Laura Pels (left), Laura Pels Foundation Prize in Acting, with Mary Rodgers Guettel, Juilliard Board chairman emerita, Richard Rodgers Scholarship in Composition and Richard Rodgers Memorial Fund in Drama share a moment at the luncheon. (Photo by Peter I. Fifield)

On May 23, The Juilliard School welcomed nearly 100 guests to the Scholarship Donors' Luncheon in Morse Hall. This annual event acknowledges and celebrates the many donors who have generously contributed scholarships to Juilliard. President Joseph W. Polisi greeted the guests and gave a brief report on the year at Juilliard. He thanked the scholarship donors, both those present and those unable to be at the luncheon, who have given tangible support and encouragement to Juilliard students in the pursuit of their artistic goals.

A highlight of the luncheon was a short concert of student performances by soprano Sarah Wolfson (M.M. ’01), accompanied by pianist Lydia Brown (D.M.A. ’04) and the Aristos Quartet: Lauren Basney, violin (B.M. ’01); Yuri Cho, violin (B.M. ’02); Bridget Fitzgerald, viola (M.M. ’03); and Vicky Wang, cello (B.M. ’02).

Juilliard Dean, Stephen Clapp greets James and Jane Li, in whose honor a Pre-College Division piano scholarship has been established by their daughter (back to camera), Dr Lillian Li. (Photo by Peter I. Fifield)

New scholarships are always needed and welcome at The Juilliard School. Fully 90 percent of the students qualify for financial assistance, though the School can meet only a portion of their scholarship needs. Named scholarships may be restricted to a particular discipline such as music, dance, or drama, or to a specific instrument, and may be named in memory or honor of a particular individual. For further information about establishing a scholarship, please contact the Office of Development and Public Affairs at (212) 799-5000, ext. 278, or visit the “Giving to Juilliard” section of the Web site at www.juilliard.edu/giving.

Victoria Murray Brand is senior development associate/scholarship coordinator.