Every Gift Tells a Story: Thomas A. Corcoran ’67 Hon. D.Eng. ’03

Tom Corcoran has long believed in the importance of physical fitness. Inspired by its impact on his own life, he and his wife, Claudia, are helping students prioritize physical activity and healthy habits during their time at Stevens and beyond.

Their generous commitment supports strategic institutional priorities, with a portion of the gift designated for physical fitness initiatives within the athletics and recreation program. The fitness center in the University Center Complex has been named the Claudia Ann Corcoran and Thomas A. Corcoran ’67 Hon. D.Eng. ’03 Fitness Center in recognition of their leadership and generosity.

Fitness as a Way of Life 

“I’ve been an advocate of physical fitness since my mid-thirties,” Corcoran says. “I decided I would improve my fitness and reduce my weight. I started jogging, and then, as I grew older, I got into other aspects of fitness. At one time, I could do 50 pushups and then even 100.”

“Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,” he says. “I take my medicine, but the one thing that really works, I find, is exercise. Exercise develops more dopamine and since the loss of dopamine is a key factor in Parkinson’s, I’m committed to about two hours plus of exercise per day. I find that does more for me than anything else.”

Because fitness has played such an important role in his life, Corcoran hopes to encourage students to develop a lifelong commitment to it.

“I want to help Stevens students get on a wellness fitness plan that they can continue for the rest of their lives,” he notes. “It’s a proven fact that staying fit and focused on fitness during your life can enhance your lifespan and your thinking skills. All around, fitness can lead to good things. You’ll feel better. You may live longer and maybe even be happier. And it forces you to be disciplined. All of which I think are positive.”

Investing in Student Wellness 

The Corcorans’ investment will help provide for fitness and recreation programmatic needs.

“We are very grateful for the Corcorans’ generosity and their commitment to creating opportunities for students to prioritize their health and wellness,” says Russell Rogers, assistant vice president and director of athletics and recreation. “The fitness center is one of the most heavily used spaces on campus, and their support will help strengthen the programs and experiences that make it such an important part of campus life.”

A Stevens Trustee for 32 years, Corcoran earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Stevens in 1967 and an honorary doctorate in 2003. He is also a graduate of GE’s Manufacturing Management Program (MBA equivalent).

An avid golfer for most of his life, Corcoran says that staying physically fit served him well throughout his career, noting that it helped him work longer hours more effectively and better withstand the rigors of international travel.

He began his career at General Electric in 1967, rising to chief operating officer of GE Aerospace Operations. After its sale to Lockheed Martin, he served as president and COO of LM Space and Electronics business segment before retiring after 36 years of combined service. He later served as chairman, CEO and president of Allegheny Teledyne Inc. and subsequently as a senior advisor for the Carlyle Group. He has also served on numerous public and private company boards, most recently as chairman of Aerojet Rocketdyne.

Corcoran married his wife, Claudia, in 1969, and together they have been longtime benefactors of Stevens. Their philanthropy has supported several university initiatives, including the University Center Complex and Gateway Academic Center, both of which include spaces bearing the Corcoran name.

Corcoran says their ongoing support is motivated by the university’s continued growth and progress under the leadership of President Nariman Farvardin.

“We’ve seen a transformation at Stevens, and I believe continuing that progress through supporting and participating in activities across the university is important,” he says. “Philanthropy is the key to Stevens’ growth. You can’t do it without support from graduates. I benefited a lot from my Stevens education. It enabled me to get into the training program with GE, and I also married Claudia two years after I graduated, which is a significant aspect of my life.”

“Stevens is a better place because of the engagement of Tom Corcoran — as a dedicated alumnus, a long-serving trustee and a generous benefactor,” says President Farvardin. “Tom is an inspiration because of his dedication, work ethic and insightful perspectives. We are immensely fortunate to have him and Claudia as close members of the Stevens family.”

A Foundation for Healthy Living 

During the 2026 All Rise Challenge for Stevens Athletics in October, the Corcorans sponsored a matching gift to encourage support for athletics and campus recreation.

“The Corcorans understand the value of physical fitness and the role it plays in student life,” says John Maurizi, associate director of athletics for campus recreation and physical education. “Every day, students come to the fitness center to stay active, challenge themselves, build healthy routines and connect with other students. The Corcorans’ commitment will enrich student well-being and engagement on campus, and we are honored to partner with them.”

For Corcoran, the lasting impact is encouraging students to make physical activity a lifelong priority.

“I hope that more students will think harder about being physically fit and learn the importance of it,” Corcoran adds. “I hope they act on that premise to become and stay physically fit throughout their life.”