Columbia Business School lost an enduring member of its community on Sunday, when John C. “Sandy” Burton passed away at 77. Professor Burton was connected to the School in a number of roles: as a student, earning his MBA in 1956 and PhD in 1962; as a faculty member from 1962 to 2002; and as dean from 1982 to 1988.
In addition to his long and impressive tenure with Columbia Business School, Professor Burton left a lasting impression in public life as well. In Washington DC, he joined the Securities and Exchange Commission as its chief accountant in 1972, then returned to New York City to become Abraham Beame’s deputy mayor for finance in 1976, a time when the city faced severe financial challenges.
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