Music industry luminaries joined Syracuse University alumni and friends in New York City Tuesday night to celebrate the Bandier Program and its move to the Newhouse School.
Guests also honored David Rezak, outgoing founding director of the Bandier Program, and welcomed incoming director Bill Werde.
At the event, left to right, are Bill Werde, Lorraine Branham David Rezak and Marty Bandier.
Hosted by alumnus Martin Bandier ’62, chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, the invite-only event was held at Sony Square Rooftop on Madison Avenue.
Speaking at the event, Bandier—who founded the program at Syracuse University in 2006—said, “Of all the things I have accomplished in my career, the Bandier Program is one of my proudest.” Bandier also noted his pleasure at the program’s move to Newhouse, which he called “one of the most prestigious and esteemed communications schools in the country.”
Bandier thanked Rezak for his years of leadership in the program and presented him with a gift.
In Rezak’s honor, Newhouse Dean Lorraine Branham announced the establishment of the David M. Rezak Music Business Lecture Series Fund at the Newhouse School. The fund will support campus visits from executives and successful Bandier Program alumni, allowing students to learn about the state of the industry “in real time,” according to Branham. “What better way to honor founding director David Rezak and ensure his legacy with the program,” she said. Gifts to support lecture series may be made online.
Andrew Beyda ’11 paid tribute to Rezak on behalf of the Bandier Program Alumni Association, saying, “David Rezak shows you what you are capable of before you can even see it yourself.”
In his remarks, Werde also lauded Rezak’s leadership and praised the program. “Bandier is the single best music industry program in the world, and there’s no place it belongs more than Newhouse.”
Rezak said he was happy to pass the torch to Werde, whom he called “a true visionary.” He offered advice to guests, including dozens of his former students: “Do well so you can do good.”
Over 300 people attended the event, including Adam Alpert, CEO of Disruptor Records and Selector Songs and manager of The Chainsmokers; John Amato, president of Billboard & The Hollywood Reporter Media Group; Jon Cohen ’90, co-founder and co-CEO of The FADER and Cornerstone Agency; Joel Klaiman ’90, executive vice president and general manager of Columbia Records; John Sykes ’77, president, entertainment enterprises with iHeartMedia; Phil Quartararo ‘77, president of Rhythm Nation Music Tripod Entertainment Partners; and Charlie Walk, president of Republic Records. In addition, some 75 Bandier Program alumni turned out to celebrate.
To make a gift to the Rezak Lecture Series, visit the online giving page or contact Carol Satchwell at 315.443.5281 or cmsatchw@syr.edu.
