Garden City, N.Y. – It is with great sadness that the Adelphi University department of athletics shares the news of the passing of former Board of Trustees Chair Emeritus, Thomas F. Motamed BA '71, JD, on April 18 has passed away. He was 74.
The home playing surface for the men's and men's and women's soccer and lacrosse teams as well as the women's field hockey team was officially named Motamed Field in a 2011 dedication ceremony in recognition of the generous support he gave to the University and his leadership of its Board of Trustees. He spent from 2004 to 2016 as a member of the Board including as chair of the board from 2008 until 2011. He also served as vice chair of the Advancement Committee and co-chaired the steering committee for the University's $56 million comprehensive campaign.
Motamed received a bachelor's degree in biology from Adelphi University and in his career spent three years on the men's lacrosse team as a goalkeeper and earned MVP honors.
Most recently, Motamed served as a director on the American International Group, Inc. board from January 2019 to January 2023. He was the chairman and chief executive officer of CNA Financial Corporation from 2009 to 2016 and he chaired the executive committee responsible for strategy, results, and oversight of all business units.Additionally, Motamed also spent over 30 years at The Chubb Corporation, where he rose to the position of vice chairman and chief operating officer.
In 2010, Tom became a member of Adelphi's Million Dollar Round Table with a $1 million gift to establish the Thomas F. and Christine B. Motamed Scholarship to support students in the Honors College. At the conclusion of his chair tenure in 2016, the board designated him chair emeritus. His impact on Adelphi's success will be remembered forever.
Since the year the outdoor sports complex was named Motamed Field, the women's lacrosse team has won five NCAA Division II National Championships, and every other team has hosted rounds of the Northeast-10 Conference tournament or NCAA Tournament on the surface. It also serves as a primary "green" space on campus for use by all students and the Adelphi community.
A moment of silence was held for Tom prior to the men's lacrosse game Saturday, April 22.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Duke University, The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel. A funeral service is set for Sunday, May 7 at Grace Church Cathedral at 2:00 p.m. (see obituary link above for more information).
