Our History
2003-2004
In early 2003, Nitin Malla, the founder of the Economics Honors Society, approached John Leahy, Professor of Economics at NYU, about the creation of a society that would afford NYU's best and brightest students exposure to some of the world's most prominent individuals in the field of Economics, Business, Law, and Government. With the help of a panel of distinguished University Leaders and Department of Economics faculty, Nitin and Professor Leahy assembled a small group of students that would comprise the Society's initial membership. With this, the Economics Honors Society was born. On October 18, 2003, the Society hosted its Inaugural Event with Professor Thomas Sargent. With the pioneering spirit of the Society's membership, the Economics Honors Society hosted Anne Krueger, Nassim Taleb, Joseph Moglia, Domingo Cavallo and Robert Mundell. This success culminated with the Society's UN Summit, in which fifty UN Ambassadors appeared at NYU to discuss current events and social issues affecting nations across the globe. This summit was moderated by Niall Ferguson, a well-known British financial historian who is a leading expert in revisionist financial and economic history. The University recognized Economics Honors Society's achievements by awarding the Society the 2003-2004 President's Service for Leadership, presented to the Society by John Sexton, the President of NYU.
Charles Kerecz, President during 2004-2005, continued the Society's success in hosting prominent individuals and affiliated the Economics Honors Society with the Stern School of Business by joining its Inter-Club Council. This increased the talent pool from which to draw members. A few of the prominent leaders that The Society hosted were Daniel Kahnemann, Jeffrey Sachs, and Stephen Roach. Furthermore, the most successful event, a roundtable discussion with Noam Chomsky, drew a huge crowd and resulted in many NYU students waiting outside NYU's Kimmel Center.
2005-2006
Miguel Mondonedo, President during 2005-2006, focused on hosting prominent members of Wall Street community with the purpose of increasing the Society's transparency in the financial community. Members had the opportunity to gain wisdom and advice during roundtable discussions with Mario J. Gabelli, Dr. Bob Froehlich, Gerald L. Hassell, Robert Litterman, Philip Lofts, Robert Engle, and William Baumol. The year culminated with the Society's trip to the UBS Stamford trading floor. The Society created a new logo and brand new website at the end of the year. Indeed, The Society gained its current reputation and selectivity.
2006-2007
Shaleen Vira, President during 2006-2007, is focusing on strengthening the academic base of The Society, recruiting top students from all departments and schools at NYU, and expanding its functions and capabilities while continuing to host prominent leaders in Economics and Business. So far, speakers for this year include Joseph Stiglitz, Ariel Rubenstein, William Dudley and Thomas Friedman. Through continuous leadership of Nitin, Charles, Miguel, and now Shaleen, as well as the support and guidance from Economics Department, The Economics Honors Society has represents the "A-list" of NYU students and hosts the "A-list" of business and academia to speak before NYU community.