Our online network is designed to connect current Bard parents, grandparents, and guardians. Annandale Insider, a monthly e-newsletter containing the latest campus news, notifications of family events, and volunteer/mentorship opportunities, keeps our families informed about student life in Annandale.
Annual Events
Family Leadership Council
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.
Visiting Us
Bard College campus grounds in Annandale are open to the community. Visitors who are vaccinated and boosted are welcome in campus facilities (except residence halls and the gym, which remain off limits to visitors) with advance approval from the Response Team.
Donna Ford Grover, visiting associate professor of literature and American studies. Photo by Chris Kayden
Faculty in the News
Bard’s extraordinary faculty are dedicated to the philosophy of teaching. Today and throughout Bard’s history, members of the faculty have effected change in medicine, the arts and letters, international affairs, journalism, scientific research, and education, among other endeavors.
Academic Calendar
The Bard Academic Calendar is an important resource for use throughout the year.
Stay in Touch
Keep your records up to date. If you have updates or changes to your contact information, please email [email protected].
The Family Programs Office sends out a monthly e-newsletter, Annandale Insider, as well as important messages from the College and news on networking events, student and faculty achievements, and more.
The Family Programs Office sends out a monthly e-newsletter, Annandale Insider, as well as important messages from the College and news on networking events, student and faculty achievements, and more.
News and Events
Sonita Alizadeh ’23 Named 2025 Cannes LionHeart
The honor is awarded to a recipient who harnesses their position to make a positive difference to the world.
Sonita Alizadeh ’23 Named 2025 Cannes LionHeart
Born under Taliban rule, Alizadeh faced the threat of child marriage twice, at ages 10 and 16, before finding her voice through music. She has since performed on global stages and collaborated with artists and organisations that share her mission, and has addressed world leaders and worked with NGOs such as the UN, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International to push for change. “Being awarded the Cannes LionHeart is more than an honor—it’s a powerful affirmation that using my voice to fight for girls' rights and freedom matters,” said Alizadeh. “This award reflects the journey from silence to sound, from being sold to standing on the world stage. It reminds me that no dream is too wild when it’s rooted in truth, courage, and purpose.”
Post Date: 05-06-2025
Kelly Reichardt’s Film The Mastermind Will Premiere at Cannes
The Mastermind follows an art thief in 1970s Massachusetts who plans his first heist.
Kelly Reichardt’s Film The Mastermind Will Premiere at Cannes
Kelly Reichardt, S. William Senfeld Artist in Residence at Bard College
Reichardt has taught in the Film and Electronic Arts program at Bard since 2006. Her last film, Showing Up, also premiered at Cannes and was named one of the top ten indie films of 2023 by the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures.
Post Date: 05-06-2025
Bard College Celebrates Student Achievements at Undergraduate Awards Ceremony
The annual ceremony is a celebration of the incredible talent and dedication showcased by Bard students, as well as the unwavering support and guidance from esteemed faculty and staff at the College.
Bard College Celebrates Student Achievements at Undergraduate Awards Ceremony
Sierra Ford ’26 receives the inaugural Betsaida Alcantara ’05 Pioneers for Progress Award. Photo by Joseph Nartey ’26
The event featured remarks and award presentations from key figures, including President of the College Leon Botstein, Dean of the College Deirdre d'Albertis, Dean of Studies and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs David Shein, and Bard Alumna Cara Parks ’05. A special highlight of the evening was the announcement of a newly established award in memory of a beloved Bardian, Betsaida Alcantara ’05, by the Class of 2005, family, friends, and loved ones who knew her. The inaugural Betsaida Alcantara ’05 Pioneers for Progress Award, 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 was given to Sierra Ford ’26 who has demonstrated strong leadership skills, a commitment to public service, and support for open societies.
The presentation of awards was a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and commitment demonstrated by Bard students. It was a testament to their hard work and perseverance, which defines the spirit of Bard College and serves as an inspiration to us all.
Many of the undergraduate awards are made possible by generous contributions from Bard donors. Thank you to all our supporters for believing in the value of a college education, and for investing in the future of Bard students.
Post Date: 04-30-2025