Pictured with Lincoln life mask in the collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society

Vincent Calvagno

BA in History, Minor in Italian (Honors College)
PhD Candidate in History, Yale University

“My professors at Adelphi instilled in me an interest in historical research and the confidence to pursue it. They also provided role models for me—Professor LaCombe for his mentoring, Professor Reno for his teaching style and Professor Haas for his lecturing abilities. I aim to focus my studies in graduate school on the environmental history of colonial New England.�

Joacim Carhed

MS in Business Analytics
Data Analytics Associate, Flynn Zito Capital Management, Garden City, New York

“My experiences as a student, student-athlete and graduate assistant helped me grow as a leader and prepared me to take this next step in finance and analytics. In my new role, I support the firm through data-driven analysis, reporting and process improvement.�

Julia Carpio

MA in Childhood Education and Advanced Certificate in TESOL
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program, Athens, Greece

“I was in the five-year STEP program and with Professor Mary Jean McCarthy deepened my passion for learning about how education and pedagogy are approached in different countries. My Fulbright will take me to Athens College, where I will support English instruction at the elementary school level, mentor students and serve as a counselor at the college’s English language summer camp.�

Mariane Diby

BS in Physics (Honors College)
PhD Candidate in Aerospace Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

“As a physics major, I pursued research exploring astrophysical shock phenomena and devoted my senior thesis to it. This summer, before entering my PhD program, I will be interning at the Simons Foundation to work on computational astrophysics research. I have always been passionate about studying the universe and building the technologies that carry us into space. My goal is to contribute to a new generation of spacecraft and aerospace innovation through research and engineering.”

Jeremiah Ford

BS in Computer Science/Cybersecurity
Systems Analyst, Brown Brothers Harriman, Jersey City, New Jersey

“In my new role at Brown Brothers Harriman, I will be in a two-year program for recent graduates. It bridges the gap between finance and technology by allowing me to rotate through four different IT or systems teams. I will be able to gain real-world expertise in software development, data solutions and business systems analysis. Once completed, I will be placed in a permanent, full-time position within the firm’s systems department.�

Kylie Goldade

BS in Physics
MA Candidate in Museum Studies, The Cooperstown Graduate Program, SUNY Oneonta

“I did lots of interdisciplinary work in the sciences, education and museum studies at Adelphi, and I had an internship at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. That led me to Cooperstown, which has the country’s only science-based museum education program. My ultimate goal is a PhD in preservation studies at the University of Delaware, with a focus on preservation technology.�

Jose Gonzalez

MBA, Accounting
Audit Associate, PwC

“I was in the 4+1 Accounting and MBA program, and my graduate accounting research class truly solidified my decision to pursue accounting. It helped me understand that although technology will continue to change many professions, we should embrace those changes and use them to become the kind of professionals the future needs.�

Rachel Halpert

BS in Biology (Honors College)
DMD Candidate, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

“My experience as a tutor at the Center for Academic Support and Enrichment allowed me to see firsthand how personalized guidance can empower others, a passion I am excited to carry forward into my dental career. I want to thank my parents and my brother for their endless support, as well as Professor Hobbie and David Oroza of the Office of Pre-Professional Advising for mentoring me every step of the way.�

Joanna Rita Karpiel

BA in Art History, Minor in French (Honors College)
MA Candidate in the History of Art, Courtauld Institute of Art, London, England

“I wrote my senior thesis on Young Poland, a Modern movement between 1890–1918, and the symbols artists used to express their Polish identity. In grad school, I will focus on the art of China, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. The incredible careers of my professors, and the Women in the Arts class I took, solidified the idea of pursuing a ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s degree. Both allowed me to visualize the stories I will be able to tell as an art historian and museum professional.â€�

Allison Kohl

Elementary School Art Teacher, Hamburg (New York) Central School District

“My time at Adelphi helped me grow not only as an artist, but as an educator. Through student teaching, mentorship and hands-on classroom experiences, I gained the confidence and creativity to begin my journey as an art teacher and inspire students to express themselves through art.�

Ashley Kreth

BS in Chemistry (Earned in Three Years)
NSF Graduate Research Fellow/PhD Candidate in Chemistry, University of Georgia

“I am excited to pursue a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry at the University of Georgia and plan to apply the skills and expertise I’ll have developed there to a career in industry. Two pieces of advice I would share with someone just beginning their undergraduate career are to take full advantage of every resource and opportunity available to you and to be open-minded regarding your future career path. You never know what you may end up doing!�

Valeria Lopez

BS in Biology (Honors College)
DVM Candidate, Long Island University Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine

“I’m very grateful to the Honors College for funding my fellowship in Rome in the summer of 2024, where I worked with two large-animal sanctuaries to understand the unique challenges these animals face. This experience, coupled with being the owner of a crested gecko, helped me see the need for veterinarians that don’t just work with cats and dogs, motivating me to become an exotics vet.â€�

Shota Mikautadze

BA in Economics and Political Science (Levermore Global Scholar)
Paid Finance Internship Leading to Financial Analyst Position, J.C. Steel Erectors, Islip, New York

“Through Adelphi’s Leadership Certificate Program, I attended a New York Islanders game hosted by Chris Amplo ’00. We had a genuine conversation that evening, and he asked me to send my résumé. I did, and he scheduled me for an interview the following week. It went well, and he offered me a position on the spot. So the University that shaped me connected me to the opportunity that’s launching my career.â€�

Pazia Miller

PhD in Clinical Psychology
Advanced Fellowship, National Center for PTSD and the Yale School of Medicine

“The research I did for my dissertation was on decision-making in individuals with cocaine-use disorder. My postdoc is an advanced fellowship in mental illness and research treatment, where I will be doing research on decision-making and ambiguity in PTSD treatment, training in psychedelic-assisted trauma therapy, and gaining advanced clinical training on the treatment of trauma. I hope this is an important step to building a meaningful career as a scientist-practitioner in the research and treatment of trauma.�

Juliana Morsello

BS in Cognitive Neuroscience
PhD Candidate in Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Binghamton University

“Through ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s neuroscience coursework, along with opportunities like the Emerging Scholars Program and my role as a peer educator, I discovered not only my passion for becoming a neuroscientist, but also my love for engaging with and educating the broader community.â€�

Hussein Ali Rifath

BA in Political Science and Spanish
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program, Madrid, Spain

“My Fulbright is an incredible opportunity for me, and I’m deeply honored to have been selected. What excites me most about it is the chance it gives me to faithfully represent my country as a citizen diplomat. I hope to create a transformative classroom for the students I work with, one that can help them come to see America not as a distant foreign country but as a vibrant and welcoming society that not only honors them, but cherishes the bonds that unite us all.�

Rebecca Rosa

Master of Social Work
Social Worker, Dementia Unit, Autumn Lake Healthcare, New Britain, Connecticut

“Social work chose me long before I chose it, and 91³Ô¹ÏÍø confirmed that calling. The Gerontological Social Work Fellowship Program, along with the transformative courses I took with Professors Zodikoff and Kaplan on dementia and healthcare, deepened my understanding of older adults and solidified my purpose. This population is too often overlooked, and I intend to change that. My vision is to pursue a PhD and drive meaningful research in Alzheimer’s disease because older adults don’t just deserve care; they deserve dedicated social workers by their side.â€�

Christopher Sciortino

MS in Computer Science
Software Developer, Northville Industries, Melville, New York

“In my new role, I will be contributing to the development of enterprise desktop and web-based applications, from implementation to deployment and support. My goal has always been to create technology that solves problems and has a positive impact. Adelphi has helped me grow towards a parallel goal: to become a leader who inspires innovation, supports others and helps shape the future of technology.”

Nina Tchavtchanidze

MS in Biology
Lab Manager/Research Associate, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York

“I am especially grateful to Dr. Benjamin S. Weeks, who trained me as a scientist through his mentorship of my thesis research, guidance as a teaching assistant and instruction in laboratory skills. I am also extremely grateful to Thomas Ward and the team at the Center for Career and Professional Development, who helped shape me as a leader and a professional.�

The post On the Fast Track to Success: Next Steps for Our 2026 Grads appeared first on 91³Ô¹ÏÍø.

It was a day of transitions, and a happy one.

Interim President Christopher Storm, PhD, who will be returning to his job as provost on June 1 with new leadership responsibilities as senior executive vice president of academic affairs, expressed sincere thanks for the support he received over the past year.

President-Elect Michael Balboni ’81, JD, enthusiastically greeted the graduating seniors as his “fellow alumni� and offered his success as an indication of how far an Adelphi degree can take them.

And the 1,165 members of the Class of 2026 closed the book on their undergraduate years and entered the next phase of their lives.

Commencement by the Numbers and Degrees

Just as it is every year, there was no “typicalâ€� Adelphi graduate. Six bachelor’s degree recipients are 19 years old. The oldest is 59 and is one of six graduates who are in their 50s. Thirty-five are over 30 years old, many of whom earned degrees in fully online or hybrid programs designed for working adults from ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s College of Professional and Continuing Studies.

Diplomas were awarded in 51 different degree programs, reflecting the wide variety of academic and career interests of students in the Class of 2026.

The largest group of graduates were the 299 students who were awarded Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing. ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s College of Nursing and Public Health is perennially ranked as a U.S. News & World Best College for Undergraduate Nursing Programs. It is also a U.S. News Best Nursing School for ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s degree and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs as well, and one of only 13 institutions designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.

Psychology was the next-most-popular degree, with 85 graduates. U.S. News & World Report includes Adelphi’s Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology in its rankings of Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs, Best Psychology Grad Schools and Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs.

Biology, a favorite major for premedical and preprofessional students, had the third-largest group of graduates, with 67 students earning their degrees. Rounding out the top five were two more programs in the healthcare and wellness fields—health sciences, with 52 students earning their Bachelor of Science, and physical education, with 51 graduates.

Top-10 degrees also included accelerated nursing, management, computer science, marketing and finance.

Graduates From Near and Far

While most of this year’s graduates are from New York, members of the Class of 2026 came to Adelphi from 24 other states. Students from New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania were the largest out-of-state contingents.

The class also included 86 international students from 42 countries, including 10 from India, seven from Pakistan, five from Mongolia and five from Vietnam.

Hussein Ali Rifath, president of ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s Student Government Association, celebrated the global character of the Class of 2026 in his Commencement address. Rifath, whose family is from Bangladesh, congratulated the international students and the large number of graduates with backgrounds in other lands in a dozen languages. Rifath graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 average and a degree in political science and will spend next year in Spain on a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant scholarship.

A Valuable Degree

The experience of recent graduates shows that an Adelphi degree is a ticket to a well-paying job. In our most recent alumni survey, graduates of our Class of 2024 reported an average salary of $76,450. Ninety-two percent were employed, continuing their education or participating in an internship within one year of graduation.

The successful outcomes of Adelphi graduates have attracted national attention. Forbes, which bases its America’s Top Colleges rankings on the ability to produce successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds, ranked 91³Ô¹ÏÍø as the top private university on Long Island. So did The Wall Street Journal, whose rankings reflect how well colleges prepare their graduates for financial success.

Words to Live By

While this year’s graduates walked away with their degrees and their career plans, they also took along some advice from two Adelphi alumni whose careers prove their point.

President-Elect Balboni, who grew up in Garden City, rode his skateboard to campus on his first day at Adelphi with plans of going to medical school. Instead, he went to law school, became a litigator, a state legislator, a business executive and now a college president. What has that experience taught him?

“You have no idea what the future will bring,� he said. “Life is not always going to be a straight line to where you’re going to wind up.�

But he also gave listeners the key to his success. “My career has always been a series of saying ‘I’ll try that.’�

Joseph W. Westphal ’70, PhD, who received an honorary degree that day while also having the pleasure of seeing his granddaughter receive her Adelphi degree in nursing, echoed President-Elect Balboni’s message of life’s unpredictability and of opportunities taken advantage of.

After graduating from Adelphi, he went to graduate school, became a professor and took academic leadership programs. “But it was government service that took me places I never imagined I would experience,� he said, referring to diplomatic and high-level administrative appointments he received from Presidents Reagan, Clinton and Obama.

“The world belongs to those who are prepared not only to succeed, but to serve,� he said, and he followed that with three challenges for graduates who want to follow that path:

“Take personal responsibility for your actions, your decisions and your impact.�

“Be honest and ethical, especially when it’s inconvenient.â€�

“Be thoughtful about where you can make the greatest difference.�

The post At a Journey’s End, the Undergraduate Class of 2026 Heads Into the Future With Optimism appeared first on 91³Ô¹ÏÍø.

They range in age from 20 to 71 years old, came to Adelphi for graduate study from 20 states and 34 countries beyond our borders, and earned ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s and doctoral degrees in 63 different programs. They are the 941 members of ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s graduate Class of 2026.

With 90 different graduate degree and certificate programs, Adelphi is committed to growing its number of offerings to meet the demands of today’s rapidly changing economy. This summer, the University is opening the doors of its new in New York City with a range of flexible programs for working adults.

The Four Most Popular Graduate Programs

The Master of Social Work program offered by ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s School of Social Work often graduates the largest group of ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s degree recipients. This year was no different, as 183 students received their diplomas at the graduate Commencement ceremony on May 21.

The 67 graduates of the 4+1 Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP), a five-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program that saves students a year of time and tuition, made up the second-largest group. The program, from the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education and Health Sciences, offers tracks in childhood, adolescent, and TESOL education.

The Robert B. Willumstad School of Business graduated the third- and fourth-largest groups of graduates. Sixty-two students earned their MBA this year, while 50 received their MS in Business Analytics.

´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology—the first university-based professional school of psychology—graduated the largest group of doctoral students, 23 in all. Sixteen students received their PhD in clinical psychology, and seven earned their PsyDs in school psychology.

A Global Group of Graduates

Students from 34 countries outside the United States came to Adelphi for their graduate education. The largest group, by far, is from India, with 117 graduates. The 11 students from Vietnam were the second largest group, followed by the 10 graduates from China. The 191 international students in the Class of 2026 also included scholars from as far away as Guyana, Cameroon, Egypt, Turkey, Georgia, Nepal, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

Stateside, the bulk of graduates are from New York and nearby New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Overall, the class included students from 20 states.

Strong U.S. News & World Report Rankings for Graduate Programs

The quality and reputation of Adelphi graduate programs were among the main draws for this year’s graduates. Adelphi programs are annually ranked by . Seven Adelphi programs are included in this year’s list:

• Best Nursing School: ²Ñ²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s
• Best Nursing School: Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Best Public Health School
• Best Psychology School
• Best Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programs
• Best School for Social Work
• Best Speech-Language Pathology Program
• Best Part-Time MBA Program

“These latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report are a testament to the exceptional caliber of our faculty, the dedication of our students and the profound impact our alumni are making in healthcare and clinical settings,â€� said Susan Dinan, PhD, ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s interim provost. “The dramatic rise in our health program rankings, which are driven by peer assessment, demonstrates that our commitment to academic innovation and clinical excellence is recognized by our academic peers across the country.â€�

Adelphi Grad Programs Arrive in Manhattan

As early as next year, Adelphi will begin graduating students who earn their graduate degrees in New York City at the University’s new . A state-of-the-art, three-floor learning space located in the heart of Midtown at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 44th Street, the center will offer an initial group of eight graduate programs in in-demand career areas. Students will be able to choose from ³¾²¹²õ³Ù±ð°ù’s degree programs in artificial intelligence and machine learning, education, general psychology/human resource concentration, business administration (Flex MBA), social work, and creative writing, as well as doctoral programs in learning sciences and global higher education leadership. Students can also earn graduate certificates in business analytics and human resource management at the Manhattan Center; the academic credits earned are transferable to our master’s degree programs.

All programs will feature flexible schedules and evening classes to accommodate working adults. The University also introduced a special $10,000 Manhattan Advantage Award to provide financial support for students in the inaugural cohort to ensure they have the resources to pursue graduate studies that will help them become leaders of the modern workforce.

The expansion to Manhattan, the launch of new master’s degree and doctoral programs, and the accomplishments and vitality of the graduate Class of 2026 together reflect Adelphi’s strategic commitment to graduate education and to the University’s growing strength in advanced studies.

The post With Graduate Degrees in Hand, the Class of 2026 Sets Out to Make a Difference appeared first on 91³Ô¹ÏÍø.

This year, more than 2,100 Adelphi graduates received degrees at the Commencement ceremonies. Most graduates were from the University’s College of Nursing and Public Health and the School of Social Work.

´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s Class of 2026 represented 60 countries and 29 states, with 1,803 hailing from the State of New York. This year, the graduates ranged from 18 to 73 years old.

On Wednesday, May 19, 54 doctorate degrees were conferred at the Doctoral Hooding ceremony at the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Adelphi Leaders Impart Words of Wisdom for Class of 2026

Adelphi’s Interim President Christopher Storm, PhD, addressing the Class of 2026 at the 130th commencement ceremonies.

Christopher Storm, PhD, who has served as ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s interim president for the past academic year, addressed the Class of 2026, reminding them that their Adelphi education has prepared them to meet the challenges of the future:

“Earning a college degree is no small feat—it requires perseverance, resilience and dedication. Each of our graduates here today has shown that and more on their Adelphi journey, and I hope you leave feeling empowered by what you’re capable of achieving.”

Representatives from the Class of 2026 also shared personal stories and inspiration with fellow graduates from the podium.

Undergraduate Student Government Association President Hussein Ali Rifath walking to the commencement stage.

“Our story has been one of hard work, grit and determination each and every step of the way,� said undergraduate Hussein Ali Rifath, Adelphi Student Government Association president. “But ultimately, those experiences have touched our lives. My friends, the road that lies ahead is one of hope. It’s shaped by dreams that lie deep within each and every one of us.�

Emily Ledesma ’25, president of the Graduate Student Council, spoke about how ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s inclusivity helped her feel seen and supported.

“I wish that I could tell first-year Emily that things would be different for a change, and that Adelphi would become more than a university; it would become a place where I felt seen, supported and accepted just as I was, and become a place that I consider a second home, one that is so hard to say goodbye to.�

Joseph W. Westphal ’70, PhD, former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia receiving an honorary degree at Adelphi’s 130th undergraduate ceremony.

During this year’s Commencement ceremonies, four honorary degrees were awarded to accomplished, inspiring alumni whose work is closely tied to ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s mission. Honorees included: Joseph W. Westphal ’70, PhD, former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Serena Martin ’05, founder and executive director of ; Christopher Pappas ’81, a first-generation student who became founder, chairman, president and chief executive officer of ; and Z. Paul Akian ’64, a technologist, entrepreneur and philanthropist who contributed to NASA’s Apollo Program.

Ambassador Westphal shared, “The world does not need more spectators. It needs participants, people willing to engage and work hard and lead and stand for something meaningful. May you have the courage to begin, the strength to continue and the wisdom to enjoy the journey.�

In Pappas’ address to the Class of 2026, he encouraged the graduates to strive for excellence. “Whatever path you choose, do not settle for ordinary. When a door closest, look for the next door, and when it opens, run through it. Today, you mastered your courses. Now go master life.�

President-Elect Michael Balboni ’81, JD, speaking to Adelphi’s Class of 2026 at the 130th commencement ceremonies.

President-Elect Michael Balboni ’81, JD, ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s first alumni president, addressed fellow Panthers at the ceremonies, asking them to stay the course and embrace challenges.

“You have to embrace what you’ve been given. Recognize it’s not always going to be a straight line to where you want to go or where you’re going to wind up. This University will be here for you. Go get ’em!�

Learn more about 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s 130th Commencement.

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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 ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s Class of 2026 and their guests with their wisdom, success and positive impact on society,â€� said Susan Dinan, PhD, ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s interim provost. “All of us at Adelphi look forward to sharing this special day with these extraordinary individuals.â€�

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 ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s undergraduate ceremony. Educated at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 91³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Board of Trustees and has been recognized with significant humanitarian honors from the Armenian Apostolic Church and the president of Armenia.

Learn more about 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s 130th Commencement ceremonies.

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During his Commencement speech, Senior Class President and Newman Civic Fellow Joe Sawma told Adelphi’s Class of 2025, “Don’t knock on doors. Kick them down.”

Observing this graduating class, it’s clear they are poised to make a significant impact across many fields, at every stage of their careers.

The post Tomorrow’s Leaders Cross the Stage: See What Makes Adelphi’s Undergraduate Class of 2025 So Extraordinary appeared first on 91³Ô¹ÏÍø.

The exceptional range in age, program and country of origin prove that Adelphi is making significant progress in a stated goal of our strategic plan, Momentum 2, to “open our doors to more graduate and professional students … to grow our impact locally, nationally and globally.”

In fact, in this single academic year, 906 students earned master’s degrees, 54 earned doctorates and 85 earned graduate certificates to advance their careers in dozens of fields.

Strong U.S. News & World Report Rankings for Graduate Programs

Adelphi prepares graduate and doctoral students for the next phases of their careers with more than 95 advanced degree programs across a diverse range of disciplines—from social work to education to business to nursing. Three new graduate degrees—a doctorate in social work, a PhD in learning sciences and an MS in artificial intelligence—will launch in Fall 2025. These innovative programs expand Adelphi’s commitment to cutting-edge research and professional development, equipping students with advanced skills for high-demand fields.

Graduate rankings are keeping pace. The University earned a position on seven 2025 , five with significant upward trends:

• Best Graduate Nursing School
• Best Psychology School
• Best Public Health School
• Best Speech-Language Pathology Program
• Best Graduate Part-Time MBA Program

U.S. News also honored Adelphi with Best Audiology Program and Best Clinical Psychology Program rankings.

Christopher Storm, PhD, provost and executive vice president, noted, “We are incredibly proud of the recognition 91³Ô¹ÏÍø has received in this year’s rankings … . This reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff and students in continuously striving for excellence in education, research and service to our communities.â€�

The Top Four Most Popular Graduate Programs at Adelphi

For many of Adelphi’s graduate students, social work is their calling. Adelphi’s School of Social Work, a distinguished social work program with a history of excellence for more than 70 years, granted 192 degrees of Master of Social Work this year—the largest share of Adelphi’s master’s degree recipients. Thirteen earned their PhDs. In addition, Joanne Corbin, PhD, dean, noted, “Our School of Social Work is growing into the future, adapting and responding to the needs of our community, helping our students live our mission of social justice.”

Seventy-one students in the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business earned their master’s degrees in the rapidly growing field of Business Analytics, a STEM-designated degree program. Graduates are trained to optimize business results in companies around the globe in what MaryAnn Hyland, PhD, dean of the Willumstad School, calls “a business degree of the future.”

Graduates of the 4+1 Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP), a six-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program that saves students a year of time and tuition and which is offered by the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education and Health Sciences, was the third-most-popular degree program, with 65 graduates taking leadership roles in classrooms around New York and the United States.

´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology—the first university-based professional school of psychology—graduated the largest group of doctoral students, 25 in all. Adelphi’s newest clinical psychology doctoral graduates are poised to deliver insights and drive change in mental health across clinics, hospitals, private practice, research and teaching.

Home States—and Home Countries—of Adelphi’s Graduate Students

While most of the U.S.-based students hail from New York (90 percent) or New Jersey, the graduate student body also represented 26 other countries from around the globe. Adelphi is a welcome community for international graduate students, offering visa support, academic tutoring and career guidance.

The most graduate students, by far, are from India, with 11o students earning their master’s degrees here at Adelphi; China follows with 11. Others came from as far away as Vietnam, Uganda, Spain, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Singapore and Egypt—bringing their varied cultural perspectives to classrooms here and increasing Adelphi’s global footprint when they return to their home countries.

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91³Ô¹ÏÍø President Christine Riordan.

91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Class of 2025 celebrated their accomplishments, surrounded by family and friends, at the University’s on Tuesday, May 20, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.

This year, approximately 1,244 undergraduate degrees, four undergraduate certificates, and 1,131 graduate degrees and 93 graduate certificates were awarded. At the Doctoral Hooding ceremony held on Monday, May 19, at the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Performing Arts Center on the Garden City campus, 54 doctorates were conferred.

Adelphi President Christine Riordan kicked off the Commencement celebration by encouraging graduates to remember that they are in charge of their own destiny and to believe in themselves. “As you choose your path forward, continue to expect extraordinary from yourselves and from life,� Dr. Riordan said. “Each one of you has the power to create change, to innovate and to lead. Believe in yourself and your ability to shape the future.�

Adelphi Senior Class President Joe Sawma addressing the Class of 2025 at the undergraduate ceremony.

Words of Inspiration for the Class of 2025

´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s Senior Class President, Joe Sawma ’25, an international student from Lebanon, delivered an inspiring address to his fellow graduates, reflecting on the strong relationships he built with his classmates, the adversity he has overcome and his hopes for the future.

James Stavridis, PhD, retired U.S. Navy admiral and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander receiving an honorary doctorate.

“Classmates turned into friends, and friends turned into family, and I mean it when I say family,â€� said Sawma. “As long as the Brown and Gold shine bright at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø, nothing—and I mean nothing—will ever dare to stand in your way! Class of 2025, don’t just knock on doors, kick them open!â€�

An honorary degree was awarded to James Stavridis, PhD, retired U.S. Navy admiral and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, as well as partner and vice chair of global affairs for and chair of the , during the undergraduate ceremony. Addressing the Class of 2025, Admiral Stavridis passed on words of wisdom and encouraged graduates to be of service to others, remain optimistic through challenging times and to go out into the world and “make some history.�

President of ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s Graduate Student Council Melissa Garber ’24, MA ’25, speaking to the Class of 2025 at the graduate ceremony.

President of ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s Graduate Student Council Melissa Garber ’24, MA ’25, addressed her fellow classmates at the graduate Commencement ceremony, reminding her peers never to underestimate the power of courage and connection. â€�Trust in the connections you have made here, and use them to fuel your courage to take on new challenges,â€� Garber said. “Don’t be afraid to fail, because those moments are often when we grow and learn the most. And if you do stumble, lean on those who love and support you to lift you up.â€�

“Be bold. Use your voice. Be a superhero. Be authentic,� urged Joseph Moscola, MBA ’06, executive vice president for shared services strategy and operations at , who delivered the keynote address at the graduate Commencement ceremony. “Be in the business of investing in people and you will be amazed at where this road will take you.�

Academic Excellence, Outstanding Outcomes

Joseph Moscola, MBA ’06, executive vice president for shared services strategy and operations at Northwell Health, addressing the Class of 2025 at the graduate ceremony.

Students graduated from ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s highly ranked academic programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences, Honors College, College of Nursing and Public Health, College of Professional and Continuing Studies, Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology and School of Social Work.

As the highest-ranked private university on Long Island, Adelphi has been named a Best College among national universities by U.S. News & World Report for seven consecutive years and ranked in the top 4 percent of universities in the nation by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Adelphi has also been recognized as among the top 25 percent of universities in the nation for social mobility, and its graduates, on average, outearn their peers by 30 percent, year after year.

The Commencement and Hooding ceremonies were livestreamed and can be viewed online.

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“´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s Commencement speakers are selected because they are inspirational figures whose work aligns with important aspects of our University mission,â€� said Christopher Storm, PhD, 91³Ô¹ÏÍø provost and executive vice president. “We are grateful to Adm. James Stavridis and Joseph Moscola for playing such an important role in our 129th Commencement, inspiring ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s Class of 2025 and their guests with their wisdom, success and positive impact on society.â€�

Adm. James Stavridis,  Retired U.S. Navy Four-Star Officer and Former Supreme Allied Commander

Adm. James Stavridis, PhD, is partner and vice chair of global affairs for and chair of the . Previously, he spent five years as dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. A retired four-star officer in the , he led the NATO alliance in global operations from 2009 to 2013 as supreme allied commander, with responsibility for Afghanistan, Libya, the Balkans, Syria, counterpiracy and cybersecurity. Adm. Stavridis also served as commander of the U.S. Southern Command, with responsibility for all military operations in Latin America from 2006 to 2009. He won the Battenberg Cup for commanding the top ship in the Atlantic Fleet and the Navy League John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership, along with more than 50 U.S. and international medals and decorations, including 28 from foreign nations.

Adm. Stavridis earned a PhD in international relations from Tufts University and has published 15 books on leadership, character, risk, the oceans, maritime affairs and Latin America, as well as hundreds of articles in leading journals. His books include the novel (Penguin, 2021), a New York Times bestseller, and (Penguin, 2022). His most recent book, (Penguin, 2024), was published in October 2024.

Joseph Moscola, MBA ’06, Northwell Health Executive VP for Shared Services Strategy and Operations

Joseph Moscola is executive vice president for shared services strategy and operations at , New York’s largest health system, which cares for more than 2 million people each year and employs more than 85,000. For 25 years, he has been a transformational leader, driving culture, innovation and outcomes on the provider side of health delivery.

In his role as executive vice president, Moscola leads the strategy and execution of critical functions that drive and the care that team members provide, including digital transformation, facilities and property management, construction, real estate, and oversight of the enterprise’s centralized budget and resources. He also creates and leads strategic business initiatives that drive down costs while generating new revenue for the health system. In his previous role as chief people officer, Moscola led the organization to a 40 percent jump in team member engagement and a spot on and. Previously a cardiothoracic surgery physician’s assistant, he brings a unique customer perspective to his executive leadership roles.

Moscola has served on the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Board of Trustees since 2023, providing crucial leadership and ensuring that Adelphi continues to deliver a transformative education to our students.

Learn more about ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s 2025 Commencement ceremony.

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This year, the University honored two alumni who are leaders in their fields and their communities: Eduardo Vilaro ’85, artistic director and CEO of , and Patrick O’Shaughnessy, DO, MBA ’13, president and CEO of .

The honorees stand out not only for their successes. “They are inspiring proof that education and persistence offer endless possibilities,� President Christine Riordan said in introducing them.

The Addresses

“Inspire greatness in other people as you find the greatness in yourself.�

Vilaro, who was the first member of his family to earn a college degree, talks about the way his curiosity and passion were stirred by the conservatory-like atmosphere of ´¡»å±ð±ô±è³ó¾±â€™s dance program. His advice to graduating seniors? Embrace who you are, and lead with empathy, kindness and curiosity.

“Changing the world begins by changing your small corner of it.�

Dr. O’Shaughnessy believes that starting small is the way to make a big impact. In his address to the graduating Class of 2024, he offered five pieces of advice the new advanced-degree holders can use to guide their careers and their lives.

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