Special Long Island Performances of Professional New York City-Wide Tour
May 13, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) Through Friday June 6, 2008, Inside Broadway is presenting the delightful musical comedy You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown for over 30 New York City schools and 20,000 children. The production ran Off-Broadway five seasons ago at the Lucile Lortel Theater, and had a sold-out run. This years tour began on Monday April 7.
On Tuesday, May 13, 9:45 AM (second performance at 11:30 AM) A special Long Island performance of the City-wide tour will be presented by Inside Broadway with funding from New York State Senator John J. Flanagan at Centereach High School, 14-43 Street, Centereach, Long Island. click for MAP
The Tony and Drama Desk-winning musical brings Charles M. Schulz famous characters to life, as Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang learn important life lessons. There will also be guest appearances at the shows by prominent New York City officials who have supported the company over the years.
Inside Broadway will also present its annual free “Creating the Magic” event with the cast and company of Broadway’s “Hairspray,” at the Neil Simon Theatre in Manhattan on May 29 at 10:30 AM. The unique performance, open to the public, will demonstrate the elements of creating a Broadway show.
The multi-cultural all-Equity cast of the You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, directed by Robert Jay Cronin, is: Larry Hamilton, the Charlie Brown at the Lucile Lortel Theatre, returning in the role; Jennifer Mintzer (Sally), Jaime Cepero (Snoopy), Michael Armstrong Barr (Linus), Sadrina Johnson (Lucy) and Michael Lazar (Schroeder). The Musical Director is John Bowen, with scenic design by Carl Tallent, costume design by Karl Ruckdeschel and Scott Earley is Production Stage Manager. The Associate Producer is Nick Sala, and the Producer is Michael Presser.
Inside Broadway presents unique, edited 50-minute professional productions of musical theatre classics, directed especially for children. Other productions of Inside Broadway have included Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (2007 school tour),Bye Bye Birdie, On the Town, The Pirates of Penzance, Kiss Me, Kate, Smokey Joe’s Café and Sophisticated Ladies. All shows provide student study guides, teacher lesson plans. Other Inside Broadway programs include “Build A Musical,” where teaching artists work with children to create their own musical theatre; and the current “The Magic of Broadway” at senior centers throughout New York, where members are working with professional teaching artists to create their own mini-musicals (part of the new New York City SM(ART)S – Seniors Meet the Arts, sponsored by the Dept. for the Aging, the Dept. of Cultural Affairs and the New York City Council).
Inside Broadway receives substantial and ongoing funding from several government agencies including the New York City Department of Education; New York State Office of Children and Family Services; New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; New York City Department For the Aging: New York City Department of Youth and Community Development; New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and New York State Department of Education; New York City Council: Christine Quinn, Speaker, Domenic Recchia, Chair Cultural Affairs Committee and Council Members Joseph Addabbo, Jr., Tony Avella, Erik Martin Dilan, Lew Fidler, Dan Garodnick, Eric Gioia, Vincent Gentile, Sara Gonzalez, Vincent Ignizio, Melinda Katz, Darlene Mealy, Michael McMahon, Annabel Palma, Joel Rivera, Larry Seabrook, Helen Sears, James Vacca and Thomas White, Jr. New York State Assembly Members Peter Abbate, Michael Benedetto, Adriano Espaillat, Michael Gianaris, Richard Gottfried, Brian Kavanagh, Linda Rosenthal, Michele Titus, Mark Weprin and Ellen Young; New York State Senators Andrew Lanza, John Flanagan, George Onorato, Tom Duane and Martin Golden.
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About Inside Broadway:
Inside Broadway is a professional New York City based children’s theatre company committed to producing Broadway’s classic musicals in a contemporary light for young audiences. Our aim is to pass down the rich legacy of America’s musical theater to future generations so that the magic, music, and universal themes of the genre are not lost, but rediscovered and made relevant for today’s youth.
For more information please visit http://www.insidebroadway.org
Ingenious New Gun-Mounted Audio/Video Technology Could Enhance Police and Public Safety
May 13, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) State Senator Eric Adams (D-Brooklyn) today announced his support for a pilot program of the Integrated Video Documentation Targeting Technology known as PistolCam. Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Michael Balboni, the Senate Democratic Conference, and members of the Black, Puerto Rican, Asian, and Hispanic Caucus are scheduled to attend a series of demonstrations of the new technology.
PistolCam’s patented technology includes a high-tech innovation that mounts a small camera on the barrel of any 9mm weapon to automatically provide video/audio documentation each time the weapon is drawn from its holster. The small device will store up to 60 minutes of audio and video images.
Discrepancies in testimony during the recent Sean Bell trial underline the need for an objective chronicle of any episode involving the discharge of a firearm by law enforcement personnel. Although the video technology cannot capture the often-critical events that transpire before an officer draws his gun, a camera installed on the weapon can provide crucial assistance in clarifying important parts of the sequence of events in a shooting.
“This device has the potential to be a signature product for law enforcement,” said Senator Adams, who retired from the New York Police Department after a distinguished 22-year career.
All videos and pictures are stored in high capacity memory and available for download via USB cable to any PC or laptop. There is also a safety feature that requires a special security code to download the audio and visual images.
Senator Adams, who is also the co-founder of the organization 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, acknowledged that he expects “positive results and enthusiasm” from the municipality that piloted the PistolCam product in New York State.
“There is no question that this is cutting edge technology, and New York City should commence a pilot program in which officers use it in training situations so that we can determine the extent to which it improves their effectiveness,” Senator Adams said. “In addition, if we provided a clearer picture of what officers encounter after they remove their guns from the holster, it would serve as an invaluable training tool and significantly increase public safety.”
Photo: The latest crime-fighting tool – pictured: Senator Eric Adams (D-Brooklyn) is joined by officials from Legend Technology at the state Capitol unveiling the patented device known as PistolCam. The revolutionary video and audio apparatus is mounted to the barrel of a gun and activates within 1.4 seconds from being removed from the holster. (L-R) Senator Eric Adams, Legend Technologies spokesperson William L. DeProspo and Legend Technologies Board Member Daniel J. Fitzpatrick.
Randy Couture to Appear at XtremeCouture in Centereach Long Island
May 11, 2008
(Centereach, N.Y.) On Sunday May 18th Randy “The Natural” Couture will be appearing at XtremeCouture MMA & Fitness Center 2120 Middle Country Road in Centereach New York 11720.
Mr Couture a 6 time UFC champion and hall of famer will be conducting a training seminar from 9am - 2pm for all members and from 2pm-3:30pm he will be signing autographs and pictures for fans at a cost of $25.00.
Please come early to reserve your spot and a chance to meet one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.
Call Jay at 631-331-0125 for more details
About Randy Couture
Randy Duane Couture is an American mixed martial artist, Greco-Roman wrestler, and former collegiate wrestler. Couture is one of the two MMA fighters to have held a championship title in two different divisions (heavyweight and light heavyweight) of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) (the other one being BJ Penn), as well as the only five-time champion in UFC history, earning him the nicknames “The Natural” and, later, “Captain America”. He is considered by many to be the most popular fighter in MMA history, and is a member of the UFC Hall of Fame.
About XtremeCouture New York
XtremeCouture in Centereach is one of five other Extreme Couture gyms across the U.S which are owned by Randy Couture. The 6,000 square foot facility is slated to have a boxing ring, an octagonal cage, mats, and an area for weight training and cardio equipment. The gym is located at 2120 Middle Country Road, Centereach, NY 11720. For more information, visit Extreme Couture MMA www.xtremecoutureny.com
- Appearence May 18th, 2008
- For members 9AM - 2 PM
- For autographs and pictures for fans (cost of $25.00) 2PM - 3:30PM
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XtremeCouture New York
2120 Middle Country RD
Centereach NY 11720
(516)870-2085
www.xtremecoutureny.com
H2M To Discuss Groundwater Protection on Long Island
May 11, 2008
(Melville, N.Y.) Holzmacher, McLendon & Murrell, P.C. (H2M), a multi-disciplined Engineering, Architectural and Laboratory Analysis firm, has been helping to educate students on the importance of groundwater protection. In connection with the Long Island Groundwater Research Institute (LIGRI), on Friday, May 16, at the Candlewood Middle School (Half Hollow Hills district), from 9:30 to 11:00 and 12:30 to 2:00 Kenneth P. Wenz, Jr., C.P.G., of H2M, will be teaching middle schoolers about how they can help save and protect Long Island’s water supply.
The students will learn valuable information about geology, landforms, groundwater, the water cycle, and the importance of groundwater protection. Mr. Wenz will be showing them a 3-dimensional model of the Long Island groundwater system, which displays how groundwater travels within the aquifers of Long Island.
The presentation works on many different levels and has been presented to both adults and children. This same seminar was presented at the Commack, Manhasset, Levittown and Bayville schools as well as environmental fairs in Cold Spring Harbor and Huntington. One of the goals of the presentation is to raise awareness about groundwater issues and to educate the community on the region’s most pressing groundwater problems.
Mr. Wenz has more than 20 years of experience in the environmental field, comprising both consulting and regulatory experience, and is a resident of Commack, NY. If you would like H2M or Kenneth Wenz to make a presentation in your school or meeting feel free to contact H2M at 631-756-8000 or visit our website at www.h2m.com.
Founded in 1933, H2M has grown to be one of the most respected professional consulting firms in the Northeast, providing full-service engineering, architecture, environmental services, and laboratory analysis. H2M consists of Holzmacher, McLendon & Murrell, P.C., H2M Labs, Inc., H2M Associates, Inc., H2M Architects & Engineers, Inc.; and has offices in Melville, New York and Parsippany, New Jersey.
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Student Mural Celebrates Seven Years of ARCiB Bioinformatics Research Lab at Dowling College
May 11, 2008
(Oakdale, N.Y.) Darina Boycheva, a graphics arts student at Dowling College, has created a mural to celebrate the seventh year of the ARCiB Bioinformatics Research Laboratory at Dowling College. The laboratory works on problems on software for molecular graphics and the representation of information in structural biology. Started at Dowling College in 2002 under a grant from the National Science Foundation to Dowling Professor Herbert J. Bernstein for “Accessible Retired Computers in Biology (ARCiB)”, the laboratory has engaged students in a variety of projects at the intersection between structural biology and computer science. The projects have been funded by the NSF, the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the International Union of Crystallography and Dowling College with work presented at national and international scientific meetings.
In the 2007-2008 school year, there are 5 externally funded computer science research projects in the laboratory employing eight undergraduate students. Students have been proud to see their work used by scientists around the world. In recent years, students have attended scientific meetings and presented their work in Salt Lake City, UT; Chicago, IL; Florence, Italy; Honolulu, HI; and Manchester, England and in the summer of 2008 will present in Osaka, Japan.
Late last year, one wall of the laboratory was cleared to provide a place to display some of the research. Ms. Boycheva was commissioned to create a mural to frame the display area. Assisted by computer science student Georgi Todorov, Ms. Boycheva designed and implemented a mural combining representations of tRNA (transfer ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxynucleic acid). Both molecules are important in the processes that sustain life, and are also artistically appropriate to the task of creating a frame. The famous double helix of DNA works well as a straight border and tRNA makes an effective corner decoration.
To see more photos and info on the mural, click on http://arcib.dowling.edu/mural.html or come visit us in KSC 020.
About Dowling College
Dowling College is an independent, coeducational college that serves more than 6,500 students at its historic Rudolph Campus on the banks of the Connetquot River in Oakdale, NY, and the 105-acre Brookhaven Campus in eastern Long Island and a business center located near the Nassau-Suffolk border in Melville. Dowling offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in several disciplines through its four schools: Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Education. www.dowling.edu
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Students Develop Adaptive Equipment to Expand Use of Computers and the Internet Among the Elderly
May 11, 2008
(Auburn, N.Y.) Bright ideas, solid research and teamwork won four students from The Laurel Hill School, East Setauket, New York, a spot as finalists in the Christopher Columbus Awards, a nationwide program that challenges middle-school students to explore opportunities for positive change in their communities. Sixth-grader Laurence Caradonna, seventh-graders S. Aleksander Caradonna, Marena Elle Minelli and Sarah Parente, and their coach, William Schmidt, made it to the semifinals earlier this month, and now are one of eight finalist teams in the country to compete for the grand prize—the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant.
With computers and the Internet playing a central role in their daily lives, the students wondered why the senior citizens with whom they interact—grandparents, other relatives and friends they have made through volunteer work—don’t make use of these vital technologies. They learned from the American Medical Association that 75 percent of people over the age of 60 are afraid of or have no interest in using computers. Considering the fact that the same study suggests that seniors who use computers are more independent, feel more connected to society and tend to suffer less depression than those who do not, the student team determined that efforts must be made to expand the use of computers and the Internet among the elderly.
The students worked with the County Office for the Aging, State Veterans’ Home and several Atria Assisted Living Residences to reach out to senior citizens in their area. First, they surveyed seniors about their current computer use and the specific challenges they have encountered in using computers and the Internet. Next, they trained seniors to use the IN2L (“It’s Never Too Late”) computer system, a $60,000 adaptive computer system that addresses the needs of senior computer users. It was a hit. The student team then developed its own adaptive computer system. While based on the IN2L, the $5,000 the student model is far more affordable, with few sacrifices.
“We realized that there were many benefits for senior citizens to be introduced to computers,” the team members remarked. “Seniors could use computers for entertainment, communication, education, hobbies, business and to learn new skills. They could decrease their depression, feel more connected to others, increase their self-esteem and improve their short-term memory.”
A panel of community leaders, scientists and experts in science education selected this idea as one of the top eight entries in the U.S. More than 600 students and coaches participated nationwide.
Team Wins a Trip to Walt Disney World
The team and their coach win an all-expense-paid trip to the Walt Disney World® Resort, where they will compete in the Christopher Columbus Awards National Championship Week, June 16-20, 2008, plus a $200 grant to further develop their project.
Each member of two Gold Medal winning teams will receive a $2,000 U.S. Savings Bond, and one team will receive the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant as seed money to help bring its idea to life in the community. The Grant winning team will receive support from the Christopher Columbus Awards staff and continued guidance from their coach and community leaders.
The finalists will also attend the Christopher Columbus Academy, a custom-designed educational program. Conducted by scientists, engineers and educators, the program reveals the science and technology behind the thrills and excitement of Epcot® and the Magic Kingdom.®
Positive Community Change
The Christopher Columbus Awards challenge teams of middle-school students to explore and discover opportunities for positive change in their communities using science and technology. The program is now in its 12th year, and has attracted more than 15,500 students from diverse backgrounds all across the U.S. The program is sponsored by the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation (www.columbusfdn.org) with support from the National Science Foundation, and is endorsed by the National Middle School Association. Past winners have included: a group of Native American girls who built a study hall out of straw bales on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana; and a team of students from Pennsylvania who developed a video/motion sensor device to deter motorists from trying to illegally pass stopped school buses.
Strong Participation from Girls, Minorities
The program attracts many students who may not typically enter a science competition. More than half of the entrants are girls, and nearly a fourth are from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, statistics that are higher than those of most science competitions. The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation believes the teamwork aspect and community focus draw a broader range of students to enter.
About the Sponsor
The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation is an independent Federal government agency created by Congress in 1992 to encourage and support research, study and labor designed to produce new discoveries in all fields of endeavor for the benefit of mankind. The Foundation has established Frontiers of Discovery–Work in Progress and Discover the Future, programs that recognize “cutting edge” innovations, innovative ideas of America’s youth, and honor teachers. These programs include the four new Life Science Awards, $25,000 Homeland Security Award, Christopher Columbus Awards, and the $10,000 Freida J. Riley Teacher Award.
For more information, call 1-800-291-6020 or visit www.christophercolumbusawards.com.
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William Shakespeare’s Hamlet Now in Production at RWStageArt
May 8, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) RWStageArt, a North Fork-based theater company focused on bringing the works of William Shakespeare to the stage with passion and energy, is going into production of their latest offering, Hamlet: Prince of Denmark. The company has signed on East End Shakespeare’s A.D. Newcomer as director, Joan Chambers as costume designer, Alan Stewart as Fight Director, and Kevin Twigg as the composer of an original score written especially for this production. Ms. Chambers has designed costumes for Shakespeare productions for many years, both on the North Fork and in New York City and her painstaking attention to detail, her incredible sense of color and texture, and sumptuous fabrics will be an invaluable asset to the production. Mr. Twigg is a percussionist and composer working all over the country as a performer, frequently with David Amram, and also teaches percussion at the East End Community School of the Arts. He has been involved in scoring many theater productions, mostly in New York City, and given his crazy schedule, we are very lucky he has agreed to work with us. Ms. Newcomer is a new director who has worked on several local Shakespeare productions with both Northeast Stage and RWStageArt as stage manager, assistant director and Shakespearean dramaturg and has also trained at Shakespeare & Company.
The role of Hamlet will be played by RWStageArt co-founder Robert L.S. Wilson and other members of the cast include RWStageArt co-founder Rebekah White as Ophelia, Mel Mendelssohn as Polonius, Philip Reichert as Claudius, Susan Cincotta as Gertrude, Tom Rosanti as Laertes, Jere Jacob as the Gravedigger and Player Lucianus, Kevin Monsell as Marcellus, the Priest and the Player King, Allyson Bunch as the Player Queen, Ed Weiss as Barnardo and the English Ambassador , and Alan Stewart as The Ghost.
While we have edited the script down to a shorter performance time of 2 ¾ hrs, the language remains otherwise unaltered and every effort has been made to keep the rhythmic flow of the verse and the dramatic structure of the full text. We are working to infuse a timeless script with our own creative energy, bringing a fresh but true interpretation to one of the best-known and loved plays of all time. We hope to create a production that reaches modern audiences artistically, energetically, and powerfully and reveals for them the beauty and music of Shakespeare’s verse, as well as the rich complexity of Shakespeare’s characters. Part of our mission is to work collaboratively with actors, directors, musicians, visual artists and Shakespeare in a creatively nurturing environment that allows for the continued exploration of all the aspects of the art and craft of performing Shakespeare with vision and clarity.
We rehearse in Southold and performances will take place at the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall on August 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th and 9th at 7pm, with Sunday Matinees on August 3rd and 10th at 2pm.
Tickets will be $15/$10 for students and seniors.
We still have a few roles available and interested actors can contact the director for audition info before May 23rd. Members of the creative team are available for interviews upon request. Photos and other materials also available. Contact A.D. Newcomer at 631-208-6933 or by email at anewcome@suffolk.lib.ny.us.
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Vail Leavitt Music Hall
Map of 18 Peconic Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
http://www.vail-leavitt.org/
A.D. Newcomer
Director, RWStageArt’s HAMLET
631-208-6933
Dowling College Establishes Intergenerational Center on Policy and Practice
May 8, 2008
(Oakdale, N.Y.) Long Island’s first center for intergenerational policy and practice is being launched at Dowling College. According to Robert Gaffney, Dowling’s President, “The Center for Intergenerational Policy and Practice is dedicated to the promotion of policies, programs and coursework that bind generational groups together as well as intergenerational practices that reduce age stereotyping and discrimination.” “The Center is a partnership of Dowling College with Intergenerational Strategies, a Hauppauge-based not-for-profit organization and Long Island’s pre-eminent leader in the intergenerational field,” Gaffney continues.
“The Center will be multi-disciplined, offering not only an academic studies program but also a leadership development initiative directed to age 50+ adults who are looking for second careers in public service work. In addition, the Center will offer seminars and an annual conference,” says Dr. Susanne Bleiberg Seperson, the Intergenerational Center’s Director.
Paul Arfin, President and CEO of Intergenerational Strategies, reports that the Center is the first of its kind in the entire region. According to Arfin, “the Center will draw upon best practices in the growing intergenerational field and serve as a replicable model for other colleges and universities.” He feels intergenerational programs are the wave of the future and are needed on Long Island. Intergenerational programs have demonstrated that they can improve the health conditions of older adults while benefitting the groups they serve whether they are children, youth, or older populations.
The Center’s public policy agenda will concentrate on generational equity issues challenging those that would pit one generation’s needs against those of another generation. We will recommend and promote policies that see each generation having assets to contribute to the common good.”
The Center will launch its activities in July with a Summer Seminar Series on intergenerational and aging issues. A conference is being planned for November.
For further information about The Center for Intergenerational Policy and Practice, please contact Dr. Susanne Bleiberg-Seperson at bleibers@dowling.edu.
About Dowling College
Dowling College is an independent, coeducational college that serves more than 6,500 students at its historic Rudolph Campus on the banks of the Connetquot River in Oakdale, NY, and the 105-acre Brookhaven Campus in eastern Long Island and a business center located near the Nassau-Suffolk border in Melville. Dowling offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in several disciplines through its four schools: Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Education. www.dowling.edu
Senate Democratic Leader Calls for Transparent Fuel-Savings Policy for New York State
May 8, 2008
(Albany, N.Y.) Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans), supported a controversial bill to eliminate the gasoline tax as prices at the pump hit a record $4 per gallon in some parts of the state. Smith said that while the legislation was “not perfect, any relief we can provide for families was important.”
“The high gasoline costs continue to affect all New Yorkers,” said Senator Smith. “The bill being proposed is truly bigger than your typical partisan politics. I support this bill, which sends a message to my constituents that Albany understands their concerns, but I have some serious concerns with the bill, especially the lack of transparency.”
The bill (S7594-B) would save New Yorkers 32 cent per gallon and eliminate the New York State taxes on gasoline from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Smith said that the bill passed with a vote of 48 to 15, did not have mechanisms to ensure consumers would reap the benefits of the state tax suspension.
Senator Smith challenged the majority’s proposed legislation as being fiscally irresponsible. Implementing this bill would cause the state to incur an additional $500 million deficit. Still, Senator Smith said that he understood that families and small business owners needed help during these tough fiscal times.
“Gas tax relief sounds good at face value, but the reality is we will have to find a way to pay for it,” Smith said. “We are looking at ways that we can provide relief for consumers but also keep the state’s finances on track. While the budget is balanced this year, budget projects the next fiscal year show a multi-billion deficit. That is something we all must keep in mind.”
The legislation passed included an anti-price gouging clause similar to the failed cap issued in 2006. Smith said that his conference was split down the middle over the issue of whether to support the controversial tax.
Senate Energy & Telecom Committee Ranking Member, Senator Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn), said: “The proposed gas tax relief plan is short-sighted and ultimately won’t work. The money intended for state highway infrastructures to pay for roadwork, bridge construction, repairs and maintenance jobs would suffer. Instead, we ought to encourage alternative energy vehicles and use of public transportation.”
Key concerns were raised by Smith, Deputy Democratic Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx), and several Democratic Senators—Tom Duane (D-Manhattan), Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D-Bronx), Eric Schneiderman (D-Manhattan), Darrel Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent), Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan), William Stachowski (D-Buffalo), Martin Connor (D-Manhattan), and Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn).
Smith said loss of state revenues and the lack of anti-price gouging language in the legislation were just some of the concerns. He added that past studies on gasoline rebates have shown they do not benefit the state and/or consumers.
“I do support this bill, but it’s unfortunate that Senators on both sides of the aisle were not asked for their input on this legislation–another example of the lack of transparency in Albany,” said Senator Stachowski. That being said, I’m hopeful that my constituents do in fact realize the significant savings at the pump that this legislation promises, because they certainly need it.”
The recently passed Senate bill will likely be a one-house bill since the Assembly has already signaled it would not support the plan.
Senator Smith concluded: “In the perfect world, the Democratic Conference would have had the opportunity to submit healthy energy alternatives to address the rising gasoline costs, however, the majority has instead decided to pass a bill that directly addresses the concerns of their respective districts. This issue of equal concern should have been a catalyst for reform.”
Allan Houston to Address 1,000 Graduates and receive an Honorary Degree
May 6, 2008
(Oakdale, N.Y.) Allan Houston, famed professional athlete, philanthropic community leader and successful entrepreneur, will address an estimated 1,000 graduates and their families at Dowling College’s 46th Commencement ceremony on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the Nassau Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y.
“We are honored to welcome Allan Houston back to Dowling College. We were thrilled when he visited Dowling this year for our Homecoming event and forged such a positive relationship with our students and faculty. Allan Houston’s professional athletic accomplishments as well as his community dedication will truly uplift and inspire our graduates and their families,” said Robert J. Gaffney, President of Dowling College. Mr. Houston will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane
Letters.
Dowling College applauds all of Allan Houston’s major achievements in the NBA. Before his retirement in the Fall of 2005, he was touted as one of the “purest shooters” in the NBA, finishing his career as one of the NBA’s all-time greatest long-range shooters and one of the all-time leading scorers in Knicks history. Mr. Houston was a two-time NBA All-Star, and in his last healthy season, he finished as the 10th leading scorer in the league. Mr. Houston was named one of The Sporting News’ “Good Guys in Sports” when he helped Team USA bring home the gold medal in the 2000 Summer Olympics games.
Dowling College commends Allan Houston, a man of faith and strong family values, for living his life with a determination to utilize his success as a professional athlete to help others while continuing to grow a variety of entrepreneurial interests. Mr. Houston’s dedication to helping others is demonstrated through the work of his Foundation, which is currently working with a variety of community and corporate partners to empower and serve the needs of young people. The Foundation’s original programming includes a “Father Knows Best” Basketball Retreat, a weekend event that combines high-powered basketball with meaningful life-skills for fathers/mentors and their sons/mentees. An innovative new program in business education and
development was launched in Harlem last year and is now expanding to New Orleans. These meaningful programs are empowering young people socially, professionally and spiritually.
Allan Houston conveys strong familial, community and educational values that he continues to instill in others. Mr. Houston is a native of Louisville, Kentucky, a graduate of University of Tennessee and is happily married to Tamara Johnson Houston with four wonderful children.
About The Allan Houston Legacy Foundation
The *Allan Houston Legacy Foundation* is a registered public 501(c) 3, non-profit organization based in New York City. Its mission is to facilitate individual and collective growth through initiatives that - 1) Restore a strong family unit, 2) Provide economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, 3) Encourage education and life skill development, and 4) Enhance spiritual growth. For more information on the *Allan Houston Legacy Foundation*, please visit the official website at www.AllanHoustonFoundation.org.
About Dowling College
Dowling College is an independent, coeducational college that serves more than 6,500 students at its historic Rudolph Campus on the banks of the Connetquot River in Oakdale, NY, and the 105-acre Brookhaven Campus in eastern Long Island and a business center located near the Nassau-Suffolk border in Melville. Dowling offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in several disciplines through its four schools: Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Education. www.dowling.edu
