Sting, Debbie Harry, Chris Botti Perform at Annual Gala
The Posse Foundation’s annual gala held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, was a star-studded affair featuring performances by world-renowned artists Sting, Debbie Harry and Chris Botti. Close to 600 guests filled Cipriani Wall Street in downtown Manhattan to honor the 2015 Posse Stars in recognition of their leadership and commitment to improving the lives of others. The event raised $2.1 million to support Posse’s programs and Scholars.
The first Posse Star of the evening was presented to State Street Corporation by Posse alumni and State Street employees Yasser El Hamouni and Lisa Hixon and accepted by CEO Joseph L. Hooley. State Street provides financial support, event space, volunteers, board members, career and writing coaches, and career building opportunities for Scholars and alumni.
The enthusiastic leadership of Northwestern University President Morton O. Schapiro, who is among the nation’s leading authorities on the economics of higher education, was acknowledged with a Posse Star presented by Northwestern Posse Scholars London Edwards-Johnson and Jourdan Dorrell.
Garrett Moran, a Posse life director and former national board member, and his wife, Mary, have helped thousands of Scholars attend top colleges and become leaders in the workforce. Their incredible generosity was recognized by former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Posse national board member and Ropes & Gray Co-Managing Partner Diane Patrick, and Posse New York’s newest Middlebury College Posse.
The final Posse Star was awarded to Middlebury College Posse alumna Antoinette Rangel, the special assistant and advisor to the press secretary at the White House. Recognized by Univision as one the 15 most influential Latinos in the executive branch, Antoinette is an inspiration to the Scholars who follow in her footsteps, especially those interested in public service, politics and governance.
Trumpeter Chris Botti opened the evening’s entertainment with his band and violinist Caroline Campbell. Music icon Debbie Harry performed several of her hit songs and then turned the stage over to the inimitable Sting before the duo performed together to close the formal gala program. This incredible performance lineup was made possible thanks to the efforts of Trudie Styler.
Posse is grateful to 60 Minutes Correspondent Lesley Stahl for generously acting as emcee for the evening and to Comedy Central for producing special video presentations for each Posse Star honoree.
Below are excerpts from the speech given by Posse Star honoree and Middlebury College Posse alumna Antoinette Rangel:
From the moment I was given a Posse Scholarship, I felt loved, accepted, inspired, energized and supported.…
When I arrived at Middlebury….I was a bit concerned that I was out of my league, that these students were better prepared than I was to take on college.
But then, I took a moment and remembered my Posse mentors, all the staff and all the Middlebury admissions folks and trustees who selected me for the scholarship—every single one of them believing in me. I thought to myself if they think I can do it, I will. In fact, I will thrive.…
I come from a humble home and never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get a full-tuition scholarship that included 10 new friends who made up my Posse. Or that I would go on to work in the West Wing of the White House while earning my law degree from one of the best schools in the country.
I am honored to work for President Obama, a champion for education and opportunity. As he said, “If we want America to lead in the 21st century, nothing is more important than giving everyone the best education possible.” That’s why, the President and our team at the White House are so focused on ensuring that higher education is affordable and accessible to every American who strives for it. It’s a goal that tracks with the work Posse has been doing for 26 years and I am honored to be a part of both of these important efforts.
