C.W. Post to Recognize Robert F. Arning with a Distinguished Alumni Award
KPMG Managing Partner is Leader in Accounting Field

May 8, 2005 — Robert F. Arning holds one of the top positions in the accounting profession. As managing partner of KPMG LLP’s New York office and as head of the firm’s Northeast Audit and Risk Advisory Services practice, his primary responsibilities include leading and representing the firm in the New York marketplace, developing marketplace strategies, overseeing the delivery of high-quality client services and attracting and retaining key resources. In recognition of his outstanding career, Arning will receive a Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater, the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, during commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 8, 2005.

With annual revenues of $4.1 billion and the strongest growth record over the past 10 years, KPMG LLP is one of the top four accounting firms in the country. For the last two decades, Robert Arning, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from C.W. Post, has played a key role in the company’s unmatched success. He serves as managing partner of the firm’s New York office, which includes nearly 300 partners and 2,300 employees.

Arning will be honored along with two other successful C.W. Post graduates: Charles Gradante (’67 engineering, ’70 management), co-founder of the Hennessee Hedge Fund Advisory Group, and the Reverend Dr. W. Sherrill Babb (’63 history), president of Philadelphia Biblical University.

During his 20 years at KPMG, Arning has held several leadership positions and has traveled extensively, primarily working with multinational financial services organizations. A native New Yorker, Arning is a member of the Board of Governors of the United Way, the Advisory Board of the New York City Leadership Academy, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Congresswoman Sue Kelly Financial Services Advisory Board, the Academy of Finance Board, and the New York Economic Club.  Arning is currently working to help New York City win its bid for the 2012 Olympics and is a generous supporter of the School of Accountancy.

Arning and KPMG continue to support C.W. Post by devoting their time and resources to educational initiatives, including the new C.W. Post College of Management’s new Center for Learning and the School of Professional Accountancy’s 30th anniversary campaign.

Arning graduated in 1984 from C.W. Post’s School of Professional Accountancy. He met his wife, Lisa Capuzzi ’84, ’91 (M.B.A.) at C.W. Post, and was an active member of the student government and the Accounting Society, which provided him with the visibility and contacts that ultimately led to the position that launched his career.

Arning and his wife live in Garden City, NY, with their children Heather, Gregory and Thomas.

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C.W. Post is part of Long Island University, one of the largest and most comprehensive private universities in the United States. With more than 8,400 full- and part-time students, C.W. Post offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in accountancy, business (AACSB accredited), computer science, liberal arts and sciences, library and information science, education, health professions and nursing, public service, and visual and performing arts.

KPMG LLP is the audit, tax and advisory firm that has maintained a continuous commitment throughout its history to providing leadership, integrity and quality. The Big Four firm with the strongest growth record over the past decade, KPMG turns knowledge into value for the benefit of its clients, people, communities and the capital markets. Its professionals work together to provide clients access to global support, industry insights, and a multidisciplinary range of services.  KPMG LLP (www.us.kpmg.com) is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International.  KPMG International’s member firms have nearly 100,000 professionals, including 6,800 partners, in 148 countries.