Tony Danza to promote his new book at Ursinus College tomorrow

The below story was originally published in The Mercury on Thursday, Sept. 13. The event is at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, at Bomberger Auditorium on the Ursinus College campus in Collegeville. Tickets are $30 and include a signed copy of Danza's book.

Bookstore to host actor/author Tony Danza at Ursinus Saturday

By Brandie Kessler
bkessler@pottsmerc.com

COLLEGEVILLE — Spending a year teaching at a Northeast Philadelphia high school gave actor Tony Danza insight into the value of quality teachers.

In his new book, “I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High,” (Crown Archetype, Sept. 11, 2012, 272 pages) Danza delivers a message about the value of educators. The passion behind that message is what prompted Towne Book Center & Cafe of Trappe to bring Danza to Ursinus College Saturday to deliver it in person.

After teaching 10th grade English at Northeast High School, a feat that was documented in the A&E program “teach,” Danza concluded that teachers aren’t thanked or appreciated enough. 

That is, at least in part, why Kit Little, marketing director for Towne Book Center & Cafe (formerly Trappe Book Center) was so thrilled at the chance of hosting a speaking engagement with Danza. 

“We want to reach teachers and educators and the community,” Little said. “This is not a Hollywood tell-all; it’s not about his show; it is specifically about challenges teachers face and the amazing tenacity of teachers.” 

DANZA

Danza will speak at the historic Bomberger Auditorium on the campus of Ursinus College at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets for the event may be purchased for $30 each, and that includes an autographed copy of Danza’s book, which was released Sept. 11. Little said Danza is expected to speak for less than an hour and then guests will have the opportunity to get his autograph. 

Additionally, teachers who purchase tickets may get a discount. To reserve seats, call 610-454-0640. 

Little said the event is not going to be a money-maker for her store, but the message Danza will deliver is a poignant one she wants people to hear. 

“I love being able to bring something like this to the community,” Little said. “I want to reach teachers, I want them to be inspired.” 

Little clarified that teachers don’t need Danza’s words to be inspired, but it’s nice to hear what others think of them and the importance they have in the world. 

“Teachers don’t get the super stardom they ought to, and this is a way he can bring a little attention to them,” she said. “I think it’s nice to have somebody that they can relate to and can relate to them and I guess, it’s kind of like a celebration, not a validation. It’s a chance to get together and celebrate what teachers do.” 

For more information, visit www.townebc.com

Follow Brandie Kessler on Twitter @I_M_BrandieK. Kessler covers police news, among other topics, for Pottstown's daily newspaper The Mercury. She is an avid soccer fan and youth coach and may often be found in goal for area club teams or in the bleachers rooting for the Philadelphia Union. Kessler is also an accomplished runner, yoga practitioner, and kayak enthusiast.