Leon Botstein, president of Bard College and credited with raising millions to keep the institution afloat, had conversations with Jeffrey Epstein while soliciting donations, according to reporting that emerged as the president was portrayed as a campus savior. The disclosure says Botstein discussed topics including music and watches and referenced young female musicians during interactions with Epstein. The revelations further complicate governance and donor-relations issues at liberal-arts institutions that rely heavily on major gifts and high-profile leadership. College trustees and development officers will likely face renewed scrutiny of donor vetting processes and conflict-of-interest safeguards as the sector assesses reputational risk tied to prominent benefactors.