Carol Kaminsky '56

Carol Kaminsky with her daughter, Rachel Kaminsky

Carol Cary Cabe Kaminsky '56 came to Barnard from Baltimore and loved attending the theater in New York. One year, she attended 13 operas. For $5.00, she could take the subway to midtown, attend a standing room performance for $2.00, and have enough money left to buy a record at Sam Goody's before taking the subway back to Barnard. Museums and galleries were at her fingertips. These were all an integral part of her and her college experience.

Carol loved sociology and Barnard's wonderful literature and history courses. She greatly enjoyed taking classes with her trusted mentor, Professor Gladys Myer and Shakespeare Professor Barry Ulyanov. Even though Barnard students were not able to take classes at Columbia during her time as a student, Carol did manage to take a Special Studies course at Columbia with Margaret Mead. It will never be forgotten.

Carol attended Barnard alongside women from many different backgrounds, some of whom were refugees or came to the College from otherwise very difficult circumstances. This diversity of culture and thought brought a special degree of excellence to the student body and to her Barnard experience. Carol strongly believes in women's colleges and their collective mission. Barnard provided her with the opportunity to be heard.

College was not always easy. Carol once wrote "HELP!" as she threw a paper towel out of the window of her lab while dissecting a fetal pig, and she still wonders how she passed the final requirement in French class. These challenges become part of learning to be a critical thinker and shaped the person she became.

Years later, Carol wanted to thank Barnard for her four wonderful years as a student. She made a charitable gift annuity to the College, joined the Athena Society, and then made a second gift. Her gift annuities provide Carol with an income stream for life, and the remaining amount—after she passes—will provide Barnard with lasting resources. This is a win for Carol and a win for Barnard.