On April 24, 2023, alumnae, students, family, and friends gathered for one of Barnard’s most cherished occasions, the College’s Annual Gala. The sold-out event took place virtually and in person at 583 Park Avenue in Manhattan.
Co-chaired by Barnard Trustees Amy Crate ’94, P’24, P’27, and Caroline Bliss Spencer ’09, the Gala raised $2.8 million for financial aid at Barnard — which nearly half of the student body receives. Proceeds from the Annual Gala support the College’s commitment to need-blind admissions — enabling young women to access an unparalleled education regardless of their financial means.
This year’s Annual Gala was a celebration of family, honoring three Barnard families who are inspiring examples of multigenerational commitment to the College:
- Early childhood development specialist Serena Levy ’91, P’21, and critically acclaimed director/producer Shawn Levy P’21, received their award from their daughter Sophie, who is a member of the Class of 2021.
- Teresa and Jone Chen P’17, P’20, are the managing director and founder, respectively, of Eva Care Group, a global, private enterprise with operations in healthcare, real estate, logistics, private equity, and banking. Their three daughters — Jasmine ’17, Justine ’20, and Jocelyn — presented their award.
- Barnard Trustee Maryam Banikarim ’89, P’21, and Andrew Lerner P’21 are the co-founders of the nonprofit organization NYCNext. Their daughter, Barnard alumna Natasha Lerner ’21, presented their award.
“Tonight, we honor three families who exemplify what it means to be a part of the Barnard community,” Crate said. “These Barnard families have inspired multigenerational devotion to the College.”
Spencer added, “We’re thrilled that this year’s Gala gives us the opportunity to celebrate the Barnard family and welcome so many new incredible people into our community.”
Expressing gratitude for their generosity, actress Blake Lively told the audience, “I thank you all for being changemakers. As a mama, I see you and I appreciate all that you do and the example that you are leading with. Your impact is multidimensional. … Without the funds raised at the Gala, a Barnard education would be out of reach for so many students, so your generosity is hugely impactful and hugely appreciated.”
Barnard Gala Honorees
President Sian Leah Beilock, who will leave her position at Barnard in June to become the first woman president of Dartmouth, said, “Tonight, we reflect on the strength of our Barnard family. … The bonds between our students, our faculty and staff, our parents, alums, and friends are unbreakable.”
President-elect Laura Rosenbury spoke to the 700 attendees about her excitement to join a community that is dedicated to preparing future women leaders. She acknowledged “how incredible it is” that the community gathers annually to support financial aid for Barnard students. “My education would not have been possible without donors like you, so this night means so much to me in so many ways and underscores how truly special Barnard is,” she said.
Along with the awards presentation, attendees participated in a live scholarship auction — led by global thought leader, acclaimed author, and champion for women’s empowerment Lydia Fenet — that raised nearly $800,000 for financial aid.
Cheryl Glicker Milstein ’82, P’14, Chair of the Barnard Board of Trustees, helped to close out the Gala by emphasizing the College’s mission to provide a life-changing education to all deserving young leaders and commending President Beilock for her service to the College. “Sian, you have thrown yourself into this community. You have left an unforgettable mark on this campus and everyone you touched,” said Glicker Milstein, before presenting a tribute video about President Beilock.
See below for the virtual Gala, including special remarks by Blake Lively and video tributes to the recipients:
Barnard Virtual Annual Gala 2023 from Richard LaRochelle on Vimeo.
Photography, below, by Samuel Stuart Hollenshead Photography, Brooke Slezak Photography, and Madison Voelkel from BFA Photography.
