Dear Adelphi Community,
I’m saddened to inform you of the passing of Adelphi University Board of Trustees Chair Emeritus Thomas F. Motamed, BA ’71, JD, on April 18, 2023.
The namesake of our Garden City campus stadium, Motamed Field, Tom was a loyal friend and generous supporter of Adelphi who served with distinction as a member of our Board of Trustees from 2004 to 2016, including as chair of the board from 2008 until 2011. He also served as vice chair of the Advancement Committee and co-chaired the steering committee for the University’s $56 million comprehensive campaign.
I had the privilege of getting to know Tom in the fall of 2014, and his passion for the University and our students is a major reason why I came to Adelphi. He believed in the power of an Adelphi education to transform a student’s life—and was himself an alum and the captain and MVP of our varsity lacrosse team. Tom was a strong mentor to me well beyond his board tenure, and I always appreciated his guidance.
Tom was a well-respected leader in the insurance industry. He was chair and chief executive officer of CNA Financial Corporation from 2009 to 2016. Prior, he spent more than 30 years at The Chubb Corporation, where he rose to vice chair and chief operating officer. Over his career, he also held leadership roles with the Insurance Information Institute and the board of directors for American International Group, Verisk Analytics and World Business Chicago.
In 2010, Tom became a member of Adelphi’s Million Dollar Round Table with a $1 million gift to establish the Thomas F. and Christine B. Motamed Scholarship to support students in the Honors College. The Adelphi University Board of Trustees approved the naming of Motamed Field in recognition of Tom’s generous gift and service to the university. At the conclusion of his chair tenure in 2016, the board designated him chair emeritus. His impact on Adelphi’s success will be remembered forever.
Adelphi extends our deepest condolences to Tom’s wife Christine and their family. A moment of silence will be held for Tom prior to the men’s lacrosse game Saturday, April 22 at 1 p.m. on Motamed Field to reflect on his legacy.
All the best,
Christine M. Riordan, PhD
President