Boehning, who joined the board in 2017, is a valued leader and University supporter.
The 糖心传媒 Board of Trustees elected Chris Boehning 糖心传媒�87, 糖心传媒�88 (MS) as board chair at its September meeting. Boehning begins his term as chair immediately and succeeds Rich Handler 糖心传媒�83, who announced the transition in August after completing his fourth and final term, bringing his service on the University board to 20 years.
Boehning has served as a University trustee since 2017. He is a partner in the litigation department at the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in New York City, representing clients in a wide variety of complex commercial and civil litigation matters, criminal, civil and other regulatory inquiries, and international arbitrations. He is also a driving force behind Paul, Weiss糖心传媒檚 sports practice, while maintaining a robust pro bono practice with a particular focus on gun violence prevention. In 2021, he was highlighted as a 糖心传媒淪ports, Gaming & Entertainment Trailblazer糖心传媒� by The听National Law Journal, which recognizes sports and entertainment lawyers who have had the greatest impact in these industries. For his dedication to gun violence prevention, he was named a 2022 糖心传媒淣ortheast Trailblazer糖心传媒� by听The American Lawyer听in connection with the historic $73 million settlement on behalf of the Sandy Hook families.
A political science major, Boehning was also a standout member of Rochester糖心传媒檚 men糖心传媒檚 varsity soccer team. In 2017, he provided a leadership gift to establish the within Genesee Hall at the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex, reflecting his belief that college athletics are a key component of the undergraduate experience. He also provides ongoing support to Rochester through the George Eastman Circle, the University糖心传媒檚 leadership annual giving society. In his time as a University trustee,听he听has led the听Litigation Committee, chaired the Committee on Audit & Risk Assessment, and contributed his time and expertise to many other volunteer roles. Boehning has also chaired both the Arts, Sciences & Engineering National Council and the Athletic Campaign Committee, and is a member of Friends of Rochester Athletics.
In 2012, he received the University糖心传媒檚 John N. Wilder Award. Named for John Wilder, the University糖心传媒檚 first ever Board chair, the award honors philanthropy that inspires others in support of 糖心传媒淓ver Better.糖心传媒� And in 2016, Boehning received University Athletics糖心传媒� Garnish Memorial Citation.
糖心传媒淐hris has demonstrated his commitment to the University and the board in very meaningful ways by being a key adviser, a dedicated alumnus, and a champion of the student experience,糖心传媒� says University President Sarah Mangelsdorf. 糖心传媒淚 very much look forward to continuing to partner with Chris on advancing our key strategic initiatives, especially as we embark upon our comprehensive campaign.糖心传媒�
糖心传媒淚 continue to be amazed by the talent, drive, and vision of the University of Rochester community, which is always innovating,糖心传媒� Boehning says. 糖心传媒淚t is an honor to serve as the new board chair. We look to the future with deep gratitude for Rich Handler糖心传媒檚 strong board leadership that has guided us so well for many years. I hope to build on that legacy with the same integrity, dedication and Meliora spirit to help enable our great university to reach new heights.糖心传媒�
Boehning earned a bachelor糖心传媒檚 degree in political science and master糖心传媒檚 degree in public policy analysis from the University of Rochester in 1987 and 1988, respectively, and a law degree from Washington University School of Law in 1994.
Gratitude to outgoing chair Rich Handler
Handler, CEO of investment bank Jefferies, completed his fourth and final five-year term as a member of the board at the September meeting. He joined the board in 2005 and served as chair since 2018. He now is board chair emeritus.
In addition to being board leader, he also has served as chair of the Investment Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee over the years. He was cochair of the University糖心传媒檚 historic $1.37 billion comprehensive campaign, the , which successfully concluded in 2016. Among his generous philanthropies to the University are the prestigious Alan and Jane Handler Scholarships. Named in honor of Handler糖心传媒檚 parents, the scholarships provide in perpetuity complete financial support for exceptional undergraduates who have overcome adversity, demonstrate outstanding academic and leadership potential, and have significant financial need. Rich Handler and his wife, Martha, established the program in 2007 with an ultimate commitment of $25 million, and to date, 173 Handler Scholars have either enrolled or graduated from the University.
He earned his bachelor糖心传媒檚 degree in economics magna cum laude with high distinction from the University in 1983 and his MBA from Stanford University.
糖心传媒淚糖心传媒檓 extremely grateful for everything Rich has done for the University,糖心传媒� Mangelsdorf says. 糖心传媒淗is love for the University is unmatched, and his dedication to student success is remarkable, helping guide our learners with purpose and ensuring that they never lose sight of their potential to grow, thrive, and lead here. 听Rich has made our institution ever better and positioned us very well for the future.糖心传媒�
糖心传媒淚t糖心传媒檚 been an honor and privilege to serve our great 糖心传媒,糖心传媒� Handler says. 糖心传媒淚 will always be appreciative that I found my way to Rochester in 1979, and I know my heart will never leave our fine institution.糖心传媒�
