David Keck

Recently my Alma Mater reached out (with multiple emails) for donations to the University. Meanwhile the acting President posted a meandering, vague, and finally, meaningless letter to the community. Simultaneously our colleagues took a stand against the authoritarian idiocracy trying to topple the institutions of higher education.

These are financially trying times. Don’t come with hand outstretched when you are simultaneously bending the knee to everything we learned to be wrong in the extensive for which is famous. Don’t kowtow to authoritarianism when you ask your students to read the founding documents for this democracy. Shame on you.

I am proud to have attended and grateful for everything I was given by this proud and venerable institution. Please don’t debase the work of such alum as Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, FDR, Madeleine Albright, RBG, and by acquiescing to petty demands from a weak oligarchy. This is the time when we must rise together and fight for what is right.

Please. We must all be better.

Yours in service,
David Keck
John Jay Scholar
CC ‘04

I’ve written this post several times and feel like it never is worthy, because there are few people for whom I have so much admiration. I first met nearly a decade ago and thought: ‘what an awesome human. I hope our paths cross again.’ I’m so very grateful they did, and I’m honored to call him friend.

Yannick has faced more adversity- physically, professionally- than most of us will ever endure. His reaction has always been a focused stoicism, and rather than seeking pity or help, has worked tirelessly to create organizations and establishments that support others. I can’t count the number of times I’ve referred to Yannick in conversation as a role model for mindset and determination. I met more recently when the two of them came to visit wineries in and am so grateful for the time I’ve been able to spend with this power couple.

On February 18th, Yannick had a fall, and the shortcomings of our medical and insurance systems are leaving him and Heidi in a very difficult position. Please take the time to read this Go Fund Me request and help get them over the finish line- they are CLOSE.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-yannicks-road-to-recovery

I wish I could contribute so much more, but if a few people read this and repost or donate, hopefully we can get Yannick and Heidi the help they so deserve. Sending all the love 🙏🏼❤️‍🩹
Oh, and if you’re in New York and haven’t been by their amazing wine shop - do yourself a favor!!

❤️ ❤️‍🩹🙏🏼💪🏼