“You are always giving of your time, energy and individual attention,” he said.

Later, a “student demonstration” abruptly interrupted remarks from Director of Undergraduate Admissions Marlyn McGrath Lewis ’70-’73.

Toting posters of admiration, Hasty Pudding members sang, “We love you, David,” parodying the lyrics from a tune in the popular ’60s musical, Bye Bye Birdie—and the Progressive Student Labor Movement’s (PSLM) Mass. Hall sit-in in Spring 2001.

The Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum also performed Friday.

But the student performers didn’t steal the show.

When Office for the Arts Director Jack C. Megan took to the floor, he joked that the “King” of Illingworth’s musical passions—Elvis Presley—was alive, living in Watertown, Mass,. and performing for $100.

However, “Elvis” came down with the flu and Megan filled in, singing and playing his medley of Elvis classics, which included “Jailhouse Rock” and “Love Me Tender,” on the piano.

Lewis ended the evening by presenting Illingworth with a carved piece of the Sanders Theatre stage and a CD of Harvard recordings, including a 1969 choral performance of Illingworth as an undergraduate.

“I’m so glad we got the opportunity to say farewell for the time being,” Lewis said.

Illingworth’s departure came soon after Lewis—a long-time colleague—was forced out of his post as dean of the College as part of the restructuring of the administration.

But Illingworth said his move was prompted by desire to be nearer to his elderly parents and to return to his service of the Episcopal Church.

“It was at the right time. I wanted to make this move while I was young enough to have another job in me,” he said.

Illingworth ended the evening’s program by thanking his colleagues for the celebration.

Though Friday marked his official last day of work, Illingworth—ever the advocate for the arts—said he hoped to return to Cambridge and attend three College openings: the renovated Hasty Pudding, the new dance center and a student performing arts center.

He acknowledged the last invitation—one for a space with enough concert halls and practice rooms for all students who need them—right now remains only an unrealized goal, but one that he eagerly hopes will be achieved by Dean of the College Benedict H. Gross ’71.

—Staff writer Nalina Sombuntham can be reached sombunth@fas.harvard.edu.