UAlbany Hits a High Note with Gift of Music from Republic Records Founders
By Amy Geduldig
ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 21, 2025) — Iconic pieces of music history are on display at the University at Albany, part of a generous donation from alumni Monte Lipman ’86 and Avery Lipman ’88, the groundbreaking brothers who founded Republic Records, a division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company. The Great Dane alums have established an endowment at UAlbany that will bring programs and performances to the Campus Center’s auditorium, newly renamed the Monte Lipman ’86 and Avery Lipman ’88 Republic Records Music Hall.
The Lipman brothers’ endowment reflects their time at the University, where they served on UAlbany’s concert board, worked at the University’s radio station (WCDB), as well as the school’s on-campus record store. The experience led them to create opportunities for current students to embrace their interest in music through programming, performances and other activities in the newly-named music hall.
“Monte and Avery Lipman are proof that a UAlbany education can propel you to a lifetime of achievement,” said UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez. “While we certainly did not teach the Lipman brothers how to establish and run a massively successful record label, we did give them the same thing we strive to give every student: access to the support, resources and opportunities they need to author their own success. In the classroom, on the football field and in clubs and activities, the Lipman brothers learned how to lead. Here, they learned how to turn their passion for music into a career. Here, they learned how to collaborate and communicate to make great things happen. And now, 40 years since they first came to UAlbany, we are so pleased to welcome them back and to celebrate their generous gift to our university.”
“UAlbany is where our passion for the music business was ignited — and when we first realized the power it holds. From late nights at the school’s radio station WCDB, to organizing campus concerts, this school created an environment for us that brought people together through music and community. With this endowment and the continued support of the University, we’re investing in the next generation of leaders — those who pursue their passion to create, innovate, and dream big,” said Monte Lipman, founder of Republic Records and chairman and CEO, REPUBLIC Collective.
“Returning to UAlbany feels like coming home. This university gave us our first stage — literally and figuratively — to dream, to take risks, and to learn the power of collaboration. The experiences we had here shaped who we are and how we lead. It’s an honor to give back to the place that first inspired us to believe that anything is possible,” said Avery Lipman, founder of Republic Records, vice chairman and COO, REPUBLIC Collective.
On Friday afternoon, students were invited to a special event with the Lipmans, which highlighted their journey from Great Danes to the top of the music industry. Joined by Monte and Avery's former roommates — Mike Schiliro, Joe Aulogia and Brian Kriftcher — they reminisced about their time at UAlbany and the important friendships they established at the University. Following a Q&A, students were treated to a performance by the music group FLO and a reception in the Campus Center’s Great Hall.
Later that evening, UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez was joined by the Lipmans for an unveiling of the new Music Hall and display, celebrating the Lipman’s legacy at the University. Attendees included Universal Music Publishing President, North America Evan Lamberg, representatives from Republic Records and special guests.
Monte Lipman and Avery Lipman founded Republic Records, a division of Universal Music Group, in 1995. Since then, they have worked with multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning legends and superstar artists.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in rhetoric and communication in 1986, Monte began his career at Arista Records. Avery also joined Arista after graduating in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in English. They moved through the ranks of the music industry mentoring UAlbany students along the way.
The Lipmans were named distinguished alumni in 2019 and delivered UAlbany’s 169th Undergraduate Commencement address in 2013.