On Monday, April 13, 2026, the NYU Tisch celebrated the 2026 Tisch Gala, a magnificent evening dedicated to supporting crucial student needs and showcasing Tisch student and alumni talent. The event marked the first Gala for new Tisch Dean, Rubén Polendo.
Student Performers at the 2026 Tisch Gala
The 2026 Tisch Gala celebrated co-CEO and co-founder of Runway, Cristóbal Valenzuela '18 (MPS, ITP) and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright and Professor, Suzan-Lori Parks, and raised nearly $2 million for crucial student needs, including scholarship, educational resources, and programmatic support.The evening saw extraordinary student performances by the Second Avenue Dance Company, C-Live Band of the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, and N’Harmonics, as well as a stunning rendition of Wheels of a Dream from Ragtime.
Cristóbal Valenzuela '18 was presented his award by ITP Professor Dan Shiffman. Suzan-Lori Parks was presented her award by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Tony Kusher '84. Dean Rubén Polendo was presented by alumnus and long time collaborator, Justin Nestor '07, and NYU President Linda Mills gave remarks.
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for a remarkable evening! Read more about the event here.
Suzan-Lori Parks and Tony Kushner
Dan Shiffman and Cristóbal Valenzuela