Jane Fonda is being toasted to during the 16th annual Stars of Stony Brook University fundraising gala on Wednesday, April 22nd. The actress and activist, who serves on the Board of Stony Brook’s Center for the Study of Men and Masculinities (CSMM), is being celebrated for her leadership role at CSMM. Fonda’s worldwide stature has allowed the actress to advocate on a national stage for gender equity and social justice.
Established in 2013, Center for the Study of Men and Masculinities is dedicated to encouraging a world in which everyone, regardless of race, gender or sexuality, reaches their full potential. Fonda, a longtime activist, is known for her advocacy for the empowerment of women and girls. “It’s harder to find a safe space for boys who are sensitive and caring and who remain whole and germane,” Fonda told the Huffington Post about raising a child. “It’s difficult, but we have to begin to consciously raise boys to stay in touch with their hearts.” Her support for CSMM has helped elevate the organization in the global discussion of gender equality and bring attention to the groundbreaking work by CSMM’s Dr. Michael Kimmel, which encourages vital conversation about key issues in dealing with men’s changing role in our society.
Since its creation by the Stony Brook Foundation in 2000, the Stars of Stony Brook gala has raised more than $37 million for academic programs and student scholarships.
16th annual Stars of Stony Brook University fundraising gala will take place at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in New York City.
For more information, visit stonybrook.edu.