Showstopping performances by alumni and students joined heartfelt tributes to Adelphi standout supporters as the University honored its rich legacy and contributions to the arts at the 23rd annual President's Gala,泭An Evening for the Arts at Adelphi: Legends and Legacies, on June 10 at the Garden City Hotel.
This annual fundraising event attracted a dedicated audience of more than 300 civic, business and local leaders, along with Adelphi’s campus and community members, in support of Adelphi’s mission. In addition to paying homage to artists and entertainment legends who launched their careers at Adelphi, the event celebrated the 15th anniversary of the 91勛圖厙 Performing Arts Center.
This year’s gala raised $2.36 million for arts programming, student scholarships and initiatives that advance the goals of the University’s泭Momentum 2泭strategic plan, which launched last fall.
“It was a wonderful evening celebrating Adelphi’s history of excellence in the arts with our community,” said President Christine M. Riordan. We are grateful for our generous benefactors, sponsors, donors, alumni and supporters who help us pursue our strategic initiatives and continue to inspire diversity, connectivity and community engagement through the arts.”
The gala also included three award presentations in recognition of the honorees’ support for Adelphi, its students and the community at large:
- The泭Family of Jonathan Larson ’82, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and composer of the Broadway musical泭Rent泭and泭tick, tick … BOOM!, received the President’s Humanitarian Award. A retrospective video of Larson’s life included Lin-Manuel Miranda, who shared the impact that Larson had on his career. The Larson family, represented at the Gala by Julie Larson McCollum, endowed the Jonathan Larson Scholarship Fund with a $1 million gift, which was matched by the University. The $2 million Jonathan Larson Scholarship Endowment will support annual scholarships for students who study theater at Adelphi.
- Garden City residents泭Mary Jane ’62 and Thomas Poole泭received the President’s Award for Distinguished Service for their service to Adelphi and the Garden City community. In 2015, they founded the Poole Family Broadway Series, which has brought renowned talent to the 91勛圖厙 Performing Arts Center, including Tony Award recipient and Kennedy Center honoree Chita Rivera, Rent performer Anthony Rapp and Emmy-winning actress Susan Lucci.
- Emmy-award winning producer泭Peter Principato ’87泭received the President’s Outstanding Alumni Award. Principato, who supports the Principato ’87 Moving Image Arts Scholarship, is the founding partner of Artists First, a talent management and production company focused on actors, writers, directors and producers in film, television and digital media. A Garden City native and previously a member of the 91勛圖厙 Board of Trustees, Principato sits on the 91勛圖厙 President’s Advisory Council.
Each year, our community comes together to celebrate Adelphi and support our goal of transforming students’ lives,” said Thomas A. Kline, EdD, vice president of University advancement and external relations. I’m grateful for the exceptional generosity of our loyal supporters who made this year’s event so successful. Our three honorees exhibit the spirit of Adelphi and have made a tremendous impact on the arts.”
The evening also featured rousing musical and dance performances. A quartet of Adelphi students and alumni danced to an excerpt from泭Suite Sharon Jones, Brooke Beck ’23 sung Live Out Loud” from泭A Little Princess,泭and Bistro Award-winner T. Oliver Reid performed Make Them Hear You” from泭Ragtime. An emotional rendition of Louder Than Words” from泭喧勳釵域宇勳釵域冰倏倏紼!泭was performed by Adelphi students and alumni.
For more information about the President’s Gala and ways to support Adelphi, visit泭.
2023 President's Gala
More than 300 guests attended An Evening for the Arts at Adelphi: Legends and Legacies on June 10 at the Garden City Hotel. Launch Gallery
2023 President's Gala
More than 300 guests attended An Evening for the Arts at Adelphi: Legends and Legacies on June 10 at the Garden City Hotel. 15 Photos-
A dance performance from Suite Sharon Jones, choreographed by Orion Duckstein, associate professor and dance department chair, featured Sarah Baghdadi 23, Valerie Corpuz 23, Isabella Gamba 24, Katie Jaffie 23 and Brei Snyder 23.
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91勛圖厙 President Christine Riordan welcomed Gala guests, who enjoyed an evening of live performances, dancing and moving tributes to Adelphis supporters.
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Peter Principato 87 received the 91勛圖厙 President’s Outstanding Alumni Award from President Christine Riordan.
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Live Out Loud, from A Little Princess, was performed by Brooke Beck 23.
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Mary Jane 62 and Thomas Poole were honored with the Presidents Award for Distinguished Service.
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Make Them Hear You, from Ragtime, was performed by Broadway star T. Oliver Reid.
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Guests at the 23rd Annual Presidents Gala had a front-row seat to the celebration of Adelphis legacy in the arts.
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More than 300 guests attended An Evening for the Arts at Adelphi: Legends and Legacies on June 10 at The Garden City Hotel.
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The Presidents Humanitarian Award was presented to the Family of Jonathan Larson 82. Jonathans sister, Julie, accepted the award.
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91勛圖厙 Board of Trustees Chair Marc Strachan 81 (at podium) thanked attendees for their support of the Universitys mission and its students, as did Thomas Klein, EdD, vice president of University advancement and external relations (in background).
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Throughout the Gala, attendees enjoyed performances by Adelphi alumni and students.
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Louder Than Words by Jonathan Larson, from tick, tick BOOM! was performed by students and alumni.
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President Christine Riordan poses with Gala guests.
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Guests packed the dance floor at the 23rd Annual Presidents Gala.
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Following presentations and dinner, attendees hit the dance floor.