Roosevelt University observed its anniversary in high style on April 24, which marked exactly 80 years since the institution’s founding. On that day in 1945, faculty from the Central YMCA College in Chicago refused to enforce racial or religious student quotas, and they established a new university founded on the principle of educational equity for all. A campus-wide celebration encouraged students, faculty and alumni to celebrate the University’s birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony overseen by President Ali Malekzadeh and “An Evening at the Auditorium Theatre.” Hosted by actor Parvesh Cheena and featuring Broadway star Courtney Reed (both Chicago College of Performing Arts alumni), the event provided an evening of entertainment and reflection of Roosevelt’s legacy.
Following a 1940s-themed reception where attendees enjoyed classic cocktails and posed on the “green carpet” with outfits inspired by classic Hollywood, nearly 500 concertgoers entered the historic Auditorium theatre for a music theatre journey that tracked 80 years of Broadway standards. Before the program (made possible through the generosity of the University’s 80th anniversary sponsors), President Malekzadeh reminded the audience of evening’s significance.
“As we look around this beautiful Auditorium tonight, filled with students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends, it’s clear that Roosevelt’s mission is not just alive—it’s thriving,” he said. “So tonight, as music fills this historic space, let it carry with it the voices of those original founders—their vision, their hope and their defiance of the status quo.”
Following a rousing introduction from actor and Roosevelt alumnus Parvesh Cheena, performer Courtney Reed took the stage for a concert that celebrated 80 years of Broadway history. A CCPA graduate, Reed is best-known for originating the role of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway and the playing the Sparkling Diamond from Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and she brought incredible talent and enthusiasm to the evening’s program.
Proceeding chronologically from 1945 to the present day, Reed (accompanied by her musical director Benjamin Rauhala) sang songs from classic Rogers & Hammerstein productions, 1980s smashes Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera, and modern classic like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights. The program also featured a guest appearance from Reed’s Aladdin co-star Adam Jacobs for a duet of “A Whole New World,” an appearance of Moulin Rouge! castmate John Cardoza for a rendition of that show’s “Elephant Medley” and an address from Roosevelt President Emeritus Chuck Middleton. Throughout the evening, Reed reflected on her time at Roosevelt, reminiscing about sneaking into the Auditorium Theatre as a student to watch touring Broadway productions and auditioning for roles in Kiss Me Kate. Following the concert, guests were invited onstage for a cocktail reception and more Broadway standards from students in Roosevelt’s Jazz & Contemporary Music Studies Program.
Roosevelt will continue to celebrate its 80th anniversary beyond Chicago with receptions hosted in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles in the coming months. Alumni and friends of the University are encouraged to attend, and registration is still open for several of these events.
