Date: Nov 01, 2007

Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz to be Guest of Honor at Garden City Hotel Tree Lighting

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz will be the guest of honor at The Garden City Hotel's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, November 26 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

For more than 20 years, Garden City and the surrounding communities have ushered in the holiday season by joining together at The Garden City Hotel for this special event to share the holiday cheer, festive caroling, a winter wonderland complete with Santa Claus and his elves, and the ceremonial lighting of the hotel’s spectacular tree by a special guest.

"We are delighted that a Long Islander of President Rabinowitz’s stature - a leader from one of the nation's top educational institutions who has impacted the education of tens of thousands of students from Hofstra University - will help us to launch the holiday season," said Cathy Nelkin Miller, president of The Garden City Hotel. 

"I’m honored to be chosen to participate in this annual tradition by a Long Island institution known for its hospitality and community involvement," said President Rabinowitz. "Traditions that bring communities together to celebrate the best in all of us should be cherished and maintained."

Patrick Smalley, the hotel's executive vice president,  noted that President Rabinowitz had helped shape the future of men and women from across the country and around the world, and acts as an advisor to the county and state governments on matters of local interest.

The tree lighting ceremony will feature performances of holiday carols by the St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Choir.  Following the tree lighting, all are invited into The Garden City Hotel for complimentary refreshments.  A private reception will be held in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom to thank members of the business community for their ongoing support.

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from more than 140 undergraduate and 155 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education and allied human services, and honors studies, and a School of Law.