For the third consecutive year, the stands atop the , and this time, the Panthers didn’t just win the NE10 Presidents Cup, the annual trophy given to the conference’s top all-around program. They made history doing it.

Adelphi’s three-peat marks the first such accomplishment by any institution since 2009–2012, pushing the Panthers’ all-time Cup total to seven, third-most in conference history. On top of that, Adelphi also won the NE10 Founders Cup and Pioneers Cup as the best men’s and women’s programs, respectively. It is the second time Adelphi has swept those trophies in the three years they have been awarded.

Most telling, however, is what the Brown and Gold have done in the modern era: Since 2012–2013, no program has been more dominant, with Adelphi now claiming seven of the last 14 Presidents Cups.

A Dynasty Defined: Men’s Lacrosse Falls One Step Short of Immortality

For 14 consecutive weeks, the two-time defending national champion chased history, bidding to become the first three-peat in NCAA Division II history.

In near-identical fashion to in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the Cats and University of Tampa once again needed extra time to settle the score, this time in a 12-11 loss at the University of Virginia’s Scott Stadium in Charlottesville.

The defeat stings, but the résumé endures. At 19-1, the Panthers were the first program to appear in three consecutive national title games since 2017–2019.

Goaltender led all of Division II with a 5.61 goals-against average and a .663 save percentage while limiting opponents to a nationwide-low 6.25 goals per game.

received the title of Lt. Raymond J. Enners Outstanding Player of the Year, the third consecutive season a Panther has claimed the honor, while also repeating as the Lt. J.G. Donald McLaughlin Jr. Outstanding Midfielder of the Year. Tomei attained an Ensign G. Markland Kelly Jr. Outstanding Goalie citation, and was named Long Pole Midfielder of the Year. and hold on to their honors from the 2025 season, being named the Lt. Col. JI Turnbull Outstanding Attackman and the William C. Schmeisser Defensive Player of the Year, respectively.

A Grand Slam in the Desert: Women’s Tennis Makes Program History

While the men’s lacrosse team was making its stand in Virginia, the was writing its own chapter in the NCAA Tournament in Surprise, Arizona.

Under ’18, MS ’21, herself a former NE10 Player of the Year for the very program she now leads, the Panthers posted a perfect 12-0 NE10 regular-season record, their first unblemished conference mark since ’26 was a Panther in 2015–2016, before claiming the NE10 Championship in dominant fashion at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the shadow of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The historic run culminated in the program’s first-ever appearance in the .

Fakas was coined as the NE10 Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year, and the ITA/Dunlop Coach of the Year for both the men’s and women’s programs, having guided her teams to a combined 33-12 record.

’26, who pushed the nationally fourth-ranked Emily Buchanan of Mississippi College to a first-set tiebreak in Adelphi’s debut at nationals, was named the ITA East Region Senior Player of the Year, adding to a decorated résumé that includes , , an NE10 Elite 24 Award and First Team NE10 All-Conference praise in both singles and doubles.

Men’s Tennis: Three’s Not a Crowd, It’s a Dynasty

The men’s tennis team became the NE10’s first three-time tournament champion since 2019, joining three other universities as the only programs in conference history to claim that distinction.

, MS ’26, was labeled the Vern Cox NE10 Player of the Year, the fourth-consecutive Panther to do so, while earned his second career NE10 Championship Most Outstanding Player honor.

Softball’s Remarkable Resurrection

In just her second season at the helm, Head Coach engineered one of the most impressive single-year turnarounds in recent program memory.

After a sub-.500 finish in 2025, the Panthers rebounded to go 37-23 overall with a 27-9 conference record, earning the No. 2 seed in the NE10 Championship, hosting an NCAA Tournament regional pod within the friendly confines of Janet L. Ficke Field, and .

“Carv”-ing Up the Opposition

A live fastball that sat in the 90s was just the beginning for fifth-year senior ’26.

Under the mentorship of first-year , the right-hander put together the finest season of his career in Garden City, going 7-1 with a 2.67 earned-run average to earn NE10 Pitcher of the Year honors, as well as draw some eyes from Major League scouts.

In doing so, Carver joined a short list of distinguished Cats to earn All-America recognition, following in the footsteps of T.J. Santiago ’17 (2017), Ed Baram ’19 (2019) and Dawson Montesa (2025) in bringing the conference’s top pitching honor back to Adelphi for the second time in as many years.

A Rising Tide

The NE10 Presidents Cup isn’t won by two or three programs alone. It is a collective achievement.

The Adelphi men’s and went a combined 17-0 against conference opponents, outscoring them 299-122. The women’s tennis team’s 12-0 regular season run complemented the men’s team, capturing three of the last four NE10 regular season championships.

volleyball program recorded its fourth consecutive 20-win season. And on the links, the , paired with runner-up finishes from the , , and at their respective NE10 Championships, ensured no points were left on the table.

The Panthers aren’t just winning. They’re redefining what sustained excellence looks like in NCAA Division II athletics.

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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 91³Ô¹ÏÍø 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,â€� 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 Adelphi’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 Adelphi’s annual Scholarship and Creative Works Conference, Dr. Banerjee gain firsthand insight into the American student experience.

Sponsored by Students With a Global Mindset: The Levermore Global Scholars

Adelphi students call the Levermore Global Scholars “an unconventional honors program.� And that’s really what it is. Levermore Global Scholars is an innovative academic community dedicated to preparing students to become leaders in a changing world and enhancing their global mindsets. It recognizes the importance of social responsibility and justice, civic participation, community engagement, global awareness and global activism.

Current students in this program are studying a core global studies curriculum alongside 37 different majors, including international studies, business, nursing, political science and biology. In addition to classroom studies, students participate in a variety of cocurricular and experiential learning activities, including cultural excursions to New York City, service projects and activities at the United Nations.

Most Levermore Scholars also participate in study abroad, as well as credit-bearing internships.

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 91³Ô¹ÏÍø: 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 Adelphi’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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“We partner with community groups that directly service community members as a way to provide opportunities for upward mobility for folks to get access and entry into careers that offer a livable wage,â€� says Sandra Castro, PhD, senior associate dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø.

For the students in these programs, earning a certification is the first step toward a healthcare career and the financial stability that comes with it.

Preparing Hempstead Adults for In-Demand Healthcare Roles

Students practicing phlebotomy techniques through Adelphi’s partnership with Hempstead Schools Adult Education.

When 91³Ô¹ÏÍø launched a partnership with and in late 2025, the response from the community was immediate. To identify and enroll students, the program turned to Hempstead Union Free School District’s Adult and Community Education Program, and demand quickly outpaced expectations. “We started with one cohort, and then about six weeks later, another cohort—and people are still calling to enroll,â€� says , director of adult and community education at Hempstead Union Free School District.

Roughly 36 students received a full scholarship and are expected to complete the certification course by June. “This scholarship is really impactful,� Gottlieb says. “Depending on the school, this program could cost $4,000 or more. For someone making minimum wage, that expense can be difficult to meet.�

Many of the enrolled students came through Hempstead’s adult education program, and the district also hosted the in-person classes. Students pursuing careers in vital healthcare and social service fields were eligible to apply for the fully funded scholarships.

“There is a pressing need for adults to obtain credentials efficiently, in ways that allow for rapid entry into sustainable careers,� Gottlieb notes. Many adult learners in the Hempstead Adult and Community Education Program are navigating day-to-day financial responsibilities while working demanding jobs, which makes participation in extended programs impractical. In response to these realities, courses have been intentionally structured differently from traditional models, allowing students to complete certification within a condensed time frame of approximately three to four months.

“The biggest benefit is that students are learning how to invest in themselves and think about their future, and it gives a sense of dignity and opportunity,� Gottlieb says.

Supporting Formerly Incarcerated Women on the Path to Healthcare Careers

Women re-entering the workforce are learning skills to make them workforce-ready via Adelphi’s partnership with New Hour for Women and Children LI.

This May, the first student cohort will graduate from Empowerment Through Employment: 91³Ô¹ÏÍø and health careers program. Funded by a grant from , this program benefits formerly incarcerated women through New Hour For Women and Children LI’s network of community programs and support services. “Three out of four are moms, so we recognize that the need for higher education and licensure is really critical to creating a safe stable home and economic stability,â€� says Serena Martin ’05, founder and executive director of New Hour For Women and Children LI.

The program connects women to Adelphi’s professional certification courses to prepare New Hour For Women and Children LI members for in-demand healthcare careers such as clinical medical assistants, , , , and more. The grant also provided women with laptops and the software they need to complete their certification. “A lot of funders and higher education folks underestimate the cost for returning students who are living paycheck to paycheck,� Martin says.

The courses, which are fully online and asynchronous, were designed to accommodate students’ competing priorities. “Most women are already working, they’re already parenting,� Martin says. “Being able to do the course on their own time, at their own pace—after work or after they put the kids to bed—is really amazing.�

To ensure success after graduation, Adelphi provides support with résumé-building assistance, career counseling, interview preparation and job search assistance, individual counseling, and externship placement. Students also receive biweekly check-ins, in-person lunches with Adelphi staff and a dedicated case manager.

Members like Tiara [last name withheld] exemplify the drive and determination of women participating in the program. The clinical medical assistant program certificate she’s earned is just one credential on the path to becoming a certified medical assistant.

Funding currently covers two cohorts over two years. The next will start in June with another group of women. Interest in the program has been strong since the launch—there’s already a waitlist for the next cohort—and New Hour For Women and Children LI and Adelphi are actively seeking funding for additional cohorts in the future.

“Our women are so thirsty to work,� Martin says. “You will not find a more responsible worker than someone who understands what it’s like to have lost their freedom and is now looking to fight hard and get back on their feet.�

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The scholarship, awarded by the Adelphi College of Professional and Continuing Studies (CPCS), strives to provide support for adult students of any kind. Sandra Castro, PhD, senior associate dean of CPCS, highlights the variety of students the scholarship helps. “We have a whole generation of students that are caring for siblings, parents, relatives. Adelphi says ‘We see you’ and we want to support you in making your academic career,� she said.

The Caring for Caregivers scholarship has recently expanded from students in CPCS to any student at Adelphi. “I was floored by how many applications we received,� said Dr. Castro. The growing number of applicants highlights the importance of providing assistance to students who are parents or caregivers at Adelphi, and how impactful more family-friendly policies could be on campus.

Meet the Awardees

Haley Friday, one of this year’s recipients of the scholarship, returned to school to study after taking a semester off to care for her grandmother. Speaking about CPCS and the asynchronous learning it offers, she said, “It gave me the flexibility to continue school while still managing my everyday life and caregiving responsibilities, which meant a lot to me.� For students like Friday, the scholarship not only recognizes her, but provides some much-needed relief from juggling school and caregiving. “It has also helped me cover out-of-pocket school expenses, which gave me some financial breathing room and even allowed me to do something nice for myself for the first time in a long time. That means more than people probably realize.�

Fellow scholarship winner Jquan Collins said of his role as a caregiver, “I take pride in being dependable. To me, being a caregiver is not just about big moments, but also about the everyday effort, patience and responsibility that comes with putting others first.� Collins, who is studying business administration, said the motivation to attend Adelphi came from a desire to open doors both professionally and personally. Becoming a father strengthened that motivation. “I want to set an example of hard work, discipline and perseverance for my children,� he said.

For Rachel Freeman, who works full time while caring for her three-year-old, going back to school was important to her in order to challenge her and help her in her career path. She said, “Going back to school felt like the right way to push myself and get out of my comfort zone.� For Freeman, who is studying , being chosen was incredible news. Even simply hearing about the scholarship made an impact on her. “I was relieved that at the university level there was some formal recognition that working, going to school and being a parent was hard!� she said. “It sounds obvious—of course it’s difficult—but I was encouraged by this simple statement of support, and decided to apply for the scholarship.�

The Impact of the Scholarship

Across the board, the scholarship winners shared a similar sentiment: The recognition of being chosen, and the acknowledgement of how difficult balancing school and taking care of loved ones can be, made a serious impact. “This scholarship means a lot to me because it recognizes not only my academic efforts, but also the responsibilities I carry outside of school,� said Collins. “It serves as motivation to keep pushing forward, even when balancing work, school and family life feels overwhelming.�

This scholarship is made possible by the Women’s Giving Circle, a group whose collective philanthropy celebrates, promotes and supports Adelphi and its students, faculty and programs. “They’ve supported us the last four years in the different iterations of the scholarship,� said Dr. Castro. The Women’s Giving Circle, funded by member donations, is run by a team of volunteers who work to make it possible to provide financial aid to students. It’s through their continued support that students like Friday can keep taking care of the ones they love.

“This scholarship not only supports my education, but it also supports the work and care I give to the people who depend on me every day!�

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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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Centeno isn’t alone in using her Adelphi social work experience to create an organization outside the clinic, and the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is a key ingredient in their process. One of the nation’s highest-ranked social work programs, the Adelphi MSW infuses human rights, racial justice and anti-oppressive practices throughout its curriculum, which includes classes focused on using law and legislation to promote policy change. A social action initiative each spring works with area nonprofits in antiracist and criminal justice advocacy work—perhaps serving as an inspiration to alumni who end up creating their own paths.

Healing Trauma Through The Arts

The Playbill for Somewhere Between, a Foster Care Unplugged stage production exploring the journey of foster youth, performed at the Mark O’Donnell Theater in Brooklyn on March 27 and 29, 2026.

Centeno cites Adelphi’s program as a formative part of her career. When taking acting classes, she realized that performance wasn’t all that different from group therapy. “Acting is responding to something that is not real, so you have to tap into your emotions to get there,â€� she said. At the same time, foster children are often deeply skeptical of traditional therapy, worried their words will be used against them or their family. The performance-based practice, Centeno said, can help them overcome mistrust by recognizing that others feel the same way they do, and working together to produce a creative project.

“I remember one girl who wouldn’t speak to anyone when she first came in, but by the end of the program, she would not be quiet,� said Centeno. The proof is in the numbers: Foster Care Unplugged has a 93 percent retention rate—a level virtually unheard of in foster care programs—and surveys have found a rise in self-esteem of 23 percent after the 12-week program. In leading the program, Centeno draws upon the hands-on training she got at Adelphi. “So many classes weren’t just ‘read this text, write this paper,’� she said; rather, they put students in the shoes of clients through journaling and other experiential activities to develop empathy. “They taught me to actually live out the journey of the clients I was about to serve.�

Cynthia Jean celebrates the Spring Forward Hope for Pink Event, held at Kendra Scott SoHo in New York City.

Expanding Breast Cancer Education

Cynthia Jean, MSW ’12, also draws upon personal passion at her nonprofit, . In 2014, Jean was diagnosed with breast cancer, yet struggled to find accurate information about her options for treatment and recovery, especially as a young woman of color. “I didn’t find a lot of information provided for women who look like me or who are in my age group,� said Jean, who is Haitian American. “You had to dig for it.� After her cancer went into remission, Jean founded to offer information and guidance to other women through health fairs and other events and organizations, empowering women to advocate for themselves. Too often, for example, doctors immediately propose mastectomy when less invasive treatments are available or don’t adequately inform patients about genetic testing or the importance of monitoring after treatment.

Founding Hope for Pink in 2024 has further expanded Jean’s mission to advocate for policy changes on a higher level to expand treatment for underserved populations. At Adelphi, she took courses in political social work, and attended a certificate program at

Participants gather at the Spring Forward Sweat Fete, a pink awareness health and fitness event celebrating breast cancer awareness and community wellness.

the University of Connecticut’s that focused on influencing government policy. She has since drawn upon that background as part of the , which advocates for more equitable access to cancer screening tools, and , which facilitates free or low-cost screening for uninsured women. “I was always interested in having a broad impact, knowing that policy is important, because that’s where change happens,� she said.

Music in Dementia Care

Dan Cohen, MSW ’78, similarly focused on the political aspects of social work during his time at Adelphi. “My goal was not to be a counselor or do clinical social work, but more about what systems I might be able to help change,� he said. After earning his degree, his life took a detour into the technology field for four decades, but he always remained interested in social justice. When he heard about a new device called the iPod in 2006, he began volunteering in nursing homes, setting up elderly residents with music from their youth. He was amazed at the results. “You could have residents who were out of it for weeks or months, and then all of a sudden they spring to life,� he said.

At the same time, he struggled with red tape, eventually creating a nonprofit, , to cut through it, training teams in some 5,000 hospitals and assisted living facilities to integrate music as part of residents’ treatments. As he dug into the science, he found that exposing elderly patients to music is associated with a 48 percent decrease in depression. “If you had a pill that did that, every doctor would want to prescribe it,� he said. In addition, music results in dramatic decreases in falls and choking by dementia patients who show improved attention, as well as decreased burden on caretakers.

A woman responds joyfully to personalized music as part of the Right to Music program, which uses individualized playlists to spark connection and engagement in older adults.

As wonderful as music can be as a treatment, Cohen said, it struggles for recognition amid the deep-pocketed advertising budgets of pharmaceutical companies. He has since started a new organization, , to advocate on an international level, raising awareness and seeking to change policies to facilitate the introduction of music in gerontological settings. Among other endeavors, he’s been involved in work through the to expand access to music in care settings around the world, as well as efforts to free up money from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to devote to music and dementia efforts in the United States. “At Adelphi, I found some smart, passionate people who helped me focus my own skill set and understand a bit more about the paths to systems change,� he said. “My social work degree certainly laid the foundation for me to move confidently as I now try to make change.�

The Adelphi MSW program is available in three locations—Garden City, Hauppauge, and Poughkeepsie—and, this fall, will also be part of the University’s new Manhattan Center.

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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.â€�

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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The Teacher Pipeline program does more than address today’s national teacher shortage crisis. As a “grow your own� initiative, it creates a direct pathway from local high schools to Adelphi’s Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP), an accelerated program that grants students undergraduate and graduate teaching degrees in just five years, saving them time and tuition.

“It’s connecting two ends of a pipeline,� said Emily Kang, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs at the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences, the program’s creator. “Though Adelphi has strong numbers in our undergraduate teaching programs, we’re always looking to recruit more young people who are enthusiastic about the field. Now, high school students who want to start their careers early can do so while earning college credit.�

A Pipeline That Benefits Everyone

Dr. Kang calls the program a “win-win� for both high schoolers and Adelphi’s education department. In addition to training the next generation of qualified educators, it’s also enhancing engagement, academic interest and retention within high schools by putting career opportunities front and center. Research has shown that high school seniors tend to experience a drop in motivation, leading to lower retention rates by graduation. But for the students enrolled in the Teacher Pipeline program, “everything they do counts,� Dr. Kang said. “They’re seeing the fruits of their labor immediately.� With the program’s headstart, they’ll also be able to earn a college degree in three years, reducing the time and cost barriers that keep many interested students from pursuing teaching careers.

Built to Serve Each District’s Needs

There’s no “one size fits all� model for the Teacher Pipeline. Adelphi worked with partner school districts—including Freeport, Mineola and East Meadow—to develop different models that meet each district’s needs. Students in Mineola schools are bused to Adelphi four days a week to take Adelphi courses, for instance, while Freeport students are bused twice a week. Meanwhile, students in East Meadow take equivalent courses at their home schools, taught by qualified district personnel. Courses cover the fundamentals a high schooler would need to proceed through STEP, such as community, schools and society; adolescent/child development; sociolinguistics and children with special needs.

Field experience is also a core component of the program. One day a week, students observe K–12 classrooms in their home districts, gaining hands-on experience while strengthening connections to their communities and potential future employers.

Sparking “Remarkable Growth� in High School Students

Pipeline students receive plenty of support on their journey. As soon as they join the program, they’re able to access all of Adelphi’s regular support services, from writing and subject-specific tutoring to assistance from the Student Access Office. Within the program, they benefit from mentor relationships with Adelphi faculty, as well as their own peer networks. According to Dr. Kang, ties between participating students are incredibly strong. “They’re gathering together to help each other out with assignments,� she said. “We’ve seen remarkable growth in terms of maturity and community.�

LaShonda Gardenhire, an adviser at Freeport High School, says her students are so excited about the program—and their own growth—that they’re spreading the word themselves. “We’re seeing an increase in hard skills like academic ability. Students are engaging with educational pedagogy at a level beyond what we’d ever expect from teenagers.� Participants’ soft skills are evolving, too. Gardenhire reports an increase in confidence, public speaking aptitude and eagerness to take on leadership roles within the district and the local community.

For Communities, by Communities

Once Pipeline participants complete their undergraduate degrees, they can go on to a one-year graduate program that prepares them to acquire New York state licensure and a master’s degree—and return to teach in their home districts, resulting in a cycle of community-based educator development that can be repeated year after year.

“If you know the community you’re teaching in, you know how to work within it,� Dr. Kang noted. “This program is diversifying the workforce while minimizing that transitional shock for new teachers.�

The value of recruiting teachers to lead classrooms where they once learned is “not even quantifiable,� Gardenhire said. “They’re bringing an emotional investment in their community, a place where they grew up and probably still have family. And by coming full circle, they’re making a huge impact on their students. They are their own success stories. They can say to their students, ‘I sat in that seat. I went through this system. And look at me now.’�

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“With a mission focused on students first, we enhance academic learning in health and sport sciences, facilitate groundbreaking research and assist individuals eager to elevate their physical potential,� said exercise science professor Robert Otto, PhD, who has worked in the lab since 1981.

For Exercise Science Students, a Living Lab

Nestled within Adelphi’s exercise science facilities, located in the lower floors of Woodruff Hall, the lab transcends traditional textbook education. Here, exercise science students immerse themselves in hands-on learning experiences, actively measuring crucial physiological concepts such as metabolism and muscle function with state-of-the-art equipment.

The lab helps prepare students for careers in strength and conditioning and personal training, and it remains the only university-based adult fitness cardiac rehabilitation program in the New York tristate area.

Students earning their MS in Exercise Science, in particular, leverage the lab for critical research projects required for their degree. Current investigations are wide-ranging, spanning from evaluating compounds that enhance oxygen efficiency during exercise to analyzing the effects of beetroot juice on muscle blood flow.

Initially centered on metabolic testing, advancements over the years have introduced new equipment and innovative testing.

“We built this lab from the ground up,� Dr. Otto reflected. “Over time, we’ve incorporated body composition testing, force measurement and muscle activation analysis.�

For Elite Athletes, Machines and Measurements to Boost Performance

Today, exercise science students and researchers can assess body composition in the lab using tests like:

• Skinfold measurements
• Hydrostatic underwater weighing

These assessments provide vital insights into the balance between fat and lean muscle mass—essential information for high-performance athletes, and the health students who work with them.

Among its many features, the lab boasts a specialized cycle ergometer that measures physical work output with unparalleled precision. “It can range from zero to 2,500 watts in one-watt increments,� Dr. Otto explained. “This allows us to measure the force each leg produces with pinpoint accuracy.�

For high performance athletes like triathletes, that makes an impact on performance.

Dr. Otto shared the example of a competitive triathlete who consistently ranked among the top regional contenders. After undergoing efficiency testing and refining their training approach, the athlete saw a performance improvement of approximately 2 percent, a seemingly minor gain for some. But even 2 percent can make a tremendous difference in the field of elite-level competition.

“In fact, for elite athletes, a 2 percent improvement is monumental,� Dr. Otto noted, emphasizing the athlete’s subsequent success on the national stage.

Metabolic testing is another feature of the lab. By measuring oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production during exercise, researchers can gauge how the body metabolizes fuel. Dr. Otto further elaborates, “Understanding caloric expenditure at specific paces enables athletes to precisely plan their nutritional intake for competitions.�

Boosting Health and Wellness in the Community

While primarily dedicated to exercise science student education and research, the lab directly assists the broader community. Members of the public can schedule tests to assess resting metabolic rate, body composition and maximal oxygen consumption; valuable measurements for anyone looking to enhance fitness or manage weight.

“A resting metabolic rate indicates the minimum caloric intake needed for basic survival,� Dr. Otto explained, reinforcing the lab’s role in promoting health and wellness.

The lab’s long-standing presence on Long Island has set it apart from similar facilities, and Dr. Otto noted that students from other universities often visit to observe demonstrations and familiarize themselves with the innovative equipment.

Ultimately, the Human Performance Lab is more than a collection of machines and data charts. It embodies the intersection of scientific inquiry and human aspiration, empowering students, athletes and community members to gain deeper insights into the body’s performance and explore pathways for improvement.

Dr. Otto explained the mission of the lab with just a few words.

“We measure how the body works,â€� Dr. Otto concluded. “Then we use that information to help individuals perform better. “

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