Barnard’s Annual Gala at the historic Plaza Hotel in May raised $5.6 million toward the College’s financial aid program and faculty support. An evening highlight was the special acknowledgement of Joan Rivers ’54; her daughter, Melissa Rivers, accepted the inaugural Joan Rivers ’54 Trailblazer Award on her mother’s behalf. Lida Orzeck ’68, founder and CEO of lingerie company Hanky Panky, was honored for her accomplishments and generous support of the College. She recently made a $2.5 million gift to endow the Lida A. Orzeck Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Fund. Philanthropist John J. Studzinski CBE, vice chairman of investor relations and business development, The Blackstone Group, was also honored for his generous support of young people in the arts. After the dinner and a Scholarship Auction conducted by producer and director Shawn Levy, Gala Nights, an after-party for socially engaged young alumnae, began at 9 PM.
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