In Memory of Estelle Aden

Please join us in paying tribute to a long-time member of the Hofstra University community: Estelle Aden.

Estelle Aden was an Adjunct Professor of Speech and Drama in the Department of Drama and Dance at Hofstra for more than 30 years.  Ms. Aden was a strong supporter of Hofstra students and worked hard to ensure they were well trained in their craft. Ms. Aden passed away on March 21, 2020, and in her honor, we are raising money for the Alpha Psi Omega Estelle Aden Endowed Scholarship in her memory. An anonymous donor will match all gifts to this fund made by August 20, 2020, up to $25,000.

Estelle Aden has influenced hundreds of students over the course of her career. She was the department’s voice and speech specialist handling all of the vocal training for the BFA-Performance candidates. She also taught acting for non-majors and creative drama for elementary and high school teachers. For the Speech Communications Department, she taught Oral Communications, Public Speaking, Interpretative Reading, Voice and Diction, and Reader’s Theatre. In 1996 Estelle received an award for excellence in teaching from Hofstra University Continuing Education where she served on the faculty since 1988. 

She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brooklyn College and a Masters of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from Adelphi University and classes in voice and speech training with the noted master teachers Kristin Linklater, Mark Zeller, and Robert Neff Williams.  She was also the Archivist for the national Voice and Speech Teachers Association (VASTA). Professionally, Estelle was both an actress, belonging to Equity and AFTRA, and a vocal coach.  

After retirement, Estelle continued in her love of teaching as an instructor for the Institution of Learning in Retirement at the University of Florida.

The Alpha Psi Omega Estelle Aden Endowed Scholarship will be given annually to a qualified Drama major or minor based on scholastic achievement, volunteerism, and activity in the Drama Department, upon the recommendation of the Alpha Psi Omega Advisor and Drama faculty.

We hope you will take the time to visit the Estelle Aden Tribute page to share your thoughts and memories of Estelle. As it’s a dynamic page, you’re welcome and encouraged to come back regularly.