As the first Adelphi alumnus and parent—and the first Long Island native—to serve as president of the University, Balboni is intimately familiar with the transformative power of an Adelphi education. He graduated cum laude from the University in 1981 with a degree in biology and is the proud parent of an Adelphi alumna. Throughout his career, he has continually served his alma mater, including as an adjunct faculty member and, most recently, as a distinguished member and chair of the board of trustees.

Balboni emerged from a national search as the leader best positioned to secure public-private partnerships, champion the University regionally and nationally, and drive institutional growth. A defining hallmark of Balboni’s career—from his roles in government to corporate boardrooms—has been his ability to build relationships, work with experts and forge consensus. He steps into the presidency fiercely committed to shared governance, protecting academic freedom and ensuring that the Adelphi campus remains a vibrant, inclusive environment for all students and faculty to thrive in.

In tandem with this announcement, Adelphi’s board named Christopher K. Storm Jr., PhD, who has served as Adelphi’s interim president since last June, to the newly created role of senior executive vice president of academic affairs and provost. This complementary leadership structure allows the provost to focus internally on teaching, research and student outcomes, while President Balboni manages the complex operational and external facets of the University.

“The landscape of higher education is undergoing rapid and profound changes,” said William Fuessler ’79, acting chair of the board of trustees and chair of the University’s Presidential Search Committee. “To thrive, Adelphi requires a president who is a relentless external advocate and a proven executive. Michael possesses the exact blend of operational strength and external advocacy we need.”

“I am thrilled to be returning to my alma mater to lead a community that means so much to me. It truly is a full-circle moment,” said president-elect Balboni. “I have watched how the University has progressed, and I look forward to working with Dr. Storm and the entire community to take Adelphi to new heights as the premier institution of higher learning on Long Island.”

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve as interim president of Adelphi, where I have spent my entire 20-year career,” shared Dr. Storm. “The past year provided me with new opportunities to deepen my connections across campus while maintaining the University’s strong, stable footing before taking our next leap forward. I very much look forward to working with Michael Balboni as we embark on a bold new direction for Adelphi.”

Balboni assumes leadership at a time of remarkable advancement and financial strength for Adelphi. The University boasts a balanced budget, a $282 million endowment and a highly successful $100 million fundraising campaign that is nearing its goal. Underscoring this position of strength, Adelphi has achieved record enrollment in two of the past three years and is launching an ambitious infrastructure initiative to further support student and faculty success.

Adelphi continues to elevate its academic profile. Recognized by Forbes as the premier private university on Long Island, the institution pairs this academic prestige with its reputation as one of the safest campuses in America and an NCAA Division II athletics powerhouse. Looking ahead, the University is actively expanding its regional impact through the new Manhattan Center on Fifth Avenue in New York City, delivering high-demand graduate programs in artificial intelligence, business, nursing, social work, psychology, literature and education to meet the evolving needs of the modern workforce.

Learn more about President-Elect Balboni’s appointment.

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It was just four years ago, in the spring of 2022, when Adelphi’s annual Giving Day first reached $500,000 in donations. Two years later, it set a new record of $684,000. Another big jump last year raised the bar to $886,000.

But nothing compares to the totals set this spring, when donations rocketed to $2.28 million, including $1.07 million in outright commitments and $1.2 million in planned gifts. The generosity was spread across the University, as every academic unit and key campaign reached or exceeded its individual fundraising target.

“With 1,580 donors and 1,626 gifts, our community demonstrated the true impact of investing in the University we believe in,” said Thomas Kline, EdD, Adelphi’s vice president of University advancement and external relations. “This remarkable generosity is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of our Momentum Campaign: Extraordinary Impact. We are filled with deep gratitude and hope for the future of Adelphi.”

1,896 Minutes—and Reasons—to Give

As it has since Adelphi’s 125th anniversary, Giving Day has lasted a few more than 24 hours, extending to 1,896 minutes to reflect Adelphi’s founding in 1896.

While the timing has changed, Giving Day at Adelphi has continued to benefit programs and causes across the University. Donations are made to each of the University’s colleges and schools, athletic programs, the Bridges to Adelphi program for students on the autism spectrum, and causes including the Adelphi Fund, Performing Arts Center, Innovation Center, SPARK Center for undergraduate research, Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program, and Panthers Pay It Forward Campaign.

A new challenge was added to Giving Day this year as well—planned giving. Thirteen people, including four anonymous donors, met the challenge and committed a total of $1.2 million dollars. The University is proud to recognize all 13 donors as members of the Adelphi Forever Gold Society.

There are many other highlights of this year’s giving.

The 91łÔąĎÍř Honors College received a $45,000 gift from alumni Carole ’64 and Neal ’63 Stuber, and the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business led the University’s eight schools and colleges, raising $67,335, with generous matching gifts from its Dean’s Advisory Board, Trustee Kevin Mahony ’83 and an anonymous donor. , always supported by Panther fans, raised $268,504, including $52,775 for men’s soccer and $45,630 for the men’s golf program.

Every current member of the 91łÔąĎÍř Board of Trustees participated, reflecting their ongoing commitment to Adelphi’s mission. Close to 1,600 donors in all showed their support for Adelphi, including alumni, students and their families, faculty, administrators, staff, and friends of the University. The funds raised will continue advancing Adelphi’s 130-year-old mission to transform student lives through exceptional hands-on learning, extraordinary student experiences, accessible scholarships and academic resources.

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This year’s commencement speakers include distinguished alumni Joseph W. Westphal ’70, PhD; Serena Martin ’05; Christopher Pappas ’81; and Zaven Paul Akian ’64. Dr. Westphal and Martin will receive honorary degrees during the undergraduate ceremony, while Pappas and Akian will be honored at the graduate ceremony.

“We are grateful to Joseph Westphal, Serena Martin, Christopher Pappas and Zaven Paul Akian for agreeing to be such an important part of our 130th Commencement, inspiring Adelphi’s Class of 2026 and their guests with their wisdom, success and positive impact on society,” said Susan Dinan, PhD, Adelphi’s interim provost. “All of us at Adelphi look forward to sharing this special day with these extraordinary individuals.”

Joseph W. Westphal ’70, PhD

Ambassador Joseph W. Westphal ’70, PhD, a distinguished scholar, diplomat and public servant whose career spans decades of consequential service across government and academia, will receive an honorary degree and deliver the Commencement address at Adelphi’s undergraduate ceremony. Educated at 91łÔąĎÍř and the University of Missouri-Columbia, he served as U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2014 to 2017, and as under secretary of the Army and chief management officer from 2009 to 2014, among other senior roles in five presidential administrations spanning Carter through Obama. A professor of political science by training, Ambassador Westphal has led institutions including the University of Maine System as chancellor and held faculty and administrative posts at Georgetown, The New School, and Oklahoma State University. He currently serves as senior global fellow at the Joseph H. Lauder Institute at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania as well as senior fellow at Wharton’s Center for Leadership and Change Management. He also holds fellowships with the National Academy of Public Administration, the Foreign Policy Research Institute and The American Academy of Diplomacy, among others.

Serena Martin ’05

Serena Martin ’05, founder and executive director of New Hour for Women and Children LI, which provides programs and reentry support for justice-impacted women across Long Island and Rikers Island jails and within New York state prisons. She also leads statewide policy reform efforts for criminal justice-impacted women and will also receive an honorary degree at the undergraduate ceremony. A tireless advocate for carceral reform across New York state, Martin has championed landmark legislation including anti-shackling laws prohibiting the shackling of incarcerated mothers during labor. She serves on Governor Hochul’s NYS Domestic Violence Task Force and has contributed to multiple statewide reform initiatives. A survivor of isolated confinement, she earned her bachelor’s degree from 91łÔąĎÍř and is the recipient of numerous honors, including the 2024 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal.

Christopher Pappas ’81

Christopher Pappas ’81, founder, chairman, president and chief executive officer of The Chefs’ Warehouse, will serve as speaker at the graduate ceremony and will receive an honorary degree. After graduating with a degree in business administration and competing as a varsity basketball player at Adelphi, he played professionally in Europe—an experience that helped inspire his entrepreneurial path. In 1985, he co-founded what would become The Chefs’ Warehouse, a premier specialty food distributor now serving top chefs, restaurants and hospitality professionals across North America and the Middle East. Under his guidance, the company has grown into a respected publicly traded enterprise, navigating defining challenges including 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Pappas has served on the boards of the International Foodservice Distributors Association and Hudson National Golf Club.

Zaven Paul Akian ’64

Z. Paul Akian ’64, a technologist, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose career spans aerospace, defense and global manufacturing, will also receive an honorary degree at the graduate ceremony. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics at Adelphi, Akian contributed to NASA’s Apollo program and built and led multiple successful enterprises over five decades, including Western Filter Co. and Integra Technologies, serving clients such as the U.S. Armed Forces, NASA, Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Through the Akian Family Foundation, he has made significant investments in educational and cultural institutions, including the American University of Armenia, whose College of Science & Engineering bears his family name. He previously served on the 91łÔąĎÍř Board of Trustees and has been recognized with significant humanitarian honors from the Armenian Apostolic Church and the president of Armenia.

Learn more about 91łÔąĎÍř’s 130th Commencement ceremonies.

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The film, What the Notes Say, was created under the guidance of three faculty mentors and ultimately submitted to the prestigious competition. For the students involved, the project became far more than an academic assignment—it was an unforgettable lesson in the power of storytelling, creativity and collaboration.

Working as a team, the students learned firsthand what it takes to bring a meaningful vision to life: balancing roles, supporting one another through challenges, and combining individual talents into a shared success. The experience underscored how teamwork and dedication can transform a student project into something with lasting impact.

Two students were flown to Hollywood to attend the awards ceremony, where the project received national recognition. When the moment arrived, the announcement was unforgettable:

“And the winner is… What the Notes Say!”

As then-Department Chair and Adelphi alumnus Paul Pitcoff ’65 reflected, the honor was “a testament to how significant student hard work, dedication, and passion can guide and affect educational advancement.”

Their achievement remains a lasting example of the creativity, teamwork, and excellence that define our alumni community—and a reminder of what students can accomplish when they come together with purpose.

We proudly recognize the talented student filmmakers from the Classes of 1974, 1975 and 1976: Rich Baron, Patrice Benneward, John Bencivenga, John Costello, Kurt Derner, Rosemary Ravinal, Sharon Thompson, Walter Trepashko, Tom Bisset, Sean Britt, Ken Cohn, Dorie Hightower, Karen Grossman and Rich O’Neill, along with their faculty mentors Marge Hudson, Len Price and Paul Pitcoff.

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From launching a new trilogy set in the 1950s, to bringing Practical Magic to Broadway with help from a musical icon, Hoffman is proving that her storytelling is as potent as ever.

A Return to Her Roots

Founded by Hoffman herself two years ago, the Writers & Readers Festival returns to Adelphi’s Garden City campus from April 15–17. The event has become a staple of the New York literary scene, and this year’s lineup is no exception.

Hoffman will headline a keynote conversation with fellow No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult, focusing on the resilience of storytelling in an era of increasing book bans. She is also set to appear in a discussion of the writer-editor relationship alongside novelist Jessica Knoll and Scribner Books publisher Marysue Rucci.

Practical Magic 2, the Movie Sequel 27 Years in the Making

The phrase “midnight margaritas” is trending once again. Production has officially moved into the final stages for Practical Magic 2, scheduled to hit theaters nationwide on September 11. The film serves as a generational bridge, reuniting the iconic “aunts”—Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest—with stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. While the plot remains largely under wraps, it is confirmed to be inspired by Hoffman’s 2021 novel, The Book of Magic. Newcomers like Joey King, Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams and The Hobbit trilogy star Lee Pace join the coven, promising a sequel that explores the legacy of the Owens curse for a new era.

Published in 1995, Practical Magic was the basis for the 1998 film adaptation starring Kidman and Bullock as sisters descended from a long line of witches. The film became a cult classic, a supernatural drama blending romance with a story of sisterly bonds. The book went on to spawn a media franchise of the same name, which in addition to the film includes a 2004 television pilot (Sudbury), two prequels—2017’s The Rules of Magic and 2020’s Magic Lessons—and a sequel, 2021’s The Book of Magic.

From Page to Stage: The Practical Magic Musical

The most surprising development in the Hoffman universe is the leap to the theater. A stage musical adaptation of Practical Magic is currently in development. In a powerhouse collaboration, Hoffman is writing a book/script for the stage with playwright Peter Duchan (Dogfight), while 10-time Grammy winner Norah Jones will provide the music and lyrics in a collaboration with Grammy-nominated record producer Gregg Wattenberg. The project marks the first stage musical by Jones.

“This story of love and sisterhood is meant for the theater. Music is the heart and soul of Practical Magic,” Hoffman said of the project. “You can hear it as you read the book, even though it isn’t there. Now you will finally hear the story as I always imagined it. You will hear magic.”

Celebrating a Different Kind of Magic

Amid the witches and Broadway lights, Hoffman has also found time for a more personal project. She recently edited a new anthology titled The Best Dog in the World: Essays on Love.

The collection features 14 celebrated authors—including Isabel Allende, Amy Tan, Roxane Gay and Bonnie Garmus—sharing stories of the canine companions that changed their lives. Hoffman will discuss the collection at the April festival, offering a “love letter” to the loyal animal friends who teach us about empathy and unconditional love.

A New Era of Witchcraft

Hoffman is already inviting readers back into the world of the supernatural. Her latest novel, The Witches of Cambridge, is slated for release on September 8.

The book, which kick-starts a new trilogy, was inspired by Hoffman’s own recent academic pursuits. Set on a college campus in the 1950s, the story follows two students, Ava and Lauren, who find refuge from the shadows of McCarthyism within a secret society of witches. Early praise from authors like Leigh Bardugo describes the work as “rich with history, heartbreak, and magic.”

“I went back to school and what began as my term paper ended up as a novel about witches, love, magic, sorrow, betrayal, sisterhood and best friends,” Hoffman said.

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As a liberal arts student, Jordan developed the analytical discipline and critical thinking skills that prepared him for law school and a successful legal career that spanned decades, including 35 years in the healthcare industry. He retired in 2009 and has always credited Adelphi with providing the foundation for his success.

Mark W. Jordan ’63 shares a quiet moment with his granddaughter, reflecting the family values and future generations his philanthropy at Adelphi helps support.

Establishing a Scholarship for Honors College Students

In 2013, Jordan established the Mark W. Jordan Scholarship to support Honors College students with strong academic promise and demonstrated financial need. His goal was simple: to help students experience the same transformative opportunity he received—an Adelphi education supported by scholarship assistance that allows them to focus on learning, growth, and possibility.

Reflecting on his commitment, Jordan said, “The education I received at Adelphi shaped my career, my path, and my leadership. Giving back each year is one way I can help ensure students today have that same foundation for opportunity.”

Growing Impact Through the Momentum 2 Endowment Match Campaign

Jordan deepened that commitment in 2022 when he became the first donor to participate in Adelphi’s Momentum 2 Endowment Match Campaign. With a $25,000 pledge to grow his scholarship, his gift was matched by the University—immediately doubling its long-term impact for students. His early participation helped set the stage for more to follow.

As part of the University’s Momentum Campaign: Extraordinary Impact, the endowment match initiative has helped expand scholarship support and strengthen Adelphi’s long-term investment in student success. By the end of the campaign’s third year in 2025, it had generated $6.4 million, created 56 new endowed funds, and strengthened 38 existing ones.

Today, Jordan remains deeply engaged as a lifelong learner and educator, delivering lectures on subjects as varied as Shakespeare, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Sir Ernest Shackleton and the Mutiny on the Bounty at institutions including the University of California, Berkeley; Santa Clara University; the University of South Carolina; and California State University, East Bay, as well as the Walnut Creek Library Foundation, which he and his wife, Cindy, also support. They spend much of their free time traveling and have visited all seven continents.

Leadership Giving

Because his giving reflects the many ways philanthropy can take shape in support of Adelphi’s mission, Jordan is recognized in all four of Adelphi’s Leadership Recognition and Giving Societies (LEAD):

• the Levermore Leadership Society, recognizing annual giving of $1,000 or more,
• our Eighteen-Ninety-Six Roundtable Society, honoring lifetime giving totaling $100,000 or more,
• Adelphi’s Forever Gold Society, thanking alumni and friends whose estate plans or planned gifts include the University,
• and the Dedicated Panther Society, celebrating donors who give every year.

Across his endowed scholarship, annual giving, and planned gift, Jordan’s generosity will advance the priorities that shape our University’s future: scholarships, academic excellence, life-changing student experiences, a modern and beautiful campus, and a diverse and vibrant community. His story reflects the powerful cycle of philanthropy—students supported by Adelphi who later return to create opportunity for those who follow.

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Art students not only learn how to paint, draw and sculpt—they also learn to think. “The art department prepares students to be creative problem solvers, and we give our art students a wide range of skills based in the studio arts as well as in design, digital art and technology,” said Kellyann Monaghan, professor and chair of the Department of Art and Art History.

Adelphi offers degrees to appeal to different areas of interest, including Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art and Design Education, and Art History. Students benefit from small classes led by successful artists, branding experts and seasoned educators, along with real-world experiences like internships, collaborative mural projects and career preparation courses. “We function like a small art and design school within the larger University,” Monaghan said. Students can develop skills in complementary fields like psychology, business and communications. This flexibility helps them tailor their career paths to their interests.

Those paths are broader than many people assume. Adelphi art alumni work as photographers, art directors, school educators, art therapists, and in many other fields. “Students don’t have to be starving artists,” Monaghan said. “There are lots of different ways for them to make a living in the world.”

Case in point: Meet several Adelphi alums who built a thriving career with their art degree.

Turn a Creative Vision Into a Thriving Agency

Carl Timpone ’08, Portrait, Editorial and Commercial Photographer and Partner at Visual Natives

Photographer graduated at the start of an economic recession. Jobs were scarce, but the creativity and independence Adelphi fostered helped prepare him to think outside the box. He began sneaking backstage at concerts to take photos of musicians, which quickly led to creating album artwork. “My job was just to listen to the music, listen to their lyrics and translate that into a visual form,” Timpone said.

As he gained experience and became more successful, he partnered with a graphic design graduate he met through the music scene and launched an agency——that is still in operation today. Their clients span record labels, the fashion industry, enterprise companies, and legacy artists like Stevie Nicks and Def Leppard. “What I enjoy most about my career at this point is the ability to think quickly and creatively and the human connections that I make with the subjects, even if it’s brief,” he said. And those subjects happen to be Hollywood’s biggest stars, from Cynthia Erivo to TimothĂ©e Chalamet, and music industry icons like Post Malone and Chappell Roan.

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The Role of the New Board of Advisors

The newly formed Board of Advisors brings together alumni from a wide range of professional fields, creating a direct bridge between the College and today’s workforce. The board members will serve as advisors—sharing real-world insight into industry trends, new and evolving career opportunities, and how the College can better prepare and assist students—effectively positioning them for professional success. Through their experience and networks, the board will help advance the college’s academic mission, while opening doors to experiential learning, mentorship and philanthropic support.

“This board reflects the breadth, talent and impact of our alumni community,” said Dean Wang. “Their perspectives and experiences will help us ensure our programs remain relevant, inclusive and forward-looking, while keeping student success at the center of everything we do.”

Meet the College of Arts and Sciences Board of Advisors

The board of advisors was purposefully constituted to reflect the disciplinary, demographic and experiential diversity of 91łÔąĎÍř. The board currently consists of six professionals whose careers span STEM, education, law, medicine, the arts, public service and cybersecurity.

Katie Aragon ’09, MA ’22, earned a BFA in studio art and an MA in Art Education from 91łÔąĎÍř and is an art teacher at While at Adelphi, she was a member of the Honors College and served as a University tour guide. She later earned a master’s degree in museum education from the Bank Street College of Education and spent several years teaching in museum settings. Her work reflects a deep commitment to arts education and student engagement.

, a three-time 91łÔąĎÍř graduate, with a BS in computer science and mathematics, a master’s degree in mathematics, and a doctorate in mathematics, is a professor of computer science at Hunter College of the City University of New York. He was previously a senior member of the technical staff at the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute and CERT Research. He is an expert in computer and network security, cryptography, privacy and anonymity. He previously served as a senior security architect at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, has been published widely and has mentored students for more than 20 years.

, holds a BS in physics from 91łÔąĎÍř and a doctorate in engineering from Cornell University and is currently a technical program manager at Northrop Grumman. She is the co-founder of Career Factory 360, a career consulting and development company. A 10 Under 10 honoree, Dr. Grayson is a strategic engineering leader with more than a decade of experience managing cross-functional teams. She is also a global keynote speaker, bestselling author, and a passionate advocate for mentorship and representation in STEM fields.

Barry Gross ’68, JD, earned a BA in history from 91łÔąĎÍř and a JD from Albany Law School. He has practiced law for more than four decades, handling more than 1,250 cases during his career. Gross is a founding partner of and serves as a member of the Adelphi Panther Club Executive Board. His experience offers the college a perspective on legal practice, ethics and alumni engagement.

Joseph Lombardo ’75, MD-PhD, a retired physician with more than 30 years of experience in anatomic and clinical pathology, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from 91łÔąĎÍř and a MD-PhD from SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Board-certified, Dr. Lombardo served as chairman and laboratory director at several hospital-university medical centers. Among his many accomplishments, he established a full-service virology and STD laboratory at UMDNJ-NJ Medical Center (now the Rutgers School of Biomedical and Health Sciences) and identified the first case of HIV-2 in North America. Dr. Lombardo has numerous publications and has taught in medical schools both in the US and abroad.

, serves as dean of social sciences and humanities at De Anza College in Cupertino, California. He earned a bachelor of arts in political science in 2006 and master’s degree in the Scholars Teacher Education Program in 2007 at 91łÔąĎÍř. Dr. Ramos then furthered his education, obtaining a Doctor of Arts in history and education from St. John’s University. He will complete his second doctorate, a PhD in sustainability, from Prescott College in May 2026. A member of Adelphi’s 10 Under 10 young alumni recognition program, his research focuses on world poverty and sustainable development. Dr. Ramos’ leadership experience brings valuable insight into academic innovation and student-centered learning.

What’s Ahead

The board of advisors will meet twice annually and will work closely with Dean Wang to advance strategic priorities outlined in the College’s strategic plan. In the short term, the board will partner and support student research and experiential learning and career opportunities, as well as faculty interdisciplinary teaching and research. Looking ahead, the College plans to strategically grow the board, while maintaining its cohesiveness, to continue building a future-focused and preeminent institution of liberal arts and sciences where every student is promised a high-impact college education.

“This is just the beginning,” Dr. Wang said. “Our board of advisors represents a powerful partnership between alumni and the College—one that will help us prepare students not just for their first job, but for lifelong impact.”

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