CCE Emphasizes Local Community Partnerships at Annual Event
Nick Ascienzo, Jonathan Becker, Mayor of Tivoli Joel Griffith (foreground) with Cicily Wilson, Skylar Walker ‘21 (background) at the CCE community partners event. Photo by Robin Kaiküll '26.
Last week, students and community partners came to the Hessel Museum of Art to attend the CCE’s annual community partners celebration. This year’s event featured a renewed focus on emphasizing meaningful collaborations and mutual understanding between Bard students, local community partners, and resources and services in the surrounding Hudson Valley community.
The group came together to discuss local issues and opportunities for partnerships, from internships and volunteer work to conferences and research. “Fostering community and collaboration is something we always have to keep working on,” said Cicily Wilson, CCE Director of Community Partnerships. “Having the event at the Hessel Museum highlights the incredible resources Bard offers while creating a welcoming space for connection.”
Organizations from Kingston to Tivoli shared stories of collaboration with Bard students and faculty. Among them was Thrift2Fight, a Bard alumni-founded thrift store supporting local social justice causes. Thrift2Fight co-founder Jillian Reed ‘21 reflected on the store’s beginnings as a series of pop-up sales in 2020, eventually growing into a permanent storefront by 2022.
“These events are great because they allow us to connect with students who help with operations and the organizations we support,” said Reed. For instance, we’ve partnered with groups like the Prisoners’ Brain Trust and Release Aging People in Prison. Collaborating with CCE has been instrumental in expanding awareness and participation.”
Other partnerships focused on sustainable development and conservation. Shaniqua Bowden ‘23, a representative of the Kingston Land Trust, discussed a previous collaboration with Bard’s graduate sustainability program that resulted in the Eco Dwelling Roadmap for affordable housing. “We’re excited to share our new properties with students interested in learning about Kingston,” Bowden said. “It’s so close to campus, and the work we do has such direct local impact.”
Joel Griffith MFA ‘03, the mayor of Tivoli, praised CCE for its dedication to local engagement. “One of my favorite things about Bard is how outward-facing they are,” Griffith noted. “There’s a great line of communication between CCE and local elected officials, helping both students and community members navigate shared spaces and resources. Bard’s global aspirations are impressive, but it all starts locally—in your own backyard.”
This sentiment was shared by Skylar Walker ‘21, the co-founder of Sister2Sister, a youth-focused mentorship organization for young women of color. Walker highlighted the importance of collaboration between Bard students and organizations, such as Kingston High School and the Ulster County Boys and Girls Club. “It’s nice to be in a community with people doing similar work, to cultivate relationships and grow together.”
As the evening concluded, attendees were offered a tour of the Carrie Mae Weems exhibition, emphasizing the intersection of art, community, and social justice. This year’s event served as a reminder that meaningful change starts with shared conversations and commitments. Through events like this, Bard’s CCE continues to bridge the gap between campus and community, fostering a spirit of partnership that ripples far beyond the Hudson Valley.
Post Date: 11-19-2024