Alma mater honors city’s former top cop

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At a dedication ceremony for a new student commons building at Manhattan College named in honor of former NYPD police commissioner Raymond Kelly on Oct. 15, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo joined a cluster of speakers in commending one of Manhattan College’s most distinguished alumni for his commitment to public service.

“Ray’s life is a dedication to community and a focus on service,” Governor Cuomo told the crowd in front of Kelly Commons, the college’s new, sleek glass, steel and brick building. “He was at his Manhattan graduation with his marine uniform under his graduation gown — served his county in Vietnam, served his country as a police officer, continued his education, but continued his education so he could continue his ability to perform for community and do it even better.”

Philanthropist Thomas O’Malley, who graduated with Mr. Kelly in 1963, donated $10 million toward the 70,000-square-foot, “green” five-story building, which features a library, fitness, dining, study and meeting rooms. While Mr. O’Malley and Mr. Kelly were involved in the armed services after graduation, they followed separate paths, with Mr. O’Malley going into the oil-refining industry, while Mr. Kelly pushed toward a career in law-enforcement, Mr. O’ Malley said. 

The current president of risk management services at Cushman and Wakefield, Mr. Kelly served as commissioner under Mayor David Dinkins’ administration from 1992-1994 and former Michael Bloomberg’s administration from 2002- 2013. 

“Ray has performed miracles, not by touching the hearts of those entrusted to his care, but by keeping those entrusted to his care safe,” said Mr. O’Malley, who dubbed Mr. Kelly, Manhattan College’s most successful graduate of the class of ’63. 

Tanisia Morris, Manhattan College, Raymond Kelly, Kelly Commons, Dedication Ceremony, Andrew Cuomo, NYPD
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