Sheldon Horowitz and Tom Cardinale Share Their Council Journeys
In this special edition of our member spotlight, we celebrate two exceptional leaders who recently received the prestigious Gloria Nilson Mark of Distinction Award. Sheldon Horowitz and Tom Cardinale’s stories exemplify the diverse paths to engagement and the meaningful connections that define the Leon Hess Business Council experience.
Two Paths, One Shared Commitment
Sheldon Horowitz: A Parent’s Journey to Leadership
What began as a parent’s desire to stay connected to his son’s university experience has evolved into over a decade of dedicated service. “My eldest son started at MU and I wanted to become more engaged,” Sheldon shares, reflecting on his initial motivation to join the council back in 2012.
This personal connection has since blossomed into meaningful leadership roles across multiple committees, including membership, steering, and curriculum committees. Most notably, Sheldon assisted in last year’s crucial recertification visit and has served as an Executive in Residence—a role he’s particularly passionate about.
Tom Cardinale: An Alumnus Returns Home
Tom’s path to the council began through professional mentorship. “I was introduced to the LHBC by Wayne Tessler, my former boss and partner-in-charge of EisnerAmper’s Wall branch. Wayne also admirably served as Treasurer of the Council for 20+ years,” Tom explains. As a 1997 MU graduate, “this was a perfect opportunity to get connected again with my roots and to give back to the school that helped put me on my prosperous and rewarding career path.”
Tom has been a proud council member for nearly 15 years and stepped into Wayne’s shoes as Council Treasurer from 2016-2023, stewarding the organization’s finances through the challenging pandemic years.
The Power of Learning and Growth
Sheldon’s perspective on council involvement reveals the community’s greatest strength: “This is all personal growth. My interaction with our members makes me a better person, since each member has so much to share. It’s a way for me to raise my own personal ‘bar/level’ since I view our members’ ‘bar/level’ as something I aspire to.”
An Honor Beyond Words
Both recipients express profound gratitude for receiving the Gloria Nilson Mark of Distinction Award, each bringing their unique perspective to the honor.
Sheldon reflects: “Gloria is a special, incredible person. Anything attached to her name is an honor in itself. Now add the past recipients who are beyond next level. To be in that club leaves me speechless.”
Tom shares: “Receiving this award was a tremendous honor, especially to have Gloria Nilson’s name on it – one who has contributed so much to MU over the years that are simply beyond words. I feel my recognition was also a powerful testament on the Council’s special family feeling that no one gets forgotten, including the member crunching numbers behind the curtains to keep the finances in good standing.”
Tom’s surprise at receiving the award makes it even more meaningful: “From that perspective, I was not expecting to be named as a recipient of this award, and so it made me feel that much more special.”
The Importance of Mentorship
Both award recipients acknowledge the crucial role mentorship has played in their success. Sheldon credits Richard Riccardi: “A large part of what I do I am most grateful to Richard Riccardi. He has always mentored me and engaged me at the BC. I owe my success (and I am sure other members feel the same) to him.”
Tom’s journey was shaped by Wayne Tessler’s guidance, demonstrating how council leadership transitions create lasting legacies through mentorship.
Looking Ahead: Wisdom for Future Members
Sheldon’s advice: “Engage at the BC. Find mentors and join sub committees. Don’t wait to be asked!” He emphasizes the importance of supporting Monmouth University’s mission and serving as ambassadors for the institution.
Tom offers forward-thinking guidance: “Always stay out of a comfort zone with your current skillsets and be proactive to learn new areas that companies are adopting at a rapid pace. Like it or not, the business world is going through a generational transformation to where AI and automation will be the future in nearly all professional service industries. It would be prudent to invest in yourself and expand your knowledge in these new areas.”
Commitment to Continuous Growth
Despite achieving recognition for exceptional service, both leaders remain focused on doing more. Sheldon continues striving to “raise my own bar,” while Tom’s experience navigating the council through unprecedented challenges demonstrates his dedication to organizational stability and growth.
Their recommendation to “always spotlight new members” reflects their shared commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming community that celebrates contributions at all levels.
The Leon Hess Business Council continues to thrive because of members like Sheldon Horowitz and Tom Cardinale—individuals who bring passion, humility, and a commitment to personal growth that elevates our entire community. Their journeys—from concerned parent to engaged leader, and from grateful alumnus to dedicated steward—exemplify the transformative power of engagement and mentorship that defines our council.
Interested in learning more about council involvement or nominating a fellow member for recognition? Contact us at emoran@monmouth.edu.