The Legends Dinner was held at the Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom of the Ruth S. Harley University Center. Actor and Adelphi alum Sam Adams served as the emcee of the event.
Dr. Christine M. Riordan, the president of Adelphi University, made the welcoming remarks, where she complimented Adelphi’s distinguished alumni in its “10 Under 10 Recognition.”
It was followed by a special presentation that honored the three Adelphi legends, which included the founding dean of the Adelphi Honors College, Dr. Richard Garner, esteemed dancer and choreographer Carmen de Lavallade (who is a 2017 Kennedy Center Honoree), as well as Professor Nicholas Petron, the Chair of the Department of Theatre, who was the first performing arts major to receive the “Distinguished Alumni Award” from his undergraduate alma mater. In 2018, Petron will serve as the keynote speaker at Kansas Wesleyan University. All three “legends” gave compelling and thought-provoking acceptance speeches, which garnered them standing ovations from the dinner attendees.
Sam Adams introduced multifaceted actress Laura Linney, who is known for her award-winning acting work in theater, film and television. Linney shared that she has an affinity for Adelphi, since her stepmother is an alumna and in her youth, she attended the Olmsted Theatre summer camps. In her eloquent acceptance speech, she praised all three of the aforementioned legends (Garner, de Lavallade, Petron), and the president of Adelphi, Dr. Riordan. “I touched the arts here, and they touched me back,” Linney said.
Towards the end of her speech, Linney got emotional as she thanked her stepmother for helping her early on in her life when she was a “confused young girl,” and for ultimately, “saving her life.”
The Verdict
Overall, the Legends Dinner was another exquisite event held at Adelphi University. It was well-received by all, and hopefully, there will be many more “Legends” series to come in the future that pay tribute to Adelphi’s top alumni and distinguished faculty members.
To learn more about Adelphi University, check out its official website.
