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.
Bard Gala
A Night to Celebrate Bard’s History as We Look to the Future
Please join us for this highly anticipated celebration of Bard and all that has been accomplished over the last 50 years. This singular night will bring together members of the Bard community from across the country and the globe to raise a glass and raise support for the future of this bold college. The beautiful and elegant Cipriani South Street is the setting for an inspiring evening of performances, tributes, and speakers.
This is truly a one-time only event. Let’s make it one to remember. For tickets, click here.
Please join us for this highly anticipated celebration of Bard and all that has been accomplished over the last 50 years. This singular night will bring together members of the Bard community from across the country and the globe to raise a glass and raise support for the future of this bold college. The beautiful and elegant Cipriani South Street is the setting for an inspiring evening of performances, tributes, and speakers.
This is truly a one-time only event. Let’s make it one to remember. For tickets, click here.
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
Bard Alumna Cecilia Alemani MA-CCS ’05 Announced as Curator for Max Mara Art Prize for Women
The prize, founded in 2005, supports women artists at pivotal points in their careers.
Bard Alumna Cecilia Alemani MA-CCS ’05 Announced as Curator for Max Mara Art Prize for Women
Cecilia Alemani MA-CCS ’05.
Post Date: 02-12-2026
Henry Mielarczyk ’25 Published in the Public Service Review
Mielarczyk was recently elected to the New Jersey Democratic State Committee and works with the New York State Assembly.
Henry Mielarczyk ’25 Published in the Public Service Review
Henry Mielarczyk ’25
Mielarczyk was recently elected to the New Jersey Democratic State Committee as its youngest member. He currently works with the New York State Assembly as a graduate scholar, and is a student in the Levy Master of Science program. Last summer, he joined the Stennis Program for Congressional Interns.
Post Date: 02-03-2026
Bard College Completes Its Landmark Endowment Challenge
"This outpouring of support endorses Bard’s excellence and innovation and bodes well for the future of the College,” said Bard College President Leon Botstein.
Bard College Completes Its Landmark Endowment Challenge
Bard College. Photo by Peter Aaron ’68
The challenge invited Bard to match a $500 million commitment from Open Society by raising an additional $500 million from other donors, securing a $1 billion endowment to support the college’s undergraduate and graduate programs, faculty, student scholarships, the arts, and international engagement. Bard’s success marks a significant moment for an institution long recognized for its commitment to educational access, academic rigor, and public service. It also reflects Open Society’s historical support for higher education and the role of critical thinking in public life.
At a time when American democracy is under strain and colleges and universities face growing political and financial pressure, Bard’s endowment underscores the importance of investing in independent higher education as a cornerstone of democratic life.
“Higher education is essential to the future of American democracy,” said Alex Soros, chair of the Open Society Foundations. “Bard will continue to be a place where critical thinking flourishes and students learn why the liberal arts are more important to freedom and the rule of law than ever in today’s embattled moment.”
Located in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, Bard College has played a leading role in advancing liberal arts and sciences education and expanding access to higher education. Its programs include the Bard Prison Initiative, which provides college education to incarcerated students; Bard Early Colleges, which enable public high school students to earn college degrees tuition free in supportive environments; and a wide range of international partnerships focused on expanding educational opportunity for underserved communities.
“Bard is profoundly grateful to George Soros, Alex Soros, and the Open Society Foundations,” said Leon Botstein, president of Bard College. “The response of our donor community, which has given and pledged over $500 million to meet the OSF challenge, affirms George Soros’s belief in Bard and its mission. This outpouring of support endorses Bard’s excellence and innovation and bodes well for the future of the College.”
Post Date: 01-21-2026