Union College building renamed in honor of Robert Lippman of Oyster Bay, N.Y.

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and Linda Lippman are joined by his parents, Robert and Barbara Lippman, at the formal dedication of Lippman Hall Saturday, Oct. 29, during Homecoming festivities.

SCHENECTADY, NY (11/01/2011)(readMedia)-- Union hosted a formal dedication ceremony for Lippman Hall on Saturday, Oct. 29, to highlight Homecoming and Family Weekend.

A $3 million gift from Jim Lippman (Class of 1979) and his wife, Linda, supported a major renovation of the Social Sciences building. The building was renamed Lippman Hall in honor of Jim Lippman's father, Robert G. Lippman (Class of 1950) of Oyster Bay, N.Y.

Members of the Lippman family joined College officials, including President Stephen C. Ainlay, at the ceremony.

Ainlay said Union is "deeply indebted to the Lippmans for their generosity. This family understands the importance of giving back." He noted the deep friendships the Lippmans formed on campus that continue to this day.

As he looked out at the dozens of alumni, family and friends who came to celebrate the building that now bears his name, Robert Lippman summed up his feelings for Union in four words.

"I love this place," said Lippman.

Lippman started at Colgate in 1941 on a hockey scholarship but left for the Army shortly after Pearl Harbor. He served during World War II in Burma as part of the 51st flight control squadron with the famous Merrill's Marauders. He is the recipient of the combat infantry badge and two Bronze stars. When he returned in 1945 he opted to go to Union at the urging of his uncle, Morris M. Cohn '20.

At Union, Lippman was a member of Phi Sigma Delta, the Interfraternity Council and Student Council. He received a bachelor of arts in economics.

He retired as director of marketing for Campus Sportswear. Robert pioneered the use of sports licensing as a major marketing tool. At one point, Robert managed licenses for the NFL, NBA, MLB, USTA, NHL, National Hot Rod Association and Harlem Globe Trotters. He also developed marketing programs for several major college teams, many of which are still in effect today. He also worked with Cove Point Realty in Oyster Bay, N.Y., which was founded by his wife, Barbara.

Lippman Hall is home to the departments of Economics, Sociology, Political Science and History. The building features seven modern classrooms, an airy and open entryway, a new first-floor study room, spaces for student/faculty interaction and two specially designed seminar rooms fully equipped with presentation hardware and software. It also contains updated faculty offices.