Andrew Farkas, Harvard, & Farkas Hall - By: Kelvin Butler

Celebrating a generous donation from ’82 alumnus Andrew L. Farkas, and further establishing the university’s commitment to and support of the arts, Harvard University announced that it would be renaming the storied New College Theatre. The theatre will formally adopt its new name – Farkas Hall – later this year.

The New College Theater’s stage and halls have long served as a meeting place for some of the nation’s oldest and most renowned social clubs and university theater groups. The theater, also open to the public, has also witnessed countless shows and performances since its construction in 1888.

“The naming of this building is the culmination of a journey for the Farkas family, pioneered by my father, Robin L. Farkas ’54, M.B.A. ’61, and that has included my brother, Bradford L. Farkas ’84, M.B.A. ’90, our cousin Georgette A. Farkas ’86, my nephew Russell I. Krupen ’07, my daughters, Arielle S. Farkas ’13 and Nicole M. Farkas, Barnard College ’15, and my son, George O. F. Farkas, age 5. It is in honor of my father that Farkas Hall is named. It is in gratitude to Harvard that it is endowed,” Andrew Farkas said.

A frequent destination for Farkas during his undergraduate career, the donor spent many hours each week in the Georgian Revival building as President of the famed Hasty Pudding Club. Since its inception, the building has also played host to the Hasty Pudding Theatricals and student a cappella singing groups the Harvard Krokodiloes and Radcliffe Pitches.

“My Harvard experience was amongst the most formative and significant in my life,” said Farkas. “My times at the Hasty Pudding were amongst the most joyful and memorable. That generations of Harvard students will learn, grow, and flourish in Farkas Hall, in the building that has been the ancestral home of the Pudding and all of the organizations it has spawned, is a great privilege for the Farkas family. To know that the space will be preserved for use by those organizations, and that it will also serve to incubate the creative skills of Harvard’s emerging talent, is extremely gratifying.”

After 117 years of service to the students of Harvard University, the theatre began a major renovation and reconstruction in 2005. The renovation preserved the building’s façade and expanded the 270-theater to offer more rehearsal space.

“Over 375 years, Harvard College has forged some of our nation’s foremost creative artists, who have thrived in our rich research environment,” said Michael D. Smith, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and John H. Finley Jr. Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences. “Farkas Hall will serve as a testament to this aspect of Harvard’s proud heritage, and we are deeply grateful to Andrew for his vision and his extraordinary generosity. The impact of his support will touch generations of Harvard students.”

Formerly the founder, chief executive officer and chairman of Insignia Financial Group Inc., Farkas in now chairman and chief executive officer of Island Capital Group LLC and C-III Capital Partners LLC. Farkas and his wife are ingrained in the New York City theatre and performing arts communities. Sandi Farkas is a playwright and founder of the Playwrights of New York. PONY for short, the nonprofit group offers fellowships to up and coming playwrights. Mrs.

About the Author

Formerly the founder, ceo and chairman of Insignia Finance Group Inc., Farkas in now chairman and ceo of Island Capital Party LLC and C-III Funds Partners LLC. Farkas and his girl are ingrained in the New york city theatre and performing arts communities. Sandi Farkas is a playwright and founder of the Playwrights of New York. PONY for short, the nonprofit group offers fellowships to up and coming playwrights. Mrs. Farkas also holds a post in the board of New You are able to Cityâs Lark Play A

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