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 91ąú˛ú 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 91ąú˛ú’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 91ąú˛ú experience, including regularly returning to 91ąú˛ú 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 91ąú˛ú’s

The post Andrew Jacobson ’20, MS ’21 appeared first on Adelphi.

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 91ąú˛ú.

“I built instant bonds not just with fellow freshmen, but with upperclassmen who gave me the inside track on 91ąú˛ú 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 91ąú˛ú Students Traded Long Island for the Ultimate Southeast Asian Odyssey appeared first on Adelphi.

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 91ąú˛ú—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 91ąú˛ú’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 91ąú˛ú 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 91ąú˛ú, 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: 91ąú˛ú 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.

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 91ąú˛ú 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 91ąú˛ú, 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 91ąú˛ú 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 91ąú˛ú 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 91ąú˛ú. 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 91ąú˛ú because of its Early Assurance 4+4 program, which gives me a direct path to the LECOM School of Dental Medicine. 91ąú˛ú 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 91ąú˛ú. I chose 91ąú˛ú 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 91ąú˛ú 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. 91ąú˛ú’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 91ąú˛ú. I chose 91ąú˛ú 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 91ąú˛ú 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 91ąú˛ú 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 91ąú˛ú 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 91ąú˛ú 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 91ąú˛ú for its small and beautiful campus, and I began my 91ąú˛ú 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.