Dear <<INSERT FIRST NAME>>,

As an alum, you know that BGC is dedicated to nurturing scholars and curators in the field of decorative arts, design history, and material culture. Our success is evident in the more than 400 alumni making important contributions at leading institutions, in many different disciplines, throughout the world and in our record of ground-breaking exhibitions including this year’s acclaimed Eileen Gray. Our success to date would not have been possible without you and the support of a dedicated and generous community.

This year, in the face of extraordinary challenges, the Bard Graduate Center family came together around what was important to them. When our Gallery closed, more than 5,000 online visitors enthusiastically sought out our exhibition website to explore new research from the safety of their homes; our faculty embraced new technologies to ensure that our degree candidates, teen scholars, and others continued to receive the highest levels of training; and our closest friends and colleagues contributed to an emergency fund to ensure that our students could complete their requirements free from the economic worries brought about by the pandemic.

Looking to our future, many challenges remain for the institution, our students, and the world around us. However, it is clear — more than ever before — that a bright future for everyone relies on a deep, nuanced appreciation of the objects and ideas that help us understand what makes each of us unique, while illuminating our shared histories, cultures, and aspirations.

As a recent graduate of BGC, we know there is great pressure on your resources.  We also know that you are someone who loves decorative arts, history, and design; who values education and expert research; and who wants to build a more inclusive world.  In that spirit we ask you to consider a donation to support BGC’s Scholarship Fund this season. Contributions of any amount are welcome and every contribution makes a big difference. A gift of even $25 will help secure a bright future for Bard Graduate Center as the world-class home for the exploration of decorative arts, design history, and material culture.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.

From all of us at Bard Graduate Center, best wishes to you and your family for a safe and healthy holiday season!

BGC MA Class of 2020: a bright future for the decorative arts, design history, and material culture!