Bard College Alumni/ae Association

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Kelly Reichardt’s Film The Mastermind Will Premiere at Cannes

The Mastermind, a new film by S. William Senfeld Artist in Residence Kelly Reichardt, will premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival this month. The Mastermind is about an art thief in 1970s Massachusetts who plans his first heist. It stars Josh O’Connor and Alana Haim, as well as alumna Gaby Hoffmann ’04 as part of the film’s stellar ensemble cast.

Reichardt has taught in the Film and Electronic Arts program at Bard since 2006. Her last film, Showing Up, also premiered at Cannes and was named one of the top ten indie films of 2023 by the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures.

Post Date: 05-06-2025

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Bard College Celebrates Student Achievements at Undergraduate Awards Ceremony

Faculty, staff, and students gathered at Blithewood Manor for this year’s Undergraduate Awards Ceremony, which was held on Monday, April 28. The annual ceremony is a celebration of the incredible talent and dedication showcased by Bard students, as well as the unwavering support and guidance from esteemed faculty and staff at the College. The evening's awardees, who were nominated by faculty from across the four divisions of the College, represent excellence in the arts; social studies; languages and literature; and science, mathematics, and computing. Among the awardees were students in the Bard Baccalaureate, a program for older students returning to college to finish their undergraduate degrees. 

The event featured remarks and award presentations from key figures, including President of the College Leon Botstein, Dean of the College Deirdre d'Albertis, Dean of Studies and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs David Shein, and Bard Alumna Cara Parks ’05. A special highlight of the evening was the announcement of a newly established award in memory of a beloved Bardian, Betsaida Alcantara ’05, by the Class of 2005, family, friends, and loved ones who knew her. The inaugural Betsaida Alcantara ’05 Pioneers for Progress Award, in memory of Betsaida Alcantara '05 (1983–2022), who exemplified the best of Bard's hope to inspire people to be passionate agents of change, pioneers for progress, and advocates for justice for those most in need was given to Sierra Ford ’26 who has demonstrated strong leadership skills, a commitment to public service, and support for open societies.
 
The presentation of awards was a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and commitment demonstrated by Bard students. It was a testament to their hard work and perseverance, which defines the spirit of Bard College and serves as an inspiration to us all.

Many of the undergraduate awards are made possible by generous contributions from Bard donors. Thank you to all our supporters for believing in the value of a college education, and for investing in the future of Bard students.

Post Date: 04-30-2025