The Salvadori Center’s 2025 benefit raises $650,000 to expand STEAM education

Manhattan, NY The Salvadori Center hosted its 2025 Annual Benefit on May 8 at the Rooftop at the Edison Ballroom, bringing together supporters, educators, and community leaders to champion innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education for K–12 students in underserved communities across New York City and Pennsylvania. The event raised more than $650,000 to directly fund hands-on, project-based programs that reach more than 12,000 students each year.

The evening honored three leaders for their exceptional contributions to business, design, and community: Chris Larsen, CEO of Halmar International; Daniel Zausner, COO of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center; and Cawsie Jijina, principal at Severud Associates Consulting Engineers PC.

Chris Larsen was named a 2025 Business Honoree for his long-standing advocacy of educational equity and his support of Salvadori’s mission to inspire future engineers and problem solvers. With nearly 40 years in the infrastructure industry, Larsen has led transformative transportation projects nationwide.

“The work Salvadori does is critical. It opens doors to careers in architecture, engineering, and design for students who might otherwise never see those paths. As someone who has over 40 years of experience in the industry, I know firsthand the power of building something tangible and meaningful. Salvadori is not just teaching STEM, it’s shaping the future of our workforce by reaching underrepresented communities and inspiring the next generation of engineers and problem solvers,” said Chris Larsen during his acceptance speech.

Daniel Zausner was also recognized as a 2025 Business Honoree, acknowledged for his commitment to Salvadori’s programs. With four decades in the sports and entertainment industry, he oversees operations for the US Open, the world’s most attended annual sporting event and has spearheaded transformative projects at the National Tennis Center.

“I’m deeply honored to be recognized by the Salvadori Center, an organization whose impact has multiplied fourfold in reaching students across all five boroughs with powerful, hands-on education,” said Daniel Zausner during his acceptance speech. “Thanks to Salvadori’s dedication, more young people are discovering their potential as future engineers, architects, and innovators. I’m proud to support their mission and grateful for all the work they do to build a stronger, more inclusive future.”

Cawsie Jijina, the 2025 Design Honoree, was celebrated for his dedication to mentoring underrepresented students in architecture and engineering. A licensed professional engineer in 12 jurisdictions, Jijina has led the design of iconic structures including The Sphere in Las Vegas, TSX Broadway, and JFK Terminal 6.

“None of us are here purely on our own merit. Our paths have been shaped by those who opened doors for us. That’s exactly what the Salvadori Center does; it provides students with the tools, inspiration, and access to envision futures they never thought possible. When we support Salvadori, we’re not just supporting education, we’re empowering the next generation of engineers, architects, and builders to turn dreams into reality,” said Cawsie Jijina during his acceptance speech.

Jared Green, Chair of Salvadori’s Board of Directors, emphasized how STEAM education equips youth with real-world skills and thanked attendees for helping the Salvadori Center expand its reach and impact.

Trenton Price, Executive Director of the Salvadori Center, spoke about the tangible value of Salvadori’s programs in making learning relevant. “Our programs make learning relevant and tangible by connecting classroom concepts to the real world showing students how buildings, bridges, and the environments around them are designed and built,” said Price. “Through this hands-on approach, students engage with professionals, explore career pathways, and are inspired to become future leaders.” 

Charlie Avalo and Susan Hayes, Co-Chairs of the Salvadori Development Committee, also expressed their appreciation for the generous support of the event’s sponsors, emphasizing that their contributions are essential to sustaining and expanding Salvadori’s impactful programs.

The Benefit was made possible through the support of over 80 sponsors, including Presenting Sponsors Skanska and Halmar International, and Leadership Sponsors Brookfield Properties, Curtis, PJ Mechanical, Turner, and WSP.