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Van Toffler, BA ’80, and SMPA’s Frank Sesno held a lively discussion during a March 6 EMMA event in New York City.
Fungers Awarded President’s Medal Norma Lee and Morton Funger, AA ’52, BA ’53, were presented the George Washington University President’s Medal by GW President Steven Knapp in a special ceremony held this May. The President’s Medal recognizes individuals who have exhibited courage, character, and leadership in their chosen fields and who exemplify the ability of all human beings to improve the lives of others. “Your abiding love of more than 60 years is not held selfishly,” President Knapp read from the official award citation. “It spills over endlessly to your family and friends, worthy institutions and causes, and grateful citizens.”
Behind the Scenes at MTV with Van Toffler, BA ’80 Van Toffler, BA ’80 spoke candidly of the infamous Janet Jackson “wardrobe malfunction” during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show and his time with MTV on March 6 at The Times Center in New York City. Toffler, president of Viacom’s Music & Logo Group, spent time as a lawyer (during which he represented Michael Jackson’s copyright purchase of the Beatles’ collection of music) before working his way up the ladder of MTV, pioneering TV shows, music shows, movies, and social programming.
Native Washingtonians and dedicated philanthropists, the Fungers are longtime supporters of the George Washington University. Their ongoing support for GW includes the renovation of the Norma Lee and Morton I. Funger Hall (named in 1986) and the W. Scott Funger Memorial Scholarship, named in memory of their son, Scott Funger, JD ’83, who passed away in 2012. Morton Funger also served as a member of GW’s Board of Trustees from 1987 through 2005, when he was named an emeritus trustee.
After an introduction from George Washington President Steven Knapp, Toffler shared the story of his winding career path from Foggy Bottom to MTV’s doorstep during an onstage conversation with Frank Sesno, director of the School of Media and Public Affairs. GW empowered Toffler to test limits and rules and to challenge the accepted norms, which he continues to do every day in his work. “When I stop pushing the boundaries, they should kick me out,” he said. Toffler was invited to speak to more than 250 members of the GW community during Behind the Scenes, the inaugural event of the Luther Rice Society’s Entertainment, Media & Marketing Alliance (EMMA), a career-focused group that engages the GW community in New York by offering philanthropic opportunities, mentorship connections, and targeted networking. “This event showed me that the GW community is large and vibrant in NYC–I’m excited to know about EMMA’s presence here,” said Meredith Collins, BA ’89. “I learned a lot from Van’s talk about perspectives from the artists’ side. This event is a good impetus to get more involved; it got me excited about EMMA.”
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President Knapp, Norma Lee Funger, Morton Funger, AA ’52, BA ’53, and Diane Robinson Knapp take a moment to pose after the Fungers were awarded the George Washington University President’s Medal this spring.
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