MS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
College Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Art Therapy and Psychology

As a photographer and creative professional, I’ve seen how advancements in technology can transform an industry. I wanted to understand the science behind them and eventually contribute to their development. I chose Adelphi because I was looking for a program that would provide the strong technical foundation I’d need to transition into the field. Studying at the Manhattan Center also appealed to me, as the small classes allow me to engage with professors and classmates and pursue my degree while remaining connected to professional opportunities in New York City. One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience so far has been the opportunity to learn alongside individuals who bring different academic and professional perspectives to the classroom.

Phu Thanh Nhan

Flex MBA, business analytics specialization
College Degree: Computer Security

Coming from a tech background, I’ve always loved problem-solving and diving deep into systems, but I wanted to understand the bigger strategic picture. Pursuing an MBA with a specialization in business analytics felt like the perfect bridge; it lets me take that technical mindset and apply it directly to data-driven business decisions and operational strategy. Adelphi’s Flex MBA program really stood out for its personal touch; the faculty are genuinely invested in mentoring you, rather than treating you like just a face in a giant lecture hall. Choosing the Manhattan Center was an easy call. Having classes right in the middle of New York City brings so much energy, and you’re studying right next door to the industries driving both business and tech forward. The best part has definitely been our cohort. We’ve built a tight-knit, supportive group.

Brannon McDowell

MFA in Creative Writing
College Degree: Biology With Minor in Philosophy

As a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, I had the opportunity to take advantage of the G.I. Bill to further pursue my education. I spoke with my father, and he suggested that rather than pursue a degree in something related to my current career as a procurement professional, I ought to go back to school for something I genuinely enjoy. I’ve always enjoyed the art of storytelling and had a desire to learn the craft of writing. I knew I wanted to be around writers and in a writing community, so New York was the place I wanted to go, even though I’d never visited the city before. The MFA at Adelphi appealed to me in particular because it’s a low-residency program. Being able to get that level of education on top of having the flexibility to continue living and working in Huntsville, Alabama, is a fantastic opportunity that I am extremely grateful to have.

Nikki Roda

PhD in Learning Sciences
College Degree: Economics; Master’s Degree: Information Systems

I’m a resource librarian in the education department at the American Museum of Natural History, and my background is in information systems and data science, with a special emphasis on making complexity easy and user-friendly. The rise of AI has made me feel that allowing technology to pervade every corner of our lives is causing us to lose something essential about how humans relate to learning and adapting. I hope to study how play can operate as a technology-free method for learning and development for people of any age. I chose Adelphi’s learning sciences program because of the wide range of research conducted by the faculty and because studying in Manhattan and collaborating with the New York City Teaching Fellows program offers ample opportunities for practical field research right at our doorstep. My goal is to continue doing research in the learning sciences and join a university faculty.

Gloria Lee

Master of Social Work
College Degrees: Linguistics and Asian Studies; Master’s Degree: Biblical Studies

I am currently an intake supervisor at a residential supportive housing program operating under the New York State Office of Children and Family Services oversight. I decided to pursue an MSW to be better equipped to serve the public. I really enjoy helping people restore and build relationships and live fulfilling and meaningful lives. I chose Adelphi University because of the wonderful support my family received from its Center for Psychological Services, and because the Manhattan Center is close to my home and makes it easy to combine work and graduate school. Even one year of the MSW program at Adelphi has helped me to become a better advocate for my clients and supporter of our community partners. As a licensed social worker, I expect and plan to do even greater things for the people I serve.

Salih Mansur

PhD in Learning Sciences
College Degrees: Electronic Design and Multimedia, Forensic Psychology; Master’s Degrees: Instructional Technology, Artificial Intelligence Systems

I have always had diverse interests, including educational technology, psychology, curriculum design and innovation. I find learning sciences attractive because it combines these fields and supports my current project of creating AI-powered applications designed to make education more accessible. I work at the City College of New York’s School of Education, so I was interested in studying in Midtown since it offers such a mix of academic, scientific, cultural and professional opportunities. The Manhattan Center adds to that by providing a convenient, tight-knit learning environment that supports my academic and professional goals.

The post How Adelphi’s New Manhattan Center Is Reimagining Graduate Education appeared first on Adelphi University.

The highlights:

• U.S. News & World Report includes Adelphi at No. 93 on its first-ever list of Top Private National Universities. The University rose seven rankings points overall in National Universities.
• Adelphi rose 14 spots on the U.S. News & World Report Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs list.
• Forbes ranked Adelphi as Long Island’s premier private university for the fourth consecutive year.
• Adelphi was recognized once again on the international stage with inclusion in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

U.S. News & World Report 2027 Rankings

For the ninth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report recognized Adelphi as one of the nation’s Best Colleges and as one of New York state’s top 20 higher education institutions.

U.S. News also cited Adelphi as a Best College for Veterans and a Top Performer on Social Mobility, a ranking that is particularly meaningful, as first-generation college students make up nearly half of the University’s student body.

While increases in six-year graduation rates and first-year retention rates played a role in Adelphi’s high rankings, President Michael Balboni ’81, JD, notes that the University’s standing goes beyond the numbers.

“Adelphi’s strong national rankings reflect something much deeper than metrics; they reflect a culture of care we foster every day,” President Balboni said. “Behind these numbers lies a close-knit community where faculty members mentor with heart, staff go above and beyond, and students support each other’s growth.”

Recognized Leadership in Healthcare Fields

U.S. News also highlighted the excellence of undergraduate and graduate programs offered by Adelphi’s College of Nursing and Public Health, giving top rankings to its Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master’s in Nursing programs as Bests. The College’s programs in those areas ranked higher than those of all other private universities on Long Island.

The College, whose Master of Public Health and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are also U.S. News bests, is addressing New York’s critical healthcare staffing needs by offering its Accelerated BS in Nursing program this year at Adelphi’s new Manhattan Center. Those efforts are being bolstered by the appointment of Leonard C. Achan ’99 as chair of the University’s board of trustees and the election to the board of Michael Dowling, CEO emeritus of Northwell Health.

A “University in Motion”

The combined 2026–2027 national and global rankings—which also include U.S. News Best Graduate Programs in business, clinical psychology, social work and speech-language pathology—underscore Adelphi’s commitment to high-impact clinical training, research and career readiness. They reflect the current strength of the University and its future potential.

“Our continued ascent in these prestigious national and international rankings reflects a university in motion,” President Balboni said. “We are attracting significant grant funding, securing new partnerships and adding to the value of an Adelphi degree.

The post Rising Rankings for Adelphi Reflect a “University in Motion” appeared first on Adelphi University.

This program focuses on high-growth sectors—such as AI, cleantech and software—identified by Empire State Development, New York state’s chief economic development agency. It will also address high-need, under-resourced public sectors facing critical local shortages, such as behavioral health, eldercare and social services, and will connect participants with real-life project-based externships.

“Adelphi is proud to be nationally recognized for its commitment to social mobility. The Adelphi Entrepreneur Experience will further advance that focus across and beyond the Greater New York City region,” said MaryAnne Hyland, PhD, dean of the Willumstad School of Business. “The program will support new businesses in high-growth and high-demand industries in New York, and the program participants will have a holistic experience that will support strong outcomes in a new model for economic development.”

Launching the Next Generation of Student Founders

The Adelphi Entrepreneur Experience connects aspiring entrepreneurs with the New York area’s business and innovation scene. Over nine months, Adelphi students will complete six four-week sprints, developed by Adelphi business faculty, to build the knowledge and skills to launch a venture. Enrolled student entrepreneurs will learn from a faculty-led curriculum, discussions and lectures with experts, and support from coaches and peers.

Launching in February 2027, the program’s first two cohorts of 20 students (Spring 2027 and Fall 2027) are open to both Adelphi students and nonmatriculated individuals seeking to launch their own business. Eligible entrepreneurs must live, work or attend school in one of the following counties:

• New York: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk
• New Jersey: Essex, Hudson

Adelphi will partner with to provide strategic and comprehensive consulting for this program, tapping into the firm’s data-driven, human-centric expertise in equitable development and sustainable growth building. An additional partnership with , a platform that facilitates project-based externship experiences, will allow the Adelphi Entrepreneur Experience to provide hands-on opportunities for participants to develop go-to-market strategies, products and fundraising skills.

The Adelphi Entrepreneur Experience targets startups within two sectors:

• High-Growth: Biotech, cleantech, software/AI and fintech, aligned with .
• High-Need: Healthcare, behavioral health, social services and EdTech, aligned with Adelphi’s nursing and public health, psychology, business administration, artificial intelligence, social work, education, and the sciences offerings to address regional workforce gaps.

Strengthening the Greater New York City Ecosystem

Leveraging Adelphi’s Garden City campus and its midtown Manhattan Center, the initiative connects student founders across Greater New York, including all five New York City boroughs, Long Island and northern New Jersey. Local government, nonprofit and regional startup partners are also invited to engage with this opportunity.

Applications to the program are open now through January 19, 2027, for the inaugural February cohort, and ongoing for Fall 2027 enrollment. Applicants must be the original founder of their startup idea.

Rooted in Top-Ranked Business Education

The Adelphi Entrepreneur Experience builds on the academic prestige and proven track record of the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business. Accredited by AACSB International, a distinction only held by fewer than 6 percent of business schools worldwide, Adelphi’s WSB ranks as the No. 1 undergraduate business school on Long Island by Poets&Quants and is recognized among the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.

Furthering its reach across the region, the school has expanded its programs to Adelphi’s Manhattan Center, offering flexible learning pathways such as its new Flex MBA, enabling students to earn a degree in as little as one year.

For more information on applying, investing, partnering and mentoring, visit the Adelphi Entrepreneur Experience site, and contact aee@adelphi.edu with questions.

The post Adelphi University Awarded $982,000 to Launch No-Cost Regional Entrepreneurship Experience for Students and Aspiring Business Founders appeared first on Adelphi University.

“Adelphi’s strong national rankings reflect something much deeper than metrics; they reflect a culture of care we foster every day,” said Adelphi President Michael Balboni ’81, JD. “Behind these numbers lies a close-knit community where faculty members mentor with heart, staff go above and beyond and students support each other’s growth. Our success is driven by the power of these personal connections and the deep sense of belonging that defines the Adelphi experience.”

Adelphi’s student outcomes measures, including a 4-percentage-point uptick in its six-year graduation rate and an increase in first-year retention, helped support the University’s ranking among its peers this year.

The University also earned distinguished spots in several other U.S. News key subcategories this year including a six-spot jump on the national rankings, and making the list of . In the academic rankings, Adelphi’s undergraduate nursing program climbed an impressive 14 spots this year to No. 172.

Adelphi Nursing Continues National Rise

The Adelphi University College of Nursing and Public Health continues its upward momentum and is now ranked in the top 26 percent of universities by U.S. News & World Report. Among Long Island institutions, Adelphi ranks second behind Stony Brook University (No. 75) and more than 20 spots ahead of Molloy University (No. 195).

This rise reflects the University’s growing reputation for premier healthcare education, and this year expanded Adelphi’s nursing offerings to its new Manhattan Center to help address New York state’s critical nursing shortage. Students at that location and at Adelphi’s Garden City campus gain hands-on training in a state-of-the-art Clinical Education and Simulation Lab (CESiL), the only lab of its kind accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).

Earlier this year, the U.S. News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s list placed Adelphi at No. 87, securing a spot in the top 13.5 percent of accredited graduate nursing programs nationwide. Adelphi’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program was newly ranked on the outlet’s DNP list, expanding the University’s footprint in doctoral-level nursing excellence; the Master of Public Health was also ranked.

Adelphi’s commitment to healthcare education is further reinforced by recent key appointments to its board of trustees, including Board Chair Lenny Achan ’99, CEO of LiveOnNY, and new member Michael Dowling, CEO emeritus of Northwell Health—both of whom bring immeasurable industry expertise to the institution.

“Our exceptional NCLEX results and 92 percent career outcomes rate demonstrate the power of an Adelphi nursing education,” said Deborah Hunt, PhD ’12, dean of the Adelphi College of Nursing and Public Health. “By pairing rigorous clinical simulation with individualized support, our graduates are sought-after clinicians and public health leaders who step directly into critical healthcare roles.”

A Closer Look at the Rankings

Adelphi earned national recognition in several categories in the recent U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges rankings:

• National Universities: This year, Adelphi’s overall ranking is No. 191 (tied), an improvement of seven positions, which places the University in the top 20 in New York state and in the top 45 percent of universities in the United States.
• Top Private Schools: A new category this year, Adelphi ranks No. 93 (tied) nationally among private peers.
• Best College for Veterans: Adelphi ranks No. 167 in the country, up six spots from the previous year.
• Social Mobility: Adelphi is ranked No. 171 nationally for social mobility.

U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of national universities based on up to 17 rigorous academic quality benchmarks, including academic reputation, graduation rates, social mobility and program-specific peer assessments. Adelphi’s impressive standing reflects its personalized approach to education, high-impact clinical partnerships and strong career preparation across all degree programs. Undergraduate program rankings are based on peer assessment surveys of deans and senior faculty at accredited U.S. institutions.

Read more about Adelphi’s rankings, accolades and awards.

The post Adelphi University Ranked Among Top 100 Private Universities on U.S. News & World Report 2027 List appeared first on Adelphi University.

He made the opportunity his own as a finance student in the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, an Honors College scholar, a saxophonist in the Jazz Ensemble, and a tutor in the Learning and Writing Center.

Jacobson graduated at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and began his career remotely as a financial analyst at Northwell Health. While learning a new job from home, he returned to Adelphi for an accelerated MS in business analytics, gaining skills in programming, data analysis and modeling that he continues to use in his work. He advanced to senior analyst after three years and was subsequently promoted to supervisor.

Today, as supervisor, corporate finance, at Northwell, Jacobson performs financial modeling and analytics related to insurance reimbursement across Northwell’s hospitals. He interprets contracts, analyzes data and helps the health system understand the financial implications of reimbursement arrangements. As a supervisor, he also trains and develops newer analysts—drawing directly on the individualized approach he learned as a peer tutor in Adelphi’s Learning and Writing Center tutor. He finds particular satisfaction in seeing his team members master new skills, complete important projects and present successfully to senior leaders.

Jacobson continues to make space for the interests and relationships that enriched his Adelphi experience, including regularly returning to Adelphi to perform with the Jazz Ensemble.

Adelphi honors Jacobson for his rapid professional growth, his investment in others’ success and his enduring engagement with the University community.

Member of Adelphi University’s

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Their mission? To dive headfirst into a whirlwind of floating markets, artisanal coffee workshops, overnight cruises, an elephant sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, experiencing firsthand how ancient traditions pulse alongside modern economic booms.

“International experiences broaden students’ perspectives, allowing them to view themselves as global citizens,“ explained Vice President Sentwali Bakari, PhD, vice president for student affairs and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging who accompanied the group. “They foster confidence, self-awareness and a deeper appreciation for friends worldwide.”

The proof? “Currently, these students are using WhatsApp to talk about how they want to visit Vietnam and Thailand again,“ Dr. Bakari added.

According to Dr. Bakari, by directly engaging with other cultures, which is something no formal classroom or campus activity can provide, students gain a broader sense of what’s possible in the world.

For incoming first-year students Jackson Clark, a business major, Sebastian Porter, a political science major, and Alyssa Kirkpatrick, a dance major, the trip also provided a special welcome to Adelphi.

“I built instant bonds not just with fellow freshmen, but with upperclassmen who gave me the inside track on Adelphi life,“ Kirkpatrick shared. Clark echoed the sentiment: “I walked onto campus already feeling like a true part of the community.”

First year business major Jackson Clark at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand.

First Stop: Electric Vietnam

Touching down in Hanoi on August 7, the group hit the ground running with an action-packed itinerary that blended stunning scenery with deep cultural immersion.

“What blew me away was how much we packed in,“ recalled Kirkpatrick. “From local cooking classes to overnight cruises, every single day was an adventure.”

Clark, too, was captivated by the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay. “I enjoyed Vietnam the most due to its gorgeous scenery, walkable cities, and very safe and friendly vibe,” he said. “I’m a business major and this trip has shown me the business and legal opportunities available in Vietnam.”

Political science major Porter reported that he especially enjoyed “the welcoming communal culture of Hanoi,“ and the “stunning scenery of Ha Long Bay,” where an overnight cruise explored the UNESCO World Heritage Site that features more than 2,000 limestone caves and picturesque floating villages.

The journey wasn’t just about sightseeing;—it was about connection. The group led a sunrise tai chi session in Ho Chi Minh City and teamed up with Food Bank Vietnam to prepare meals and engage with visually impaired students.

“That service project was a core memory for me,“ Clark noted.

Key memories for Dr. Bakari included student participation in a case study at Earth Venture Capital in Ho Chi Minh City and their interaction with university students and administrators at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance.

“However, the visits to the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi, where Senator John McCain and others were imprisoned during the Vietnam War, and Ha Long Bay were especially powerful,” he recalled.

Next Up: Majestic Thailand

Jetting into Bangkok, Thailand, the squad immersed themselves in a sensory feast: exploring the golden spires of The Grand Palace, the ancient reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, the vibrant Pak Khlong Talat flower market, and the bustling water lanes of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

They mastered authentic Thai flavors at the Silom Thai Cooking School, connected with local university peers, and capped off the city experience with a magical dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya, known as the River of Kings.

The crown jewel of the Thai leg? A day spent at an ethical elephant sanctuary.

“My absolute favorite moment was being with the elephants,“ noted Kirkpatrick.

A Journey That Changes Everything

Reflecting on the service-learning core of the trip, Kirkpatrick drew inspiration from her own family roots. “My grandparents immigrated from the Philippines with almost nothing. Realizing the privileges I have makes me want to give back every chance I get. This wasn’t just a trip—it was a life-defining experience.”

Dr. Bakari believes this is just the beginning for these global Panthers: “This experience sparks a lifelong curiosity about the world.”

Where Will You Go Next?

Stay tuned to the Center for Student and Community Engagement. The destination for next summer’s alternative break will be revealed midsemester—alongside details for an upcoming winter break excursion to Spain.

The post Beyond the Beach: How Eight Adelphi Students Traded Long Island for the Ultimate Southeast Asian Odyssey appeared first on Adelphi University.

Tell that to , the two-time All-American and National Champion midfielder, who was , picked by the Philadelphia Waterdogs.

Or ask , the hard-throwing right-hander who led all Division II pitchers in strikeouts per nine innings and received All-America honors before signing this summer with the Houston Astros. He is now living his childhood dream of playing pro ball, pitching for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers of the Carolina League.

Lewis and Carver aren’t just occupying roster spots. They’re thriving.

Lewis delivered exactly the kind of professional debut scouts dream about: a behind-the-back shot against the Boston Cannons, part of a two-goal night that set the tone for a rookie season spent chasing a title with the league’s best regular-season team.

Carver has “carved” out a bullpen role for the Woodpeckers, the Astros’ Single-A affiliate, continuing to rack up strikeouts, fanning seven batters over his first 4.2 innings in the minors.

While both Panthers are on their way, the path they took to get there was not a straight line. Both credit Adelphi—and the outstanding guidance and support they received from their coaches—for providing the map to success.

Speed, Setback and a Second Chance

For Lewis, the breakthrough didn’t come easily.

A hamstring injury derailed the start of his senior season, and for a while, he wasn’t sure his draft stock would recover. “There goes your speed,” he said, describing how the injury took away the very tool that defined his game.

Head Coach leaned on a familiar analogy to keep him grounded, comparing Lewis’s recovery to Samson regaining his strength as his hair grew back. It stuck.

While he didn’t really feel like he was playing like himself again until the National Championship game in May, Lewis got a call on draft night in April that he’d been selected 29th overall by the Waterdogs, the team he grew up rooting for.

Coach Purdie says that resilience was always part of Lewis’s appeal. He points to Lewis’s incredible work ethic—a level of dedication that drove him to watch game film on bus rides home and organize players-only sessions just to keep the offense sharp—as the thing that separates him from other players.

“He wanted every practice to be perfect so we could be perfect on game day,” Coach Purdie said, crediting Lewis as the heartbeat of Adelphi’s back-to-back national championship runs in 2024 and 2025.

Taming His Fastball, Transforming His Career

Carver’s transformation was less about overcoming injury and more about rebuilding from scratch.

When first-year head coach arrived at Adelphi in the summer of 2025, he inherited a pitcher who threw in the mid-90s but couldn’t consistently find the strike zone. Coach Gaffney’s fix was simple: Commit to locating a glove-side fastball and trust it, even after shaky outings.

Carver bought in completely. “He was as coachable a player as I’ve ever had,” Coach Gaffney said, recalling how the same fastball command that once eluded Carver became the foundation for his standout 2026 season.

The turning point, in Coach Gaffney’s memory, came against a scout-heavy crowd for a Franklin Pierce matchup, when Carver outdueled a Power 4 transfer from Kansas State and served notice that his stuff played against anyone.

Weeks later, after going undrafted, .

Carver thinks it couldn’t have happened without the mentoring he got from Coach Gaffney. “He’s always looked out for me,” he said in a . “He’s always wanted the best for me. He’s always had such a huge belief in me.”

It was a life-changing experience for Carver. “I really don’t see a life that I’m living where I’m not talking to Coach Gaffney,” he said.

The Journey Continues

Both are adjusting to life as professionals while still leaning on the lessons that got them there.

Lewis is chasing a PLL title in Philadelphia while starting a master’s degree in health education back at Adelphi, supported by a highly competitive (only up to 126 students are awarded each year). He is also helping coach the men’s lacrosse team.

Carver is learning the rhythms of daily professional life in Fayetteville, applying the same routines and resilience that Coach Gaffney and his staff drilled into him during a season that transformed his career.

Different sports, different journeys, but the same story: Adelphi didn’t just prepare Lewis and Carver to compete. It taught them how to believe they belonged. It’s a lesson that’s taken them far, and has a good chance of taking them even further.

The post Panthers in the Pros: Kyle Lewis ’26 and John Carver ’26 appeared first on Adelphi University.

Oslo, Norway
Major: Finance

“I’m looking forward to developing my interests within finance and exploring where that may take me professionally, while continuing to develop as a tennis player. I’m proud of the results I’ve achieved in tennis over the years, including winning the Norwegian U19 National Championship in mixed doubles, but especially of the consistency and hard work behind them. I chose Adelphi because it was important to me to find a university where I could get a great education while also being a part of a strong tennis team. I also really liked the welcoming atmosphere at Adelphi, and it felt like the right fit for me both academically and athletically.”

Jackson Clark

Matthews, North Carolina
Major: Business, Three-Year Track
Honors College

“I hope to become a lawyer, but I chose my major because of my interest in business and the opportunity to earn that degree in the accelerated three-year track. I came to Adelphi because of its amazing location, strong faculty and opportunities like the Alternative Summer Break, which I was able to attend in August. I wanted to go to a school in or near a big city like New York, and the three-year program and other grants made that financially possible for me.”

Rebecca Golin

Brooklyn, New York
Major: Biochemistry with a minor in mathematics

“I am planning on a medical career, so I chose Adelphi for its supportive community, strong scientific opportunities and Early Assurance pathway to medical school that will allow me to grow as both a researcher and future physician. I have already conducted cancer research, where I discovered how mathematics and genomic data can help answer complex questions about disease and ultimately improve patient care.”

Zion Hines

Perth Amboy, New Jersey
Major: Dance

“I want to be able to dance professionally, and my ultimate goal is to own a dance studio so that I can teach choreography, inspiring dancers of all ages. I am grateful to have accomplished as much as I have so far in my dance career. I received a 2025 New Jersey Governor’s Award for Arts Education, an honor given to high school students, and I have had the opportunity to choreograph and perform a solo titled Inner Thoughts along with five other talented recipients. I am excited to be at Adelphi. When I auditioned for the dance program last winter, it felt like such a genuine and supportive community. I like the small classes, too, which will allow me to get to know my professors and be able to get any help or advice whenever I need it.”

Ashlyn Ho

La Crescenta, California
Major: Biology

“I want to become a dentist, and I chose Adelphi because of its Early Assurance 4+4 program, which gives me a direct path to the LECOM School of Dental Medicine. Adelphi also gives me the chance to work closely with my professors. I really enjoy playing the piano, too, and performed at Carnegie Hall as a first-prize winner in the Elite International Music Competition.”

Arina Kamenetska

Kharkiv, Ukraine
Major: Theatre
Honors College/Levermore Global Scholars Program

“My goal is to build a career as an actress in both theater and film. I also hope to create international theater projects that bring together actors and artists from different countries and cultures. I am especially proud to have received a Jonathan Larson Scholarship from Adelphi. I chose Adelphi because of the people. During my audition with Professor Margaret Lally and Professor Thomas Schrider, I immediately felt that I had found my community and my people. They made me feel that Adelphi was a place where I would truly belong, and I could see how much the professors genuinely care about their students and want to help them grow.”

Karina Kumar

South Richmond Hills, Queens, New York
Major: English, Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP) – Adolescent Education
Levermore Global Scholars Program

“My goal is to become a teacher who can truly make an impact in students’ lives. I will strive to shape young minds in the lens of today’s society and always fight against injustices in education, making my classroom truly accessible to all students. I am particularly interested in finding ways to reach students beyond the textbooks. Adelphi’s commitment to diversity, equity and global learning reflects the educator I aspire to become.”

Mia Leggio

Seaford, New York
Major: Sport Management
Honors College/

“Sports are really important to me, and I am proud to be following in the footsteps of my sister, Alexandra, who played lacrosse for Adelphi. I chose Adelphi because of its strong academics, women’s soccer program and close-knit community. I am also proud to be a certified EMT because that allows me to make a difference by helping others during very tough times.”

Anya Patel

New Hyde Park, New York
Major: Biology
Levermore Global Scholars Program

“My goal is to pursue a career in orthodontics and provide compassionate, culturally aware care to diverse communities. Majoring in biology and participating in the Levermore Global Scholars program will help me reach that goal, allowing me to combine my passion for science with my interest in people, cultures and global perspectives. As someone with both Indian and Kenyan heritage, I believe that understanding and respecting different backgrounds is essential to connecting with others and providing compassionate healthcare. I chose Adelphi because of its close-knit community and the opportunity to pursue my goals in the healthcare field in an environment where I feel supported and encouraged to grow.”

Michael Secko

Centerport, New York
Majors: Environmental Science and History with Certificate in Museum Studies
Honors College

“By majoring in two fields while earning a certificate in another, I am hoping to build a career that brings all of those worlds together. Whether it is working at a museum, a national park or an environmental agency, my goal is to find ways to connect our natural environment with human history. I have always been fascinated by how the past and the environment shape each other. I want to find innovative ways to preserve both our history and our planet. Choosing Adelphi was an easy decision for me. From the moment I stepped on campus, it just felt right. It is also extra special because my grandparents earned both their undergraduate and master’s degrees here, so it feels like home in more ways than one.”

Justin Smiley-Carter

Jamaica, Queens, New York
Major: Ethics and Public Policy
Honors College/Levermore Global Scholars Program

“I served as secretary-general at a Model UN conference that created a welcoming outlet for students across South Queens and Long Island to explore diplomacy. I plan to attend law school, with the goal of eventually using my experience to create opportunities for younger students in marginalized communities and inspire them to pursue a career in law. I chose Adelphi because it’s where I can really challenge myself academically, and because the Honors College and Levermore Global Scholars program allow me to explore my interests beyond the classroom while preparing me to reach my goals.”

Louis Spillane

Auckland, New Zealand
Major: Finance

“My goal is to build a career in finance while continuing to pursue my passion for football. Football has been a huge part of my life. I was honored to represent New Zealand as a member of the U17 National Team that qualified for the U17 World Cup. Wearing the New Zealand fern, singing the national anthem and seeing my family in the stands made it an experience I’ll never forget. It was a moment where years of hard work and sacrifice came together. I look forward to competing at Adelphi while building a strong foundation for my future in finance. I hope to combine the discipline, leadership and competitive mindset I have developed through football with my passion for finance and create a successful career that allows me to pursue both interests.”

Wyatt Yim

Fresh Meadows, Queens, New York
Major: Nursing

“I want to be working as a traveling nurse to explore the world more, then later on become a certified registered nurse anesthetist. I would like to visit all 50 states and, as a proud Eagle Scout, all the national parks. I chose Adelphi for its small and beautiful campus, and I began my Adelphi experience by joining the First-Year Community Action Program (FCAP). It gave me the opportunity to do some volunteer work before the start of classes while meeting new people and helping the community.”

The post Meet the Class of 2030! appeared first on Adelphi University.