Beyond the Signature Programs, the Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts has supported numerous other convenings and programs.
The Institute has partnered with local utility companies, local community banks, and local nonprofit organizations to sponsor/host board meetings and other community gatherings. In addition to these recurring community partnerships, the Institute has supported several unique “one-off” convenings. See below for a brief description of the types of convenings the Institute has supported in the past year.
Programs
City of Poughkeepsie / Town of Poughkeepsie Meeting
Convened by Rebecca Edwards, Town of Poughkeepsie Supervisor; and Yvonne Flowers, Mayor of the City of Poughkeepsie. Leadership and staff of the City and Town of Poughkeepsie met to discuss and align on key strategic priorities such as street safety, homelessness, business improvement districts, and federal and state funding.
Vassar Alliance for Ukraine
Convened by Karolina Naidon, Vassar Student Class of 2026. Vassar Alliance for Ukraine hosted panels that focused on the role of diplomacy, International Human Rights law, and grassroots advocacy efforts in the russo-Ukrainian War. Focusing on Ukraine as a case study, the panels provided valuable insights into understanding international conflicts and mechanisms for their resolution.
Global Collaborative
Convened by Dr. Anne Brancky, Professor of French and Francophone Studies and Faculty Director of the Global Collaborative for the Liberal Arts. This was a reception for Vassar faculty and administrators focused on inviting Vassar colleagues to participate in the Global Collaborative for the Liberal Arts as site-visit hosts, guest faculty at institutions, or faculty for short-term courses with global partners.
Faculty Leadership Development Program
Convened by Elizabeth Bradley, President of Vassar College. The Faculty Leadership Development Program was a multi-month program that invited faculty from Vassar and other small liberal arts colleges to participate in a leadership development program that focused on strategic thinking and organizational dynamics in a higher education context.