2015 President’s Medal Dinner Raises $1.6 Million for Student Scholarships

The Marymount Manhattan College 2015 President’s Medal Dinner was held at the spectacular Guastavino’s on the Upper East Side, Thursday, April 16, 2015. The memorable evening honored Judson R. Shaver, Ph.D., President of Marymount Manhattan College, who has served the college with distinction for the past fourteen years.

The evening - which was Emceed by Greg Buttle, WCBS-TV on-air analyst and co-host of ESPN Radio’s “Jets Gameday” and “The 5th Quarter” shows - featured a live Auction hosted by John Hays from Christie’s Auction House, and an incredible musical performance presented by MMC students and graduates, as well as two very special guests – two time Tony nominee and multiple award winner, Vivian Reed, and celebrated musician and MMC guest faculty member, William Foster McDaniel.

As a testament to President Shaver’s leadership over the past 14 years, generous benefactors stepped forward to establish the President Judson R. Shaver Endowed Scholarship Fund. During the evening’s program, guests learned that the scholarship fund had already raised over 1.2 million dollars, and will continue Jud’s legacy and commitment to excellence in education in perpetuity.

A highlight of the evening was a special video tribute to President Shaver celebrating his fourteen year tenure as president of Marymount Manhattan College.

The night concluded with a special announcement from President Shaver, who revealed that in recognition of Judith & Russell Carson’s long-standing commitment and extraordinary generosity to Marymount Manhattan, the College’s Main building will be renamed “Carson Hall” in their honor this fall.

Each year, the President’s Medal Dinner raises need-based scholarship funds to help students afford the Marymount Manhattan College education they desire. Thanks to the incredible generosity of many friends and supporters, the 2015 Dinner raised $1.6 million for student scholarships.

The Gala Benefit Committee worked tirelessly to produce the event and included alumni, parents, faculty, students, staff and friends. A special thank you is extended to faculty members Pat Simon, Pat Birch and Christine Riley who coordinated the musical performance, and Alice Materasso who served as the Benefit Committee Chairperson. If you are interested in helping out with the 2016 President’s Medal Dinner, please reach out to Rita Murray at rmurray@mmm.edu.

Published: April 20, 2015