John Ambroseo ’83

John Ambroseo ’83 (Chemistry) recently retired from his role as president and chief executive officer of Coherent, a Silicon Valley-based international corporation, a position he held since October 2002. Coherent is a leader in providing laser technology.

Ambroseo joined Coherent in 1988 and quickly moved up the ladder. He’d also been chief operating officer, executive vice president, president, and general manager of the Coherent Photonics Group, and the manager of Coherent’s Scientific Business Unit.

After graduating from Purchase, Ambroseo received his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania. He is the past President of LEOMA (Laser Electro-Optics Manufacturers Association), is a former trustee of the Purchase College Foundation, and is a current member of the Board of Visitors of The School of Science and Technology at Temple University.

In 2016, he honored Associate Professor Emerita of Chemistry Taina H. Chao with a donation to create an endowed faculty fellowship in her name. The Taina H. Chao Endowed Faculty Fellowship provides research funds for faculty members in the School of Natural and Social Sciences, with a preference for those in Chemistry.

In 2018, Ambroseo and his wife, Jeanette LaCorte, initiated the J2 Scholarship Challenge Grant for Student Success in Honor of Thomas J. Schwarz, President Emeritus. It continues to inspire corporations and foundations to generously support student scholarships.

During fiscal year 2021, the Challenge Grant was completed, having exceeded its expectations. It inspired $678,598.65 in new scholarship donations and 17 new scholarship funds for Purchase College and raised a total of $1,100,000.