A Historic Night Celebrating Visionary Leadership and Unprecedented Progress
On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, NYU Langone Health hosted a milestone Violet Ball at the Metropolitan Museum of Art—an extraordinary evening honoring the transformative leadership of Ken Langone and Robert I. Grossman, MD, marking the culmination of a nearly two-decade journey of bold leadership.
In tribute to Ken and Bob, who together helped shape NYU Langone into one of the best health systems in the nation, guests, leaders, and friends gathered for an unforgettable evening of gratitude and purpose. The program paid homage to their visionary partnership and celebrated the many philanthropic leaders who stepped forward with record-breaking gifts to build on their legacy and secure NYU Langone’s continued rise.
Under Ken and Bob’s leadership, NYU Langone has grown from a regional academic medical center into a national exemplar of quality, safety, innovation, and access. From the introduction of the nation’s first accelerated, tuition-free medical degree to pioneering transplant procedures, to unprecedented system-wide growth across New York and Florida, their achievements reflect a bold, unrelenting commitment to exceptionalism.
Together, we celebrated not just a sendoff, but a legacy: one defined by courage, innovation, and extraordinary generosity.
To all who stood with us at this defining moment, thank you. Because of you, we’re not just continuing the journey; we’re accelerating it.
Reflections on a Remarkable Journey
Premiered in full at Violet Ball, these film excerpts offer a heartfelt glimpse into the profound impact of Ken Langone and Bob Grossman through the voices of those who know them best. With reflections from mentees, colleagues, and family, these moments celebrate the legacy of two extraordinary leaders whose influence will endure for generations.
In the face of disaster, compassion led the way.
This powerful video excerpt captures NYU Langone’s extraordinary response to Hurricane Sandy—evacuating patients, delivering babies by flashlight, and proving that even in the darkest moments, unwavering care endures.
A transformative moment in medical education.
This video celebrates NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s groundbreaking tuition-free initiative, spotlighting the students it empowers and the lives it will change for generations to come.
On the night of Violet Ball, the Empire State Building glowed violet in tribute to Bob and Ken—two visionary leaders who transformed healthcare in New York City.
Thank you to the Empire State Building for helping us create this unforgettable tribute. We look forward to our continued partnership on the 47th Annual Empire State Building Run-Up.
