Apropos: Stephen A. Schwarzman
This is Steve Schwarzman’s story. Forbes named Steve the fifty-third most well-off person in America recently, however it’s not simply money which makes this tale so intriguing but in addition his incredible accomplishments in the financial sector and his patronage of the arts. His life has motivated individuals worldwide and he has utilized his riches to better the circumstances of many people as well.
The Blackstone Group was launched by Steve and Peter Peterson as a business offering investment advice and private equity. Today, of course, the Blackstone Group is a household name boasting investments as diverse as e.g. Apria Healthcare and Pinnacle Foods.
Steve grew up in surburban Philadelphia. He graduated from Abington Senior High School; next he received his bachelor’s degree from the Connecticut University, Yale in 1969. Harvard Business School near Boston, MA was the natural next stop on his fast-track to success, where he graduated in 1972. Eventually he would join the team at the leading investment bank Lehman Brothers. Steve was given the role of managing director at the young age of only 31.
Steve doesn’t solely give his time to a wide range of not for profit organizations, but in addition he has also volunteered as a part-time professor at Yale. Beyond this, he is Chairman to the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in New York, NY. In addition, he announced on March 11, 2008 that he had given $100 million to the New York Public Library to fund their expansion plans. Steve also serves on their board of trustees. It’s not a surprise that Steve Schwarzman has become part of the United States’ elite: last year he was identified amongst Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in recognition of his many achievements. His swift rise to power in the business and financial communities is surely miraculous, and no doubt his willingness to give to the community has given America an unprecedented new standard to live by.
As far as the people of America can see, Steve can do no wrong. To summarize, Steve has, in retrospect, had an important influence on both the business and financial communities and the world in general.
