REFELCTIONS 

"Todd Dellinger is an exceptional arts leader-a visionary that synthesizes his professional experience into his teaching offering the best of both worlds. He is tenacious, highly focused  yet caring with his leadership and coaching. A gifted artist, he is also multi-talented and understands artistry in this world. He is an avid arts advocate and a colleague of many years who I admire and respect.  Todd embraces the transformative power of the arts on a deep level as an arts manager, professor and arts leader. 

 - Dr. Gail Humphries, Author/Editor, Stories of the Holocaust: Art for Healing and Renewal and Arts  Integration in Education: Teachers and Teaching Artists as Agents of Change Dean Emerita, Stephens College; Chair Emerita, The American University Department of Performing Arts

_______________________________

"Working alongside Todd Dellinger over the years has been professionally inspiring. As the founder of Rider University's AEIM program, Todd built something truly special: a program rooted in creativity, purpose, and mission-driven leadership.  He genuinely cares about his students and challenges them to think bigger, lead with intention, and understand the impact of their work in the arts and entertainment industries.  Todd has been a supportive collaborator, mentor, and friend.  Helping grow the program together over the years has been incredibly rewarding. His passion for education and student development elevates everyone around him. The AEIM community is stronger because of his vision, leadership, and dedication."    - Linda Lorence Critelli, Associate Professor, AEIM & Past Chair, Recording Academy NY Region

_______________________________

I have had the privilege of working closely with Todd Dellinger for the past three years in connection with nonprofit fundraising efforts for the university, as well as projects connected to Jewish life and community engagement, including the formation of a B'Yachad Scholarship which he seeded. During that time, I have come to deeply respect not only his extraordinary professional talents, but also his humanity, creativity, and unwavering dedication to students and institutions.

Todd possesses a rare combination of gifts. He is someone who can envision the big picture while also willingly and enthusiastically handling every small detail necessary to bring that vision to life. He is exceptionally skilled at motivating people to go beyond what they thought possible, inspiring collaboration, generosity, and commitment in ways that elevate everyone around him. What has always stood out to me most is that his work is fundamentally rooted in care — care for students, for colleagues, for institutions, and for the broader communities connected to them. He is the kind of person who quietly does whatever needs to be done, whether that means leading boldly, solving problems behind the scenes, or supporting others with generosity and humor.I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him and give him my strongest possible endorsement, both professionally and personally.      -   Cantor Gabrielle Clissold  M.S.M, D.M., D.D.

_______________________________

“Todd brings a rare ability to blend the arts and business, pairing creativity, storytelling, and emotional intelligence with strategic insight and operational excellence. He has an exceptional understanding of how to connect people, ideas, and experiences in ways that are both meaningful and impactful. What makes Todd especially remarkable is his commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders. His students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities and real-world involvement in the events and experiences he leads, allowing them to gain invaluable exposure, confidence, and industry insight far beyond the classroom. His combination of creative vision, business acumen, industry relationships, and dedication to education makes him an extraordinary leader, mentor, and collaborator.”

- Brenda Brody, Longtime Collaborator, Fellow AU Double Eagle, Executive with Pine Rock, NYC

_______________________________

“I had the pleasure of learning under Professor Dellinger during my four years at Rider University. As someone who entered college focused on musical theatre but still figuring out my broader professional direction, Todd’s courses helped spark my interest in nonprofit fundraising, communications, and management.  His classes were always engaging and encouraged students to think beyond the classroom and dream boldly about what was possible in the arts and beyond. The networking opportunities, internship guidance, and practical approach to learning helped me leave school with a stronger sense of direction and a skill set that ultimately led me into frontline individual fundraising work.  Todd has a talent for helping students connect their interests and passions to meaningful career paths."   -  Nigel Finley, Funding Officer, God's Love We Deliver & AEIM Alum

_______________________________

"As Chairperson of the Department of Performing Arts at Rider I brought Todd Dellinger on board to build the Arts Management program . Throughout the years Todd demonstrated extraordinary skill at curriculum development, teaching and advising with a real sense of entrepreneurial vision and deep compassion and care for his students. He remains a valued friend and colleague, and continues to add significantly to the value of the arts at Rider and to the broader community. He's a creative force, positively impacting the lives of his students and graduates.   - Jerry Rife, Chair Emeritus, Rider Department of Performing Arts 

_______________________________

"Todd Dellinger played a meaningful role in shaping my experience in the AEIM program, particularly as I focused on music business.His program and approach emphasized real‑world perspective, strong relationships, and a genuine sense of community within the industry. The experiences and conversations that came out of his classes stuck with me well beyond my time at Rider. I continue to draw on that foundation in my work today as an attorney at Sony Music Entertainment, and I’m grateful for his guidance and mentorship!"   -  Rachel Musumeci, Attorney, Sony Music & AEIM Alum

_______________________________

"It’s always one of my favorite days when Todd's New York Networking juniors and seniors visit Henry Street Settlement. As an alumna of the program he built and of his teaching, it feels full circle to now be on the other side and give back in a small way.  I was once in their shoes, and this program truly shaped my path. My approach is rooted in being part of something larger than myself, and in my work, I try to bring a holistic, strategic lens to everything I do. The guidance I received from Todd and his program introduced me to nonprofit work in a way that continues to inspire! "   -  Deanna Sorge, Senior Parnterships, Henry Street Settlement & AEIM Alum

_______________________________

"Todd Dellinger has been an exceptional colleague and leader during the three years we have worked together while I was co-chair of the Parent Coalition at Rider University. As a professor in the Department of Performing Arts, Todd brings tremendous creativity, vision, and dedication to everything he does. He is a highly effective fundraiser with extensive experience and an impressive ability to turn ideas into meaningful results. Todd consistently demonstrates strong leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the success and well-being of students. I have truly enjoyed working alongside him and greatly value his collaborative spirit, insight, and dedication to the department and the entire Rider community."  -   Maureen McKenna, Founding Co-Chair, Parent Coalition of Rider's Department of Performing Arts

_______________________________

"Todd has been an incredible source of support throughout my entire college career as both a professor and mentor. His constant guidance through countless events and classes has helped me grow not only as a student, but also as a person with dreams and aspirations within the music industry. He has been an anchor in helping me better understand the path and purpose I hope to convey through my art. Through his brilliant mind, supportive nature, and lighthearted personality, I feel that I’ve built a genuine connection with Todd that I’ll proudly express to others."    -   Romel Cruz Easton, AEIM Graduating Class of 2026 

_______________________________

"Todd Dellinger and I were the proverbial two ships passing - me the outgoing head of the theatre program for 31 years and Todd incoming, to build an Arts Management undergrad. 'The Importance of Being Earnest' was to be my last show at Rider, and Todd my designer - a talent which too few know about in him. The small studio theatre with its limited technical options, to me, was hugely restrictive.  Not to Todd.  His design transition from a flat in London to his version of a country garden bursting with brilliant roses was the talk of the campus. It was the first set for which I'd ever experienced resounding applause upon the second act reveal.

His process exemplified what many have come to know of Todd - driven by passion and creativity, with a pragmatism and drive to exceed expectations in the results. We've remained close, and I've happily observed the transformative power he and Robin have brought to the Rider campus through remarkable productions, events, fund development and terrifically successful programs - raising the barre of what is possible at each turn."     - Patrick Chmel, Chair Emeritus, Rider Department of Performing Arts

_______________________________

"Professor Dellinger’s vision-forward teaching and mentoring helped me become more professional and transformed how I understand my future place in the arts and entertainment industry. At the beginning of my university life, he guided me in building a genuine vision and mission for others. As I near the end of my university life he encourages me to build a professional identity, career vision & mission for myself that I truly believe in. As an international student building a career from scratch in a new country, his approach gave me the clarity to understand where I am going and where to begin, and the confidence to move forward."    - Siwon Lee, Seoul, SK - AEIM Graduating Class of 2026

_________________________________

Under the guidance of Professor Dellinger, I grew exponentially as a student. Through conversational style lectures, the collaborative nature of the arts was emphasized from the beginning. Finding the heart of what we do as arts professionals was a leading component of all assignments. Through this, I identified my personal and professional values, which will guide me as an attorney. Thanks to Professor Dellinger, I discovered my legal passion with a professor who truly goes above and beyond for the success of his students.   - Emma Zatkowski, AEIM alum and student of Law, University of Washington, Seattle