The retired host will give props from his time hosting 'Late Night' and 'Late Show' to Ball State University.
- Dec 2, 2015
AceShowbiz - David Letterman's late-night talk show legacy will continue to live on and be deeply felt particularly by his alma mater. The retired CBS host is donating memorabilia from his career in television, including props and sets from his time hosting "Late Night" and "Late Show", to Ball State University.
The announcement of the gift was made during the Dave at Ball State event on Monday, November 30 at Emens Auditorium. "As a continuing chapter in celebrating Dave's legacy and contributions to Ball State, I am honored and pleased that Dave has donated his collection of 'Late Show' honors and memorabilia, including all of his Emmys and components of the 'Late Show' set, to Ball State," said Ball State president Paul W. Ferguson.
"This collection will become part of The David Letterman Experience to be housed in the Letterman Building, extending a legacy of excellence, learning and preparation for our students into the 21st century."
Letterman, who now sports a voluminous white beard, stated, "I'm so lucky to have been invited back. I want to thank everybody here, everybody on campus and the people who run this university. It's an honor to maintain this association, so thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen."
He also joked about how meaningful "The David Letterman Experience" could be. "So you can sit at a desk and pretend to talk to an actor?" he quipped.
During his visit to his alma mater, Letterman chatted with Spike Jonze and Bennett Miller about what it takes to make "life-changing and inspirational films" within the constraints of the Hollywood system.
Letterman left his post on "The Late Show" in May after 22 years. His television career spanned more than three decades, including his time hosting "Late Night with David Letterman" on NBC from 1982-93.
