''David Rauch left us an excellent legacy because he put in place many things that are still offered today and are well-regarded by the community,'' said Adult Program Director Ronna Telsey, speaking of the late Dr. David Rauch, director of the Great Neck Public Schools' Adult Program from 1952 until he retired in 1984.

Following Dr. Rauch's death last spring, Ms. Telsey received many phone calls responding to the obituary, which called for a memorial committee. There are now 20 active committee members (chaired by Harriet Rosenson), and they have planned the David Rauch Memorial Lecture, ''China: Rogue Nation or Stabilizing Force?'' featuring China expert David M. Lampton, on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2 to 4 p.m., in the auditorium of the John F. Kennedy Elementary School at 1A Grassfield Road in Kings Point.

This seminar is being offered, free, to the public, in honor of the memory of this remarkable educator and innovator of adult education, a man who actually established the model for adult programs across the country. And it is most fitting that his memorial lecture features an expert on an international topic, since Dr. Rauch created the ''fly-in seminars'' for Great Neck, where experts flew in for a week to discuss topics of international significance.

Included in the program for the memorial lecture will be a brief memorial service for Dr. Rauch. Community notables, and members of the Rauch family, are expected to attend.

Members of the public are encouraged to submit, in writing, remembrances of David Rauch, for inclusion in a memorial book. A copy of the book will be placed in the school archives, and a copy will be given to the Rauch family.

Thanks to Dr. Rauch, the Great Neck Public Schools Adult Program, and adult education programs nation-wide, have received the attention they need in order to flourish. Their importance has been recognized. Today, Great Neck's Adult Program is the largest, and probably the best, adult education program in the country. This program, which included 15,000 registrations last year, has more than doubled in the past five years.

We urge our readers not to miss the rare opportunity to enjoy this timely lecture dedicated to the man who made it possible for all of us to enjoy a rich, diversified, continuing education right in our own community.

Those wishing to register, or to submit a written tribute to David Rauch, can call The Adult Program at 773-1713.

The David Rauch Memorial Lecture is an event not to be missed!

Wendy K. Kreitzman