ASU Gammage hosts annual Heroes Night to honor military


salute

Nick Spangler (left), who plays Henri Baurel in "An American in Paris," helps Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, executive director for ASU Gammage, thank Heroes Night guests and shares his family’s connections to the military. He said civilians cannot understand the depth of the sacrifices members of the military and their families must make.

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To honor the sacrifices made by veterans, active duty military and their families, ASU Gammage hosted its annual Heroes Night event April 18, during which hundreds of military guests were treated to a pre-show dessert reception, special military salute presentation and free tickets to opening night of "An American in Paris."

The organization has been celebrating these brave individuals for six years.

For many ASU Gammage staff members, including Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, executive director for ASU Gammage and associate vice president of cultural affairs for ASU, personal ties to the military make the event a crucial way to give back to the community.

“Heroes Night was created in 2011 as a way of expressing how deeply we appreciate the sacrifices these families make each day. We want each of our guests to know that their bravery has truly made an impact on our community,” said Theresa Dickerson, marketing and communications manager for ASU Gammage, who also has family ties to the military.

Heroes Night was sponsored by Mel and Rita Sorensen, APS, the Arizona Lottery, George Brazil Home Services and Macy’s.

"An American in Paris" ran through April 23 at ASU Gammage.

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