A Celebratory Evening

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In April, the Barnard community came together at Cipriani on 42nd Street in Manhattan for the College’s Annual Gala. Co-chaired by Barnard trustees Amy Crate ’94, P’24, P’27, and Caroline Bliss Spencer ’09, this year’s sold-out event celebrated the College’s commitment to wellness, honoring two remarkable women — Helene D. Gayle ’76, M.D., MPH, and Francine A. LeFrak — and raised $3.4 million for financial aid at Barnard. 

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Barnard’s Annual Gala — a tradition spanning more than three decades — raises critical funds each year that are dedicated to supporting need-blind admissions at the College. This year’s Gala recognized the profound impact both honorees have had on holistic wellness for women especially.

Helene Gayle, who received her award from Barnard trustee and acclaimed talent attorney Nina Shaw ’76, is the current president of Spelman College. She was honored for her distinguished career in public health and her groundbreaking leadership that has paved the way for a new generation of young female scholars. Dr. Gayle thanked Barnard “for giving [her] the determination and courage to try to be a changemaker throughout [her] career.”

Barnard trustee Francine LeFrak was presented with her award by Barnard alumna and award-winning documentary film producer Sheila Nevins ’60. LeFrak is a dedicated social entrepreneur, women’s rights advocate, and philanthropist who was honored for her first-of-its-kind approach to wellness at Barnard, focusing on three pillars of wellness: physical, mental, and financial. “When women have the courage to take control of their finances, their mental and physical health improves, ensuring a chance for independence,” said LeFrak.

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Later this year, Barnard will open the Francine LeFrak Foundation Center for Well-Being. This state-of-the-art facility will provide holistic support to students and the community. 

President Laura Rosenbury spoke to attendees about Barnard’s unique position as a leader in campus wellness and what it means more broadly to supporting women. “Wellness isn’t just physical or mental but also financial,” she said. “We want Barnard to be a place where the most exceptional students in the world can come to learn and grow into changemakers, regardless of their ability to pay.”

President Rosenbury shared that the College has received a $10 million challenge grant from Diana T. Vagelos ’55 and P. Roy Vagelos, M.D., P&S ’54. All funds raised at the Gala scholarship auction would be matched dollar for dollar — giving participants twice the impact.

“As former scholarship recipients themselves, Diana and Roy Vagelos understand the challenge of achieving educational goals without adequate financial means,” said President Rosenbury. 

The Vagelos gift inspired enthusiastic support from the room that evening, with a lead gift from Ina and Howard Drew P’13. A total of $1.9 million was raised during the auction, which was led by Lydia Fenet, acclaimed author and auctioneer. 

“Barnard is setting the standard for educating the whole woman,” said Spencer, one of the co-chairs. “Together, we will continue to ensure that financial constraints never hinder any deserving young woman from receiving a Barnard education.”

Photos by Madison Voelkel / BFA Photography