Richard Pergolis Sustainable Classroom for Real Estate Education dedicated at Baruch College

On February 26, Baruch College dedicated its first green classroom. The classroom is named the Richard Pergolis Sustainable Classroom for Real Estate Education, for the alumnus who underwrote its design and construction. It is located in Baruch's Steven L. Newman Hall on East 22nd St. The classroom boasts natural lighting, furniture manufactured from recycled materials, and chemical-free carpeting, among other features. It is also the college's "smartest" classroom technologically. Baruch College views it as a prototype for new classrooms in its Field Building, which is soon to undergo a massive renovation. President of Pergolis Swartz Associates, Richard Pergolis serves as co-chair of the advisory board of the Steven L. Newman Institute, which under the direction of Jack Nyman, is aggressively pursuing sustainability goals. It was the Institute's involvement in sustainability, coupled with Baruch College's strong commitment in this area, that prompted Pergolis to fund the creation of a green classroom. Having graduated from Baruch with a BA in Business Administration in Real Estate in 1960, Pergolis received his New York State Real Estate Brokers License in 1962. He is a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association of New York, Inc. and the Finance and Appraisal Committees of the Real Estate Board of New York, Inc. His designations include Member of the Appraisal Institute (MIA and SRA).He serves on the board of Pathways to Housing, a non-profit organization that provides housing and services for the homeless.