Gala 2017: Report of the 7th Annual Benefit Dinner

On October 8, 2017, the US Sciences Po foundation hosted its 7th Annual Benefit Dinner at the Metropolitan Club of New York in Midtown. Over 250 Sciences Po alumni, family, friends, and distinguished guests attended an evening celebrating the of the accomplishments of Foundation in 2017. 

The event opened with remarks from Frederic Mion, the President of Sciences Po. He thanked our guests for their continued support for the Foundation, and discussed the ambitious objectives of the university as it approaches its 150th Anniversary. Stephan Haimo, President of the US Sciences Po Foundation, then took the stage to formally welcome those attending to an evening that brought together artists, academics, men and women of business, and world leaders. Following Mr. Haimo’s remarks, Bruce Oberfest, Treasurer of the Michel David-Weill Foundation, formally introduced Zachary Young, the 2017 Laureate of the Michel David-Weill Scholarship. Mr. Young, a graduate of Yale University, was invited to the stage to speak about embarking his studies at Sciences Po, made possible by the generosity of Mr. David-Weill. While guests enjoyed dinner, Cornelia Woll, Professor of Political Science at Sciences Po, highlighted the school’s continued dedication to the field of innovation and research, exemplified by the establishment of the Sciences Po Center for Entrepreneurship in Paris.

The evening was highlighted by a thought-provoking discussion between the honoree speaker, Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild, Founder and CEO of the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism, and special guest Gillian Tett, U.S. Managing Editor of the Financial Times. Lady Rothschild stressed the importance of a conscience form of capitalism that is sourced from all members of society: not just firms, but governments, individuals, and communities. The discussion opened up to members of the audience, who held dialogues with Lady Rothschild about the movement for inclusive capitalism.

Nathalie Jacquet, the new Head of Strategy and Development of Sciences Po, closed the dinner portion by drawing the name of a lucky guest who purchased one of the evening’s raffle tickets, presenting the prize of two free, roundtrip business class tickets to anywhere in the United States. After dinner, guests were invited to a dessert and cocktail reception in the Metropolitan Club’s Atrium. The dinner portion finished with the remarks of Ms. Jacquet, who stressed the vital importance of the Sciences Po alumni community in furthering the efforts of the US Foundation and the university as a whole.