Donors Make Degrees Happen | Impacting Bard in Every Way
Thanks to the generosity of alumni/ae, families, friends, and foundations, Bard is able to sustain and further enrich the programming that makes it truly unique. Through philanthropic support, Bard is able to pursue ambitious projects and provide scholarships to students who might otherwise be unable to afford a college education. Contributions have the power to transform lives, drive innovation, and foster a community where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Making It Possible
The Bard College Annual Fund allows Bard to respond to immediate needs and opportunities, ensuring that it can provide its students with the best possible resources and support. Endowment gifts secure the long-term stability of the College, allowing Bard to plan for the future and continue offering transformational educational experiences. Capital gifts support critical projects that improve Bard's facilities and capabilities.
Highlight
Betsaida Alcantara ’05 Pioneers of Progress Award
Awarded in memory of Betsaida Alcantara ’05 (1983–2022) who exemplified the best of Bard’s hope to inspire people to be passionate agents of change, pioneers for progress and advocates for justice for those most in need. Given to a junior who has demonstrated strong leadership skills, a commitment to public service, and support for open societies.
Donate to the Betsaida Alcantara ’05 Pioneers of Progress Award
Donate to the Betsaida Alcantara ’05 Pioneers of Progress Award
Roosevelt Montás has been appointed as the first John and Margaret Bard Professor in Liberal Education and Civic Life at Bard College. Photo by Inbal Sivan
Bard College Appoints Roosevelt Montás to its Faculty as the John and Margaret Bard Professor in Liberal Education and Civic Life
Bard College is pleased to announce that Roosevelt Montás has been appointed as the John and Margaret Bard Professor in Liberal Education and Civic Life at Bard College, a newly created faculty chair. Beginning in the 2025–26 academic year, Montás will serve with tenure in the Division of Languages and Literature. At Bard, Montás will teach in the undergraduate college and lead research for the advancement of liberal education.
This newly endowed faculty chair was made possible through the generosity of the Chang Chavkin Charitable Foundation.
This newly endowed faculty chair was made possible through the generosity of the Chang Chavkin Charitable Foundation.
Annual Support
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Joan Schaffer ’75Joan Schaffer ’75 Scholarship
A scholarship established through the generosity of a Bard College alumna in recognition of her 50th class reunion, and awarded annually to a deserving student first in their family to attend college.Joan Schaffer ’75
Joan Schaffer ’75 Scholarship
A scholarship established through the generosity of a Bard College alumna in recognition of her 50th class reunion, and awarded annually to a deserving student first in their family to attend college.
Following a long career as a technology executive, Ms. Schaffer turned her energies and talent to improving her community, consulting for a variety of nonprofits and supporting the grant-making function of the Montgomery County Council. She currently serves on the Boards of the Montgomery County Food Council, the Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy, and the Imagination Library of Montgomery County. Bard is grateful for her annual support. -
Hudson Valley Chamber Music CircleMargaret Creal Shafer Prize in Composition and Performance
Given by the Hudson Valley Chamber Music Circle to music majors who have excelled—one as a composer, the other as a performer—and demonstrated active participation in the Music Program.Hudson Valley Chamber Music Circle
Margaret Creal Shafer Prize in Composition and Performance
Given by the Hudson Valley Chamber Music Circle to music majors who have excelled—one as a composer, the other as a performer—and demonstrated active participation in the Music Program.
Hudson Valley Chamber Music Circle established these two prizes in Margaret Creal's honor and has been funding them with annual support since 1999. For more than 70 years, the Hudson Valley Chamber Music Circle has continued to provide accessible and affordable chamber music programs of the highest caliber for the Hudson Valley community. HVCMC strives to promote and support their concert performers and to educate, entertain, and expand their audiences. The Margaret Creal Shafer prizes celebrate student achievements and inspire them to continue striving for excellence in their academic and personal endeavors. Congratulations to this year’s recipients, Steven Bonacci ’25 and Mara Maki '25.
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Milton and Sally Avery Arts FoundationMilton and Sally Avery Scholarships
A scholarship awarded annually to a qualified and deserving student in the undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts.Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation
Milton and Sally Avery Scholarships
A scholarship awarded annually to a qualified and deserving student in the undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts.
Founded in 1980, the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation is committed to supporting institutions and projects in the arts and arts education. Bard is thankful for the foundation's annual support.
Endowment Support
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Andrew Y. Choung ’94The impact of the Natural Philosophy Endowed Award which was established by Andrew Choung ’94 extends far beyond the classroom; it inspires students to strive for excellence and to envision a future filled with possibilities.Andrew Y. Choung ’94
The impact of the Natural Philosophy Endowed Award which was established by Andrew Choung ’94 extends far beyond the classroom; it inspires students to strive for excellence and to envision a future filled with possibilities.
Andrew Choung is an intellectual property partner based in Nixon Peabody’s Los Angeles office, and focuses his practice on high-tech, complex patent litigation, and Patent Trial and Appeal Board proceedings such as inter partes review. He has experience practicing in both the United States and Asia and has counseled clients on cross-border matters, including multi-country patent enforcement. Andrew advises clients within various high-tech industries including telecommunications technologies, display and display materials technologies, semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, automotive and aeronautical technologies, software, internet technologies, business and financial methods, PC games, and virtual worlds and assets. In addition, he counsels clients on strategic development of licensing and monetization programs, patent portfolio development, acquisitions and licensing, and IP due diligence. Andrew received his JD from the University of California, Los Angeles. Bard and is grateful for Andrew's donations to create this endowed award. -
Dr. Toni-Michelle C. Travis ’69Toni-Michelle's endowment support plays a critical role in furthering Bard's mission of inspiring curiosity, a love of learning, idealism, and a commitment to the link between higher education and civic participation.Dr. Toni-Michelle C. Travis ’69
Toni-Michelle's endowment support plays a critical role in furthering Bard's mission of inspiring curiosity, a love of learning, idealism, and a commitment to the link between higher education and civic participation.
Toni-Michelle C. Travis is professor emerita of policy and government at George Mason University and a former fellow of Oxford University’s Rothermere American Institute. She has taught and conducted research on race and gender politics, as well as urban and Virginia politics. She is the coauthor of The Meaning of Difference, which examines American constructions of race, gender, social class, and sexual orientation.
She has served as a political analyst on Virginian and national politics on C-SPAN, CNN, Fox Morning News, BBC, and the local NBC, ABC, and CBS affiliates. The author of the Almanac of Virginia Politics, an annual review of state politics, she has been a commentator on Kojo Nnamdi’s "The Virginia Politics Hour" on WAMU radio. From 1998-2002, she hosted Capital Region Roundtable, a GMU-TV public affairs show. As a member of the American Political Science Association, she has served as president of the National Capital Area Chapter and the Women’s Caucus.
Toni-Michelle made her first gift to Bard in 1984 and Bard is extremely grateful for her support over the years.
Recent Capital Projects
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Keith Haring WingThe Center for Curatorial Studies expanded its library and archives with a new 6,000-square-foot addition. Supported by a $10 million capital project, the Keith Haring Wing is named in recognition of a lead $3 million gift from the Keith Haring Foundation. -
Performing Arts LaboratoryMaya Lin, renowned worldwide for her art, architecture, landscapes, and memorials, has designed a new Performing Arts Laboratory. It will also house rehearsal and teaching facilities for Bard’s undergraduate programs in Dance and in Theater and Performance. -
Residence HallsBard’s newest residence halls house over 400 students across four suite-style dormitory buildings, utilizing a Passive House design that benefits residents through increased comfort and the greater community through a reduced operational carbon footprint.
Donor Stories
Bard donors have been instrumental in providing its students with unparalleled educational opportunities, advancing faculty research, and enriching campus facilities. The Office of Development and Alumni/ae Affairs wants to highlight some stories of Bard's generous donors who have made a significant impact through their contributions to Bard College. Each narrative is a testament to the power of giving and how it directly supports Bard students, faculty, and programs.
Bard's Outreach and Impact in the Hudson Valley
We are proud to present the 2025 Bard in the Hudson Valley Outreach and Impact Report. This report highlights the initiatives and programs that embody Bard's commitment to creating meaningful partnerships within its local community and beyond. Through a diverse array of educational, cultural, and outreach efforts, Bard College has deepened its ties to the Hudson Valley, fostering collaboration and enriching the lives of residents. Our outreach initiatives aim not only to provide access to the arts and education but also to empower individuals and organizations to thrive.
Scholarship Support
Support for scholarships at Bard directly impacts the lives of its students. It enables them to pursue their passions, achieve their academic goals, and ultimately contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Newly Established Scholarships
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A scholarship in memory of Harvey Walden, an elegant and dynamic man who worked for NASA for over 57 years. This award was established by his wife, Randy Faerber ’73, and is given to a deserving and promising student majoring in physics who has plans to further their studies in the field. -
Robert C. Edmonds ’68 Leadership ScholarshipA scholarship established by Dr. Gail C. Grisetti, ’68, in honor of her classmate and friend, Robert C. Edmonds '68, who as a student served as chairman of the Bard Community Council and as president of the Bard Student Association, and after graduation as president of the Alumni/ae Association and as a trustee of the College, to be given to an upper college student who has similarly exemplified leadership and community service while at Bard.
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Karen G. Olah ’65 ScholarshipEstablished by the generosity of devoted Bard alumna and former president of the Bard Alumni/ae Association Board of Governors, Karen Olah ’65, and the Young People’s Leadership Foundation, the Karen G. Olah ’65 Scholarship extends financial aid to women studying economics at Bard with the ambition of pursuing a career in finance.
Karen G. Olah ’65 Scholarship
Established by the generosity of devoted Bard alumna and former president of the Bard Alumni/ae Association Board of Governors, Karen Olah ’65, and the Young People’s Leadership Foundation, the Karen G. Olah ’65 Scholarship extends financial aid to women studying economics at Bard with the ambition of pursuing a career in finance.
Bard honored Karen with the Bard Medal in 2000 for her vision and commitment to the College. Over the years, Karen has continued championing the College's tradition of independence and respect for individualism. -
Electa Quinney ScholarshipA scholarship named in honor of Electa Quinney, a Mohican educator who became the first public school teacher in Wisconsin after the forcible relocation of the Mohican community from their homelands here in New York. -
Andreas te Boekhorst ScholarshipA scholarship in honor of Andreas te Boekhorst, a Dutch diplomat, music historian, and avid pianist and cellist. Established by his son, Olivier te Boekhorst ’93, and given to a promising student double majoring in music or music performance and another program at the College. Olivier is a Biotech Executive and former member of the Bard College Alumni/ae Association Board of Governors. -
Wendy J. Weldon ’71 ScholarshipAn endowed scholarship established through the generosity of dedicated alumna Wendy J. Weldon ’71 to support a deserving student studying in the Studio Arts Program. Wendy is a professional artist with over 40 years of experience, and her work has been featured in numerous galleries nationwide, including in Indianapolis, San Francisco, New York, and Martha’s Vineyard, to name a few.
Photo by Karl Rabe
Scholarships, Awards, and Prizes
Thanks to the generosity of donors, Bard has successfully funded several scholarships, awards, and prizes that are given to outstanding students each year. These awards are designed to recognize and support the exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work of the student body. Scholarships will be provided based on various criteria, including academics, financial need, and active involvement in the Bard community, while the awards and prizes celebrate specific achievements across different disciplines.
Duncan Talks About the Senior Project
Words of Gratitude
Thank you so much for your support. Your generosity makes a real difference in my life, and I promise to use this opportunity to the fullest and to take advantage of everything available to me. Thank you for believing in students like me. —Hanna ’28
I want to express my sincere gratitude for your generous support. As a first-generation student and an athlete, your contribution means more than I can fully express. It not only lightens the financial burden of pursuing my education but also motivates me to continue striving for excellence both in the classroom and in my sport. Your belief in students like me makes a real difference. Because of your generosity, I can focus on my goals, represent my program with pride, and work toward a future that reflects the opportunities you’ve helped create. Thank you for investing in my potential and for making this journey possible. —Mahlia ’27
Thank you for your support and encouragement of students! College is an incredible place, a veritable factory of dreams, and Bard is a home for which I am extremely grateful. It feels so beautiful to have the space, opportunity, and resources to study, explore, play, grow, and work towards my aspirations. Thank you for supporting that process for us! —Chloe ’26
I want to express my sincere gratitude for your generous support. As a first-generation student and an athlete, your contribution means more than I can fully express. It not only lightens the financial burden of pursuing my education but also motivates me to continue striving for excellence both in the classroom and in my sport. Your belief in students like me makes a real difference. Because of your generosity, I can focus on my goals, represent my program with pride, and work toward a future that reflects the opportunities you’ve helped create. Thank you for investing in my potential and for making this journey possible. —Mahlia ’27
Thank you for your support and encouragement of students! College is an incredible place, a veritable factory of dreams, and Bard is a home for which I am extremely grateful. It feels so beautiful to have the space, opportunity, and resources to study, explore, play, grow, and work towards my aspirations. Thank you for supporting that process for us! —Chloe ’26
Feeling Inspired?
We welcome gifts of any kind, but encourage donations to Bard’s greatest need through the Bard College Fund. Make a donation today and email us at [email protected] to tell us why you are inspired to give!