Jonathan S. Lavine CC ’88 to be Honored with Anti-Defamation League’s Highest Award

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Anti-Defamation League will honor business leader and philanthropist Jonathan S. Lavine CC ’88 with its 2012 Distinguished Community Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by the ADL in New England. Lavine graduated from the College Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude and is a recipient of the John Jay Award for distinguished professional achievement. Lavine will receive the honor at ADL’s centennial dinner on Wednesday, December 5, at the InterContinental Hotel in Boston.

Jonathan S. Lavine CC ’88Jonathan S. Lavine CC ’88

The event will be the launch of ADL’s centennial commemoration, as the civil rights organization observes its 100th year of confronting anti-Semitism and securing fair treatment for all people. Robert Gibbs, former White House Press Secretary and senior adviser to President Barack Obama ’83’s reelection campaign, will deliver the keynote address.

Lavine is managing partner and CIO of Sankaty Advisors, which he founded in 1997. ADL is recognizing him for his immense civic leadership and contributions to the community. Together with his wife, Jeannie, Lavine has helped create, grow and sustain numerous organizations focused on improving the lives of children and families around the world.

“It is fitting that we commemorate ADL’s centennial in New England by honoring Jonathan Lavine, who embodies the
very principles that have defined ADL since 1913,” said ADL National Director Abraham Foxman. “He is a champion for those who need support, and for those who may be bullied or discriminated against. We are delighted to have this opportunity to honor and thank him, to acknowledge his exemplary leadership and inspire others to follow his extraordinary example of service to the community.”

Lavine and his wifeformed the Crimson Lion Foundation in 2007. Through Crimson Lion and direct contributions, the Lavines provide financial support to numerous community-based organizations, including City Year, Best Buddies, Cradles to Crayons, uAspire, LIFT Communities, USO and Opportunity Nation. The Lavines also support several Jewish organizations, including ADL, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Brandeis University, Hebrew Union College and American Jewish World Service.

“I am honored and humbled to accept this honor from such an important civil rights organization,” Lavine said. “ADL’s critical mission of bringing together different people and enhancing the quality of life for all reflects the core values of my family, friends and colleagues who are generously supporting ADL’s efforts. My hope is that any attention generated by this award inspires others to give back generously to their communities.”

“One constant in Jonathan’s remarkable career is that he always prioritizes the support of diverse communities,” said Derrek L. Shulman, ADL New England regional director. “The Lavines continue to have a direct and major impact on our shared world, and are ensuring a brighter future for us all. Specifically, Jonathan’s work to protect civil rights for all, improve the quality of public education and set new standards of excellence in public service, is a blessing for which we are fortunate and grateful.”

Lavine is a trustee of the University and The Dana Hall School, a member of the ownership group of the Boston Celtics and serves on the boards of City Year, Children’s Hospital Trust, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Be the Change, Horizons for Homeless Children and Stand for Children. He and his wife recently endowed the Lavine Family Humanitarian Studies Initiative at the Harvard School of Public Health, which supports the training and education of humanitarian leaders. He resides in Weston, Mass., with his wife and two children, Allison CC ’16 and Emily.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism and hate through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.