What is the Frank Alvah Parsons Society?
The Frank Alvah Parsons Society is a group of donors committed to ensuring and enhancing the quality of the Parsons experience. In 1910, Frank Alvah Parsons became the director of what was then known as the New York School of Fine and Applied Arts, a school “…where individuality and originality of thought and expression are developed along thoroughly artistic and practical lines. Where students are taught to think and to do.”
Parsons still embodies these noble ambitions, with Frank Alvah Parsons Society members holding a place of high honor in the life of the institution. Through yearly gifts of $1,000 or more to the Parsons Annual Fund, members increase opportunities for today’s design students, building the reputation of the school and ensuring the continued success of our graduates in the professional design world.
What does it mean to give to the Parsons annual fund?
Annual fund gifts are unrestricted, allowing for their immediate use toward Parsons’ highest priorities like: enhancing facilities, developing new academic programs, and supporting individual growth. The power of these current-use funds is remarkable. Last year, for example, annual giving supported:
• “Smart” classrooms. With superior technology and cutting-edge presentation media, the classroom of the future is on our campus today allowing student and teacher alike to share complex and creative ideas with the entire class in real time.
• PM (Parsons Magazine). Parsons students were inspired to create a magazine to share their ideas with The New School community. With the help of Art and Design Studies Professor Susan Yelavich, that creative spark became a published reality. PM is a volunteer effort coordinated by Parsons students to showcase contributors from across the university.
• Full-time faculty recruitment. Parsons hired nearly 20 new faculty members this fall, expanding full-time, on-site academic planning expertise, and each department’s capacity to advise and encourage students one-on-one.
What are the benefits of membership?
• The opportunity to attend private events and meet with key faculty and administrators
• Special seating at Parsons events honoring renowned design professionals
• A subscription to, and recognition in RE:D, Parsons’ alumni magazine
• Leadership recognition in The New School annual report
How do I get involved?
To learn more about becoming a member of the Parsons Society, please contact Joseph McDonald, Parsons Society Officer in the University Development and Alumni Relations Office, at mcdonalj@newschool.edu or 212.229.5662 x4221.
