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 a pianist, too, and 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. ���������’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 �������ٱ��’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.

“This recognition affirms ���������’s standard of excellence, proving why we remain a top choice for students and their families,” said Michael Balboni ’81, JD, president of Adelphi University. “Students who earn a degree from Adelphi land jobs with high salaries and high potential for growth as a result of the mentorship, connections and real-world learning experiences we provide.”

Money’s rigorous annual Best Colleges selection process analyzes data from more than 700 four-year institutions nationwide, evaluating them across three pillars:

1. quality of education (30 percent)
2. affordability (40 percent)
3. student outcomes (30 percent)

To determine its final star ratings, the publication weighs 25 critical data points, with a heavy emphasis on net price of a degree, value-added graduation rates, average student debt upon graduation and long-term alumni earnings. Unlike traditional rankings, Money’s methodology focuses entirely on practical value, highlighting universities that deliver a measurable return on investment for their students.

and learn more about the .

To discover what makes an Adelphi degree so valuable, learn more about ���������’s rankings, accolades and awards.

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It is a reflection of his own multicultural, multidenominational family’s passion for philanthropy and community—and their deep, foundational belief that there is but one family of man.

A Multicultural Family Legacy

“I could tell you from being in healthcare my entire life, that we’re all the same. The more we could bring people together from different religions, cultures, and disciplines to show we are all exactly the same, the better the world will be,” Achan insisted. “It’s meaningful, peaceful, and it can heal a lot.”

Achan is proud that his wife, pediatric speech pathologist Kimberly Mayo-Achan and children Lenny III and Katherine, agreed to establish the Center. In fact, they collectively signed their generous donation letter.

He hopes that by representing his family’s own diverse cultural legacy, the Achan Family Interfaith Center “speaks to the generations before me and hopefully to the generations after me.”

A First Generation Student from the Inner City

For Achan, a son of immigrant parents and a self-described inner city youth from Queens, college was an aspiration, rather than an expectation. “Opening that acceptance letter from Adelphi was like a spark of light,” he recalled. “I never thought I might go to college—and Adelphi became a beacon for me.”

Enrolling in the College of Nursing and Public Health gave Achan his first glimpse of how he might achieve his dream of helping people in need.

After graduating, he continued his education by earning a �������ٱ��’s degree in advanced practice nursing and a business degree, as well.. His leadership in health care has been recognized with awards from Crain’s New York Business and Healthcare Leaders of New York.

Today, the Adelphi University board of trustees’ secretary is president and CEO of , a nonprofit organ procurement organization, as well as the founding chairman of a digital health organization. He is also a generous benefactor to his alma mater.

An Interfaith Center for All

With their significant gift, Achan Family Interfaith Center shines as a beacon of light for the entire Adelphi community.

“This donation is going to allow students to have deeper, more meaningful experiences with one another,” promised Michael Hoffner, coordinator of Adelphi University’s Mindfulness Center and Leonard Achan Family Interfaith Center.

According to Hoffner, the Center will enable students to attend retreats, and bring programs to campus that will connect them with their spiritual, faith and religious traditions—while fostering the sense of belonging and purpose that is at the heart of the college experience.

Gifts Honoring His Father, and His Grandmother, a Holocaust Survivor of Auschwitz

Supporting the campus Interfaith Center is not the Achan family’s first major gift. In 2017, the memory of Achan’s father, Leonard Achan, Sr., was honored by a .

In 2024, a second gift from Achan and his wife endowed a scholarship for future mental health counselors studying at the Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology. The scholarship memorialize Kimberly Mayo-Achan’s grandmother, Zosia ‘GiGi’ Levine, a Jewish survivor of Auschwitz during the Holocaust, who went on to live a long, fulfilling life as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

When the family considered how they might address a deepening and challenging mental health crisis and shortage of mental health professionals, they were inspired by Gigi. Achan has described how “My family exists because she survived. Helping others create a legacy was the thought behind how we could be supportive.

“Helping even one person makes a difference.”

Fulfilling Dreams for Future Adelphi Students

According to Achan his role as an Adelphi trustee gives him a unique perspective. By remembering his own experience and dreams as a first-generation student, he recognizes how seemingly impossible student dreams will be fulfilled because of the foundation Adelphi provides. And he has committed himself to doing everything he can to help them realize their dreams.

“I feel blessed to give back to Adelphi and blessed to have a career in helping people,” he admitted. “Adelphi gave me a platform and opportunity that is the foundation of everything I do today in my community and with my family.”

He uses this platform as a trustee, to champion the goals of ���������’s strategic plan. By establishing the Achan Family Interfaith Center, he has directly supported the university’s commitment to its inclusive community.

This is, for him—and his family—the right time to create the Center. “When you look at our faculty and students and alumni, when you look at the contributions we are making to society and the world, it’s a moment to scale impact.”

Achan believes that as a place for the Adelphi community to embrace differences, discover commonality, and celebrate and explore individual faith and purpose, the Leonard Achan Family Interfaith Center is doing just that.

The post Trustee Leonard C. Achan ’99, and Family Establish the Leonard Achan Family Interfaith Center as a “Beacon of Light for the Adelphi Community” appeared first on Adelphi University.

On Thursday, June 11, the Adelphi University Board of Trustees hosted the official ribbon cutting and celebrated the grand opening of the University’s state-of-the-art Manhattan Center. Located in the heart of New York City at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 44th Street, the highly anticipated facility is poised to serve as a critical talent pipeline for the city’s most high-demand industries.

The grand opening event welcomed University leadership, distinguished guests, community partners and Helen Arteaga Landaverde, PhD, New York City’s deputy mayor for health and human services, for an exclusive look inside the modern academic hub, which comprises three floors and more than 51,000 square feet. During the ribbon-cutting festivities, attendees participated in guided tours of high-tech classrooms; STEAM, nursing simulation and computer labs; and student lounges, study spaces and collaborative learning areas.

“Tonight, the future has a new address: 529 Fifth Avenue,” said Adelphi President Michael Balboni ’81, JD. “The new center will prove the value of higher education … . Adelphi is connecting higher education with opportunities.”

Construction on the facility began with a groundbreaking in April 2025. Designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce, the Manhattan Center’s “programs in healthcare, technology, business, human service and education will bring the best of Adelphi to Manhattan,” said Jennifer Lancaster, PhD, executive director of the Manhattan Center and dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies. The center has already begun transforming career pathways for its students: The inaugural student cohort began in May 2026 with ���������’s accelerated nursing program, designed to address the region’s nursing shortage. STEAM education programs are also underway. The remaining Manhattan Center graduate and professional programs are scheduled to begin in Fall 2026.

To learn more about the new Manhattan Center, explore academic program offerings or view upcoming admissions events, visit adelphi.edu/manhattan.

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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 �������ٱ��’s degree. Both allowed me to visualize the stories I will be able to tell as an art historian and museum professional.”

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.”

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 Fellows 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.”

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 ���������’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.”

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 Adelphi University 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.”

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 Adelphi University.

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 “typical” 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 ���������’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. ���������’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 �������ٱ��’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 ���������’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 Adelphi University 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.”

“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 Adelphi University.

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 �������ٱ��’s and doctoral degrees in 63 different programs. They are the 941 members of ���������’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 ���������’s School of Social Work often graduates the largest group of �������ٱ��’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.

���������’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: �Ѳ����ٱ��’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,” said Susan Dinan, PhD, ���������’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.”

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 �������ٱ��’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.

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This year, more than 2,100 Adelphi graduates participated in the commencement ceremonies. Most graduates were from the University’s College of Nursing and Public Health and the School of Social Work.

���������’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 Adelphi University 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 ���������’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 ���������’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 ���������’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, ���������’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 Adelphi University’s 130th Commencement.

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But how realistic is it really?

We asked two faculty members from the Adelphi University College of Nursing and Public Health with experience working in an ED—Associate Dean Jordan Yakoby, EdD, and Clinical Associate Professor Daniel McWeeney, DNP—to assess some key scenes in the show.

While the focus is often on the doctors, nurses are often depicted as critical members of the ED staff, especially tough-as-nails charge nurse Dana Evans. “By and large, a lot of the scenes are pretty realistic,” said Dr. Yakoby. “They are real scenarios you’d see in an emergency department.” If anything, he said, nurses are not depicted as prominently as they should be in an actual ED, where they handle some of the frontline cases doctors handle in the show. “There’s probably some artistic liberty, since many of the main characters are physicians and you need to show them in as many scenes as possible.”

Dr. McWeeney agreed that the show gets the intensity and pace of the ED right—even if it exaggerates a little. “The show truly reflects the chaos and volume of patients seen on a daily basis,” he said. “However, it does seem to depict more of the critical cases, which is not always the case in a given shift.” On the other hand, as an experienced ED nurse practitioner, he’s had shifts as intense as the ones that appear on the show, with multiple patients requiring lifesaving interventions.

Adelphi Theatre Grad Plays a Starring Role

Adelphi’s connection to The Pitt runs deeper than our faculty expertise. Lucas Iverson ’17, a BFA in theatre arts graduate, plays cocky medical student James Ogilvie in the show’s second season. In a recent interview, Iverson highlighted a pivotal scene from episode six where a nurse out-diagnoses a room full of MDs—a moment he feels reflects the vital importance of nurses in emergency rooms. “The nurses always know,” he noted.

Here are five scenes from the show, along with comments from Dr. Yakoby and Dr. McWeeney. (Spoilers ahead!)

Season 1, Episode 1—Nurses Perlah and Princess speak Tagalog

From the first episode, Filipina nurses Perlah and Princess switch into their native language while discussing cases or reacting to doctors’ decisions. Their tone is typically wry, offering a glimpse into the tight bonds among the nursing staff.

Dr. Yakoby: You probably have a lot more camaraderie between nurses and medical staff than you do in other places in the hospital, just because of the close proximity, so it definitely leads to more informality at times. Of course, there’s gossip that can occur, though I don’t know that people just switch into another language in front of the person they are talking about.

Dr. McWeeney: Multilingual nurses absolutely use language like this during shifts, but in my experience it’s more of a friendly conversation than patient-related. That said, nurses are always communicating, and especially experienced nurses may discuss and question providers’ assessments and orders placed based on a patient’s chief complaint.

Season 1, Episode 9—An aggressive patient assaults Dana

A patient’s frustrations boil over and he eventually assaults nurse Dana. She later returns to the floor, with colleagues noting how common such incidents can be.

Dr. McWeeney: Unfortunately, this is very common. On most of my shifts, security alerts are escalated due to an aggressive or threatening patient. Most of the time, it’s verbal, but I have had two or three colleagues who have been physically assaulted. Our ED has significantly increased security officer presence, and staff are trained for active shooters as well.

Dr. Yakoby: It’s a documented, well-known problem. I’ve been assaulted before—and more than one time. Usually it’s someone with a psychiatric condition or impaired by alcohol or an illicit substance. Larger hospitals and trauma centers have security in the ED at all times, and they can respond quickly, but they can’t be everywhere, and sometimes you just don’t know when someone is going to get aggressive.

Season 2, Episode 6—Perlah reacting to Louie’s death

It’s 12:07. Robby calls it. Louie is gone. (Warrick Page/HBOMAX)

After regular patient Louie dies from alcohol-related complications, nurse Perlah visibly struggles emotionally. Dana and other colleagues make adjustments to compensate for her.

Dr. Yakoby: A lot of times you don’t spend more than a few hours with a person, so you don’t develop a super-close relationship. But there are certain circumstances that are upsetting when a patient passes away. Many “frequent flyers” who come in regularly for substance abuse are difficult to get along with, but there are some who are more pleasant and easy to build a relationship with, and so there can be cases that hit home.

Dr. McWeeney: Grief is something everyone handles differently, and something you have to learn to cope with while working on a shift. In my experience, there have been a few shifts, especially during the pandemic, where I just needed to run to the bathroom and cry or shut the lights off and reset with a few deep breaths. Most hospitals now do have a team of employees that comes to support staff after a traumatic event. Ours is called Team Lavender, and they provide staff with lavender oils, teas and chocolates to help alleviate stress.

Season 2, Episode 6—Donnie teaching suturing to doctors

Adelphi theatre grad Lucas Iverson ’17, second from left, observes as Nurse Donnie steps in to guide physicians through proper subcutaneous (sub-Q) suturing technique during a challenging case. This scene highlights the depth of hands-on skill many nurses develop over time.

Dr. McWeeney: Nurses are always learning and training. While RNs do not suture, they are often precepting a new nurse on the many unique skills needed in the ED, such as placing an intravenous catheter. There is always the pressure to see more patients, and so I might not have the time to go through each step in depth in the moment, but I will always try and recap later in the shift as time allows.

Dr. Yakoby: Having a nurse actually do part of the procedure would not be typical. But if you have a very seasoned nurse and a junior resident, you might have a nurse guide them through a practice or get you the resources to help you do a procedure that you’re not doing in the correct way. Certainly, physicians-in-training would be smart to listen to experienced nurses if they want to be successful.

Season 2, Episode 7—Dana guides a sexual assault exam

As a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), Dana takes the lead on guiding a sexual assault survivor through a forensic exam, displaying compassion throughout a highly technical procedure.

Dr. McWeeney: The portrayal of the scene is accurate. Time is of the essence when it comes to a complicated case such as sexual assault. It is extremely sensitive, and there is heightened concern for making a mistake or fear of litigation that requires extra training to become a SANE. Dana provided a sense of trust and comfort and a step-by-step approach which showed the patient what to expect.

Dr. Yakoby: This kind of trauma-informed care is really where nursing shines. There’s a lot of emotional support you may need to give the patient, ensuring their comfort and privacy, and I think this was a good depiction of that. Everyone usually tries to be intentional and thoughtful with these patients, as they are experiencing a very difficult moment in their lives.

���������’s Nursing and Public Health Programs

Whether you want to be in an action-packed ED or provide care in settings from schools to clinics to physician’s offices—or you want to educate the next generation of healthcare workers—the Adelphi University College of Nursing and Public Health has a program for you.

Learn how to serve our aging population with our gerontology programs (Adult Gerontology Primary Care Advanced Certificate, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner doctoral or graduate on campus or ); get a broad understanding of healthcare with undergraduate Health Sciences; be on the cutting edge of technology with healthcare informatics studies ( or , both online); pursue a nursing degree (undergraduate, doctoral or —now offered in Garden City and at our ); or study Psychiatric Mental Health (graduate, doctoral or advanced certificate) or Public Health (minor and MPH on campus or ).

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