Columbia Mourns the Loss of Alex Navab '87CC
7/10/2019 1:21:00 PM | Lightweight Rowing
Former lightweight rower and member of the University's Board of Trustees passed away at the age of 53.
NEW YORK – Former Columbia lightweight oarsman and member of the University's Board of Trustees, Alexander Navab '87CC, passed away unexpectedly Sunday at the age of 53.
"We were deeply saddened to learn of Alex Navab's passing," said Campbell Family Director of Athletics Peter Pilling. "Alex was a wonderful man and supportive in so many ways to Columbia. We will never forget what he has helped us accomplish. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones."
"To say this is a heartbreaking loss would be an understatement," said head lightweight coach Nich Lee Parker. "Alex's contributions went beyond his gifts to our program and Columbia University. He was a passionate believer in C150, whether congratulating us after big wins or encouraging us after a tough loss. Any time you were with him, you left with a desire to raise your expectations. While we will miss his presence, we can still honor his memory and celebrate his life racing in the 'Alex Navab' shell."
Navab lettered in lightweight rowing during his four years at Columbia College, graduated with high honors and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. In 1991, he received an MBA from Harvard Business School and awarded the Wolfe Award, which is the top academic honor at the institution.
After Columbia, Navab went on for a successful career in finance with stops at Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR), where he held numerous leadership positions. Additionally, in April 2019, he launched Navab Capital Partners to invest in companies in the health-care, technology, media, consumer, and financial services sectors.
With all of his accomplishments, Navab was extremely generous to Columbia and athletics. In the spring of 2019, he donated two new racing shells to the lightweight program, with the varsity eight now competing in the boat that bears his name.
Navab received the John Jay Award from Columbia College in 2011, was former chair of its Board of Visitors and served as co-chair of the Core to Commencement Campaign Committee on Columbia University's Board of Trustees.
Navab is survived by his wife Mary Kathryn and three children.
