Parents Fund Council

Supporting the Barnard Parents Fund

The Parents Fund Council supports Barnard’s goal of providing the highest quality liberal arts education to promising and high-achieving young women by raising annual, unrestricted funds and building an active and engaged community of parents.

2010-2011 Parents Fund Council Leadership

Parents Fund Council Chairs: Carolyn and Joe Ferrara, P ’12
Class of 2011 Parent Chairs: Jill Scheuer ’76 and Keith Pattiz
Class of 2012 Parent Chairs: Jaishree and Krishnaiyer Subramani
Class of 2013 Parent Chairs: Sheryl and Jonathan Layne
Class of 2014 Parent Chairs: Nancy McGregor Manne ’80 and Neal Manne
California Parent Liaisons: Jane and Tom McLaughlin, P ’12

The Council

Parent members, each of whom believes deeply in Barnard, develop relationships with fellow parents to encourage involvement with the College and to solicit unrestricted gifts for the Barnard Parents Fund. 

Council Membership

Current and past parents serve on the Council. Membership entails an annual gift of at least $2,500 a year for a Sustaining membership or at least $5,000 a year at the Pacesetter level. Membership will be recognized in Barnard’s annual honor roll of donors (parents may activate an account on the Alumnae Network to view). Additionally, a list of donors who made gifts of $1,000 or more is included in the fall issue of Barnard Magazine. 

Responsibilities  

Members meet together each year on Friday morning preceding Family Weekend. The meeting provides an opportunity for parents to meet one another, and to hear news about and gain insights into Barnard from senior administrators and faculty. Parents also participate in training. 

Council members promote giving to Barnard through parent-to-parent calling beginning in late October. Each parent’s conversation with a fellow parent provides a vital connection to the Barnard community as well as an understanding of the importance of The Parents Fund in enhancing education and student life at Barnard.

Parent Volunteer Opportunities

Parents have a long tradition of volunteering for Barnard, especially in the regions in which they live. Parents may further support the Council’s mission by:

• Supporting the Office of Career Development by providing internships and assisting with career networking.  
• Acting as a U.S. regional or international contact for other parents and families; parents everywhere have hosted College gatherings in their homes or offices.
• Attending College-sponsored events of all types, on and off campus.
• Providing expertise to support communications, programs, and new initiatives.