Fritz Friedman '74
Fritz Friedman '74 is the President and CEO of The Fritz Friedman Co and stalwart Vassar volunteer. He and his husband Jeffrey Krebs, M.D., F.A.C.P., recently made a provision for Vassar in their estate plans.
Why did you choose Vassar?
Let me count the ways: Vassar has a global reputation as a top-tier academic institution renowned for its strong liberal arts education, outstanding and accessible faculty, and its network of highly accomplished alumni. The school's campus is extraordinarily beautiful with classic and modern collegiate buildings designed by many renowned architects and state-of-the-art sports facilities. In addition, the campus is set within an enchanting and wonderfully verdant 1000-acre arboretum. The student body is diverse, bright, interesting, and fun. The overall environment is intellectually stimulating, sophisticated, and provocatively social.
Now, who would NOT choose Vassar?
How did your Vassar experience impact or shape your life?
The academic rigor and creative stimulation that I experienced at Vassar really helped me to develop the sort of critical thought process and deep familiarity with the humanities, arts, and culture that were necessary for me to succeed as a creative marketing executive in the entertainment industry. The tools I learned in Poughkeepsie helped me to develop and trust my instincts and to subsequently create innovative and effective strategic marketing campaigns for film and TV content as well as for new digital technologies, which really changed the way the world consumed content.
In addition, the diverse, creative, and colorful personalities of the students and the faculty exposed me to a worldly, sophisticated, and, at times, quirky social environment, which prepared me well for a life in the film and television industry. These social skills were put to great use in Hollywood, which has its own uniquely idiosyncratic social "modus operandi."
You have served Vassar in many ways; what role has been the most meaningful for you?
I think my work raising awareness of the Asian American community at the col-lege will be an important legacy. I co-founded the first Asian American organization at Vassar, and I continue to ensure that the presence and contributions of this community are acknowledged and appreciated by the College. Clearly, diversity, equity, and inclusion have become important components in the overall success of any organization—academic or otherwise—since it helps to ensure equal consideration for all. This ultimately provides an awareness and understanding of a variety of cultures, values, and philosophies, which are essential for a healthy and inclu-sive worldview.
What inspired you and Jeffrey to make a legacy commitment for Vassar?
Since we did not have children, we wanted to leave some sort of legacy that would continue long after we are gone and that would benefit people of all ages. The answer? Education.
What better way than to provide future funding for programs intended to help create a strong academic and intellectual environment in which students can learn, grow, and become grounded contributors to the greater human good.
Jeff and I are strong believers in the transcendent power of the humanities, culture, science, and the arts to transform individuals and unite communities. Since Vassar has an outstanding reputation in promoting these disciplines, it was the ap-propriate institution for me to support.
Did your upcoming 50th reunion or the Fearlessly Consequential Campaign motivate your decision to formalize your plans with the College?
Of course! Being a marketing guy, I believe that it's all about timing! Tying our decision to announce our financial commitment to Vassar to my 50th class reunion and the launch of the Fearlessly Consequential Campaign was a no brainer since they are all intended to celebrate and strengthen the College and its many worthy goals. Furthermore, this announcement might strategically inspire others to also consider establishing their own legacy with a financial commitment to Vassar—no matter at what level. It's all about having skin in the game.
How easy (or difficult) was the process in including Vassar in your estate plan?
Vassar could not have made it easier! After discussing our plans with the administration and Vassar's estate planning group, it was simply a matter of having our lawyers write up a document as part of our family trust, signing a few forms, and sending the document to Vassar.
If you were to meet a Vassar alum who is thinking about making a gift similar to yours, what might you say to encourage them?
I would ask alums to recall how the Vassar education and overall experience contributed to their intellectual, professional, and personal growth. If these were of value, I would then encourage them to consider making a financial contribution to the College to reflect their gratitude towards Vassar's important role in molding their lives and the lives of future students.
