Donald M. Blinken

Early Life and Education

Donald M. Blinken was born on November 11, 1925, in New York City, to Maurice Blinken and Ethel Horowitz Blinken. His father, Maurice, was a lawyer and businessman who played a significant role in the American Zionist movement. Donald Blinken attended Harvard University, graduating in 1947. His education was interrupted by service in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

Career

Blinken built a distinguished career spanning finance, public service, and diplomacy:

• Finance: He began his career in investment banking. In 1966, he co-founded the private equity firm E.M. Warburg Pincus & Company (now Warburg Pincus), where he served as a managing director. He was instrumental in the firm's growth and success.
• Education Administration: Blinken dedicated significant time to public education. He served as the chairman of the State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees from 1978 to 1990, overseeing one of the largest public university systems in the United States. During his tenure, he played a key role in developing academic and research programs and navigating financial challenges.
• Diplomacy: From 1994 to 1997, Blinken served as the U.S. Ambassador to Hungary under President Bill Clinton. His ambassadorship occurred during a critical period following the end of the Cold War, as Hungary transitioned to a market economy and sought integration with Western institutions like NATO and the European Union. He played a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Hungary's democratic and economic reforms.

Philanthropy and Arts

Blinken was a passionate art collector and a significant patron of the arts. He served as a trustee of the Mark Rothko Foundation and was actively involved with institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. He and his wife, Vera Blinken, were noted for their extensive art collection, much of which was later donated to various museums and institutions. He also served on the board of the Open Society Foundations, an international grantmaking network founded by George Soros.

Personal Life

Donald Blinken was married twice. His first marriage was to Judith Frehm, with whom he had two sons, Antony and Alan Blinken. Antony Blinken currently serves as the U.S. Secretary of State. After his divorce from Judith Frehm, he married Vera Blinken (née Ettinger) in 1982. Vera Blinken was also a prominent philanthropist and art collector.

Death

Donald M. Blinken passed away on September 22, 2022, at the age of 96, in East Hampton, New York.