship."
Dahlia Kang, MBA '03
Associate
Edison Venture Fund
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"Thank you for providing the most memorable class of my Business School education. To this day, I remember clearly your lectures combined with quotes from great literature. Your spirit and warmth were truly a gift. I wish you all the best!"
Susan Klieman, MBA '79
Consultant
Susan Klieman Associates
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"Beyond brightening odd evenings with renditions of showtunes, Bob has always been encouraging and supportive of me at Stern and of my responsibilty as a teacher - I am grateful for it."
Heski Bar-Isaac
Assistant Professor in Economics
NYU Stern
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"Dr. Bob was my all-time favorite teacher at NYU."
Kevin Liddy, MA '01
Venture Capitalist
IBM Corporation
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"Dear Dr. Kavesh:
I attended your courses and was your thesis advisee. You were most supportive.
I'm a Cuban exile. I always felt that your humanity and Jewish background enabled you to empathize with the tragic situation in my country, which has been betrayed by many.
Once in class you started singing "Babalu". Remember me?
In addition to your brilliance and scholarship, your Renaissance flair, sense of humor, caring for the students and joy of teaching gave your classes the special sparkle of a great teacher.
May God bless.
Your admiring and grateful student,"
Olga M. Cano, BS '68, MBA '78
"Bob Kavesh made me realize that there was more to an MBA than learning formulas, configuring valuation models and being what most MBAs end up being: Excel robots. He was personal, he cared, and he is THE PROFESSOR responsible for me coming out of business school and saying to myself "I don't want to sit behind a desk and tweak formulas for the rest of my life - I want my work to be about ME and what I can do!". He wasn't always right, but he had a view, he didn't force it on you, and he made you think about what you were doing BEFORE you did it! And I cannot tell you how much I respect that... From Ayn Rand to basically memorizing the importance of Modern Times by Paul Johnson, Dr Bob made me THINK... Constantly! And thanks to him I have taken this into my successful post-Stern career and always said to myself and everyone else "this man is by far the best professor I have ever had... ever..." He made my MBA worthwhile - one man - a truly incredible man...
Thank you!"
Fred Gross, MBA '02
Senior Partner
VS Capital Partners
Your Memories of Dr. Bob
Tell us about your time with Dr. Bob in the classroom or the board room. To submit a memory, please fill out the form below.
