The 3rd Annual Victoria J. Marsick Scholarship Benefit Concert — New York Artists Took Us to See the World Inside

On the evening of March 5, 2026, the Third Annual Victoria J. Marsick Scholarship Benefit Concert was held at Columbia University's Teachers College. The concert was co-hosted by Ruohao Chen and Laila Faerman, and featured 24 New York-based performers who each offered a unique interpretation of this year's theme: Intra-action: See the World Inside. The theme invited participants to look inward through art and music-to reflect on how learning, leadership, and identity are shaped through relationship, tension, and connection. The evening included 16 diverse performances and 24 musicians and artists, ranging from original piano compositions and classical violin duets to magic, jazz, pop vocals, rock, dance, chamber music, and original songwriting. The chapel was nearly full, and the energy in the room was vibrant and deeply engaged.

Opening Remarks

Dr. Victoria Marsick, Professor of Adult Learning and Leadership at Columbia University, opened the evening with reflections on intra-action-the idea that we are shaped through relationship and that growth emerges through reflection and dialogue. Her remarks grounded the concert in a thoughtful and relational frame, setting the tone for the evening. Watch the interview with Dr. Victoria Marsick on Posthumanism and Intra-action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzUrYHcmpTO

The evening’s artistic journey began with Mariana Arbiza Costa’s reflective original piano work Por tu corazón, followed by a stirring rendition of You Raise Me Up featuring violinist Mary Wong. The program seamlessly blended music with personal development, including Manuel Rueda’s interactive magic and jazz-pop fusion arrangements of Conquer and All of Me by Ran Xiang and Zelun Sun. Deep emotional resonance was felt through TJ Burkett and Hannah Zhang’s interpretations of Both Sides Now and A Change in Me, complemented by Dr. Eli Yamin’s vibrant jazz improvisations and a spirited rock recording of The 66ers by Dr. Stephen Brookfield. The second half featured heartfelt performances of True Colors and You’ve Got a Friend by the Teachers College Choir, followed by Blair Chen’s meditative New Age piece See Me A Little More and Yeshuang Chen’s virtuosic Czárdás. The palette further expanded with Yami Cao and Licen Liu’s cross-cultural dance Past Lives, Grand Future, the Rose Tree Quartet’selegant Bach selection Contrapunctus I, and Lulu Guo’s vulnerable original song Perfect Imperfection. The night reached its zenith with Laila Faerman’s powerful The Greatest Love of All, before concluding on a joyful note with Ron Chambers’ guitar performances of Don’t Think Twice and Wild Rover.

Special Auction

Following the seventh performance, the concert paused for a brief live auction that invited the audience to participate directly in supporting the scholarship initiative. Two special items were presented: an artistic vase created by Chali Kaewla and a 2010 Burgundy white wine generously donated by Ruhao Chen. The vase was purchased for $200, while the wine sold for $318.

The auction brought a lively and communal moment to the evening, as audience members joined together in support of the cause. More than a fundraising activity, the exchange reflected the spirit of generosity and connection that defined the event.

Reflection and Community Impact

As the evening drew to a close, the concert transitioned into a shared moment of community reflection. Audience members were invited to pause and consider several questions inspired by the spirit of the program: What moment touched you most tonight? How can we stay connected to ourselves and others in moments of learning and conflict? How do we remain grounded in our authentic selves in a complex world? These questions encouraged participants to carry the evening’s insights beyond the performance space and into their daily lives.

More than a musical program, the benefit concert represents a growing collective effort to support future students. Through the generosity of performers, volunteers, and audience members, the Victoria J. Marsick Scholarship Fund continues to move toward its long-term goal of $100,000, reflecting the shared commitment of the Teachers College community. In an increasingly fast-paced world, the concert offers a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect through art, dialogue, and shared experience.

The concert was organized by the Adult Learning and Leadership Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, in partnership with New York Artists Took Us to See the World Inside at the Columbia University Graduate School of Education. The event was produced by Ruohao Chen, with the assistance of volunteers Quinta Li, Xuefang (Violet) Li, Gading Aulia, Handy Salim, and Zhou Zhang. The organizers also extend special thanks to Qianci Liu and Jian Liu for their generous support.