November 7, 2025
President Robert W. Iuliano
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
As Delivered.
Good evening, everyone! What a night this is—and what a great group this is! I’m Bob Iuliano, the President of Gettysburg College, and it is truly an honor to kick off our formal program.
Tonight, we celebrate 100 years of the Majestic Theater—the cultural heartbeat of Gettysburg.
When the Majestic first opened its doors in 1925, Gettysburg was still coming into its own as a quiet crossroads of American history. Calvin Coolage was president; the Roaring 20s were in full swing; silent films were giving way to the first talkies; “Sweet Georgia Brown” by Ben Bernie filled the airwaves; and horse-drawn carriages began to share Carlise Street with the first mass-produced automobiles.
A century later, our technology, our entertainment, and our world have changed in extraordinary ways, and yet, the mission of our Majestic Theater—this cultural heartbeat—remains a constant.
The Majestic was designed to bring people together through storytelling and imagination—and 100 years later, that charge still continues to inspire us today.
The Majestic is more than a building. It’s a bridge.
A bridge between the generations.
A bridge between our campus and community.
A bridge between the arts and those who bring them to life.
And just like Gettysburg College and many of our most enduring institutions, our Majestic Theater has thrived because of the people who have poured so much of themselves into it.
It’s an inspiring history—one we know by name: Ike and Mamie. Gordon and Karl. Jeffrey and Brett. Ken and Elizabeth. Dave and Cynthia. And, of course, Dave and Pauline. And countless others who have contributed their own memorable verse to the Majestic’s story.
Let’s begin with the inimitable Jeffrey Gabel—the grandest Founding Executive Director in America!
Jeffrey, your passion, your leadership, and your mentorship and support of our next talented Executive Director, Brett, have helped to elevate the Majestic from a beloved small-town theater to a cultural landmark here in the Commonwealth. We are all incredibly grateful.
You’ll have the opportunity to hear from Jeffrey next, in just a minute. Which—by the way—when I first became president of the College, I was advised by my staff that, “no matter what you do, never speak before Jeffrey!” And yet, here I am yet again, speaking ahead Jeffrey!
He's a great showman, but an even better colleague. Thank you, Jeffrey.
Speaking of being a great colleague: I also want to thank Jean LeGros, whose been a remarkable steward of the Majestic—helping to secure the philanthropic support to advance the Majestic’s bold ambitions, and whose partnership with Jeffrey established the Majestic’s very first endowed fund—the Jean S. LeGros and Jeffrey W. Gabel Fund for Youth & Family Programming. That fund has proven not only to be a gift to our youngest audience members, it’s been a gift to the future of Adams County. Thank you!
Then, there’s Patti Lawson. Thank you, Patti, for helping the Majestic find its voice—which, in turn, has given voice to unforgettable theatre, music, dance, and films here at Gettysburg.
And to Suzanne Flynn, whose efforts alongside the late Gordon Haaland helped to chart the Majestic’s ambitious endeavor of revitalization.
And, of course, we remember the legacy of Karl Held tonight. His leadership during the grand reopening in 2005 helped the Majestic into its modern era. His presence this evening is missed, but his impact is enduring.
Please join me in expressing our deepest thanks to Patti, Suzanne, and our dear friends, Gordon and Karl.
We are also indebted to the Sunderman Conservatory of Music’s faculty and leadership—Kay Hoke, James Day, and so many others, past and present—for helping to fill this stage with extraordinary student artistry and imagination.
I’d also like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Mary and Jed Smith, whose generous gift will extend the Majestic’s reach throughout our region later this season with a dual centennial event alongside the Martha Graham Dance Company. Mary and Jed, thank you.
Next, I would like to honor Ken and Elizabeth Lundeen, and Dave and Cynthia Salisbury. Your advocacy and generous philanthropic support have helped illuminate the Majestic’s path forward. As sponsors of tonight’s festivities, we want to thank you for making this celebration, this theater, and our College so special. Thank you!
Like all of you, I’ve been moved time and again by the beauty of this place. I’ve watched our Gettysburg students take center stage—owning their moment with courage and creativity. I’ve sat in these seats for stirring student performances, like this month’s Little Women; captivating community events; and even internationally acclaimed artists. Every time I’m at the Majestic, I’m reminded of what a gift this theater is to all of us.
And that gift would not be what it is today without the LeVans.
Dave’s vision, dedication, and generosity have been truly transformative. Not only has he given generously himself, but he was instrumental in securing major support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and then-Governor Ed Rendell and underscoring the promise of this venue.
Dave and Pauline, your leadership has allowed the Majestic to serve tens of thousands of patrons each year, and to bring dynamic players in the arts and culture to our historic town.
There simply would be no Majestic Theater as we know it without you. Will everyone please join me in a big round of applause for Dave and Pauline? Thank you!
The Majestic’s next century will be shaped by our collective will and commitment. Through philanthropic support, through attending performances, through bringing new friends into the fold, we all play a pivotal role.
Let us commit tonight not just to celebrating 100 years, but to ensuring the Majestic Theater continues to thrive for the next 100.
Once again, a special thank you from me and all of us at Gettysburg College. Enjoy the celebration!