The Naming of Carson Hall

On October 27, 2016, we named our main campus building to honor the Carsons’ extraordinary leadership and generosity to Marymount Manhattan.

The ceremony opened with a festive performance of the Alma Mater by MMC musical theatre students. President Walk then welcomed the crowd of students, faculty, staff, and trustees, sharing a bit of the history of what has, until today, been known only as “Main Building.”

Hope Knight ’85, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, also greeted those gathered and thanked the Carsons on behalf of the board. Then, an official proclamation was presented to the Carsons by a representative from the office of New York State Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright.

Judy and Russ Carson, President Walk, and Hope Knight then cut the ribbon, officially opening the newly named Carson Hall. The ceremony closed with heartfelt remarks from Judy Carson, who spoke warmly about her time at MMC and the opportunities it granted her when she came to complete her degree in Art History. A sea of students wearing “I learn in Carson Hall” t-shirts listened as she shared with them her love of lifelong learning, and encouraged them to graduate on time!

Judith Carson earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from MMC in 2003 and was an honorary degree recipient in 2013. She is also a recipient of the President’s Medal for her commitment to enhancing education opportunities through New York City. She has been a trustee of MMC and led the Capital Campaign Committee which spearheaded the most successful fundraising initiative in the College’s history. She has also served on the boards of the Inner-City Scholarship Fund, the Central Park Conservancy, the Metropolitan Opera, and more. Russell L. Carson co-founded the Carson Family Charitable Trust with Judith and he chairs the board of trustees of Rockefeller University, and is on the board of overseers of Columbia Business School.

Judith and Russell Carson are longtime supporters of Marymount Manhattan and their generous gifts to the College have inspired many others to invest in MMC and our students. The Carsons have led the transformation of MMC, and it is a true honor to bestow this well-deserved recognition on them.