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R Fund | Legacy Award Winners

2017_certosimo_50ydline

Art (RC'77) & Terry Certosimo

  • Class
    1977
  • Induction
    2017
  • Sport(s)
    1869 Legacy Award

PISCATAWAY (Aug. 30, 2017) ­— Rutgers Athletics celebrated its fourth annual 50-Yard Line Dinner on Wednesday, Aug. 30, at High Point Solutions Stadium by presenting its most distinguished honor, the 1869 Legacy Award, to Art RC’77 and Terry Certosimo. The award recognizes supporters who have made a lifetime impact on Rutgers Athletics.
 
“I look around and I’m so honored to be involved with all of you, who give generously and support with your time,” said Mr. Certosimo during the acceptance. “We’re all proud of Rutgers. There’s so much to be proud of here. I just want to thank everyone on this field, particularly the athletic department and the foundation, for inviting Terry and I to join the Rutgers family.”
 
The Certosimos were introduced by Pat Hobbs, who discussed the trajectory of Rutgers Athletics and the impact that those in attendance have upon past, present and future Scarlet Knights. This sentiment was echoed by current student-athletes Steven Hillenbrand and Christy Monroy, as well as recent graduates Julian Pinnix-Odrick and Corey Crawford, during a panel discussion. A four-time track & field All-American, Crawford shared the stage with his peers and father Jay, a sports broadcast journalist who served as the evening’s emcee.
 
A 1977 graduate of Rutgers College with a degree in business administration, Mr. Certosimo competed in lightweight football “On the Banks” before earning a master’s degree at Fairleigh Dickinson and embarking on a successful career in international banking. In December 2014, he retired from Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon) as senior executive vice president, member of the Executive Committee and the Operating Committee, and chief executive officer of BNY Mellon’s global markets. Before joining BNY Mellon, Certosimo was a principal of Morgan Stanley Asset Management and a vice president of The Chase Manhattan Bank’s global investor services group.
 
Prior to beginning his financial career, Certosimo looked to follow in the footsteps of his father, legendary River Dell High School teacher, athletic director and football coach Matty Certosimo. In 2009, he endowed a Rutgers football scholarship in his father’s name.
 
Among the evening’s speakers was head football coach Chris Ash, who provided an update on the team and previewed the upcoming season. The campaign kicks-off Friday evening versus No. 7/8 Washington at 8 p.m. in the “War Before the Shore.”
 
Guests for the signature recognition included Scarlet Society members, All-American level donors, coaches, administrators, student-athletes, adidas representatives and IMG sponsorship partners. It was the largest gathering of supporters thus far for the much-anticipated event, which has grown steadily since its inception.
 

Click the image below to see the photo gallery from the 2017 50-Yard Line Celebration.
 
certosimo_2017 50-yd line
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