How nine co-chairs from six different decades came together to lead Vassar’s historic campaign.

When Vassar officially unveiled the Fearlessly Consequential campaign in 2022, the effort arrived fully formed to those who were seated in front of Main Building to celebrate its launch.

For the nine co-chairs standing behind it, however, the moment represented years of preparation and a deeply personal decision first made in 2019: Help lead the College through its largest campaign to date.

Campaign co-chairs are not unique within higher education or to Vassar. They typically play highly visible roles in fundraising campaigns, attending events and collaborating with the College’s Advancement team on strategy and support, and are, therefore, chosen with great care. While the co-chairs bring varied backgrounds and expertise, they share an extraordinary commitment to the campaign’s mission.

The College’s Board of Trustees invited Jason Blum ’91, already a dedicated supporter of financial aid and Vassar’s need-blind policy; Leslie Jackson Chihuly ’83, a philanthropist interested in bolstering health and wellness; Brian Farkas ’10, a champion of the College who was then a member of the Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) board; Carol Ostrow ’77, P’09,’15, an ardent alum who is unafraid of fundraising; and Cynthia Patton ’83, who was driven by a desire to contribute to something meaningful and lasting.

They also turned to accomplished volunteer fundraisers like Katrine “Cage” Ames ’69 and Katherine “Gig” Babson Jr. ’69, who led a highly successful 50th Reunion campaign in which 99 percent of their class made a gift to the College and 115 classmates were—and continue to be, in some cases—volunteers.

Rounding out the group were steadfast supporters Stephanie Hyacinth ’84, an advancement professional herself, and Elias Kim ’16—who joined in 2021—bringing the perspective of younger generations of alums to the campaign.

>>Continue reading the story in the Vassar magazine.

Photo: Esteemed campaign co-chairs, from left: Elias Kim ’16; Carol Ostrow ’77, P’09, P’15; Cynthia M. Patton ’83; Leslie Jackson Chihuly ’83; Katrine “Cage” Ames ’69; Katherine “Gig” Babson, Jr. ’69; Brian Farkas ’10; and Stephanie Hyacinth ’84. Not pictured: Jason Blum ’91. Photo by Karl Rabe.