Behind every successful athletic program is a person who works hard to make sure the success is enduring. For Dowling College, that enormous support and assistance was provided by Arnie Sadowsky.

Arnie was born in Brooklyn in 1922 and served in the Army Air Force in WWII. After returning from the war, he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brooklyn College. He started the Stafford Lamp Company in Brooklyn, which later became a warehousing and distribution business known as Stafford Enterprises. In 1968, he moved his business to Long Island and became involved with Dowling College.

In 1978, Arnie developed a scholarship for women business students at Dowling in memory of a former employee of his company. In 1980, he was asked to join Dowling’s Board of Trustees, and he served as chairman from 1988-1991.
Although he was an avid supporter of all of Dowling’s athletic teams, Arnie was especially fond of the basketball program. He attended numerous games, donated funds to support the program and helped former Dowling College players find jobs after they graduated. The 1987-88 men’s basketball team, which is also being recognized this evening, held a very special place in his heart.

In 1994, Arnold retired from his business, but still remained active in charitable activities, his Temple, and in his work with the Dowling College Board of Trustees. Arnold passed away in August at the age of 78, but will always be remembered as a generous, outgoing man who devoted much of his time to charitable causes. Arnold and his wife, Beatrice, who passed away in 1994, have two sons, Jeffrey and Ronald.

Return to List