Barnard College is proud to announce the grand opening of the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation Center for Well-Being, a pioneering facility that fosters holistic wellness among its community members. Officially opened on October 30, 2024, this state-of-the-art center is designed to support the physical, mental, and financial well-being of Barnard students, faculty, and staff.

Located within the newly renovated Barnard Hall, the Francine LeFrak Center embodies Barnard's commitment to comprehensive wellness. The facility features a 4,000-square-foot fitness center, modern spaces for financial literacy programs, and the transformed Ethel S. LeFrak ’41 and Samuel J. LeFrak Theatre, a 225-seat venue repurposed from the former swimming pool.

The center's mission is to provide a centralized hub for wellness-related initiatives, addressing three integrated pillars:

• Physical Well-Being: The fitness center and dance studios offer spaces for physical activity, promoting movement and health among the Barnard community.

• Mental Well-Being: Dedicated areas support mental health programs, including the Wellness Spot, Barnard’s peer well-being initiative, and Being Barnard, the College’s sexual violence education and prevention program.

• Financial Well-Being: The center provides educational programming focused on financial literacy, aiming to build confidence in understanding debt, budgeting, saving, and investing through targeted workshops and programs.

A generous gift from the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation made the establishment of the Francine LeFrak Center possible. Francine A. LeFrak, a longtime women empowerment advocate, expressed her enthusiasm: “This center is more than just a space; it’s a dynamic resource that empowers students to prioritize their physical, mental, and financial well-being.”

Barnard College President Laura Rosenbury highlighted the center's significance: “We are all deeply grateful for the generous gift from the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation that allowed the center to come to fruition.”

The center also serves as a platform for student engagement. LeFrak Ambassadors, a group of seven Barnard students, assist in planning educational workshops and supporting events, including a financial fluency pilot program. Psychology major and LeFrak Ambassador Amrita Singh ’26 shared her excitement: “As an ambassador, I’m excited to help create an environment where students can explore new ways to take charge of their wellness and thrive personally and academically.”

The Francine A. LeFrak Foundation Center for Well-Being represents a significant advancement in Barnard College's dedication to student wellness. The center aims to foster resilience and promote lifelong success among its community members by integrating physical, mental, and financial health resources.

Please visit Barnard College's official website for more information about the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation Center for Well-Being and its programs. 

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Company Name: LeFrak Foundation Center for Well-Being
Contact Person: John LeFrak
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