The Parents Council

Supporting Barnard Parents Annual Giving

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

2012-2013 Parents Council Leadership

Parents Council Chairs: Carolyn and Joe Ferrara, P ’12 & '15
Class of 2013 Parent Chairs: Sheryl and Jonathan Layne
Class of 2014 Parent Chairs: Robin Scheman and Samuel Litvin
Class of 2015 Parent Chairs: Susan and Michael Baum
Class of 2016 Parent Chairs: Quay and Frank Watkins
International Parent Chair: Nenet Sarmiento-Schmid, P ’15

The Council

Parent members, volunteers with a deep commitment to Barnard, forge relationships with fellow parents.  They promote and encourage involvement with the College and solicit unrestricted gifts for Barnard. 

Council Membership

Current and past parents serve on the Council. Membership entails an annual gift to Barnard - at least $2,500 a year for a Sustaining membership or at least $5,000 a year at the Pacesetter level.  

Responsibilities  

Members meet together each year on the Friday morning preceding Family Weekend. The meeting provides an opportunity for parents to meet each other, 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. Each parent’s conversation with another parent provides a vital connection to the Barnard community, as well as an understanding of how parents' giving enhances education and student life at the College.

Additional 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 ideas and expertise in support of programs and new initiatives.