Cozen O’Connor founder and chairman Stephen A. Cozen and vice chairman Patrick J. O’Connor have been award the 2008 Musser Award for Excellence, the highest honor awarded by Temple University’s Fox School of Business. Cozen and O'Connor were chosen because they exemplify excellence in business leadership and demonstrate extraordinary commitment and generosity to the communities in which they work and live. In addition to their exceptional leadership and success in the legal and Philadelphia business community, both are actively involved in enhancing the quality of life for residents in the Philadelphia area.
In honoring the winners, Fox School Dean M. Moshe Porat said, "Stephen Cozen and Patrick O'Connor are shining examples of the transformational power of entrepreneurship. The story of their success is the story of the American dream realized right in our backyard."
"I'm honored to be included in the company of those who have received the Musser award in the past, because I truly believe in what the award stands for," Cozen remarked. "Patrick and I are privileged to have been able to use our profession to inspire others and give something back to our communities. I thank Dr. Porat and the Fox School for this wonderful recognition."
O'Connor echoed these sentiments. "It is quite an honor to be recognized with the Musser award," he said. "Steve and I could never have imagined that our work could make such a positive feedback on not only our clients, but also on the communities in which we serve. We are thrilled to accept this award on behalf of everyone at Cozen O'Connor who has helped make this possible."
The Musser Award was established in honor of the achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of Warren V. (Pete) Musser, founder of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. Musser formed numerous technology-oriented companies that helped create the greater Philadelphia region's reputation for technological innovation. Proceeds from the 2008 Musser Excellence in Leadership Awards event support the Fox School’s Dean's Fund for Excellence, which helps fund innovative programs such as the Dean's Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. This program enables highly motivated business honors students to conduct meaningful research throughout their undergraduate careers. The Dean's Fund for Excellence also supports students in the International M.B.A. and M.B.A. programs' innovative Enterprise Management Consulting Practice.
An accomplished litigator and counselor, Cozen is a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, a designation held by only the most respected and experienced courtroom practitioners. He is known as a consummate strategist, an appellate advocate, and is frequently called upon for counsel and advice before both state and federal appellate courts. Cozen serves on numerous boards including: the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Federation of Jewish Agencies, the National Museum of American Jewish History, and the University of Pennsylvania's Institute for Law and Economics, and Law School Board of Overseers.
O'Connor, a trial lawyer, was named as one of the top 100 lawyers in Pennsylvania for the third consecutive year and was selected for inclusion in the 2006-2008 editions of The Best Lawyers in America. O'Connor is chairman of the board of BNY Mellon Funds Trust, a member of the board of Crowley Chemical Company of New York City, the Philadelphia Police Foundation, and chair of Philadelphia's Children First Fund. He is a member and former chairman of the Board of Consultors for the Villanova University School of Law, and is a trustee of Temple University.