Deborah Borisoff, Professor and Former Interim Chair
April 4, 2023
I’d like to acknowledge four aspects of my relationship with Neil for which I am grateful.
First, I came to know Neil when I was an administrator, pursuing my degree in a different School and area at NYU. Our conversations, therefore, focused on life in general; on family. His family was his world. The relationship was reciprocal as Neil would ask about my life — “How are you doing, Deb?” He listened. He was curious. He was caring.
Second, when Neil became Department Chair, I was now a colleague and Program Director. He assumed this post during a period of ‘financial exigency’ and great uncertainty. Neil held this leadership position for an unprecedented 12 years. During this time he provided much support and guidance. He kept us calm. He listened. He was curious. He was caring.
Third, Neil was all about food–that is, the RIGHT food. When I was President of the New York State Communication Association, I invited Neil to attend. This would be a departure for him as the annual Media Ecology Conference in the Catskills was a cherished ritual that he initiated. In his gravelly voice–which those of us who knew him remember all too well– Neil said, “Deb, if you have shrimp cocktail I will come.” I told him we would. We did, and after attending he began sending the Media Ecology students to NYSCA. Many of this cohort went on to become distinguished leaders in the Association.
And fourth, despite all that Neil did to shephard Media, Culture, and Communication to prominence, the one TRUE way to Neil’s heart was this: know his TRUE passion. Know BASKETBALL!