The September 14 concert included a dance choreographed by Jessica Lang titled “The Calling.” Lang is one of three visiting guests who were a part of the performance, alongside Broadway star Norm Lewis and Aaron Diehl Trio, a jazz group.  

“A really great tie-in to amplify the kind of pioneer nature of each of the Whartons' careers,” Olmscheid said. “Mr. Lewis is a pioneer breaking the racial barrier on Broadway, being the first Black Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, and in other areas as well.” 

As a pioneer himself, Dr. Wharton was the first Black president of a major U.S. research university. Lewis wasn’t the only performance to mirror the Whartons’ real lives. The jazz group, Aaron Diehl Trio performed the works of Dr. Billy Taylor.

“Those works were selected because Taylor was the very first commission that the Wharton Center did,” Olmscheid said. “It was a commission to honor the death of the Whartons' eldest son. We worked with Taylor to do this commission and now having his work on our stage to honor the Whartons is a really beautiful tribute and full circle moment.”

The concert also featured MSU’s own faculty member and vocal jazz artist Carmen Bradford and the MSU Symphony Orchestra. 

“I'm really proud that we were able to bring together this pastiche of artists on the work and center stage, which represent the full love of the arts the Whartons had, and what we do as a performing arts organization,” Olmscheid said. “Representing that in the concert format to honor the Whartons, there could not be a better way of paying tribute and homage to them, in my opinion. And we at Wharton Center remain committed to embodying their life and legacy and to the students of MSU.”

Olmscheid knew the Whartons personally and even flew to meet them in New York soon after getting his position at MSU. 

“In multiple conversations with them, they recalled their pride and admiration for MSU as being one of the most important chapters of their lives and careers,” Olmscheid said. “They were leaders in advocating for and prioritizing the building of a performing arts center on campus. It was during his time as president from 1970 to 1978 when he and Mrs. Wharton really felt MSU deserved a world-class, first rate performing arts center, and it built a campaign to make that a reality.”

The Whartons were well regarded by more than just the school, but in their personal lives as well. 

“They were visionaries, highly intelligent and led our university with much dignity,” said Charles Webb, a friend of the Whartons. “It was indeed my honor working for them. Both Clifton and Dolores Wharton were personal friends to my wife, Philippa, and our boys David and Jason, having us in their home several times. I have the very highest regard for both President Clifton and Dolores Wharton. What an incredible legacy they have bestowed on MSU.”

The center will continue to honor the Whartons through the way it operates, even after the tribute concert.

“Dolores encouraged me to always keep the gaze high and be committed to excellence,” Olmscheid said. “And it's that sense of commitment and duty that I, as the executive director, carry on for their legacy, for the center that bears their name. We want to make sure we keep their legacy alive for many generations to come. There is so much evidence of their lasting impact on campus, that it is really a part of who we are every day. Some people know it and some people don't know it, but it's around us in every way here at MSU.”