Beyond Vassar
Bruce Mendelsohn (’90) in white button down, green tie, and black pants.
Courtesy of the subject

Bruce Mendelsohn ’90 Honored for Service and Bravery

On November 2, Bruce Mendelsohn ’90 was awarded the first ever Carmine A. Casciano Salute to Service Award by the Medic Now Foundation. The award is named for Carmine Casciano, a decorated U.S. Marine and distinguished member of the Purple Foxes, a helicopter squadron that flew more than 600 support missions in Vietnam. Casciano earned 32 air medals for heroism while deployed.

The award honored Mendelsohn’s military service and his role as a civilian first responder after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. His decisiveness in the wake of the bombing saved the life of Victoria McGrath, who sustained injuries to her leg. After applying a tourniquet to McGrath’s wounds, Mendelsohn further exemplified the values of selflessness and courage by helping to evacuate and secure the area.

The award committee also noted Mendelsohn’s accomplishments as Resource Development Coordinator for the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board (MCRWB) and as a rugby coach for the City of Worcester’s public schools. He continues to give back to the military community through volunteer leadership positions in veterans organizations including Jewish War Veterans, The Mission Continues, and Team RWB.

“Many veterans deserve this recognition far more than I,” said Mendelsohn. “I’m honored and grateful to accept this award on their behalf.”—Sofia DeRose ’28

Fritz Friedman (’74) in light brown sweater and blue button down.
Courtesy of the subject

Asian Pacific Islander Justice Organization Honors Fritz Friedman ’74

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL)—the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Pacific Islanders—awarded Vassar alum Fritz Friedman its 2024 Public Image Award in October, in recognition of his commitment to Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation in film. The award was presented during the organization’s 41st Anniversary Gala: United in Action, in celebration of AAPI leaders in civil rights, social justice, public office, business, entertainment, and the arts. The organization is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for AAPIs.

After graduating from Vassar, Friedman received a master’s degree from the Annenberg School at the University of Pennsylvania. He serves as the president of his own production company, a Commissioner for Arts and Culture for the City of San Diego, and a board member of California Humanities. He held the position of Senior Vice President of Worldwide Publicity and Corporate Communications for both Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions.

Friedman has a long history of philanthropic and civil rights activities, including lobbying to gain benefits for more than 18,000 Filipino veterans of World War II. For these efforts, the Philippine government gave him a Presidential Citation, which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo awarded at Malacañang Palace in Manila. He has also been a member of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs and Chair of the Vassar College Asian Pacific Islander Alumni Association. He is the co-founder and President Emeritus of the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment, the largest entertainment organization for Asian Americans in the world.—Sofia DeRose ’28

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