I’ve had a lot of experiences in philanthropy, but nothing could have prepared me for meeting the Pope. I didn’t expect it be so emotional, but when I told the Pope that my dad was sick, he asked his name, prayed for him, and I walked away crying.
The Swiss Guard hosted my trip— they are fundraising for the restoration of their historic barracks— and I went with the @galileo_foundation that supports the preservation of buildings like theirs, as well as other objects of cultural patrimony within the Vatican (most recently, the foundation paid for the conservation of tapestries within the Sistine Chapel). Thank you to the Guards and Vatican staff for an incredible 48 hours in Rome, and to the Galileo Foundation for inviting me. It was amazing to see the effort that is going into preserving historic art and buildings at the Vatican, and, of course, meeting the Pope was one of the great honors of my life.
Thrilled to announce I’ve joined the Council of the School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford. As the university’s largest school, H&S spans everything from Classics to Chemistry, Philosophy to Physics (the full list of departments is on slide 5). Led by its incredible dean, Debra Satz, the school covers the core disciplines— in the humanities, physical sciences, and natural sciences— that define a liberal arts education. My family has been closely involved with Stanford for many years, and I’m including some throwback photos of my parents, especially of my dad, for whom Stanford played a major role in his life’s achievements and sense of purpose. I’m genuinely humbled and honored to be continuing this legacy, especially in the area of humanities and sciences, which I Iove. Go trees 🌲
Last night, as a new co-chair of the Chairman’s Council at the Met, I had the honor to speak about three of the things I love most about the museum: its pioneering scholarship, our best-in-class conservation labs, and the unparalleled accessibility we offer through our pay-what-you-wish admissions policy for all New Yorkers. The Chairman’s Council was founded by Brooke Astor, sustained by Annette de la Renta, and is championed today by Samantha Boardman, who introduced me last night. To Sam and my fellow co-chairs, thank you for including me in your company. I am honored to be the very first man 🦄 amongst these incomparable women who have built up the museum to serve generations to come— Mrs. Astor, I won’t let you down!
Watching @alysaxliu win gold for Team USA! With THE figure skating super fan @verawang ! Plus American gold medalists @sarahhughesnyc and @kristiyamaguchi , and the newest men’s Olympic gold medalist @mikhail_shaidorov ! Even @42psy42 (Gangnam Style) was there in our box! Plus Kristy Coventry of the IOC! IT WAS EPIC! HISTORIC! We cheered. We cried. @alysaxliu we are all so proud of you!!! Your skate was JOYFUL, fun, incredible. It was a genuine privilege to watch you tonight. I will never, ever forget it. It was an honor. Go Team USA! 🥇🇺🇸 ⛸️
At the cottage (Chateau Marmont) with @hudsonwilliamsofficial . Thank you @wmag for having me, and @heatedrivalrycrave for the best TV show since Chernobyl.
Also, Hudson really is the nicest irl 🥰
📸 by my inordinately patient husband and very own Ilya, @charlesporch
