Some universities rent out lecture halls and auditoriums to outsiders to hold a function.
Such a function may be a lousy or a dynamic lecture, a poorly or a wonderfully performed recital, a great or a mediocre play, even a social get-together. I am inclined to think that the company in question was a sucker and NYU was the winner in this patronization of art by an academic institution. The objection reminds me of critics of Mother Theresa's work because she had received donations from some Caribbean dictator. Be sure to include your name and affiliation. Legitimate requests for anonymity will be honored.