Wagner College Guild
About Us
The Wagner College Guild, Wagnerâs oldest organization, celebrated its landmark 108th anniversary in 2026. For over a century, the Guild has served as a dedicated support system for students, evolving from a small group of faculty wives into a vital force for student success.
Our History: A Home Away from Home
Founded in 1918, the Guildâs original purpose was to provide a “home away from home” for divinity students. In those early days, members offered more than just financial supportâthey provided essential care, sewing buttons, offering transportation, and inviting students into their own homes for home-cooked meals and a much-needed respite from their studies. This spirit of personal connection and hands-on service remains at the heart of our organization today.
Continuing the Mission: Supporting Todayâs Students
While our methods have modernized, our mission to assist students in need is stronger than ever. Through the generosity of our members, the Guild provides critical financial aid through two primary channels:
-
- The Lila T. Barbes â40 Endowed Scholarship: Named in honor of a devoted alumna and former Guild president, this scholarship is awarded annually to two deserving students, helping them achieve their academic goals.
- The Make a Difference Fund: This fund serves as an essential safety net, providing immediate emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected crises. All proceeds from our quarterly luncheons and various fundraising rafflesâincluding our popular Wagner Swag Basketâdirectly support this fund, ensuring students can continue their education without interruption.
Join Us
Join Us for the 2026â2027 Season
We invite you to become a part of this enduring legacy. Our upcoming programs are designed to inform, entertain, and foster deep fellowship within the Wagner community.
Membership for the 20256â2027 year is $35 (effective August 1, 2026 â August 31, 2027) and includes:
-
- Informative Luncheons: Four seasonal events (September, December, March, and June) featuring guest speakers and plated meals in the Fox Family Faculty Dining Room.
- Exclusive Access: Invitations to “members-only” summer events.
- A Voice in Our Future: Full voting rights for Guild Officers at our annual general membership meeting.
- Stay Connected: Receive the quarterly Guild Gazette newsletter and regular updates from the college administration.
Become a Member & Make a Difference (click on the link below):
For more information, please get in touch with Theresa Kolsin at 718-420-4530 or theresa.kolsin@wagner.edu.
Wagner College Event Pages:
Alumni Calendar of Events: Alumni Calendar 2026-2027
Wagner College Theatre Presents: Â Wagner College Theatre Performances
Wagner College Athletics Schedules and Standings: Wagner College Athletic Events
Past and Present Wagner College Guild Luncheon Photos
-
President
Ann Giordano ’69 ‘M70First Vice President
Michael Muccino ’73Second Vice President
Charles Gysel ’80Recording Secretary
Diane Wehrli Mathisen ’79Members At-Large
Linda Barbes Stein ’69 H’73John Cronin ’74
Marilyn De Sario
Roberta Farrell DiVuolo ’85 H’89
Brigitte Hermann ’94
Claire Regan ’80
Kim Spiro
President Emeritus
Aletta Kipp Diamond ’65 H’17
-
Next Event:
Join Us for the Wagner College Guild Fall Luncheon!We are delighted to invite you to an afternoon of delicious food and great company. This seasonal tradition is the perfect opportunity to catch up with fellow members and support a wonderful cause.-
- When: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 12:00 PM
- Where: Fox Family Faculty Dining Room, Union Building
- Special Highlights: Plated lunch, guest speaker, and our traditional raffles and 50/50.
Support a Student: Your attendance helps fund the Make a Difference Fund, providing emergency financial aid to students in need.
-
-
Membership ($35/year) includes four annual luncheonsâSeptember, December, March, and Juneâand a special preseason event for members only. Every luncheon features an engaging guest speaker, a great meal, and a chance to connectâall while supporting the Make a Difference Fund.
Join the Guild today by clicking below, or reach out to Theresa Kolsin at Theresa.kolsin@wagner.edu for more details.
-
-
The Lila T. Barbes â40 Wagner College Guild Scholarship is awarded to two students yearly. It is named in loving memory of the Guildâs longtime president, Lila T. Barbes â40, who was an invaluable member of the Wagner community for over 70 years. Lila and her husband John “Bunny” ’39, who was Wagnerâs onetime Alumni Director, ensured that the Guild remained active, vibrant, and focused on its mission to help students in need. Their dedication and commitment to Wagner College and the Guild motivate us to do our good work.Â
Scholarship Recipients:
2024-2025
Izel Padilla
2023-2024
Leslie Baez
2022-2023
Leslie Baez
Bridget Quinn
2021-22:
Amna Amjad
Kirby Sclafani
Guild crest designed by John “Bunny” Barbes ’39
To learn more about the Guild or to become a member, please contact
David J. Martin, Senior Advisor to the President 718-420-4341 or via e-mail dmartin@wagner.edu
