Sam Seltzer '48

Biography

Samuel M. Seltzer ’48 devoted his life to entrepreneurship and to preparing future generations to lead businesses of their own. Firmly convinced that small business formed the foundation of the U.S. economy, he built a career that spanned manufacturing, international trade and industry leadership, while also shaping business education at Cornell University.

In 1960, Seltzer founded Allison Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of automobile accessories with operations in East Asia, Europe and the U.S. Allison became one of the first American companies to conduct business in Mainland China. Earlier, in 1954, he established one of the first manufacturing ventures under Puerto Rico’s Operation Bootstrap, helping advance the island’s industrial development. He later served as a founder and officer of the Commonwealth Manufacturers Association of Puerto Rico and the Plastic Manufacturers Association of Puerto Rico. From 1975 to 1992, he was an officer and trustee of the Pension Fund of the United Furniture and Bedding Workers Union.

Seltzer’s commitment to entrepreneurship extended far beyond his own enterprises. By the early 1980s, he recognized the need for undergraduate education that would prepare students to join family businesses or launch ventures of their own. He became the founding chairman of Cornell’s Personal Enterprise Program, which began with a single business‑planning course and grew to more than 35 offerings before evolving into Entrepreneurship@Cornell. He provided steady leadership and financial support for the program throughout his life.

His dedication to Cornell University was broad and enduring. A life member of the University Council, Seltzer also served on the Major Gifts Committee, the Trustees’ Proxy Advisory Committee and the Executive Committee of the Cornell Alumni Association. He was president of the Federation of Cornell Clubs and helped establish the Cornell Club of Hong Kong. In recognition of his extraordinary service, he was appointed a Presidential Councilor.

In 1983, Seltzer created the Moses and Loulu Seltzer Endowment Fund in honor of his parents. His philanthropy supported numerous Cornell initiatives, including the Lam Family Research Awards, the Frank & Rosa Rhodes Scholarship, the Medical College Fund and the Judaica Collection.

Today, the Smith Family Business Initiative honors his legacy through the Sam Seltzer ’48 Mentors Forum, held annually in New York City. Since its inception, the forum has connected nearly 250 Cornell students and young alumni with experienced family business leaders and mentors, fostering relationships that often continue long after the event.

Seltzer died June 4, 2026. He is remembered as an entrepreneur, mentor, philanthropist and devoted Cornellian whose belief in personal enterprise and commitment to future generations continue to shape the Cornell community.