Every month a different member of the Board of Governors is asked to contribute to our Triangle newsletter. This month Anna Fink '94 shares her Bard story.

I came to Bard in 1992, three years after the dismantling of communism in Poland, as a PIE student (Program in International Education, launched at Bard in 1991). I was two years through my university studies (English studies and American Culture) and freshly graduated from the Conservatory of Music with my professional diploma in piano in hand—little did I expect the lasting impact Bard would have on my life and those dear to me. 

At Bard I decided to focus my studies on economics and enrolled in the “Rights and Liberties” course run by Professor Karen Greenberg, which focused on democracy in the United States of America. This has a very special meaning to me, even more so in the current geopolitical environment.

As an economics major, I worked at the Levy Economics Institute and got to know Dimitri B. Papadimitriou, who was my professor and later became my Senior Project advisor. I also had the privilege of working with other renowned scholars such as L. Randall Wray, Hyman Minsky, and Wynne Godley. I even played a duo with Wynne (oboe and piano) during the ISO (International Student Organization) Cultural Show.

I will never forget the generosity of the Bard trustees who supported the wonderful visits and field trips we took as PIE students. We visited Washington, DC and saw the cradle of American democracy; we attended Broadway shows and performances at BAM in Brooklyn; we even went skiing in Vermont! 

While at Bard, I became exposed to people I would never have met. Bard introduced me to professors and friends I will have for the rest of my life, and opened up opportunities I would not have had otherwise. It has fostered my curiosity, openness and passion for learning.

Leon Botstein’s role in shaping Bard's position as a liberal arts college and a place to think has been critical. Without his out-of-the-box and unconventional approach, no doubt the PIE program would not have come into existence. His leadership of the College as well as his commitment to performing and supporting classical music is particularly meaningful to me. I have fond memories of the first concert I attended in NYC. It was at Avery Fisher Hall, Leon was conducting, and he had invited students for free. What a gesture of generosity and sharing the music with the student population! 
For me, Bard represents endless freedom and opportunities, diversity, creativity, tolerance and respect.This is how I felt in my first months in Annandale, and my conviction has not changed. I was privileged to be awarded a Levy scholarship to continue my studies at Bard, and graduated in 1994 with Yo-Yo-Ma as the commencement speaker! 

Ever since, Bard has been a unique place for me and my family, and I was excited to experience it during my 30th reunion last year, and share it with my daughter, Kiara, who is a university student. 

I am proud to now be a member of the Bard College Alumni/ae Association Board of Governors and give my support to Bard's amazing mission, which inspires me today more than ever! 

Raphael Bob-Waksberg ’06. Photo by Julie Lake

Raphael Bob-Waksberg ’06 Speaks to The Hollywood Reporter About His Show Long Story Short

Raphael Bob-Waksberg ’06 was interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter about his new Netflix animated show Long Story Short. Bob-Waksberg wrote and executive-produced the show, which follows a Jewish family over many years, and which premiered at the Annecy international film festival in June.

Henry Mielarczyk ’25.

Henry Mielarczyk ’25 Joins Stennis Program for Congressional Interns

Bard alumnus Henry Mielarczyk ’25, a philosophy and music performance major, has been accepted into the 2025 Stennis Program for Congressional Interns. The internship, given by the Stennis Center for Public Service in Washington, DC, is a competitive program that aims to provide its interns with an opportunity to better understand the role of Congress as an institution and its role in the democracy of the United States.

Manar Hashmi ’25. Photo by Chris Kayden

Manar Hashmi ’25 Earns Presser Foundation's Undergraduate Scholar Award

Manar Hashmi ’25 received an Undergraduate Scholar Award from the Presser Foundation, which is given to undergraduate musicians who have achieved musical and academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and service, and helped build an inclusive community. Presser Scholars are awarded $3,000 to contribute to their pursuit of musical advancement.

Bard college alumna Coralie Kraft ’13.

Coralie Kraft ’13 Interviewed by PBS News About Doomsday Preppers

Coralie Kraft ’13, visual editor, writer, and Bard College alumna, was interviewed by PBS News about her New York Times Magazine article “The ‘Panic Industry’ Boom,” for which she was also the contributing photo editor. In conversation with Ali Rogin, Kraft discussed her thoughts on why more people are preparing for disasters, the companies that build the structures meant to safeguard their clients, and the mindsets behind those who are preparing for such scenarios.

Clockwise L-R: Maia Cluver ’22, Cecilia Giancola ’25, and Oskar Pezalla-Granlund ’24.

Four Bard College Graduates Win 2025 Fulbright Awards

Four Bard College graduates have won Fulbright Awards for individually designed research projects and English teaching assistantships. Maia Cluver ’22, Cecilia Giancola ’25, Oskar Pezalla-Granlund ’24, and Grace Molinaro ’24 were all granted Fulbright Awards for the 2025–26 academic year.