Lorber is also chairman and CEO of Hallman & Lorber Associates, Inc., a financial planning and benefits firm he helped launch with his father-in-law. He is a chartered life underwriter and a chartered financial consultant. Mr. Lorber serves as president and chief executive officer of Vector Group Ltd. and New Valley Corporation, both public companies with interests in investment banking, real estate and tobacco.

Lorber will receive his honorary degree along with three other highly accomplished individuals: Thomas M. Coughlin, president and chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Stores & Supercenters U.S.A.; Lawrence Prusak, executive director of the Institute for Knowledge Management at IBM; and Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, celebrated photographer and author.

Lorber earned a B.A. in sociology from the C.W. Post Campus in 1970 and went to work as a stockbroker. Amid the demands of career and family, in 1991 he earned an M.S. in taxation from C.W. Post's College of Management, School of Professional Accountancy. He became a Long Island University Trustee in 1988, the same year he was honored with a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the campus. In 1997, he spearheaded the restoration and modernization of the School of Professional Accountancy's headquarters. In honor of his efforts and generous financial support, the building now bears his name.

Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals who, through their perseverance, dedication to their field, and commitment to community, serve as role models to students. Dr. David J. Steinberg, president of Long Island University, will confer Lawrence Prusak's honorary degree during commencement ceremonies at the C.W. Post Campus on May 13.