Town & Gown: A Conversation About the Future of Small Colleges

About This Event

Join Dean Michael Sniffen in conversation with Adelphi University’s Prof. Matthew Wright, author of SustainingColleges and Universities through Community, as they discuss how colleges and churches provide a third space for Americans. Third spaces are important because they provide society with an opportunity to connect and develop empathy across social-economic divides.

Dr. Wright will discuss his efforts to make Adelphi University a third space for the Garden City and Long Island community and how we can extend these efforts to rethink the role of universities in the community. Cathedral and campus, neighbors and strangers — all are welcome at the table.

The Setting

Built in 1885, the Cathedral of the Incarnation is the historic cathedral church of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island. From April 25 through May 31, 2026, its soaring Gothic nave is home to Gaia — Luke Jerram's internationally acclaimed 20-foot rotating sculpture of planet Earth, built from detailed NASA imagery and lit from within, accompanied by a specially commissioned surround sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones. Gaia has been experienced by more than eight million people in over 30 countries; this is its first exhibition in a U.S. house of worship.

Parking is available on the Cathedral Close. The building is accessible.

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Host or Publisher Cathedral of the Incarnation