Statement of New York Law School Dean Anthony W. Crowell on the Passing of New York City Mayor Edward I. Koch

The New York Law School community mourns the loss of a good friend, Mayor Edward I. Koch.

Mayor Koch was formidable, and he led with a devotion, drive, pride and accountability that helped transform our City at a time when it faced an uncertain future. His doggedness and larger than life personality were emblematic of who we are as New Yorkers and it made him, and New York City, global icons that represent the best of everything.

Before there was a culture of social media, Twitter feeds, and a blogosphere to enable instantaneous feedback, Ed Koch looked for it the old fashioned way -- by checking-in with the people everyday. His famous “How’m I doing?” was a question he never got tired of asking. And, indeed, New Yorkers loudly answered him. Today, as we reflect on a life lived in public service, we get to answer the Mayor's question one last time: Mayor Koch, you did great!

Over the next year, New York Law School and its Center for New York City Law will devote programming and academic research to celebrate Mayor Koch's rich legacy as a leader, and lawyer, to provide a deeper understanding of how the development of law and policy during his Administration continues to influence the City's governance, culture and economy today, and that of other places.

Press Contacts:

Nancy Guida, VP of Marketing and Communications
212.431.2325
nancy.guida@nyls.edu

Darren Bloch, VP for Public Affairs
212.431.2845
darren.bloch@nyls.edu

LaToya Jordan, Assistant Director of Communications
212.431.2191
latoya.jordan@nyls.edu