The University of Chicago hosts gala to honor and celebrate loyal supporters and notable faculty at Museum of Contemporary Art
October 28, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
More than 600 alumni, faculty, and friends of the University of Chicago gathered last evening at the Museum of Contemporary Art to explore the groundbreaking exhibition Between Past and Future: New Photography and Video from China. The gala event recognized the generosity of the University’s annual leadership donors and celebrated their contributions toward realizing the Chicago Initiative’s $2 billion capital campaign goal.
The evening began with a cocktail reception in the museum’s lobby, followed by a faculty presentation entitled “Contemporary Chinese Art for a Global Audience,” by Wu Hung, co-curator of the exhibition, consulting curator at the University of Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art, and the Harrie A. Vanderstappen Distinguished Service Professor of Art History at the University of Chicago. His lecture explored the recent surge of interest in Chinese art among global art collectors and museums, and the effects of this international attention on artists currently working in China.
“The wonderful evening was a unique opportunity to share some of my research with the University’s key supporters and Chicago-area art enthusiasts,” said Professor Wu. “I enjoyed opening up a new audience to the exciting world of contemporary Chinese art.”
Following Professor Wu’s presentation were remarks by University President Don Michael Randel, University Trustee James S. Crown, and Dean of the Humanities Division, Danielle Allen. After the lecture, guests were treated to an elegant Asian-inspired dinner, as well as student docent-led tours of the MCA galleries.
“We are extraordinarily grateful for the support and dedication of all members of the University of Chicago family,” said University President Don Michael Randel. “Our alumni and friends contribute to sustaining the greatest university in this or any neighboring galaxy.”
A host of Chicago’s leading philanthropists were honored at the event. Guests included Chairman of the University of Chicago’s Board of Trustees James Crown, President of the Chicago-based Henry Crown and Company. Also in attendance were fellow University Trustees J. Parker Hall III, an independent investment consultant, and his wife, Julie Hall; Edgar D. Jannotta, Chairman, William Blair & Company, L.L.C, and his wife, Deborah Jannotta; Harvey B. Plotnick, President, Paradigm Holdings, Inc.; and Valerie Jarrett, Executive Vice President, The Habitat Company.
“It’s wonderful to see such an outpouring of local support tonight,” said James Crown. “What a terrific celebration of people who want to be together to celebrate the University of Chicago—their generosity and consideration over the years have made possible all of the Chicago Initiative’s progress.”
Distinguished Chicago faculty members and officers who were in attendance included Robert Fefferman, the Max Mason Distinguished Service Professor and Dean of the Physical Sciences Division, as well as his wife, Joan Fefferman; and Jack Halpern, Louis Block Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, Department of Chemistry, and his wife, Helen Halpern. Also present was Danielle Allen, recipient of a 2001 MacArthur Foundation “genius” award, Professor in Classics and Political Science at the University of Chicago, and newly appointed Dean of the University’s Humanities Division.
“It is a great pleasure to be here to thank all of the University’s generous donors for everything they have done to enrich our campus community,” said Dean Danielle Allen. “It’s equally a pleasure to be able to present to them, in thanks, a discussion by one of my distinguished colleagues, Professor Wu Hung. As these supporters enrich our institution through their gifts, we in turn aspire to enrich, on their behalf, the sum total of the human experience.”
Guests honored last evening have all supported the Chicago Initiative, the University’s $2 billion capital campaign. The Initiative has surpassed the $1 billion milestone since its launch in April 2002.
