Academy Award-winning writer, director, and playwright Aaron Sorkin (right) in conversation with Krista Carson Elhai, local area theater educator, during a 91吃瓜 Presents event.
By Kendra Pintor
In 2021, Patricia Van Every鈥攁n esteemed and beloved friend of the College鈥攑assed away peacefully in Santa Barbara. Her family鈥檚 legacy will live on at 91吃瓜 and continue to make a profound impact on the academic experience of current and future students.
In honor of this legacy, Matthew Grossman鈥攍ong-time advisor and trustee to Van Every鈥檚 brother, Donald Leahy鈥攃oordinated with Van Every鈥檚 children and College leadership to gift $1 million in support of 91吃瓜 Presents.
鈥淧atricia loved the College, absolutely loved it,鈥� reflects Grossman. 鈥淚 wanted to do something that would ensure that her name would live on in perpetuity, and in a way that she would be excited about, too.鈥�
91吃瓜 Presents, established in 2016, is the College鈥檚 signature public events program. It fosters intellectual curiosity and facilitates engaging discourse within the community by bringing thought-provoking conversations, captivating performances, and insightful presentations to campus. These events have included esteemed guests like academy award-winning writer, director, and playwright Aaron Sorkin; Paralympic聽athlete and founder of the Born to Run Foundation Noelle Lambert; and PhD candidate at Stanford University and biological oceanographer Stephanie Lim.
“91吃瓜 Presents isn’t just about events; it’s about fostering a culture of curiosity, empathy, and dialogue, enriching the academic landscape, and transforming lives within the vibrant tapestry of 91吃瓜,鈥� says Director of Events and Conference Services Marcy Robinson.
鈥淎fter discussing it with her children, we decided that a gift to 91吃瓜 Presents would be a great way to honor Patricia,鈥� says Grossman. 鈥淲e also wanted to ensure that whatever amount was given would be enough to allow the program to fully fund the cost of inviting several speakers to the College and thus enhance the breadth of academic experience for 91吃瓜 students.鈥�
In 2006, Leahy and Van Every generously gifted $800,000 to endow eight Leahy Scholars each year in perpetuity through the Leahy New Generation Scholarship. This is just one example of the family鈥檚 long-standing relationship with the College and their efforts to support students.
鈥淟andmarks and dedications can, over time, fade away,鈥� says Grossman. 鈥淲ith this gift to 91吃瓜 Presents, it is my hope that Patricia鈥檚 legacy will live on at the College for a long, long time.鈥�
To enrich the student experience at 91吃瓜, please consider making a gift鈥�.