Bard is excited to shine a spotlight on some of its wonderful donors. Read their stories and learn about their love of Bard and why they feel inspired to give. Every gift enables Bard to build on its status as a college of excellence driven by a love of learning, supported by the generosity of its Board of Trustees, alumni/ae, families, faculty, friends, foundations and staff.
Family Leadership Council Cochairs
Family Leadership Council (FLC) members play a leadership role in the Bard community through various activities. FLC members develop and participate in on-campus and regional recruiting and mentoring events, promote and provide student career opportunities, and participate in peer-to-peer fundraising. Thank you to the former Family Leadership Council Members, especially Jane and Richard Leider, for their continued hospitality and for their leadership over the past few years as co-chairs.
A special thank you to Family Leadership Council Co-Chairs, Janice and Rob Mielarczyk. Learn more about the Family Leadership Council by visiting families.bard.edu/council/.
A special thank you to Family Leadership Council Co-Chairs, Janice and Rob Mielarczyk. Learn more about the Family Leadership Council by visiting families.bard.edu/council/.
Donor Highlight
William Sherman '68
The Impact of William Sherman '68 on Bard and Beyond
William Sherman, a distinguished alumnus of Bard College, exemplifies the profound impact one individual can have on both students and the surrounding community.
Since 1993, Sherman has been a generous supporter of student scholarships, and his commitment deepened in 2001 when he established the Murray G. and Beatrice H. Sherman Scholarship. This scholarship has not only provided financial support to students but has also created a ripple effect, enhancing opportunities and transforming lives well beyond the classroom.
A Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and a renowned television correspondent and producer, Sherman has made significant contributions to the field of journalism. He received the Pulitzer Prize for his groundbreaking work that uncovered the severe abuse within the New York Medicaid program, showcasing a dedication to unveiling truths that matter. His exceptional writing has reached a diverse array of publications, from Sports Illustrated to Vogue, earning him every major accolade in print journalism.
In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, Sherman has been honored with multiple prestigious awards, including a National Emmy and a Peabody Award for his transformative documentary, Islam in Turmoil. This extensive project required an impressive nine months of research, reflecting Sherman’s commitment to thorough and thoughtful journalism.
As a proud graduate of Bard College, Sherman went on to enhance his education with a Master’s in Journalism from Boston University. His legacy at Bard extends beyond his impressive professional accomplishments and the fact that his daughter followed in his footsteps, graduating in 2016. It is also defined by his unwavering generosity and commitment to supporting future generations of students, ensuring they have the resources necessary to thrive.
William Sherman’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of giving and the lasting impact one individual can have on their community. Through the Murray G. and Beatrice H. Sherman Scholarship, he continues to uplift and empower students, fostering a brighter future for all.
Since 1993, Sherman has been a generous supporter of student scholarships, and his commitment deepened in 2001 when he established the Murray G. and Beatrice H. Sherman Scholarship. This scholarship has not only provided financial support to students but has also created a ripple effect, enhancing opportunities and transforming lives well beyond the classroom.
A Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and a renowned television correspondent and producer, Sherman has made significant contributions to the field of journalism. He received the Pulitzer Prize for his groundbreaking work that uncovered the severe abuse within the New York Medicaid program, showcasing a dedication to unveiling truths that matter. His exceptional writing has reached a diverse array of publications, from Sports Illustrated to Vogue, earning him every major accolade in print journalism.
In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, Sherman has been honored with multiple prestigious awards, including a National Emmy and a Peabody Award for his transformative documentary, Islam in Turmoil. This extensive project required an impressive nine months of research, reflecting Sherman’s commitment to thorough and thoughtful journalism.
As a proud graduate of Bard College, Sherman went on to enhance his education with a Master’s in Journalism from Boston University. His legacy at Bard extends beyond his impressive professional accomplishments and the fact that his daughter followed in his footsteps, graduating in 2016. It is also defined by his unwavering generosity and commitment to supporting future generations of students, ensuring they have the resources necessary to thrive.
William Sherman’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of giving and the lasting impact one individual can have on their community. Through the Murray G. and Beatrice H. Sherman Scholarship, he continues to uplift and empower students, fostering a brighter future for all.
The Margaret and John Bard Society
recognizes and thanks those alumni/ae and friends who have included the College in their estate plans. Learn more about planned giving by visiting giving.bard.edu/planned.
#bardianandproud
Contributions have a direct impact on Bard, expanding opportunities for education, fostering innovation, and supporting the next generation of leaders. We are genuinely grateful for the unwavering support and commitment to our mission shown by Bard donors.
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Inspired to GiveBryan Gutiérrez Shelton ’98Bryan Gutiérrez Shelton ’98 felt inspired to donate to Bard following an event he attended in Los Angeles. “I have been a bit despondent over the state of things. Hearing Leon talk about the larger Bard project, the Bard High School Early Colleges, the schools in Palestine and Israel, the refugee students, and the Bard Prison Initiative, it all gave me some hope.”Inspired to Give
Bryan Gutiérrez Shelton ’98 felt inspired to donate to Bard following an event he attended in Los Angeles. “I have been a bit despondent over the state of things. Hearing Leon talk about the larger Bard project, the Bard High School Early Colleges, the schools in Palestine and Israel, the refugee students, and the Bard Prison Initiative, it all gave me some hope.”
Bryan Gutiérrez Shelton is a producer, director, and editor with diverse credits across television, advertising, and corporate communications. Recent projects include mission-driven, national programs with organizations such as Global Citizen, Stand Up to Cancer, the Biden Inaugural Committee, and the DNC on networks including ABC, CBS, Max, and NBC.
During the 2020 election, Bryan post produced and edited two pieces for the Democratic National Convention working with the agency, SS+K, and director, Glenn Clements. Built on interviews with Joe Biden’s primary opponents, the two pieces were praised across the political spectrum. He also produced and directed segments of Every Vote Counts: A Celebration of Democracy for CBS and Global Citizen, a special designed to increase youth voter turnout.
Bryan has worked as a producer and editor with agencies including BBDO, Deutsch, DDB, McCann Erickson, and TBWA/Chiat/Day and for brands such as Comcast, Conoco, Efteling, Fox, Intel, Macy’s, Pampers, and Walmart. Because of his experience building video systems and VFX workflows, he was hired by JWT as a consultant for the restructuring of their inhouse post department.
Bryan began as an editor in children’s television and spent most of his early career as a comedy editor and post producer on series and specials including Comedy Central’s Important Things with Demetri Martin and Jeff Ross Roasts the Border: Live from Brownsville, Texas.
Bryan is currently developing multiple projects for unir, a new company he founded with Ben Tiernan. unir’s mission is to connect creators with causes. unir’s first project was Ground Game: Georgia, a 10 episode podcast miniseries examining just how grassroots activists led the way in turning Georgia from red to purple. -
Meeting the MatchMark Feinsod ’94“I donated to the Alumni/ae Reunion Challenge because
a college is only as strong as its student body and alumni/ae, and as someone who benefited tremendously from my time at Bard, I can say with confidence that it changed the course of my life for the better. Bard alumni/ae share a unique experience, and I’m happy to give back so others can benefit." -
Inspiring OthersNikkya Hargrove ’05Thank you to Nikkya Hargrove ’05, member of the Bard College Alumni/ae Association Board of Governors and Diversity Committee Chair, for being our guest speaker at this year's annual First-Gen Senior Reception celebration. Read a quote from her speech and more about her below.Inspiring Others
Thank you to Nikkya Hargrove ’05, member of the Bard College Alumni/ae Association Board of Governors and Diversity Committee Chair, for being our guest speaker at this year's annual First-Gen Senior Reception celebration. Read a quote from her speech and more about her below.
From her address to the students:
“…I know that my experience at Bard was not like yours, and that your experience at Bard is different from the person sitting next to you. But—you do not need to leave campus forever… you can always come back, like I have. You could support the College as part of the Alumni/ae Association Board of Governors and help the voices of current and future students be heard, or just stay in touch and attend events. Bard is always here for you…”
Nikkya is the author of the forthcoming memoir, Mama: A Queer Black Woman’s Story of a Family Lost and Found, set for October 15, 2024 publication. Nikkya has also contributed to Good Mom on Paper: Writers on Creativity and Motherhood, a collection of essays that explore the fraught, beautiful, and complicated relationship between motherhood and creativity. Nikkya is a contributing writer to Confident Parents, Confident Kids. Nikkya has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Shondaland, Elle, Parents, and others. Nikkya Hargrove is a graduate of Bard College and currently serves as a member of the school's Board of Governors and chair of the alumni/ae Diversity Committee. Nikkya is a LAMBDA Literary Nonfiction Fellow and has written about adoption, marriage, LGBTQIA+ issues, motherhood, and the prison system.
Why Give to Bard?
Bard donors' commitment and generosity to the College are truly inspiring and serve as a testament to the positive impact they are contributing to the lives of Bard students. Here are a few testimonials from donors who support the College and why they choose to give.
Join these donors and consider donating to Bard today!
Join these donors and consider donating to Bard today!
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Charles Geer Austin '73Alumnus Endowment Donor
"I donate to Bard College because I believe the future of the United States depends upon the survival of institutions like Bard."Charles Geer Austin '73
Alumnus Endowment Donor
"I donate to Bard College because I believe the future of the United States depends upon the survival of institutions like Bard."
https://giving.bard.edu/endowment/ -
Thomas and Teresa CookeParents of Current Student
“We are grateful for the culture of Bard Athletics.”
Thomas and Teresa Cooke
Parents of Current Student
“We are grateful for the culture of Bard Athletics.”
https://bardian.bard.edu/register/bcf -
Nicole Katz '02Alumni/ae Board of Governor MemberIt’s hard to believe it’s been 23 years since I graduated from Bard—I still feel the impact of that experience every day. Our work on the board is inspired by Bard’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of who college is for—and why a society full of critical thinkers has never been more essential. Bard continues to stand for expanding access and bringing true equity to education—something definitely worth cheering and supporting!
Nicole Katz '02
It’s hard to believe it’s been 23 years since I graduated from Bard—I still feel the impact of that experience every day. Our work on the board is inspired by Bard’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of who college is for—and why a society full of critical thinkers has never been more essential. Bard continues to stand for expanding access and bringing true equity to education—something definitely worth cheering and supporting!
https://bardian.bard.edu/register/bcf -
Marta Dospiva LeganParent of Current Student | Family Leadership Council Member
"During his three years with the Bard Conservatory of Music, I have seen my son Stanley thrive in an environment that motivates him to practice and perform at the highest level. He has grown intellectually, pursuing a double major in music and history that encourages advanced ways of thinking while interacting with peers and forming many great friendships!"
Marta Dospiva Legan
Parent of Current Student | Family Leadership Council Member
"During his three years with the Bard Conservatory of Music, I have seen my son Stanley thrive in an environment that motivates him to practice and perform at the highest level. He has grown intellectually, pursuing a double major in music and history that encourages advanced ways of thinking while interacting with peers and forming many great friendships!"
Members of the Family Leadership Council (FLC) play a leadership role in the Bard community through a range of activities. FLC members develop and participate in on-campus and regional recruiting and mentoring events, promote and provide career opportunities for students, and participate in peer-to-peer fundraising. Parents on the FLC play a role in the success of the Bard College Fund through annual gifts. The Family Leadership Council meets twice each year: once during Family Weekend in the fall and once in the spring. These meetings are open so all Bard families are welcome to attend.
Interested in Joining the Council, Attending a Meeting or Have Questions?
Contact Mackie Siebens '12, Assistant Director of Development for Family Programs, at [email protected] or 845-758-7316. -
José Ortega and Margarita VelasquezParents of Pablo Ortega '27 | Family Leadership Council Members
"We are amazingly pleased with our son's growing experience at Bard College as a student, athlete, and social being. He is developing his liberal arts studies in an inspiring and challenging environment. As a Bard Men’s Soccer player, his physical education, game skills, and sportsmanship are evolving into a well-rounded student-athlete."José Ortega and Margarita Velasquez
Parents of Pablo Ortega '27 | Family Leadership Council Members
"We are amazingly pleased with our son's growing experience at Bard College as a student, athlete, and social being. He is developing his liberal arts studies in an inspiring and challenging environment. As a Bard Men’s Soccer player, his physical education, game skills, and sportsmanship are evolving into a well-rounded student-athlete."
"He is building life-lasting friendships framed with a strong sense of community. The support of Bard staff is exceptional, with a clear commitment to student, sports, and social success."
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Max Toth ’22Alumni/ae Monthly Donor
“I support Bard as a way of giving back for the wonderful experience I had during my four years as a student. As someone whose education was funded almost entirely by philanthropy, I’m proud to make a monthly gift to support student scholarships and financial aid.”
Max Toth ’22
Alumni/ae Monthly Donor
“I support Bard as a way of giving back for the wonderful experience I had during my four years as a student. As someone whose education was funded almost entirely by philanthropy, I’m proud to make a monthly gift to support student scholarships and financial aid.”
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Dorothy VinskiParent of Marina Holmes '25 | Family Leadership Council Member
"Bard has been one of the best things that has happened for Marina. As a native of California, Bard was a great change and growth opportunity for her. I am grateful for Bard's excellent professors, programs, diverse community, and student services on campus, which all contributed to Marina’s positive experience at Bard over the past three and a half years."Dorothy Vinski
Parent of Marina Holmes '25 | Family Leadership Council Member
"Bard has been one of the best things that has happened for Marina. As a native of California, Bard was a great change and growth opportunity for her. I am grateful for Bard's excellent professors, programs, diverse community, and student services on campus, which all contributed to Marina’s positive experience at Bard over the past three and a half years."
Just by way of example, as part of a student-led team, Marina received a competitive grant award to create a social justice documentary. She plans to graduate with degrees in Art History and Human Rights in May 2025.
Members of the Family Leadership Council (FLC) play a leadership role in the Bard community through a range of activities. FLC members develop and participate in on-campus and regional recruiting and mentoring events, promote and provide career opportunities for students, and participate in peer-to-peer fundraising. Parents on the FLC play a role in the success of the Bard College Fund through annual gifts. The Family Leadership Council meets twice each year: once during Family Weekend in the fall and once in the spring. These meetings are open so all Bard families are welcome to attend.
Interested in Joining the Council, Attending a Meeting or Have Questions?
Contact Mackie Siebens '12, Assistant Director of Development for Family Programs, at [email protected] or 845-758-7316. -
Tyler Williams ’19Alumni/ae Planned Giving Donor
“I give to Bard because it is an institution that changes lives; for me the Bard Early Colleges (BEC) changed my life forever. I know that students and alumni/ae from every Bard program, whether it be the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI), the Clemente Course, or The Orchestra Now (TŌN), have felt the meaningful impact that Bard makes.”
Tyler Williams ’19
Alumni/ae Planned Giving Donor
“I give to Bard because it is an institution that changes lives; for me the Bard Early Colleges (BEC) changed my life forever. I know that students and alumni/ae from every Bard program, whether it be the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI), the Clemente Course, or The Orchestra Now (TŌN), have felt the meaningful impact that Bard makes.”
The Margaret and John Bard Society
recognizes and thanks those alumni/ae and friends who have included the College in their estate plans.
Consider Joining Today
Making a planned gift is a powerful way to strengthen Bard’s future. By including Bard in your estate plans, you become a member of the Margaret and John Bard Society and have the satisfaction of knowing that you are providing for the next generations of Bardians.
For Further Information, Please Contact
Debra Pemstein, Vice President for Development and Alumni/ae Affairs
845-758-7405 | [email protected]
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!