Since Barnard launched The Bold Standard: A Campaign for Barnard in 2016, the largest and most ambitious fundraising endeavor of the College’s history, the community and campus have grown in many ways: We’ve strengthened our endowment, bolstered our scholarship and financial aid resources; constructed and opened The Cheryl and Philip Milstein Center for Teaching and Learning; and welcomed a dynamic new president Sian Leah Beilock.
“Our young women are strong and fearless, and on their way to becoming visionaries and trailblazers,” Beilock said. “What better time to reach new heights?”
A continuation of 2016’s campaign, The Bold Standard: Raising the Bar focuses on four areas of support for the College’s future:
- Social Mobility: Ability is more widespread than opportunity. The College is committed to educating women from diverse backgrounds and supporting them through their time at Barnard with scholarships, the new First-Generation/Low-Income Program, and more.
- Health and Wellness: To take a more proactive, holistic approach to promoting student health and wellness, the College will bolster support programs, centers, and services with the help of an expanding staff, in addition to our dedicated Well-Being Center.
- Beyond Barnard: Beyond Barnard is an indispensable component that helps to empower women with the knowledge and experience needed to change the world, by guiding students and alumnae as they prepare for and pursue careers, experiential education, fellowships and research, and graduate and professional school.
- STEM as a Critical Part of the Liberal Arts: Barnard’s reputation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is growing to match its eminence in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. To address student demand, Barnard will continue to enhance STEM programs and facilities and provide pathways for students pursuing advanced degrees and careers in STEM-related fields, creating curricular innovation that connects the arts and sciences.
Alumnae Participation
Another central goal of Raising the Bar is to increase alumnae giving participation, which currently stands at 21 percent. Barnard’s goal is to increase participation to match alumnae gratitude for the College. According to data from U.S. News and World Report, Barnard is currently ranked 24th in participation among the top 25 ranked national liberal arts colleges. The colleges at the top of the list are at 55 percent.
“We have a lot to be proud of at Barnard, and a lot of exciting work ahead,” said President Beilock. “A central goal of Raising the Bar is to increase alumnae giving participation to match the pride and passion I hear alumnae express when they talk about Barnard.”
“Alumnae are the College’s greatest ambassadors. It all starts with you. Together, we can Raise the Bar,” President Beilock said.
