Dr. Roland J. Henderson, a longtime member of The Performing Arts Center’s dedicated volunteer task force known as The Prompters, passed away recently after a short illness.
A great supporter of our Education and Engagement work, Dr. Henderson brought the expertise and empathy gained from a Ph.D. in Psychology and Education and a 30-year career in the NYC school system to his work at The PAC. Whether volunteering in the Arts-in-Education office, ushering for a performance, or simply enjoying the environment on the Purchase campus, Dr. Henderson always made the most of the community and creative opportunities that The PAC, the Neuberger Museum, and the campus at large have to offer.
The Prompters President Lila Roberts shared the news during a recent volunteers’ luncheon. At that meeting – one of many volunteer meetings that have continued both online and in-person during the COVID disruption – the life and work of Dr. Henderson was recognized.
“I can barely remember a School-Time Performance in recent years that Roland was not present for,” said Ian Driver, Interim General Manager of The Performing Arts Center, and Manager of Education and Engagement. “Literally thousands of students of all ages would have seen him at work in our lobbies on the days of field trip events in our theaters. He was a vital part of the Education and Engagement community.”
In speaking about Dr. Henderson, Lila Roberts offered an optimistic message for The PAC in his memory. “We’re all ready to come back and assist the PAC in any way we can when you re-open. We’re itching to come back and looking forward to re-opening as soon as possible.”
