Meet One of the Newest Members of the Kean University Foundation’s Board of Directors

December 2024

Mike Milazzo

The Kean University Foundation is proud to announce that Michael Milazzo ’11, a distinguished alumnus and accomplished attorney, has joined its Board of Directors. Milazzo brings extensive professional expertise and a deep commitment to giving back to his alma mater. His appointment exemplifies the Foundation’s mission to advance the University’s goals of equity, inclusion and academic excellence.

Raised in North Brunswick, New Jersey, Milazzo’s academic journey began at Rutgers University. After taking time off to reflect on his aspirations, he enrolled at Middlesex College and later transferred to Kean University in 2009. Milazzo graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. He continued his education at Cornell University, earning his Juris Doctor in 2014.

Today, Milazzo is a partner at Latham & Watkins LLP in New York, where he advises clients on the tax aspects of private equity funds across the U.S. and Europe. His areas of focus include infrastructure, real estate and ESG/energy transition funds, as well as federal income tax matters related to mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining Latham & Watkins, Mike was an associate at Debevoise & Plimpton Professionals and a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, respectively.

Beyond his professional achievements, Milazzo is a steadfast supporter of Kean University. In 2023, he created the Martha Gillen and Budd Milazzo Endowed Scholarship in honor of his parents and two professors who played pivotal roles in his education—Jack Sargent, Ph.D., and Fred Fitch, Ph.D., of the Department of Communication, Media and Journalism. The $50,000 scholarship supports CMJ students who have completed between 60 and 95 credits.

“I enjoyed my time at Kean University immensely,” Milazzo said. “Everything I have today can be attributed to my parents and professors. I am especially grateful to Jack Sargent and Fred Fitch for their friendship and help along the way. If not for them, I don’t think I would have ever found my confidence or my footing to go on to become a partner at an international law firm.”

Sargent remembers Milazzo as a highly engaged and motivated student who made the most of his time at Kean.

Milazzo hopes his scholarship will inspire future generations of Kean students and serve as a tribute to the people who helped shape his path. He encourages other alumni to consider how they can make a difference.

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