GC Hotel Prepares ForAnnual Tree Lighting

Hofstra University's President Stuart Rabinowitz

The Garden City Hotel tradition of its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will continue 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 a very special event - the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony - 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.

"Each year, we set aside one special evening to bring together families, friends, neighbors and valued business associates as we join in this heart-warming celebration," says Cathy Nelkin Miller, president of The Garden City Hotel. "As we do each year, the tree will be decorated from top to bottom and lit by an outstanding member of the Long Island community."

The guest of honor at this year's ceremony is Hofstra University's President Stuart Rabinowitz.

"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's more than 100,000 alumni, and from so close to us in the neighboring Town of Hempstead - will help us to launch the holiday season," says Nelkin Miller.

Before becoming President of the University in 2001, Rabinowitz served on the faculty for close to 30 years. Today, Hofstra University is known for its academically challenging environment, its nationally-renowned faculty, state-of-the-art living and learning facilities, and exciting cultural programs and events.

President Rabinowitz was chosen by the Hofstra University Board of Trustees to serve as the eighth president of the University in 2000. Prior to his appointment, he served as dean of Hofstra University School of Law from September 1989 through June 2001. He joined the faculty of the Law School in 1972 and currently holds the Andrew M. Boas and Mark L. Claster Distinguished Professor of Law. He serves as a trustee of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, and on the board of directors for the Fair Media Council and the Long Island Technology Network.

"We all look forward to welcoming President Rabinowitz as our esteemed guest of honor. He has been responsible for shaping the futures of so many men and women not just from Long Island but also from across America and around the world. The 12,700 student population of Hofstra University comes to Long Island from nearly 50 states and around 65 countries. We also admire President Rabinowitz's contributions to the interests of government and community on which he advises the State of New York and our own Nassau County," adds Patrick Smalley, executive vice president, The Garden City Hotel.

The highlight of the festivities will be the moment President Rabinowitz lights the tree, officially launching the holiday season and illuminating the decorations that will be admired by thousands through the New Year.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature performances of holiday carols by the St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Choir. Following the 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.

"This event gives The Garden City Hotel the opportunity to exchange holiday wishes and give thanks to our clients and community members for their valuable support throughout the year," concludes Smalley.