Letter from Dennis Craig

This year’s annual report is truly representative of the Purchase College Foundation & Charitable Entities. These pages offer unsought but well-deserved recognition to the many community volunteers and alumni leaders who commit valuable time and financial resources to the College, the Neuberger Museum of Art, and The Performing Arts Center. I hope you will enjoy learning about their motivations and impact on our campus community.

In my fourteen years at Purchase, and most especially during the past year as interim president, I experienced first-hand the energy, dedication, and creativity made possible by our donors. Whether I enjoyed an endowed lecture by a prominent author or social scientist, read engaging work by a successful alumni journalist, witnessed the expertise of our student performances across the arts and music genres, or viewed a student produced film—there is no denying the energy and the drive for excellence in all areas.

These opportunities were ended all too soon last semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the midst of such an unexpected turn of events, the faculty, staff, and students did whatever was necessary to pivot—to keep their commitments and to finish the coursework and the programs on time. The financial resources made available for emergencies such as this have helped sustain us in our educational mission.

Another highlight of the fiscal year was the successful close of a very comprehensive and competitive national search for the next president of Purchase College. It was my honor to announce and welcome Dr. Milagros “Milly” Peña as the sixth president of Purchase College, and the first Hispanic woman to ever lead a SUNY institution. Milly and I look forward to working together in the year ahead and building a new future together with you.

The support, guidance, and resources provided by you are treasured by all of us at Purchase, and we are very grateful for it.