Joan Kuster Joan Kuster '51 will receive the Ruth Stratton Harley Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from Adelphi University at its 113th Commencement on Thursday, May 21, 2009. The ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, NY.

She has had a life-long commitment to serving her family, church, community, and alma mater. She first volunteered her time at The Waldorf School, where she served as co-founder and co-chair of Waldorf Alumni Parents, as well as a member of the executive committee of the school's Board of Trustees.

Mrs. Kuster has also been involved with the Garden City Community Church and was the director and member of the Garden City Community Club of Hempstead. Recently, she organized an 'Adelphi Day of the Arts,' where she helped bring Adelphi and the community closer together.

As a dedicated alumna, she has planned and organized many class reunions as well as hosted alumni events. In 2001, she became a member of the Adelphi University Alumni Association Board and was the chair of her class' 50th reunion, which yielded the highest return of alumni for a 50th reunion to date.

Mrs. Kuster resides in Garden City with her husband Richard (Dick) Kuster '51.

The Ruth Stratton Harley Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award was established to salute Ruth S. Harley, dean emerita and member of the Adelphi College Class of 1924. The award is given each year by the Adelphi University Alumni Association on behalf of the president of the University to honor an Adelphi University alumna or alumnus for remarkable achievements in business or professional life, or for distinguished accomplishments through service to his or her community, state, or country.