ASU Gammage hosts annual Heroes Night to honor military

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.

By Emi Kamezaki |
April 26, 2017

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.

ASU Gammage celebrated veterans, active duty military and their families at Heroes Night, an annual pre-show event within ASU Gammage’s Military Salute Program. Heroes and their guests were honored with special cupcakes and other refreshments before opening night of "An American in Paris."

Photo by Emi Kamezaki
A military family enjoys desserts and lemonade at the Heroes Night reception. Hundreds of heroes and their guests received free tickets to "An American in Paris" in addition to being honored at the reception and special pre-show military salute.

Photo by Emi Kamezaki
ASU Gammage has hosted Heroes Night since 2011 as a way to recognize the brave men, women and children who make sacrifices every day to ensure our country’s freedom. The event is a small token of ASU Gammage’s gratitude for their service.

Photo by Emi Kamezaki
Victor Hamburger, ASU Gammage senior director of marketing and communications, thanks veterans for their service as he serves refreshments.

Photo by Emi Kamezaki
A patriotically dressed woman sips her drink on the ASU Gammage promenade.

Photo by Emi Kamezaki
Guests of ASU Gammage’s Heroes Night select desserts from a variety of loaves, brownies, cookies and cupcakes at the pre-show reception.

Photo by Emi Kamezaki
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack (second from left), executive director for ASU Gammage and associate vice president of cultural affairs for ASU, thanks Heroes Night guests at the pre-show salute. Patrons applaud as the military families stand to be recognized.

Photo by Emi Kamezaki