Memories and champagne flowed during an afternoon of honoring the life and legacy of President Emerita Bette Landman ’04H, WWL’22. Friends, relatives, and former colleagues of Arcadia University’s 18th president gathered in Grey Towers Castle on April 15 to remember and celebrate Dr. Landman, who died in October 2025.

Dr. Landman’s 19-year tenure as the first female president in institution history began in 1985, 14 years after she arrived at Beaver College as an assistant professor of Anthropology. Among her many extraordinary accomplishments, Dr. Landman led the institution through the transition from Beaver College to Arcadia University in 2001.

After mingling for the first half hour and perusing photographs and memorabilia on display in the Rose and Mirror Rooms, guests were invited to the Grand Hall. Valerie Levikoff, adjunct professor of music, set the tone by playing “Vocalise” by Sergei Rachmaninoff on violin, with piano accompaniment.

Guests were then regaled with tales of Dr. Landman’s countless contributions to Beaver College and Arcadia University and the higher education industry at large. Speakers included Dr. Ajay Nair; Marilyn Cranin ’54, ’96H, a dear friend of Dr. Landman; Mark Curchack, Dr. Landman’s longtime executive assistant and a former associate provost; and Elaine Maimon, a faculty member and administrator at Beaver College from 1973 to 1986. After the official program, Pradyumna Chauhan, a professor of English from 1968 to 2022, also offered words of remembrance.

“Bette was one of those people that when you first meet you feel like you’ve known forever,” reflected President Nair. “I hope that as we continue on Arcadia’s path of innovation, we can remain inspired by Bette and honor her legacy by advancing and cherishing this University and community in a way that would make her proud.”

“You never said no to Bette,” said Cranin, who referred to Landman as her “best buddy.” “She had that charm that just captivated you and drew you in and made you loyal almost instantly.”

Added Curchack: “I can remember distinctly the first time [Bette] spoke to the faculty as president, and there was something different in her bearing, in her tone. And I think that’s one of the amazing things about her–her ability to embody the authority of the office, but never to wield it in any particular way. That she could be always an approachable human being that you could talk to.”

The event wrapped up with a champagne toast delivered by President Nair.