Augustus Juilliard Society Members Gather for a Celebratory Luncheon

Drama student Anya Whelan-Smith addressing the gathering.
Drama student Anya Whelan-Smith addressing the gathering.

Jazz piano student Isaiah Thompson speaking with an attendee.
Jazz piano student Isaiah Thompson speaking with an attendee.

Members of the Augustus Juilliard Society enjoying lunch.
Members of the Augustus Juilliard Society enjoying lunch.

President Joseph Polisi greeting members of the Augustus Juilliard Society.
President Joseph Polisi greeting members of the Augustus Juilliard Society.

Drama student Jayme Lawson speaking with a guest.
Drama student Jayme Lawson speaking with a guest.

Members of the Augustus Juilliard Society joined with scholarship donors for a special performance by students from Juilliard’s Music, Dance, and Drama divisions, followed by a festive luncheon in Morse Hall on May 16.

This annual event—held during commencement week—is a highlight of the academic year. Nearly 200 Augustus Juilliard Society members and scholarship donors attended the luncheon, where they had the chance to meet with scholarship recipients. Drama student Anya Whelan-Smith (MFA ’19) spoke about how much her training at Juilliard, and the scholarship support that made it possible, have meant to her. Baritone Jacob Scharfman (MM ’18) spoke to those gathered about the special relationship that he has formed with his scholarship donor. Joseph Polisi, in the final commencement week of his presidency, expressed his personal gratitude to all members of the Augustus Juilliard Society and to our scholarship donors for their tremendous generosity for Juilliard.

Join the Augustus Juilliard Society

Become a member of the Augustus Juilliard Society with a gift that benefits future students like Anya and Jacob. Learn how by contacting Lori Padua at (212) 799-5000, ext. 7152 or lpadua@juilliard.edu.