Let's make this birthday one to remember.

78 years old (Born on December 14, 1946)

Happy Birthday, Maestro Leon Botstein! From conducting symphonies to orchestrating Bard College's growth since 1975, your baton has waved magic into academia and music alike. Who else could seamlessly blend Beethoven with board meetings? Your tireless dedication continues to inspire generations of students—and perhaps even a few composers rolling in their graves.

Here's wishing you another year filled with standing ovations, harmonious campus life (if that's possible!), and fewer moments spent explaining why classical music isn't just "old-school Spotify." Keep hitting those high notes—both on stage and off. Cheers to the maestro who makes every performance unforgettable!