Steve and I met on the Brandeis University Board of Trustees in 1999. I had just been elected Student Representative to the Board and he was beginning his tenure as Chairman. Steve invited me to breakfast and, after refusing to let me call him 'Mr. Grossman,' shared with me his belief that direct student input was needed at the highest levels of the university’s governance. He always valued my opinions and treated me as a friend and equal. In doing so, he helped empower students to have a voice.

My career in the investment community has provided me a unique understanding of many aspects of the current financial crisis. Steve and I have discussed many of the challenges including ones unique to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He has a keen understanding of the issues and feels a genuine responsibility to improve the lives of his fellow citizens. I’m confident that his diligence, wisdom, and tenacity will greatly benefit this state.

Through the years, Steve has taken an active interest in my life and always been generous with his time and insight. He has helped inspire my own public service work, and I am honored to call him a friend.

Adam Zirkin