The extraordinary lives and legacy of former Michigan State University President Clifton R. Wharton and first lady Dolores D. Wharton were recently celebrated with an unforgettable afternoon of music and memories at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts on MSU’s campus.
The 14th president of Michigan State University, Wharton was the first Black person to lead a major predominantly white university in the United States. He passed away in November 2024 at the age of 98. His wife, Dolores, died in June 2025 at 97 years old.
On Sept. 14 — the day after what would have been Clifton’s 99th birthday — community members gathered in the center’s Cobb Great Hall for a tribute concert honoring the Whartons’ exceptional contributions to MSU, the arts and public service.
Featured performances included Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Carmen Bradford, who’s also an associate professor of vocal jazz in the MSU College of Music; the Aaron Diehl Trio, led by acclaimed jazz pianist Aaron Diehl; “The Calling,” a dance choreographed by Pacific Northwest Ballet’s resident choreographer Jessica Lang; Broadway performer Norm Lewis, an Emmy, Grammy, Tony and SAG award nominee; and the MSU Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of College of Music Associate Professor Octavio Más-Arocas.
“This concert encapsulates everything that we do well from Broadway, to dance, classical music, jazz, student musicians on stage from the College of Music, professional musicians coming in from New York City,” said Eric Olmscheid, director of the Wharton Center. “It was really about honoring the love of performing arts and community that Dr. and Mrs. Wharton really worked to foster.”
During the event, Clifton and Dolores’ son, Bruce Wharton, delivered touching remarks about his parents’ legacy and the performing arts center that bears their names.
“Wharton Center is not just grade A — it’s a five-diamond award,” Bruce said. “I can also say that my parents would be very, very excited and pleased with everything that has been happening here.”
MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., highlighted the Whartons’ investment in the university, which continued well after Clifton’s time as president.
“Clifton Wharton’s presidency was about expanding opportunity and activating talent for the benefit of our university community, the state of Michigan and beyond,” Guskiewicz said. “Clifton and Dolores Wharton personified what it means to be Spartans, developing ideas and themes that we carry on today.”
Prior to her passing in June, Dolores was involved in the planning of the concert, meeting with Olmscheid and his team on several occasions. She wanted the event to be free and open to the public — consistent with her and her husband’s belief that the arts are for everyone.
“Mrs. Wharton impressed upon me the sense of duty, to use arts to connect the community on and off campus,” Olmscheid said. “I hope everyone who attended the concert learned more about the Whartons’ story and now has a deeper understanding of the impact and legacy they leave behind.”
