Leonard Yohay ’46

Leonard Yohay completed a degree in Chemistry at Queens College in 1946. He was originally a member of the class of 1944 but left college to fight in World War II. He was inducted in the infantry, and then trained to be a Japanese Interpreter for Military Intelligence.  After his graduation from QC, he went on to law school and passed the bar in 1950 – but never practiced a day in his life. “My brother and I started a business during my time in law school, and I realized that I couldn’t practice law and run a business.” The company, Yohay Baking Company, provided baking goods to high end retailers like Starbucks and Barnes and Noble. They also manufactured ice cream cones.

Why I Give

After 52 years running this successful business with his brother, Mr. Yohay retired. But he never forgot Queens College and his time here. “I believe in education and I’m in the position to render certain funds,” says Mr. Yohay, who is an Angel Investor for the third year in a row. This special group of donors is committed to the QC mission - offering a first-rate education at a modest price – by providing scholarship support. His donation has a bigger impact here than it would at other institutions because of the value of a Queens College education – a “bigger bang for the buck.” “I received a wonderful education for free!” he marvels. He went on to Fordham University Law School through a veteran education scholarship. “It gives my wife of 61 years and I much pleasure to give back to a superior school like Queens College. To be able to provide today’s students with the same opportunities that I was given makes us very happy.”