Norm Abbott ’65 says St. Lawrence “set the path” for his career in business because he “developed a keen interest in economics,” which he chose as his major. After earning his MBA at Columbia, he worked in banking, helping pioneer comprehensive financial planning for individuals. “This grew into a worldwide network of clients,” he says.  In 1987 he struck out on his own with Norman F. Abbott Associates, Inc., which provides financial advisory services to a limited clientele consisting mainly of senior executives of major corporations; today he’s managing director.

In college, Abbott was active with Model UN Security Council and the student radio station and newspaper, becoming editor-in-chief my senior year. “Running the Hill News developed an entrepreneurial bent which was later manifested when I established my own business,” he says. On-campus activities helped foster an appreciation for the rewards that come from volunteer work and group endeavors.”

Abbott is a recently-elected member of St. Lawrence’s Alumni Council. “Through this, I can now fully appreciate the stunning evolution of SLU into today's world, and have the satisfaction of playing an active role in furthering the University's legacy in a variety of ways,” he says.

Abbott earned the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. A former member of the board of the Volunteer Referral Center of New York City, he serves on the Mt. Holyoke College Art Advisory Board, which supports the Mt. Holyoke College Art Museum.  He and his wife, April, are the parents of four children, including three ages 2 to 4.