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March 24, 2026

Landmark College to Honor Hoda Kotb and Kate Snow of NBC News, Celebrating Neurodiversity as a Strength

An illustration featuring headshots of 2026 LD Luminaries Hoda Kotb and Kate Snow of NBC News.

Landmark College will honor NBC News journalists Hoda Kotb and Kate Snow for their impact in shaping conversations that deepen understanding and empathy around learning differences (LD). The two will receive the Landmark College LD Luminary Award at the College’s gala fundraiser, Hearts & Minds & Imagination: The Power of Learning Differently, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at City Winery in New York City. 

The gala brings together Landmark College supporters, alumni, families, and advocates to celebrate students whose creativity, determination, and insight are reshaping what education can be, while raising vital funds to support Landmark College students. The event will include silent and live auctions, along with a fund-a-need campaign. Visit the gala page for more information and to purchase tickets to the event. 

“This evening celebrates the potential of students with learning differences and the growing recognition that neurodiversity is a strength,” said Landmark College President Dr. Jim Dlugos. “Education is not about fitting a mold; it’s about unlocking potential through innovative, research-backed teaching, meaningful connection, and the belief that difference drives discovery.”

For the first time, Landmark College will present the Landmark College LD Champion Award to Mattel, Inc. and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) for creating the autistic Barbie doll. Jake Sussman, founder of Superpower Mentors, is also on the program as a special guest. 

In addition, the Founders Award will be presented to Landmark College Professors Emeriti Daniel Toomey and Linda Kerr in recognition of their enduring dedication to Landmark’s mission and their lasting impact on the field of learning differences. The Student Impact Award will be presented to graduating senior Anastasio Bonhomme, honoring the positive influence he has made on the College’s campus community.

The Landmark College LD Luminary Award is given to individuals in the public eye who have helped advance the perception of neurodiversity in society. Previous award recipients include Amy Brenneman, John Donvan, John Elder Robison, Whoopi Goldberg, Sheinelle Jones, Holly Robinson Peete, Al Roker, and Caren Zucker. 

Hoda Kotb, one of America’s foremost journalists, authors, and entrepreneurs and former co-anchor of NBC News’ “TODAY” and co-host of “TODAY with Hoda & Jenna,” is widely admired for her warmth, candor, and ability to connect audiences with stories of resilience and possibility. Today she hosts the podcast “Making Space with Hoda Kotb” and leads the wellness platform Joy 101.

Kate Snow, co-anchor of “NBC News Daily” and a Senior National Correspondent for NBC News, brings a deeply personal connection to the evening as the parent of a Landmark College student. Known for reporting that creates real-world impact, including nationally recognized coverage of mental health, Snow has helped bring greater understanding to issues affecting families nationwide.

Jake Sussman’s work supports neurodivergent youth and young adults in building confidence and recognizing their strengths. His presence highlights the growing movement to reframe learning differences as powerful ways of thinking that benefit classrooms, workplaces, and communities.

Landmark College would like to acknowledge the following corporate sponsors for their support of the Heart & Minds & Imagination gala: Belfort Group, Chartwells Dining Services, ReArch Construction, The Richards Group, Connection. Inc., FuturEd Finance, Jenzabar Inc., Leader Distribution Systems – Pepsi Brattleboro, The Melanson Company, Morgan Stanley – The Malkin Group, A to Z Communications, Audacy Inc., The Bonadio Group, GPI Construction, Heeter Printing Company, Howard Printing Inc., RC Brayshaw Printing, Savings Bank of Walpole, ServPro of VT/NH, SymQuest, TD Bank, Winston Preparatory School, Exterus Furniture, Modern Mechanical Solutions, and Portland Glass.

About the Gala

Private philanthropic support raised during the gala plays a critical role in sustaining the programs, faculty, and research that make Landmark College uniquely transformative for neurodivergent learners. Guests may attend in person in New York City or virtually via livestream.

How to participate:

  • Attend in person: Enjoy dinner and an evening program featuring special guests, student stories, and live auctions. Learn more.
  • Attend virtually: Stream the program and participate in the auction from anywhere. Learn more.
  • Join the silent auction: Bid on getaways, concerts, sports events, and more. Bidding opens at noon on Saturday, April 26, and closes at 11 p.m. ET Thursday, April 30.
  • Become a sponsor: Support student success while gaining visibility at the event. Learn more.