Lake Worth, Fla.— Emmy award-winning actor and Harvard Alumni John Lithgow is the keynote speaker for Palm Beach State College Foundation’s STEAM Initiative fundraiser taking place on Thursday, January 30th at 11:30 am at the Kravis Center for Performing Arts. The beloved television star and Oscar nominated actor will discuss his role as an advocate of the arts and its critical importance in higher education, a position championed by event chair Yvonne Boice, who was the main proponent for this addition to the initiative.
“The initiative includes the arts because we understand the integral role and compelling contribution art makes to science, technology and engineering,” said Boice. “Lithgow is passionate about the role creativity and the arts can play in expanding the traditional approach to education, literacy and life. He is the perfect fit to continue the STEAM dialog and we are thrilled to have him as our keynote speaker.”
The event, titled “Inside the Mind of John Lithgow,” presented by Bank of America is expected to attract more than 600 guests, similar to last year’s launch of the five-year fundraising initiative featuring computer icon Steve Wozniak.
“I am thrilled by the diversity of our speakers,” said Boice. “And I am delighted that in just our second annual event we are able to focus on the arts. And what an advocate we have in John Lithgow. While many recall him from his quirky television series, he is a Harvard graduate who was only the second person from the world of the Arts to serve on Harvard’s Board of Overseers…the first was Robert Frost.”
During his tenure on the Board, Lithgow initiated arts focused events, including the creation of the Harvard Arts Medal which has honored many luminaries including the first recipient, actor Jack Lemmon.
While this aspect of Lithgow’s career is not well-publicized, most of his career is well-documented by his numerous nominations. Known for his iconic roles in theatre, film and television and he was nominated for Oscars for “The World According to Garp”, “Terms of Endearment” and “Twilight Zone.” He has appeared in more than 30 films including “Shrek” (as the voice of Lord Farquaad) and “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” And has been nominated for 11 Emmy Awards, winning five; three for the loopy character of the alien High Commander, Dick Solomon, on the hit NBC comedy series “3rd Rock from the Sun.” In addition, he has written eight NY Times best-selling children’s picture books and a memoir entitled, “Drama: An Actor’s Education.”
The STEAM Initiative was created to impact the projected shortage of local, skilled professionals in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering Arts and Math) fields. The goal is to raise money to support STEAM scholarships, STEAM academic programs and to increase the number of student internships and partnerships with local businesses.
For more information, call 561-868-3450 or visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/foundation/steam . Individual tickets are $125. A table of 10 is $1,000. Sponsorships are available at various levels.