Adelphi Shines a Light on Diversity With The Ghostlight Project

Adelphi University was a beacon of light on Thursday, January 19, 2017, when students, faculty, alumni and the community gathered for The Ghostlight Project as part of a national movement at theaters across the country at 5:30 p.m. to show solidarity and shine a light on values of inclusion, participation and compassion for everyone.

People gathered outside the Preforming Arts Center (AUPAC) with flashlights, cell phone lights and signs that stated: “I am …. I am fighting for ….” People came to support causes ranging from equal human rights to environmental protection.

The night started with an indoor performance by Andy Bhasin, adjunct professor in the Department of Music, of a Chopin concerto on the violin and moved outside where Margaret Lally ’82, associate professor of Theater who was a lead organizer of the event, reaffirmed the purpose of the project. “We strive to be a light for those in our community who feel like they are in the dark,” she said.   

Nicole Heneveld, a senior theater major, performed her inspiring and heartfelt poem “An Open Letter to 2017” for the crowd. “I decided to write about hope, what 2017 will bring and what I want it to be like,” she said.

Joanna Georghiou, a first-year student, ended the night with a performance of “Stand in the Light” on the ukelele, and a ghost light was lit in the entrance of AUPAC where it will remain lighted for the next four years symbolizing Adelphi’s commitment to inclusion and compassion.