Robert De Niro and the rest of the audience were treated to a long highlight reel of his films at the Borough of Manhattan Community College’s annual gala at 4 World Trade Center on May 13.
The actor smiled fondly with the crowd, particularly as they watched clips of his early films, like “Mean Streets.”
It was the first gala in the building, which is not yet open for its commercial tenants.
Also honored was Elizabeth Margaritis Butson, a longtime B.M.C.C. board member and supporter of the college, and a former publisher of The Villager.
The ever-gallant De Niro kissed Butson’s hand after meeting her at the event.
Jane Rosenthal, De Niro’s Tribeca Film Festival co-founder and former B.M.C.C. honoree, said, “On 9/11, Bob took it personally.”
At the time, De Niro was living in Tribeca, and he, Rosenthal and her husband, Craig Hatkoff, launched the fest that spring.
“We didn’t even think about it, we just did it,” De Niro said. “It feels odd for getting an award for reacting — but don’t get me wrong, I’ll take it.”
Rosenthal said, “Bob you’re going to get this lovely award tonight, and B.M.C.C., you’re going to get the cash.”
For her support of B.M.C.C., Butson was profiled in a “Donor of the Day” column in the Wall Street Journal this Feb. 12.
Based on the draw of De Niro, Butson and the third honoree, Kurt Woetzel of BNY Mellon, the college took in about $1 million for its scholarship fund, which typically helps immigrant students who succeed despite daunting obstacles.
— Josh Rogers
