2023 Parsons Benefit Unites Art, Design, Fashion, and Hip-Hop in Support of Scholarships
The New School hosted the 74th annual Parsons Benefit on May 24, 2023, honoring visionary figures in fashion, business, design, and philanthropy who embody the university’s commitment to creativity, innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
This year’s honorees—Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO of Neiman Marcus Group; Naomi Campbell, supermodel and cultural innovator; and Olivier Rousteing, creative director of Balmain—were recognized for their numerous contributions to design, retail, fashion,
philanthropy, and social justice and their long-standing commitment to devising and supporting opportunities for future generations of artists, designers, and creatives. They join a list of renowned honorees including Donna Karan, Jason Wu, Vera Wang,
Kehinde Wiley, Pharrell, Rihanna, Sarah Jessica Parker, Tory Burch, and Gucci’s Marco Bizzarri. These visionary figures believe in the transformative power of design, a core principle of The New School and the foundation for Parsons’ mission, vision,
and curriculum.
“Parsons is proud to be honoring this bold, innovative, and diverse group of industry leaders, who have profoundly inspired our students, for their long-standing commitment to the values that guide Parsons in everything we do,” said Yvonne Watson, Parsons'
interim executive dean. “A Parsons education trains designers to address pressing social issues through the power of design, art, and business, and these exceptional honorees are reimagining the creative and commercial landscape in unique ways that
will positively impact a range of disciplines for years to come.”
Donors’ generosity through the benefit provides support that enables students to pursue studies in art, design, liberal arts, music, technology, and social innovation at Parsons and The New School. In 2023, the benefit raised more than $1.5 million.
Over its 74-year history, the Parsons Benefit has recognized luminaries in fashion, design, and the arts and raised millions of dollars in support of student scholarships. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Parsons Benefit! Learn more about supporting
and attending this year's benefit by contacting Shera Salgado Easter.
The City Visionary Awards Dinner Celebrates Luminaries Who Make New York More Equitable, Sustainable, and Joyful
On November 1, 2023, The New School hosted the inaugural City Visionary Awards, recognizing three individuals who have made significant contributions to New York City. The City Visionary Award honorees, all of whom were graduates of The New School, included
Lorie Slutsky, MA Urban Policy Analysis and Management '77; Stevie Walker-Webb, MFA Directing '16; and Jordan E. Cooper, BFA Dramatic Arts '18. The event raised more than $150,000 for New School scholarships and featured the honorees’ reflections
on what it means to think and act in a visionary way and an electrifying performance that brought the audience to its feet.
Among the event’s attendees were supporters and leaders from centers and institutes that advance The New School’s mission through civic partnerships, public engagement, creative practice, and scholarship, including the Tishman Environment and Design Center;
the Urban Systems Lab; the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy; the Vera List Center for Art and Politics; and the Center for New York City Affairs. Leaders from across The New School, including President Donna Shalala, Provost Dr. Renée
T. White, and Linda Rappaport, chair of the Board of Trustees, gave speeches highlighting the university’s commitment to improving New York City and developing deeper connections with partners and neighbors throughout the city.
“There is vitally important work going on across our campus as our students, faculty, staff, and alumni seek innovative solutions to the most pressing problems we face in our world today,” said White in her speech. “Our New School community is dedicated
to applying their research, scholarship, and creative practice to everything from environmental justice to emerging technologies through an interdisciplinary lens which aligns with our mission-driven principles of equity and justice.”
Rappaport spoke about coming back to The New School to restart her development as a flutist, finding a new community of like-minded individuals, and realizing how vital the university is in higher education.
“My experience is common to many New Yorkers who want to continue their education and engage in our community. Once you get here, you discover professors and staff who are personally devoted to teaching and learning. You develop friendships that help
jump-start your intellectual and creative growth. And you find ways to give back, whether by supporting The New School through funding or through sweat equity.”
Lorie Slutsky received her award from Shawn V. Morehead, vice president for Grants at The New York Community Trust. Oskar Eustis, artistic director of The Public Theater, presented Stevie Walker-Webb with his award. Jordan E. Cooper received his award
from Nicole Burdette, a playwright, actor, and School of Drama faculty member.
The evening concluded with a performance by Marchánt Davis of selections from Cooper’s award-winning show Ain’t No Mo’.