Philip E. Lian '66

Philip Lian, a native of Brooklyn, New York, graduated from Xaverian High School in 1966. During his tenure, he rose to student president of the Xaverian Glee Club. After graduating from high school, he took a break from his education and worked a variety of jobs in shipping, retail, and telecommunications, ultimately landing a job on the equities trading desk of a major Wall Street firm.

After a few years, he returned to his education, graduating from Fordham University with degrees in finance and economics. He then began his working career in the insurance industry, rising to the position of senior underwriter for mechanical, electrical, and fire risks of major commercial enterprises.

In 1984, he joined the national insurance brokerage firm of Corroon & Black, where he worked for 14 years, rising to the position of Senior Vice President. During his time at Corroon & Black, Phil was responsible for opening up new departments in healthcare, finance, hospitality, real estate, professional services, technology, and entertainment. He was sometimes referred to by colleagues and senior management as the man with the ‘right stuff’.

Since 2004, he has maintained a professional independent insurance practice servicing both commercial and personal insurance requirements of large corporations and individuals, providing both domestic and international insurance and risk management products. Mr. Lian holds and maintains insurance licenses in 10 states for all lines of insurance, employee benefits, and life insurance programs.

Mr. Lian’s current activities include service on various nonprofit boards. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Community Options Enterprises Inc., an organization whose mission is to develop housing and employment for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mr. Lian is also a Trustee of The Wagner Free Institute of Science of Philadelphia, which is a natural history museum and education center that provides free science education to both adults and middle school children. 

 

He is also a Trustee of the Friends of Princeton University Library and a member of the finance committees of The Presser Foundation, the only Foundation that focuses its support solely on the music industry and he is a member of the finance committee of the largest city business club in the United States as well as financial advisor and trustee for the Clarence York Foundation which has a focus on support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Phil also serves as trustee and Chair of the Advancement Committee of Xaverian.

Among his philanthropic accomplishments is that he and his wife Joan were the Executive Producers and provided major funding support for the PBS WHYY, “Great Performances” Special, “Ode To Joy,” a film that celebrates the legacy of William H. Scheide, who was called ‘the man who changed America.’ Mr. Scheide was also the largest donor ever to Princeton University, leaving them a gift valued at over $300 Million.

Mr. Lian lives with his wife, Joan, and Saint Bernard, Happy, in Princeton, New Jersey.