Dean and Leadership

May 2026

Dear NYU SPS Community,

As we near the end of the spring semester, I’m proud to congratulate the SPS community on your hard work throughout the 2025-26 academic year!

We will be recognizing our graduates at two ceremonies this year, taking place on May 14th and 15th, at NYC’s famed Radio City Music Hall.

I recently shared my thoughts on how graduation season can be equal parts nerves and excitement as to what the next chapter in your story will be. My best advice is to say "yes," stay open to opportunities—especially the ones you weren’t expecting—and invest in relationships because you never know where any of these paths might lead.

I think our SPS Convocation speakers would agree! I’m excited to recognize the keynotes who will be showcased throughout our graduation ceremonies.

Jonathan M. Tisch is the retired executive chairman of Loews Hotels & Co. will address the Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies, the Tisch Center for Hospitality, the Tisch Institute for Global Sport, and the Schack Institute of Real Estate graduates on the evening of May 14. He has led the company’s growth into a globally respected hospitality brand and was named "Hotelier of the World."

A national leader in travel and tourism, he has served as Chairman Emeritus of the US Travel Association and played a key role in advancing New York City’s tourism industry. A longtime champion of NYU SPS, the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality is named in recognition of his enduring leadership, support, and impact. He is also a bestselling author, civic leader, and co-owner of the New York Giants.

Jonathan reminds students, "No machine can replicate how you make people feel. That’s your superpower."

Heidi Richter (PWM, '22) is Vice President and Executive Director of Publicity for the William Morrow Group at HarperCollins, where she has driven publicity for some of the past decade’s most talked-about releases, working with authors including Cher, Jada Pinkett Smith, Dave Grohl, Gabrielle Union, and RuPaul, among others. She will address the Center for Global Affairs, the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media, and Division of Programs in Business graduates on the evening of May 15.

I love the advice Heidi shared ahead of graduation: "Create your own buzz–be your own publicist, no matter the field you are in."

A graduate of NYU SPS's MS in Publishing program, she has served as an adjunct professor in the SPS Publishing program since 2022.

I’m also proud to highlight this year’s featured graduates:

• Kenneth Anonas - Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality
• Ayse Gumus - Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies
• Sayyidatul Imamah - Center for Publishing, Writing and Media
• Beres Lewis - Division of Programs in Business
• Harnoor Maan - Schack Institute of Real Estate
• Vanessa Camano Rosales - Center for Global Affairs
• Allison Wang - Preston Robert Tisch Institute of Global Sport

I’d also like to recognize those who played an integral role in each of our SPS success stories, including our families, mentors, and peers. And of course, a huge thank you to our SPS faculty and staff who are the heart of our community.

I look forward to continuing the celebration throughout the month!

Graduates, congratulations again. I’m excited to watch your stories unfold.

Warmly,

Angie Kamath
Harvey J. Stedman Dean of the NYU School of Professional Studies