Distinguished Alumni Award | William A. Goldring ’61

Each year, Newman’s Alumni Association proudly presents an award to an alumnus or alumna who not only embodies the spirit of Isidore Newman School but also serves as a leader in the community and professional field. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is the highest honor the School bestows upon its alumni. A distinguished alumnus must have graduated at least 20 years prior to the current nominating year. With just under four thousand eligible alumni, there is a remarkable pool of candidates for this prestigious award each year. To be eligible, a nominee must have made significant contributions to a field of endeavor, have exhibited loyalty to the School, and have contributed meaningfully to the greater community.

Since the inception of the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1991, 32 individuals have been honored. With many strong nominees, the decision is never an easy one. However, this year, the decision was unanimous -- a testament to the remarkable achievements and character of our honoree, William A. Goldring ’61. During a special reception on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 Bill joined a select group of individuals – artists, authors, athletes, judges, doctors, and more – who have been recognized as Distinguished Alumni of Isidore Newman School. The award was presented by Alumni Association Board President Ramsey Marcello ’00 and Head of School Dale M. Smith. 

“Bill is one of a kind. His impact is meaningful and ubiquitous,” Head of School Dale M. Smith said. “Even with his tremendous achievements, Bill remains authentic, grounded, accessible, principled, and accountable. His generosity and philanthropy, largely dedicated to New Orleans, a city he loves deeply, are widely known. Bill possesses a human kindness of the rarest type.”

Bill Goldring began his journey at Newman in 1948 as a kindergarten student, where he began to develop lifelong friendships. Bill is relational at his core, so predictably, the theme of friendship was discussed by every speaker at the awards ceremony. In his own remarks, Bill noted that some of his best friends to this day are friends he made at Isidore Newman School, individuals that he “talks to on the phone every single day.” With his deep friendships as context, Bill speaks passionately about his years at Newman, and he loves to share anecdotes and stories, especially about the legendary Coach Skeets Tuohy’s first basketball State Championship in 1961 with an undefeated team. Bill’s son, Jeffrey Goldring ’85, articulated the importance of athletics for Bill by sharing, “he learned a lot from his days of high school basketball and the competitiveness (he learned through athletics) lives on in business and is a big reason why he is so successful today.”   

A graduate of Tulane University's Business School, Bill rose to prominence as a tenacious marketer and now serves as the Chairman of the Sazerac Company and Crescent Crown Company. He was the visionary behind the nationally recognized Sazerac House. His leadership has not only driven these enterprises to unparalleled success, but also has established him as a luminary both locally and internationally. Throughout his extraordinary career, Bill has been the recipient of numerous accolades and honors, including the AACSB International 100 Influential Leaders, A.B. Freeman School of Business Outstanding Alumnus, and the Times-Picayune's Loving Cup Award. These awards underscore his exceptional contributions and enduring impact on the New Orleans community.  
 

Bill's influence extends far beyond the boardroom and the business world. His commitment to philanthropic endeavors and civic leadership is extraordinary. He has served diligently as the Chairman of the Goldring Family Foundation and the Woldenberg Foundation. These two foundations combined are among the top private foundations in the state of Louisiana. In directing much of the giving to charities within the city, Goldring improved New Orleans meaningfully. He has focused on philanthropic projects that grew tourism and improved the economy including Woldenberg Park, Audubon Institute, the National World War II Museum, the New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute, and the Stephen Goldring building that houses the Ogden Museum. These capital projects have undoubtably substantially enhanced the landscape of New Orleans. Additionally, the St. Katharine Drexel Chapel, Tulane's Business School complex, City Park's Great Lawn, and the city's two Jewish Community Centers; none of which would have been possible without the generosity and leadership from his foundations. Bill has been similarly generous and impactful on several major capital projects on Newman’s campus.  

In addition to working on projects that transformed the city’s landscape, the foundations have been important in improving education in New Orleans. Bill has been a long-time supporter of higher education and provided essential support post-Katrina to the K-12 education reform movement. Additionally, he grants a four-year college scholarship to every dependent child of every employee in all of his companies, improving the long-term health of New Orleans, economically and culturally, by lifting people up through educational advancement.  

His deeply rooted connection to education is tied to his love for his alma mater, which was founded as a school for Jewish orphans. As his son Jeffrey remarked, “He talks extensively and reminds people about Isidore Newman's Jewish heritage and his ideas about how to keep that alive and at the forefront.” As a former member of the Isidore Newman School Board of Governors, a proud parent of Newman alumni, and a current grandparent, Bill is deeply connected to his alma mater. His exemplary achievements, unwavering commitment to excellence, and profound impact on the Newman community truly embody the spirit of this prestigious accolade.  

Bill’s life has been greatly influenced by a letter his father gave him on his 21st birthday, which in part, challenged him to share the financial rewards from his business. With great success comes great responsibility, the letter noted.

Please join us in congratulating William A. Goldring on this well-deserved honor.