Christopher Blake. (Courtesy of Blake’s website)
By CONNOR RYAN
STAFF WRITER
Christopher Blake, Ph.D., an esteemed finance professor in the Fordham Schools of Business since 1991 who was known by students to be “kind, attentive and accessible,” died last month at the age of 62, school officials said in a statement on Tuesday — nearly three weeks after his death.
When asked, a university spokesman said Fordham did not learn of Blake’s death until last week.
The cause of the death was described simply as “an illness.”
“Dr. Blake was a dear friend and a most distinguished colleague,” Rev. Joseph M. McShane, president of the university, told The Fordham Ram when asked for comment. “I mourn his passing deeply and commend his soul to God.” McShane was not originally quoted in Fordham’s statement.
Blake was named Fordham’s Joseph Keating, S.J., Distinguished Professor Chair of Finance at the Graduate School of Business Administration and Gabelli School of Business in 2005. He described his professorship at the university as “a dream job.”
During his time at Fordham, Blake “earned a reputation for both a down-to-earth demeanor and formidable intellect, as well as warmth and optimism that endeared him to colleagues and students alike,” according to the university’s statement.
His website is complete with course assignments and outlines, a listing of his recent articles and contact information — as well as some favorite Thai recipes and a link to YouTube titled, “Twist of Fate live at Bojangles.”
“If you have any questions, concerns, jokes, comments or suggestions, I’d be happy to hear from you,” his website read.
Along with teaching at Fordham, Blake contributed articles to a wide range of industry journals, including: The European Finance Review, The Journal of Banking and Finance, The Journal of Business, The Journal of Finance, The Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, according to his website. His research interests are listed as: investment analysis and mutual funds.
In addition, Blake was the co-developer of The Investment Portfolio — a portfolio management software system.
Blake attended William Paterson College for his undergraduate degree, and earned a master’s degrees in business administration and philosophy, as well as his doctorate in finance, from New York University.
Before joining Fordham’s faculty, Blake was a part-time faculty member at NYU’s Stern School of Business.
Blake is survived by his devoted wife Lilo, his step-son Rudy Riepl and his wife Tina of Longmont, CO, his step-daughter Anita Innis of Los Angeles, CA, his two brothers; Andy Blake and his wife Kiki of Rochester, NY, and Ben Blake and his wife Leena of Cary, NC, and three nephews; Michael, Alex and John, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild, according to his obituary.
