Levermore Global Scholars Archives | 91�Թ��

Making History, Breaking Barriers: ��’s First Fulbright Scholar in Residence

ckatz — Mon, 11 May 2026 21:12:17 +0000

The is one of the most highly competitive and unique programs in higher education. Designed to promote cross-cultural understanding and global collaboration, this program allows U.S. colleges and universities to host a foreign scholar for a semester or full academic year to internationalize their campus and enrich the university community.

The residency of Dr. Banerjee, a distinguished management scholar and experienced academic leader, was sponsored by and affiliated with the prestigious Levermore Global Scholars program—a program for students interested in global study and leadership.

A Historic First for Adelphi

The opportunity to become a Fulbright Fellow was brought to Dr. Banerjee by Hanna Kim, PhD, professor and chair of the 91�Թ�� Department of Anthropology and co-director of the Museum Studies Program. While honored, he initially hesitated due to his commitments at Ashoka University, where he was overseeing the commissioning of a new management school. “I wasn’t sure if I could get away for a whole semester,” he explained.

With strong support from his colleagues, Dr. Banerjee ultimately accepted the opportunity, adding that his motivation was “to try and understand the shifting sands in higher education that the U.S. is living through.” He felt that these insights would inform ideas and strategies to help build world-class global institutions in India.

As the first Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence ever hosted by Adelphi, Dr. Banerjee’s appointment carries special significance. “It is a matter of great honor for me,” he said.

Advancing ��’s Global Educational Initiatives

Dr. Banerjee was sponsored by and affiliated with the Levermore Global Scholars program and the College of Arts and Sciences. During his time here, he helped advance Adelphi’s global educational initiatives by collaborating with scholars and engaging with the campus and local community.

Throughout the semester, Dr. Banerjee delivered three different lectures to Adelphi students and faculty.

Careers at the Edge of Change: Global Stories and Innovation in Emerging Markets provided insight into real-world business challenges, innovations and strategies.
From Classrooms to Ecosystems: Time for Higher Education to Evolve in the Global Innovation Economy dove into how university education, particularly American higher education, looks to adapt to the rapidly evolving needs of global realities.
Innovation Ecosystems Unlock Civilizational Potential: The Case of India explored how campuses, startups and cultural narratives transformed entrepreneurship for young Indians and why building impactful organizations is a powerful expression of ambition, purpose sand leadership in contemporary India.

By residing in an on-campus apartment and judging high school students at ��’s annual Scholarship and Creative Works Conference, Dr. Banerjee gain firsthand insight into the American student experience.

A Distinguished Academic Leader From India

Born in Kolkata, in the state of West Bengal, India, Dr. Banerjee has led a distinguished academic career. He earned both a PhD in economics and marketing science and a master’s degree in economics from Purdue University, as well as a BS in economics and mathematics and statistics from St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata. From his 18-year tenure at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad to his transformative roles as dean at Ahmedabad and Shiv Nadar universities—where he pioneered industry-academia collaborations—Dr. Banerjee has consistently elevated educational standards. He is currently the head of the Havells School of Management and Leadership at Ashoka University.

India and 91�Թ��: Deep Ties and Collaboration

Although his semester at Adelphi is over, Dr. Banerjee sees significant potential for further collaboration between Adelphi and institutions in India. He highlighted India’s growing importance in global higher education, fueled by a burgeoning student population eager to learn. “India has been the largest source of international students for Adelphi,” he observed, indicating that this creates a strong foundation for strategic partnerships. He also noted that ��’s prime location in New York, combined with its thoughtfully designed and cost-effective programs, means that Indian student interest will only continue to expand.

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Rooted in Care, Rising in Impact

yigarcia — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 20:28:39 +0000

Adelphi alumni are improving the lives of their neighbors in schools, clinics, hospitals, child centers, research laboratories, and both business and nonprofit organizations—leaving an indelible mark on our world.

In these pages, we celebrate extraordinary endeavors and profound achievements of ��’s leaders and alumni, showcasing the countless ways our university is building stronger, healthier communities across our region, our nation and the globe.

Leaders in Healing and Caregiving

A Nationally Ranked College of Nursing and Public Health

As many patients have reported over the years, there is something special about an Adelphi nurse. The level of preparation, precision and skill—infused with empathy, patience and thoughtfulness—sets them apart in any healthcare setting. Their strong reputation is reflected in this College’s exceptional national rankings:

College Factual: #4 in the nation
Niche.com: #5 in New York State
U.S. News & World Report: 2025 Best Nursing School

Thanks to ��’s world-class undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, graduates of the College of Nursing and Public Health (CNPH), well over 300 each year, are making a profound impact in this critical field of care.

Going Beyond the Classroom

It’s not surprising that CNPH faculty are accomplished researchers, enthusiastic teachers and tireless advocates for healthcare issues. Among them is Clinical Assistant Professor Daniel Mcweeney ’07, DNP, a nursing faculty member who still dons scrubs to work in the emergency department at NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island (formerly NYU Winthrop Hospital). Jennifer McIntosh, PhD ’21, MS ’24, is an Adelphi adjunct faculty member and researcher who earned her PhD in nursing from Adelphi and returned to complete the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner graduate program in December. She noted that her doctoral dissertation, focused on nursing and caring for those with mental illness, was sparked by her experiences in hospital emergency departments and inpatient behavioral health units.

Leaders in the Business of Healthcare

Adelphi graduates also excel on the business side of the healthcare field. Leonard Achan ’99 began his transformative career as a nursing student at Adelphi, became the president of the Innovation Institute at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City after serving in several other c-suite roles across hospitals in Manhattan, and is now president and CEO of LiveOnNY, the federally designated Organ Procurement Organization for the New York metro region.

Leonard Achan ’99, trustee and president and CEO of LiveOnNY, a nonprofit organization committed to helping people in the New York City area live on through organ and tissue donation

Achan was the first nurse appointed to the 91�Թ�� Board of Trustees and he established the Leonard Achan Sr. Scholarship in 2017, for students pursuing health sciences degrees, and the Sozia “Gigi” Levine Scholarship in 2025, for students pursuing the field of mental health counseling.

��’s Executive Fellows Program, designed to engage and leverage the expertise of accomplished industry leaders in mentoring and guiding current students, boasts notable alumni. These include Clifford Friedman, MBA ’87, who is the managing director and head of Northwell Health Strategic Venture Group, and infectious disease doctor Pranay Sinha ’09, MD—a former 10 Under 10 honoree who credits his Honors College humanities courses with much of his professional success. He is currently working nationally and internationally to cure tuberculosis.

Creating New Pathways

To ensure multiple pathways to healthcare careers for Adelphi students, the Early Assurance and Joint Degree Programs accelerate the journey for future healthcare professionals. These combined programs offer direct paths to prestigious graduate programs at any of nine partner universities around New York state. “These programs offer Adelphi students the opportunity to move smoothly into rewarding careers in dentistry, medicine, optometry, podiatry, physical therapy, veterinary medicine or pharmaceutical sciences,” noted David Oroza, director of the Office of Pre-Professional Advising and Fellowships.

Championing Mental Health and Helping People Live Happier Lives

Two Landmark Schools, Dedicated to Changing Lives for the Better

For more than 70 years, Adelphi has been at the forefront of social work education. Our School of Social Work (SSW) trains students who go on to transform families, organizations and communities. The Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology has been recognized as a center for psychoanalytic thought and a leading contributor to the practice of psychotherapy for more than 50 years.

Both have been making a powerful impact on communities in the greater New York area through groundbreaking programs and services.

��’s School of Social Work: A Distinguished 70-Year History of Social Justice

The 91�Թ�� School of Social Work delivers real-world impact on our communities.

Investing in the Next Generation of Social Workers

Alumna Molly Dyson-Schwery, MSW ’14, is just one example of the many Adelphi graduates who help to strengthen the communities in which they live. Through her work with the , Dyson-Schwery is helping social work students in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley achieve lifetime goals with scholarship support.

(From left) Molly Dyson-Schwery , MSW ’14, and recent graduate Olivia Smith, MSW ’25. Smith received a life-changing scholarship to attend ��’s Hudson Valley Center.

Dyson-Schwery understands the unique challenges individuals, such as veterans, adults returning to school or individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, face. Scholarships are life-changing for these students, enabling them to earn their master’s degree in social work and begin a meaningful career that improves the lives of residents in their local communities.

Dyson-Schwery notes, “The Dyson Foundation is committed to improving the lives of Mid-Hudson Valley community members. We support ��’s School of Social Work with scholarship grants because we believe the school is providing a valuable educational resource, as well as a mental health resource, to the community through its student social workers and well-educated social work graduates.”

The Dyson Foundation also partners with 91�Թ��’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership, providing scholarships and grants to individuals working in nonprofits throughout the region, further strengthening social services within the Mid-Hudson Valley.

Derner School of Psychology: Improving Mental Health in Our Communities

Derner’s mission for mental health goes far beyond campus walls.

The Derner Hempstead Child Clinic (DHCC) is a school-based, University-run community clinic that was developed in 2015 to offer mental health services to children and families in the underserved neighboring community of Hempstead, New York. Co-founded by Francine Conway, PhD ’99, and Catherine Holder, PhD ’17, and currently under the direction of clinical supervisor Nicole Daisy-Etienne, PhD ’05, the Hempstead Clinic not only provides care to children who otherwise would have limited access to psychotherapy; it also offers training to Derner doctoral-level students. Generous Derner graduate alumni, including Sally Keller, MA ’96, PhD ’01, proved their dedication to the clinic by providing emergency funding when a key grant was discontinued.

Another Derner community program is the Institute for Parenting. The institute helps ensure the mental health and well-being of young children and developing families.

Two Exceptional Schools, Working Together for the Health of Children

��’s Interdisciplinary Education and Training Experience (IDEATE) program was launched in 2021 using a $1.92 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration. The objective was to create a “bridge” between social work students and nursing students to provide both medical and behavioral healthcare for children— rather than one or the other. IDEATE won the prestigious 2023 John L. Blackburn Award from the American Association of University Administrators. Only one university a year receives this national honor. The program is led by Chrisann Newransky, PhD, an SSW associate professor, and her colleagues. “We’re sending our graduates out to be innovators in these jobs,” Dr. Newransky said. “That’s the Adelphi way.”

The Institute for Adolescent Trauma Treatment and Training, which began in 2013 through the School of Social Work, has become a national leader in treating trauma. The institute provides free workshops to help children and families recover from the often lifelong side effects of trauma on mental health. Clinicians are working with refugee children, families experiencing homelessness, and youth with alcohol and substance use problems.

Building Healthier Communities for All

Igniting Potential: Bridges to Adelphi and the Learning Resource Program Inspire Unprecedented Student Success

Adelphi is building a world where every unique mind has the chance to shine.

��’s Learning Resource Program, established in 1979, is one of the first academic support programs in the nation for students with learning differences. Brian McGovern ’87, MSW ’90, CEO of the North Jersey Community Research Initiative and a member of the President’s Advisory Council, shared his gratitude. “The Learning Resource Program is an incredibly warm and welcoming space for students with learning disabilities who are facing unique challenges. It helped launch my successful career.” McGovern gives back by providing two annual scholarships for students in the program.

Launched in 2014, Bridges to Adelphi offers transformative academic, social and vocational support for students on the spectrum.

These programs are national models, championing equity and access to higher education for talented neurodivergent students.

A Sanctuary of Serenity: The Sensory Room

In 2018, Adelphi unveiled the nation’s first university sensory room. This calming refuge helps students with sensory needs alleviate hyperstimulation, enabling them to focus.

Unlocking Life’s Doors: Empowering Independence Through Skill Development

Our Bridges students gain vital life skills. Our groundbreaking drivers’ education program with Gersh Drivers Ed, the first for neurodivergent college students on Long Island, provides invaluable freedom. In 2024, the Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA) launched its Adaptive Golf Initiative with Bridges. Additionally, Love Serving Autism teamed up with USTA Eastern for a tennis coaching event. These programs foster new connections, freedom and belonging.

All three programs are doorways to new connections, new freedom and a deeper sense of belonging.

A Parent’s Passion: Putting Career Success Within Reach

The dedication to Bridges extends far beyond our campus, championed by our families. Katy Cochrane Carey, parent of an Adelphi alumnus and chair of the Bridges to Adelphi Board of Advisors, and her husband, Greg Carey, a current University trustee, exemplify this commitment.

Katy Cochrane Carey, parent of a Bridges alumnus and chair of the Bridges to Adelphi Board of Advisors

The Bridges to Adelphi Board of Advisors was founded in 2024, comprising a powerful collective of alumni, parents and friends. The Board of Advisors is a force for good, providing unwavering support through advocacy, fundraising, program development and career guidance, all to ensure long-term student success and inclusion. The Careys generously funded $250,000 to spearhead an endowment for postgraduate career success, affectionately named “Bridges From Adelphi”—a true testament to their belief in our students’ career potential beyond graduation.

Others have joined our mission:

Northwell Health, the largest healthcare system in New York, provides valuable summer internship opportunities to Bridges students.

Next for Autism’s Next Connects mentoring program is pairing our neurodivergent students with alumni for career guidance and support.

RVC Blue Speaks, in nearby Rockville Centre, offers scholarships for our neurodivergent students in the Bridges to Adelphi program.

Brilliant Minds, Bright Futures: Neurodiversity in Focus

Bridges students find role models on campus, like Stephen Shore, EdD, clinical associate professor and an adviser for PBS KIDS’ Carl the Collector, which celebrates neurodivergent potential. Sophie Breslow ’24, a summa cum laude graduate and current MSW candidate, credits ��’s Learning Resource Program for her remarkable journey. She became a peer mentor, supporting other neurodivergent students.

Empowering Individuals With Disabilities to Enrich Our Communities

Trustee Works With Disabled Veterans

Nicholas K. Iadevaio Jr., MBA ’00, an Adelphi board of trustees member, has a deep passion for supporting U.S. veterans and military families. In his role at L’Oréal, he spearheads their veteran and military strategy, focusing on hiring, development, retention, supporting veteran-owned businesses and aiding homeless veterans. For more than 15 years, his organization has hosted “Have a Beautiful Day,” providing a day of beauty and care to military service members, veterans and their caregivers, ensuring they feel seen, celebrated and valued.

Honors College Alumna Fights for Disability Awareness

As an undergraduate student at Adelphi, Emily Ladau ’13, discovered her calling as an activist. She let her English professors know she wanted to write about the challenges facing those with disabilities. They supported her—and a disability rights star was born. Recognized with ��’s 10 Under 10 Young Alumni and various leadership and diversity awards, Ladau is the founder of Words I Wheel By communications, author of Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally, and editor of Able News. A member of ��’s board of trustees, she was invited to the White House in 2022 by President Joe Biden to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Building Healthier Communities Abroad

Speech-language pathology graduate students and faculty traveled to Kingston, Jamaica, to work with residents of Mustard Seed Communities, a home for children with disabilities, providing much-needed services for individuals with communication disorders.

Healthcare students participated in a Service Learning for Future Healthcare Professionals trip to the Dominican Republic, working directly with teachers, families and local children to provide educational opportunities.

Adelphi students also engage in community building through alternative spring or winter break programs, changing lives in Tobago, Argentina, Portugal, Vietnam, Thailand, and many more areas.

Finding Her Future at Adelphi

“As soon as I rolled on campus, I immediately felt at home,” recalls Peri Finkelstein ’22, MBA ’23. She went on to found the Team Peri Foundation with her family, promoting disability awareness in the corporate, healthcare and academic sectors. Finkelstein, a 2024 10 Under 10 honoree, is the host of the Team Peri Step Out of Line podcast, and learned leadership as a Levermore Global Scholar at Adelphi. “The Levermore Global Scholars program taught me to think differently …. I saw my potential flash before me on how I could be a leader and create social change,” she said.

This story was featured in the 2025 Issue of the 91�Թ�� Magazine.

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Kenyenica Rigby Wins 2025 Outstanding First-Year Student Award

cscala — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 18:55:24 +0000

That first year at the 91�Թ�� College of Nursing and Public Health for Kenyenica Rigby was about finding her rhythm and making an impact. There were times, she admits, when that was a challenge. As a commuter student relying on public transportation, she wasn’t on campus as much as she’d like.

“I had no idea people were paying attention at all because it felt like I was just doing this for me,” says Rigby, who lives in Far Rockaway, a neighborhood in Queens, New York. “I did not know I had other eyes on me.”

The nursing major and African, Black, and Caribbean studies minor is the winner of the University’s Outstanding First-Year Student Award for the 2024–2025 school year. She will receive her award and speak at the Matriculation Ceremony on Sunday, August 24, where all new first-year students are welcomed into the Adelphi community.

Rigby, who submitted an essay about her Guyanese upbringing and her dream of improving healthcare in her home country, was interviewed by Anna Zinko, EdD, assistant vice president for the Division of Student Affairs, and Sarah Eltabib, PhD, associate teaching professor in the prestigious Levermore Global Scholars program and the College of Arts and Sciences. She talked about her family overseas and her dream to bring stronger healthcare to Guyana.

“I was not expecting to win this at all,” Rigby admits. “I was 100 percent shocked.” As a first-year student, she was simply trying to “make sure that I was getting to where I want to be.”

Rigby was nominated by sociology professor Melanie E. L. Bush, PhD, and Fabian Burrell, MS ’17, adjunct professor and coordinator for programming and community engagement at the Center for African, Black and Caribbean Studies, part of the College of Arts and Sciences.

“She thrives as a student in the community and is respected as an ambitious leader with incredible educational and personal goals,” Burrell wrote in her recommendation letter.

Added Dr. Bush, “Kenyenica immediately distinguished herself as someone dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, assuming responsibility to learn everything she can as a way of life, and with a profound dedication to contributing to society.”

Both highlighted her commitment to service. Rigby is part of ��’s Levermore Global Scholars program, a learning community that provides students with a global perspective. She volunteers at ��’s Panther Pantry, which provides basic food services to the community, anonymously and free of charge. Rigby loves to help visitors take advantage of the pantry’s many resources.

A member of the Black Student Union and the , she received the Rising Scholar Award from the Department of African, Black, and Caribbean Studies. For good measure, Rigby emceed the awards ceremony.

Rigby volunteers at a church in her neighborhood and at . She also volunteered at .

“My family, they’ve always been about helping people,” Rigby says. “They always tell me: if you can, do it.”

Empowering people with knowledge

The drive comes from her mom, Shaka Grant, who navigated a flood to get to work while pregnant with Kenyenica. Family also inspired her career path. So many relatives work in education that Rigby wanted to do something different.

Her father, Esau Rigby, was working at a mine when he contracted malaria. Rigby was 4 years old. His attacks—Rigby remembers her father wrapped up, shivering in the tropical weather—stuck with her. In Guyana, whenever someone was injured or sick, she saw a troubling trend: They opted for spiritual remedies over modern medicine.

“And a lot of the time that did not work,” says Rigby, who moved to the United States with some of her family in 2017. Her father, whose health has improved, and a brother are expected to join them soon. “It definitely made me think: Why not just go to the hospital? Why not just do this? Why not just do that? And then I finally came to understand that the hospital can’t do much for them because the hospital can’t even do much for itself.”

Rigby wants to start a multi-branched healthcare organization that sends medical and healthcare workers and teachers throughout Guyana. Among their tasks would be to explain the importance of modern medicine. She wants to run the enterprise with her older sister, Keneisha.

The organization would also make medical school affordable for students. And it wouldn’t just be for healthcare.

“We just want to create a safe environment where people can have the right to pursue an education and not be turned away by the price of it,” says Rigby, who had an internship at the this summer.

Right now, there is more to do at Adelphi. Rigby wants to be involved in student government, study overseas (preferably in India—her paternal grandmother is of Indian descent), and research racial disparities in healthcare treatment.

Through her experiences and achievements at Adelphi, Kenyenica Rigby is not just building a promising future for herself, but actively forging the path to a healthier, more equitable world.

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From Campus to the Caribbean: UN Diplomat Mentors Adelphi Students in the Dominican Republic

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 17:16:01 +0000

Adelphi’s Levermore Global Scholars (LGS) program gives students numerous opportunities to build their global leadership skills through experiences at the cultural excursions to New York City, and study abroad.

But the program also brings well-known global experts to campus to share their experience with LGS students.

In 2025, Mario Baez, who is from the Dominican Republic and is a former chief accountability officer at the United Nations, came to Garden City to serve as the LGS spring fellow.

“When Mr. Baez first visited campus, it was immediately clear that he would be a great choice for the fellow position,” said Susan Briziarelli, PhD, director of the LGS program and associate provost for faculty support and global affairs. “Along with the expertise gained in his 30 years at the United Nations, Mr. Baez also brought a keen historical perspective, vast knowledge of Latin America and genuine enthusiasm for connecting with Adelphi students.”

A Strong Connection With the Dominican Republic

Baez’s fellowship reflects Adelphi’s global footprint and connection with the Dominican Republic, which includes a partnership with the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). Adelphi also has a long-standing relationship with José Singer Weisinger ’73, ’20 (Hon.), a member of our board of trustees; Weisinger is adviser on international affairs to the president of the Dominican Republic and, since 2014, has served as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary in service to the executive branch.

As LGS program fellow, Baez lectured in several classes and held open office hours for students interested in learning more about the UN, careers in diplomacy, or Latin American politics and economy. He also connected with the Latino Student Association on campus and mentored a number of students in and outside of the LGS program who were working on papers or theses in his areas of expertise.

He pulled from his distinguished career experience to deliver a lecture on the history and governance of the United Nations. The presentation explored the creation of the international organization and the initial vision for lasting peace and global cooperation. Following his talk, Baez invited students to participate in a discussion about the UN’s 80-year history and ongoing role in worldwide affairs.

Leading a Study Tour of His Country

A highlight of his fellowship was a weeklong study tour in the Dominican Republic for six Adelphi students. The trip was held in April and facilitated by ��’s Center for International Education. It included a 1-credit course on the history, economy and culture of the country, along with lectures at the PUCMM and a dinner with Ambassador Weisinger.

Baez also led students on a day trip to . The museum honors the lives of Patria, Minerva and María Teresa Mirabal, who were assassinated by the Trujillo military regime, and pays tribute to their fight against repression and terror. More than 65 years after their death, the Mirabal sisters remain global symbols of social justice and feminism. This daylong excursion was sponsored by ��’s Bhisé Center for Global Understanding, which creates innovative opportunities for the next generation of global thinkers and leaders.

Bolstered by Baez’s experience and engagement, this year’s LGS program illustrates Adelphi’s commitment to supporting student leaders with immersive opportunities both on campus and across the globe.

“Students sometimes engage more easily when they are outside the classroom and don’t feel that they are being assessed for a grade, and Mr. Baez had the great combination of being particularly approachable and incredibly generous with his time,” Dr. Briziarelli said. “In addition to having meaningful discussions, they also felt free to ask him about career choices and postgraduation steps. His office was right across from mine, and it was rare for me to see him there without a student. He really engaged with them.”

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From the Republic of Georgia to Adelphi: Shota Mikautadze, Our 2025–2026 Newman Civic Fellow

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:04:29 +0000

He is the eighth consecutive Adelphi student to be awarded a reflecting ��’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of global leaders.

Mikautadze, whose father served in his country’s military, traveled widely while growing up, spending time in Spain, Canada and Mexico. Through these experiences, he was able to explore different cultures and develop an understanding of systemic inequality, especially in educational systems.

“Growing up, I was always curious about different cultures, histories and ways of life,” said Mikautadze, who is in ��’s Levermore Global Scholars program, which prepares students to become global thinkers and fill leadership positions. “Traveling gave me the opportunity to explore that curiosity firsthand. It taught me to appreciate different perspectives, adapt to new environments, and become a more open-minded and globally aware individual.”

Enhancing His Global Perspective and Leadership Abilities

With a double major in economics and political science, Mikautadze is actively engaged in academic and leadership roles that reflect his passion for civic engagement and global affairs. He serves as treasurer of the Levermore program, helping manage budgets for global initiatives, seminars and student-led projects.

He also recently attended the 75th Annual at West Point, New York. He worked with peers from other prestigious universities and military academies at the conference to develop policy recommendations focusing on economic liberalization, sanctions and global power dynamics. Those strategies were submitted to the White House. His work at the conference confirmed his commitment to shaping economic and political solutions that promote fairness and stability.

Finding the “Perfect Fit” at Adelphi

Mikautadze’s parents immigrated to Maryland when he was 15 while he stayed in Georgia with his brother and grandparents to finish high school. While there, he earned the Gold Medal from the Ministry of Education for his 4.0 GPA and dedication to his studies. After graduating, however, he knew he wanted to study in the United States.

“Joining my parents in the U.S. not only brought our family back together, but also allowed me to take advantage of the country’s unmatched educational resources,” he said. “From early on, I knew I wanted to study economics and political science in a country with global influence and opportunity.”

Specifically, Mikautadze’s goal is to serve in the U.S. Army and eventually become a finance officer at the Pentagon.

“I’m passionate about combining my academic background in economics and political science with public service,” he said. “To me, military service isn’t about destruction—it’s about discipline, humanitarian support and global stability. I see it as a powerful way to give back to society and be part of something larger than myself.”

Mikautadze chose Adelphi specifically for its strong academic reputation, supportive community and resources like the Levermore Global Scholars program.

“It was the perfect fit—both academically and personally,” he said. “Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made—both for my education and for reconnecting with my family.”

Enjoying the Freedom to “Explore Ideas” and “Challenge Assumptions”

At Adelphi, Mikautadze has harnessed many opportunities to develop his leadership skills and begin building a career in international affairs and public service. In addition to his experiences at the West Point conference and as treasurer of the Levermore program, he also works at , where he helps international students navigate financial processes.

“Adelphi doesn’t just offer academic preparation; it creates a community where students can network, grow and discover how their passions align with real-world impact,” he said. “And for me, that impact means serving both my country and the global community through ethical leadership and humanitarian commitment.”

Compared to the educational system in the Republic of Georgia, which was highly structured and standardized, Mikautadze finds the U.S. experience more dynamic and interdisciplinary.

“Studying in the U.S., particularly at Adelphi, has given me the freedom to explore ideas, challenge assumptions and engage with real-world problems,” he said. “Here, learning goes beyond textbooks. I’ve developed critical thinking and communication skills that I didn’t get to practice as much back home. It’s helped me become not just a better student, but a more engaged global citizen.”

Seeing the Newman Fellowship as a “Chance to Grow”

As a Newman Fellow, Mikautadze is most looking forward to connecting with other civic-minded students from across the country.

“Being in a space filled with people who are passionate about social change is incredibly motivating,” he said. “I’m especially excited to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas and build relationships with people who are working to make a real impact in their communities.”

Throughout the yearlong program, fellows will have a range of opportunities to learn and collaborate virtually and in person through skill development workshops, mentorships and workshops.

“Most importantly, I see this fellowship as a chance to grow—to sharpen my leadership skills, expand my understanding of public issues, and, above all, to contribute to the development of a more just and inclusive society,” Mikautadze added. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and determined to make the most of it.”

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Double the Impact: Hilda Perez ’11 Pays It Forward by Establishing Two Scholarships

edinda — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:52:41 +0000

Hilda Perez ’11 is a social entrepreneur who believes in giving back to her Latino community and to Adelphi. She was an international studies major, a Levermore Global Scholar, recognized as an Adelphi 10 Under 10 for 2016, and served on the board of trustees for four years. Now she is giving back to Adelphi again—this time, by establishing two scholarships. The first scholarship is to support students studying health and wellness. The second is to help students expand their horizons through study abroad or internships that give them global exposure.

“These scholarships are a way to give back because ��’s given me so much,” she explained. “Adelphi opened a lot of doors for me.”

Peter DeBartolo, PhD, former Levermore Global Scholar (LGS) administrative director and now an adjunct professor, introduced her to the concept of social entrepreneurship. “I became really intrigued by the concept and how it impacts communities,” she said. Inspired, Perez went on to obtain her master’s degree in social entrepreneurship in 2014.

The business of helping others is apparently a passion that runs in the family. Perez’s family emigrated from the Dominican Republic to the United States in 1987. “They were looking for more opportunities for their family and a better way of life,” she explained. “They left their family and everything they knew to come here, trying to transition their careers to a new country.”

Her father, Rigo Pérez Diaz, MD, naturopath and nutritionist, established Salud, a nutritional supplement company, and has been active in the Hispanic community for more than 30 years. Hilda Perez is now the company’s chief operating officer, while her sister, Sarah Jarrett, is the chief executive officer.

The Perez Family Health and Wellness Endowed Scholarship

The two sisters established the Perez Family Health and Wellness Endowed Scholarship with 91�Թ��. “This scholarship is our way of paying it forward, honoring the sacrifices our parents and family made as Dominican immigrants who built a life in New York,” Perez wrote in a . “We aim to empower a student who, like us, seeks to achieve great things in their career and community.”

Priority will be given to students with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing an MS in Nutrition and Dietetics at the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences and have a demonstrated interest in promoting health and the importance of good nutrition to underserved communities.

Hilda M. Perez ’11 Social Impact Scholarship Fund

At Adelphi, Perez participated in three study abroad programs: a month in Florence, Italy; a month in Egypt; and community service in Costa Rica during her spring break. “Studying abroad sparked my passion for adventure, growth and empathy, shaping how I see the world and inspiring me to help others both locally and globally,” she wrote in a .

The fund will provide resources for undergraduate student(s) in the LGS program with demonstrated financial need to participate in a study abroad program or to pursue internships.

“It’s so important to get out of your bubble and understand there’s so much more to this world,” Perez said. “I truly believe that study abroad makes you a more well-rounded person and allows you to apply those learnings to help your own community.”

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Adelphi Alumni Profile: Peri R. Finkelstein ’22, MBA ’23

cscala — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:02:43 +0000

Member of 91�Թ��’s

Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, Department of Decision Sciences and Marketing, Department of Management

Founder, Marketing Consultant, Digital Creator,

Everything at Adelphi, from its history, esteemed board members and alumni to the opportunities offered by the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, convinced her it was the University for her. Being accepted into the prestigious Levermore Global Scholars (LGS) program and connecting with President Christine M. Riordan, PhD, the University’s first female president, solidified her decision further.

Finkelstein’s academic experience was deeply influenced by her mentors. During her undergraduate studies, she was particularly inspired by Anthony Dotterman, PhD, associate teaching professor; Peter DeBartolo, PhD, adjunct faculty member; and Professor James Hazy, EdD. After she completed her Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a Levermore Global Scholars distinction and summa cum laude honors, Finkelstein pursued her MBA and graduated with distinction in August 2023. During her graduate studies, she notes that Lauren Gaglio-Crescione ’12 and Frank Gallucci, adjunct faculty members, provided her with invaluable advice and guidance.

While still attending Adelphi as an undergraduate, she recorded a podcast on Elvis Duran and the Morning Show to promote Team Peri’s fundraising efforts, launched her own “Team Peri Step Out of Line” podcast, and was featured in Forbes magazine. While earning her MBA she honed her professional skills as a marketer and she worked part time with the Be Like Josh Foundation, served as a marketing consultant for Emmy and Grammy Award-winning producer Jason Halbert, and interned with the A Girl You Might Know Foundation.

In November 2022, she founded the Team Peri Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to educating and promoting the concept of the power of inclusion to counteract the physical accessibility barriers and ableist views that are prevalent in society. As its president and founder, Finkelstein oversees strategic decisions and establishes the organization’s vision and mission. The foundation is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion, particularly focusing on the disability community.

“Our foundation touches on every aspect of diversity, with an emphasis on the disability community,” she explained. The foundation’s efforts include collaborative projects with other organizations, inspirational podcasts, fundraising campaigns, and spreading hope and positivity.

In 2024, the Team Peri Foundation launched the Julie Hait Adler Scholarship in partnership with 91�Թ��. The scholarship aims to support students in the Levermore Global Scholars program, with a goal by the end of 2024 of raising $25,000 which will be matched by 91�Թ��’s Momentum 2 Endowment Matching Campaign for an annual scholarship in perpetuity.

Reflecting on her time at Adelphi, Finkelstein said, “The Levermore Global Scholars program taught me to think differently and, in turn, I saw my potential flash before me on how I could be a leader and create social change. In conjunction with the LGS program and the business school, I found my voice, how to own my craft, and gained confidence upon entering the world as a marketing professional and entrepreneur.”

She encourages current students and new graduates to take advantage of opportunities and to not be afraid to step out of line. “Intern, network, stay in touch with your professors and know that the person sitting next to you might just be your business partner one day.”

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Building a Life Around Giving Back: Adelphi’s 2024–2025 Newman Civic Fellowship Winner

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 14:15:13 +0000

Candice Garwood, a rising junior who came to Adelphi from Kingston, Jamaica, has always been committed to helping others.

“The idea of giving back was instilled in me at an early age,” she said. “My mother got us to donate clothes, canned goods and other items to children’s homes and elderly homes. She emphasized being considerate of those who are less fortunate. Most of all, she told us it was important to share your energy, your ideas, your talents and your time. That just stuck with me.”

That attitude, and the selfless ways she has served members of neighboring communities around Adelphi and back home in Jamaica, earned her a 2024 Newman Civic Fellowship, given by the Campus Compact organization to highly engaged students who show potential for public leadership. The one-year fellowship program creates a network of students from across the country and helps them develop strategies for social change.

Adelphi students have won fellowships in each of the past seven years, reflecting the University’s commitment to preparing leaders.

A Global Perspective and an Eye on Local Communities

Garwood, who speaks three languages and is pursuing a degree in International Studies, began her community work at Adelphi almost as soon as she arrived on campus.

The runner-up for the 2023 Outstanding First-Year Student Award, she won a prestigious Jagger Community Fellowship from Adelphi that summer. The fellowship provided her a paid internship at the National Urban League, where she worked with its Jobs & Workforce Development division, which provides employment services that help individuals and families become economically self-sufficient.

Garwood also established herself as a campus leader. She is a Levermore Global Scholar (LGS), a member of ��’s innovative program that prepares students to become global thinkers and leaders in a rapidly changing world. As the LGS community outreach officer this year, she organized a campaign to collect donations of toiletries and food items for Glory House Recovery, a residential program in Hempstead, New York, for women struggling to recover from addiction, sickness and domestic violence. She will be president of the LGS Student Leadership Council in the coming year.

She also tutors Adelphi students at the University’s Center for Academic Support and Enrichment; serves as an admissions ambassador; works with local high school students through Adelphi’s College Rise mentoring program; volunteers at the Panther Pantry, which provides food and necessities to students and staff who face food insecurity; and tutors high school students in Jamaica online—all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

Adelphi President Christine M. Riordan noted in her letter to the Newman Fellowship judges: “As one of the most engaged and highly motivated students in her class, Candice has demonstrated that she will make the most of a Newman Civic Fellowship. Her desire to work for the benefit of others and bring positive changes to society has an incredible impact.”

An Active Force in Jamaica

Garwood’s commitment to social justice began when she was a teen in Kingston and saw how homeless people suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. She got involved with the Street People Liberation Foundation, helping marginalized people who had been hit hardest by the global crisis. Getting shelter, food and medical care had always been a struggle for the unhoused, and the pandemic made their situation much worse. Garwood helped with the power of the pen. “I did some letter writing to corporations to encourage big donations to get the help they needed,” she said.

She also tutored Jamaican high school students in Spanish to prepare them for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams. While the official language in Jamaica is English, there has been a national push for students to learn Spanish as a second language because it’s the most common language in the Caribbean.

“A lot of students cannot afford private tutoring, and I wanted to alleviate the disparity in access to educational resources,” said Garwood, who did not charge many of the students she tutored. “Education can change lives.”

Preparing for a Career Helping to Bring About Change

Adelphi is helping her reach her goals. “I have met some great professors and great students,” Garwood said. “I have been encouraged to consider different opportunities, and that’s because it’s a small campus. The direct interactions with my professors have helped me find my path.”

Garwood is pursuing an International Studies degree with concentrations in Spanish and business. She participates in the Willumstad Winning Edge program, the in-depth career-readiness program offered by Adelphi’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, and plans to pursue an MBA and work in corporate social responsibility or international development. Her goal is to use her empathy, leadership skills and knack for problem-solving to help make the world a better place.

“I wanted a very specific degree, which I found at Adelphi,” she said. “��’s programs have helped me learn more about global issues, learn how a business operates, and learn more about culture and language.”

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“Using My Powers for the Greater Good”: Alumna and Nonprofit Founder Establishes Scholarship to Support Levermore Global Scholars

edinda — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 19:13:18 +0000

Before Peri Finkelstein ’22, MBA ’23, came to 91�Թ�� as a first-year student, she had already set and achieved a major goal: She played an integral and pivotal role, alongside her family, in founding Team Peri Foundation, which began fundraising in 2008 for , an international support network for children and families impacted by medical crises. In 2017, she became the marketing director. officially launched in November 2022. Finkelstein now serves as president of the organization. And 15 years later, in January 2024, Team Peri surpassed its goal by raising $1,017,340.

It’s something most teens wouldn’t have even imagined. But Finkelstein was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. “At a young age, I knew I was going to have to live my life now and not wait because my life may be shorter due to my medical challenges. I always say that while my physical body continues to fail me, my brain is my best attribute and I am going to use it to the fullest extent and use my powers for the greater good.”

The Team Peri president and host of the podcast is taking on new challenges. This year she and Team Peri established the , which will provide financial support to Adelphi undergraduate students in the Levermore Global Scholars (LGS) program. Her goal is to raise $25,000, which the University will then match with other funds. “So, if there are any Adelphi alumni who would like to donate or contribute in any way to this meaningful project, please reach out to me at .”

A Life-Changing, Levermore Global Scholar Experience

As an incoming first-year student, Finkelstein was awarded the newly created John J. Gutleber Memorial Scholarship and offered a spot in the prestigious LGS program. “I did not understand why I was selected for LGS,” Finkelstein said. “I did not see myself as a leader or a change maker. I was afraid to use my voice and, frankly, did not think that it mattered.

“The LGS classwork forced me to be more vocal in class than I had ever been before and to open up my eyes—my perspective on life immediately shifted,” she added. “My opinions were welcomed, and I was being challenged intellectually, which I loved. LGS taught me to think differently, and I saw my potential flash before me on how I could be a leader, create social change in my own world.”

Finkelstein earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing and was part of the prestigious Willumstad Leadership Scholars Program. After graduating, she continued at Adelphi for her MBA, specializing in marketing.

Graduate school wasn’t always easy. “I wanted to give up every single day,” she said, “but I stayed the course and used all the failures and obstacles to my advantage. I found my voice and gained confidence as an up-and-coming business leader and marketing professional. I am still in contact with some of my favorite professors today.”

A Tale of Two Classmates

She’s also very much in contact with a colleague and friend from her Adelphi days, Barbara Quagliardi ’22, MS ’23. Quagliardi, who was also a business major and Willumstad Leadership Scholar, is now a financial performance management analyst for RBC Capital Markets as well as an avid photographer, runner and, as of this spring, board consultant to the Team Peri Foundation.

“I worked with Peri as a student and we became friends,” Quagliardi said. “Peri is leading important work that will change lives.”

Finkelstein values her friendship and work with Quagliardi, who “spoke to me as if I was any other student,” she said. “Conversations were never forced and I didn’t have to prove myself—she saw me as I was and we each admired the other’s work ethic.”

“Being a young entrepreneur is no different than being any entrepreneur but perhaps my naiveté allows some things to work in my favor,” Finkelstein said. “I usually go headfirst into a project and then go figure out how to do it.”

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An Adelphi Undergrad Finds Her Future in Washington, D.C.

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 17:01:32 +0000

“It was probably the greatest two semesters of my life.”

That is how Nino Burjanadze, a junior majoring in political science at Adelphi, described her time as a youth representative at the United Nations. Through ��’s NGO (nongovernmental organization) status with the UN, she has served as one of around 550 young people from 100 countries who speak up for the concerns of the planet’s youth.

Now, in a new step in her Adelphi journey, she is spending a semester interning with the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS), a Washington, D.C.-based NGO that works to secure funding for public school districts on tribal lands, military installations, Federal low-income housing and national parks.

“I work five minutes from the Capitol,” Burjanadze said of her internship. “It’s a dream come true.”

Choosing Adelphi

Burjanadze inside the Capitol next to the office Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat from Texas and a staunch supporter of Ukraine.

An international student from the country of Georgia, Burjanadze first came to the United States when she was just 16 to attend a Harvard Model UN event in Boston. Burjanadze returned to the United States at age 18 to attend Adelphi because she loved the diversity she found on campus and in the surrounding area. She knew she could chase her dreams here in the United States.

“Part of the reason why I chose my degree is because my country is occupied by Russia,” Burjanadze said. “I grew up wanting to know about international law, international relations and human rights. I wanted to see the larger world and learn about the possibilities in a freer place.”

Promoting education in her home country of Georgia is a top career goal, Burjanadze said. “If youth are educated, the future is going to be bright.” That’s how she ended up in the NAFIS internship, coordinated via The Washington Center, a group that matches students to internships and seminars in our nation’s capital.

Burjanadze is interested in border security, human rights and free speech, too. These are all issues she dealt with growing up in a nation that still fights for its democracy and full independence.

Studying Political Science and International Relations

At Adelphi, she’s found people in the Department of Political Science and International Relations who have helped her define her goals. “My professors gave me direction to expand my knowledge and gain experience,” Burjanadze said. Traci Levy, PhD, associate professor and interim chair of the department, has been her adviser and mentor. She has also received valuable guidance from Professor Katie Laatikainen, PhD, Associate Professor Maggie Gray, PhD, and adjunct faculty member Robert Saunders, PhD. Dr. Levy and Dr. Gray encouraged her to apply for the internship, she said, and they continue to support her while she is there.

“Even when I am in D.C., I get encouraging emails from my professors,” she said. “They are a great community. It truly took a village to support and guide me in achieving personal and professional milestones. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have an amazing mother, supportive family, wonderful friends and the inspiring Adelphi community who motivate me daily. I couldn’t have come this far without the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had at Adelphi.”

��’s Long Partnership With the UN

Her participation in the UN program is part of ��’s long and active history with the United Nations. Adelphi became a recognized NGO with the UN’s Department of Public Information (now Department of Global Communications) in 2003, when the administration and faculty sought to emphasize the University’s commitment to global citizenship. The University is also a charter member of the Academic Impact program, a partnership between the UN and more than 1,400 universities. Established in 2011, the program has created an international network of students devoted to supporting human rights, access to education, sustainability, conflict resolution and other admirable UN goals.

Adelphi students have participated in the Model UN Collegiate Conference for 20 years, joining more than 3,000 other students from 40 countries in a five-day simulation of UN operations. Conference participation is part of a National Model UN course offered by Adelphi’s political science and international relations department.

The University’s Levermore Global Scholars program sends students to represent the University at invitation-only NGO briefings at the UN Headquarters in New York City.

Lessons Learned From Ukraine

Burjanadze’s desire to learn about running a government for the people has grown with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We wonder ‘Who will be next?’ ” Burjanadze said. “The invasion of Ukraine made me realize my studies are bigger than myself. I want to go back to my country and share the experiences I’ve had here—use the knowledge I’ve gained to make Georgia better.”

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Levermore Global Scholars Archives | 91�Թ���

Making History, Breaking Barriers: ���������’s First Fulbright Scholar in Residence