<p>SDonCC, as a parent of two kids who have now attended different colleges, I see this as not particular at all to NYU. For example, my other kid went to Brown and we were called frequently during her four years there (and since) to give money to the Parent Fund to help with scholarships for students. As my own kid was on Fin. Aid, which we’ll be paying for ten more years, I was not able to give. But just saying, such solicitations are common from day one, and not just at NYU. </p>
<p>By the way, as a parent at that university, where my kid was on a varsity team funded by the school, we were required to pay some of the fees for that sport, not to mention being asked to also donate money to the team and to Brown athletics.</p>
<p>At NYU, it was just the invitation to attend this expensive fundraising event, and I did not go as I could not afford to go but I didn’t see a problem with the invitation as it was optional and for fundraising purposes. I didn’t mind it as I am grateful for those who can afford to be benefactors. In fact, as a Tisch student, my kid benefitted by those donations.</p>
<p>In any case, the NYU thing is optional and it is truly not unique to NYU (not sure if you have other kids in college).</p>