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Harvard Turns Out for Arts First

Lithgow began the event by recognizingalums--including one Radio City Music HallRockette--who have pursued careers in the arts andreturned for the festival.

Before handing the podium over to Rudenstine,Lithgow made a surprise presentation to honorMayman's 25th year as director of the OFA.

He gave her a bouquet of flowers and broughther to the stage to the sounds of a trumpetfanfare.

Rudenstine then introduced Hays by quoting fromMy Old Man and the Sea, the 1995best-selling book Hays co-wrote with his son abouttheir sailing adventures. He discussed Hay'snumerous accomplishments, including designing setsfor over 50 Broadway shows.

Arts First Executive Producer and member of theBoard of Overseers Winifred White Neisser '74chaired the committee to select the arts medalwinner. Neisser said recipients must do more thansimply show artistic talent.

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"We look for a significant contribution in thearts, an altruistic use of the art form," shesaid.

When Hays accepted the medal from Rudenstine,he thanked his wife, Leonora L. Hays.

"This is for a body of work," he said. "I'dlike to see it on the body that did it."

With that, Lithgow led Hays wife to the podiumin her wheelchair and placed the medal around herneck. Two members of the National Theatre for theDeaf then presented a poem with one speaking andone signing.

Community Affair

Arts First provided an opportunity for peopleoutside the Harvard community to celebrate thearts.

Cambridge Mayor Francis H. Duehay '55 marchedin the parade.

"I've been invited to represent the city ofCambridge," he said. "It's important to the citybecause many residents of Cambridge attend."

Director of Programs for the OFA Cathleen D.McCormick, who invites children along with herevery year, brought two of her young neighbors tosee the students' performances.

"It's a great community liaison and anopportunity to see what Harvard Students can do,"she said. "The quality is high and random peoplein the community seem to love it."

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