Statement on the Passing of Lewis B. Cullman by Third Way President Jon Cowan

“Lewis Cullman embodied the very best in philanthropy. He was extraordinarily generous with his time and his resources; he was principled and driven by a deep sense of moral purpose; and he was strategic in ensuring that what he did made a real difference. More than a decade before the Giving Pledge became popular with some wealthy benefactors, Lew Cullman had literally written the book on the imperative for the very fortunate to give most of their money to charitable causes.

“At Third Way, we joined dozens of other organizations, from the Museum of Natural History and the New York Botanical Gardens to Chess in Schools, in owing Mr. Cullman a huge debt of gratitude. We join his legions of friends and admirers in celebrating a long life well-lived. We will miss his style, humor, warmth, and grace, but we count ourselves very lucky that Lewis Cullman was a friend of this organization. And I am personally thankful for his friendship and guidance as a member of our Board of Trustees.

“May his memory be a blessing.”