A $1.77 million planned gift supports both immediate upgrades and long-term excellence at the 天美传媒 Performing Arts Center in Garden City, New York.
天美传媒 is deeply grateful for a transformational $1.77 million legacy gift from the late Lee Steinberg, a devoted patron of the arts and friend of the University, which will significantly strengthen the future of the 天美传媒 Performing Arts Center.
In recognition of her extraordinary generosity, the University has named the Center鈥檚 recital hall in her honor鈥攖he Lee Steinberg Recital Hall.
鈥淟ee Steinberg鈥檚 legacy gift reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of the arts,鈥� said Tom Kline, EdD, vice president of University advancement and external relations. 鈥淗er generosity strengthens not only our facilities, but the student experiences and creative opportunities that define Adelphi鈥檚 performing arts community.鈥�
鈥淭he Lee Steinberg Recital Hall honors Lee鈥檚 commitment to a legacy of inspiring student performers and audiences for generations,鈥� said Blyth Daylong, executive director of 天美传媒鈥檚 Performing Arts Center.
A Lifelong Commitment to the Arts in New York
The gift, received in July 2025 from Ms. Steinberg鈥檚 estate, places her among the members of Adelphi鈥檚 Million Dollar Roundtable, which recognizes our most generous donors with cumulative giving exceeding $1 million. Steinberg died in 2021 at the age of 106. Through her bequest, she expressed her wish to support arts programming and performance centers on Long Island, continuing a lifetime commitment to cultural institutions throughout the greater New York region.
Planned giving has flourished at Adelphi in recent years. In Fiscal Year 2024鈥�2025, the University鈥檚 pipeline of documented future support exceeded $40 million. All levels of leadership giving at Adelphi are shaping the long-term strength of academic programs, student opportunities and institutional excellence.
In accordance with Steinberg鈥檚 intent, the University has established two funds to support the Performing Arts Center鈥攖he Lee Steinberg Performing Arts Center Capital Fund for immediate physical improvements and the Lee Steinberg Performing Arts Center Excellence Endowed Fund to provide permanent, flexible support for the Center鈥檚 ongoing capital, programming and operational needs. This generous gift reinforces Adelphi’s reputation as a preeminent leader in arts education and performance in our region.
Applause for Improved Lighting, Seating, Flooring and Acoustics at Adelphi鈥檚 Performing Arts Center
Enhancements to the Center will elevate the experience of student performers, faculty directors, guest artists and audience members. Several capital improvements have already been funded through an initial $500,000 allocation, including:
- A comprehensive refresh of the Olmsted Theatre, featuring new lighting, audience seating, carpeting, acoustic panels and painting, as well as the installation of a new digital sound mixing console
- Brighter lighting in the Center鈥檚 second-floor dance studios
- New house lights and work lights in the Concert Hall
Beginning in 2027, annual distributions from the endowment will provide sustained support for artistic programming and facility excellence.
Steinberg briefly served on Adelphi鈥檚 Performing Arts Council and remained committed to supporting the arts throughout her life. Her bequest ensures that generations of Adelphi students will continue to learn, perform and thrive in spaces designed for excellence in the arts.
Advancing The Momentum Campaign: Extraordinary Impact
This seven-figure investment advances Adelphi鈥檚 Momentum Campaign: Extraordinary Impact, demonstrating how philanthropic leadership translates into visible improvements, strengthened programs and lasting institutional growth. Through leadership gifts like Steinberg鈥檚, Adelphi continues its mission to transform students鈥� lives and reinforces its role as a cultural anchor on Long Island.