Nearly 500 alumni and alumnae, students, parents, trustees and faculty and staff gathered Thursday evening (Sept. 21) in New York City to launch Campaign for the Colleges, which seeks to raise $160 million. David Deming ’75, chair of the board of trustees, announced that evening that $90 million was pledged or in hand toward that goal. Another launch is planned in Geneva on Saturday, Nov. 4; another will be Thursday, Nov. 9 at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.

The Hobartones and Three Miles Lost, student a cappella groups, sang with the New York skyline behind them.

Reynold Levy ’66, president of Lincoln Center, welcomed guests to Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Colleges President Mark D. Gearan told the crowd, "This is our moment."

CBS News Correspondent Bill Whitaker, Jr. '73 served as master of ceremonies.

Board Chair David H. Deming '75 announced that Campaign for the Colleges is more than halfway toward its goal.

Dorothy H. Wickenden '76, executive editor of The New Yorker, spoke of the powerful influence HWS faculty have had on her life.

Trustee Linda Arrington ’88 emphasized that “a good college challenges your assumptions.”

Mara O’Laughlin ’66, assistant vice president for the William Smith Centennial, shared exciting news about the upcoming celebration.

Seats arranged in tiers allowed a large crowd to enjoy the evening's program.