On Campus
Convocation features address by 1985 alumnus James A. Purdy
Muskingum University held its Convocation on September 1, featuring an address by 1985 alumnus James A. Purdy. President Anne C. Steele talked about Muskingum as a “community of learners” and welcomed the Class of 2019 to that community.
In his address, Mr. Purdy advised the students, “You truly won’t have success unless you fail first and more likely fail often. The reality is failure now may turn out to be the foundation of your successes later in life. Do yourself a favor -- challenge yourselves to take some real chances as success is not guaranteed and failure is even likely.”
James A. (Jim) Purdy is the managing partner of Vittoria Purdy & Cavallaro LLP of New York, New York. He specializes in trust and estate matters, with an emphasis on planning, estate and trust administration, and gift and estate tax advice. His significant client base of individuals and corporations includes leaders in New York’s finance, sports, arts, and entertainment worlds. He serves on the Board of Directors of numerous charitable foundations, including the LeRoy Neiman Foundation, which supports the study, improvement and advancement of the arts as well as arts education opportunities for at-risk youth.
Mr. Purdy earned his Muskingum bachelor of arts degree in history and business. While at Muskingum, he was a member of the varsity football team and was president of the Ulster Club. He is a 1988 graduate of the Wake Forest University School of Law and began his career as an associate with the Nashville, Tennessee law firm of King & Ballow before joining Vittorio Purdy in 1994. He is licensed to practice law in New York and Tennessee.
Mr. Purdy and his wife, Lisa, reside in the village of Bronxville, New York, with their three sons Jimmy, Scott and Tommy. He helped found the Youth Football League in Bronxville, and is a volunteer coach for the Bronxville High School varsity football team.
IN THE PHOTO: Muskingum University’s Opening Convocation speaker James A. Purdy told members of the Class of 2019, “You are now officially in the driver’s seat on an awesome four-year road trip. Buckle up and enjoy it. It goes fast.”
