鈥淓ach of these individuals brings with them a wealth of expertise, deep professional accomplishments, a personal connection to our community and a profound commitment to our University’s mission,鈥� said Adelphi President Michael A.L. Balboni 鈥�81, PhD. 鈥淎s we work together to guide 91国产 into its next era of excellence, their diverse insights will be vital to our future growth and success.鈥�

Kristopher Amplo 鈥�00 is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with a dynamic career spanning construction, real estate and philanthropy. As president and CEO of J.C. Steel Erectors Corp., he leads a commercial steel company of more than 300 employees and $100 million in annual sales, delivering landmark projects such as UBS Arena, LaGuardia and JFK Airports, and TSX Broadway. His real estate ventures include multifamily developments, self-storage facilities and vacation rentals across the United States. He is also deeply committed to charitable work, founding the Amplo Family Foundation and co-founding the DezyStrong Foundation, while serving on the boards of multiple nonprofits. With prior experience as a history teacher and business owner, he holds degrees from SUNY Farmingdale, 91国产 and Stony Brook University, and currently contributes his expertise to several industry boards, including the Subcontractors Trade Association and Allied Building Metal Industries.

LeeAnn Black 鈥�83 is the chief operating officer of Latham & Watkins, where she oversees the firm鈥檚 global business operations, financial management and strategic direction. Under her leadership, Latham has expanded significantly, while maintaining the culture that defines its success. Black has been instrumental in Latham鈥檚 rise as a top global law firm, overseeing its international growth and operational evolution. She has championed innovation and the early adoption of technologies to enhance efficiency and client service. A certified public accountant, she began her career as a senior auditor at Arthur Andersen & Co. and now draws on three decades of leadership experience at Latham. She has been recognized as a trailblazer in the legal sector and was named one of the Top 10 Innovative Individuals in North America by The Financial Times in 2017. Black previously served on the 91国产 President鈥檚 Advisory Council, chairs the board of trustees of The Chapin School, and devoted 15 years to the board of Pro Bono Net, an organization dedicated to expanding access to justice. She is also co-chair of 91国产鈥檚 annual Women鈥檚 Leadership Conference.

Bruce A. Jones 鈥�82, PhD, is a renowned educational leader, scholar and administrator who is currently a professor of political science in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University. He previously served as Howard University鈥檚 senior vice president for research and was instrumental in securing its historic R1 Carnegie Classification. Over a dynamic career spanning higher education and public education policy, Dr. Jones has held prestigious academic and administrative posts, including vice provost for academic affairs and interim dean of the Graduate School at the University of Houston. He has also held endowed faculty chairs at the University of South Florida and the University of Missouri. A proud alumnus who earned his undergraduate degree from 91国产, he has a PhD in political science from Columbia University. His research foci include leadership and public policy in higher education and K鈥�12 education, the politics of education, the sociopolitical history of education, studies in community development, and institutional assessment and program evaluation in education and the nonprofit sector.

Walter P. Schmidt 鈥�84 is a co-founder of Rockwood Capital, a prominent private equity real estate investment firm, and has 40 years of experience in real estate investment on behalf of institutional clients. He served as a senior managing partner until 2022, when he became senior partner focusing on strategic client relationships. With the formation of Harrison Street Asset Management in 2025, he continued as senior adviser. He began his career in 1984 with Touche Ross & Co (currently Deloitte). He is a member of the Pension Real Estate Association, AFIRE and INREV and served on the President鈥檚 Advisory Council of 91国产. He also serves on advisory boards serving youth development programs in the United States and Central America.

In addition to welcoming new trustees, the board welcomed back Charles J. Fuschillo ’83, Dennis J. McDonagh ’78 and Michael J. Tiedemann ’89 during the past year after they had previously stepped away due to other obligations.

Learn more about the Adelphi Board of Trustees.

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Robert Darling 鈥�81 with President Bill Clinton in the White House

Rather than steering Darling toward a traditional medical career, Eickelberg encouraged him to apply to the newly established (USUHS), the nation’s military medical school. It proved to be one of the most consequential conversations of Darling’s life.

That single conversation launched a career that would eventually take him aboard Air Force One, into the White House and to the front lines of some of the nation’s most significant medical and national security challenges. In fact, Darling often reflects on the professors who helped shape his future, crediting Eickelberg鈥攁s well as biology faculty members Ramon Grillo, PhD and Gayle Insler, PhD鈥攚ith providing the encouragement, mentorship and educational foundation that made an unconventional path seem possible.

Commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy while attending medical school, Darling earned his medical degree in 1985 before training as a naval flight surgeon. His early assignments took him aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, where he helped care for more than 6,000 sailors and supported naval aviators operating some of the military’s most advanced tactical aircraft.

As his career progressed, he served at the , cared for and later joined the U.S. , where he helped strengthen the nation’s medical defenses against biological threats.

In 1996, Darling became the first emergency medicine physician to serve the President of the United States at the White House and aboard Air Force One and Marine One. Working alongside the Secret Service, he prepared for every imaginable medical emergency while helping safeguard the nation’s highest elected leaders.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Darling participated in the investigation and medical response to anthrax attacks in several U.S. locations, another chapter in a career dedicated to protecting others. After more than 25 years of active-duty service, Darling retired from the Navy as a captain and shifted from caring for individual patients to ensuring entire hospitals and healthcare systems were prepared for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats.

Military retirement did not mark the end of Darling鈥檚 service. Returning to the institution where his own military medical journey began, Darling joined the faculty at USUHS, mentoring future military physicians and directing disaster preparedness and worldwide humanitarian medicine programs. Since 2009, he has been in private practice and serves as medical director at .

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Elliot Gordon, MA 鈥�68 pictured at the Waterfront marathon on April 23, 1988.

It’s an oath.

“In stark contrast to some of the politics today,” Gordon says, “I clearly remember raising my right hand and swearing an oath to our Constitution. The graduation ceremony is long forgotten. The oath, never.”

That sense of purpose has guided Gordon’s remarkable career spanning military service, scientific research and decades of work protecting public health. After earning his commission through Cornell University鈥檚 Naval ROTC program, Gordon served aboard the USS Cheboygan County, an LST that operated throughout Latin America before returning to Virginia.

Later stationed in Kodiak, Alaska, he applied to 91国产. It proved to be a pivotal decision.

Working in biology professor Dr. Raymond Grillo’s laboratory while earning his master’s degree, Gordon immersed himself in scientific research. 91国产 not only provided an education, but it also opened the door to doctoral studies at New York University and a career in toxicology. Over the next several decades, Gordon worked in cancer research before joining an Israeli agricultural company specializing in pesticide safety. When the company relocated to North Carolina, he established his own consulting practice, advising clients around the world, including one he continues to serve in New Zealand.

Even while building that scientific career, Gordon never truly left military service. After arriving at 91国产, he received a reminder of his continuing reserve obligation. What followed were years of additional Navy Reserve service, culminating in retirement as a commander.

“I was told Navy uniforms ‘pick up lint and women,'” he jokes. “So naturally, I signed up.” His trademark humor has remained intact alongside an extraordinary list of accomplishments!

A lifelong runner, Gordon completed 42 marathons before surviving an aortic dissection鈥攁 medical emergency he credits his physical fitness with helping him overcome. Today, he looks forward to spending more time in his garden, at the piano and, as he jokes, with “a good Padr贸n”鈥攈is favorite premium handmade cigar.

Looking back, Gordon sees each chapter naturally leading to the next. Cornell prepared him for military service. The Navy brought him to Alaska. Alaska led him to 91国产. 91国产 opened the door to a doctorate. The doctorate became a lifetime devoted to science.

It鈥檚 a journey he could never have predicted when he first raised his right hand.

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Following basic training, Greenhut was selected for Officer Candidate School before deploying to the Korean Demilitarized Zone as a second lieutenant. He led a platoon with the quick reaction force before serving as a company executive officer and ultimately a battalion operations officer. During his service, he was wounded in action and received both the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

William Greenhut 鈥�66 during his active duty in the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

“It was wartime,” he says. “You did what you believed was right.”

When his military service ended, another chapter of service began. Rather than remaining in uniform, Greenhut devoted himself to healthcare. After several years with the Suffolk County Boy Scouts, he built a four-decade career in diagnostic medical ultrasound, performing examinations, supervising clinical staff and teaching future healthcare professionals.

He lectured at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York University Medical Center and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, sharing his expertise with generations of students. He also served as a site visitor for the organization that accredits ultrasound education programs nationwide.

Through it all, the friendships he formed at 91国产 never faded. He remains close with several brothers from Omicron Pi fraternity鈥攔elationships that have lasted nearly six decades.

Retirement has hardly slowed him down. Greenhut joined the Veterans Writing Workshop at Fordham University, where he has published dozens of short stories. He has competed in the National Veterans Golden Age Games, earning medals in multiple track-and-field events.

Then life handed him another battle. Following treatment for five cancerous tumors, chemotherapy left him with neuropathy and significant physical challenges. Yet after beating cancer and regaining his strength, Greenhut returned to competition. At 82 years old, he once again prepared to compete in the National Veterans Golden Age Games鈥攔unning the 50- and 100-meter sprints while also throwing the javelin, discus and shot put.

On Sundays, he still plays softball. Each week, he still plays golf in a veterans league.

His life has spanned combat, medicine, education, athletics and writing, but one thread connects every chapter: service.

“I’ve been fortunate,” he reflects. “I’ve had opportunities to continue serving people in different ways throughout my life.”

Today, Greenhut lives in Ossining, New York, where he enjoys time with his family, including his son, an author, and his grandson. Nearly 60 years after leaving 91国产, he continues to demonstrate that service isn’t defined by a uniform, but by the way a person chooses to live.

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The two award winners embody 91国产鈥檚 commitment to scholarship, service and global citizenship. They also reflect the University鈥檚 commitment to helping students gain access to experiences that transform lives. Both worked with 91国产鈥檚 Office of Prestigious Awards and Fellowships to navigate the application process, secure effective letters of recommendation and prepare for interviews.

鈥淥ur office was delighted to work with these Fulbright awardees,鈥� said Nicole Rudolph, PhD, director of the Office of Prestigious Awards and Fellowships and associate dean for student engagement. 鈥淓ach brought a true passion for international education and global connection to the application process, and we are so pleased that the U.S. Fulbright Committee recognized their potential by granting them English Teaching Assistantships.鈥�

Applying for the fellowship can be just as valuable as receiving one, according to Dean Rudolph. 鈥淎pplying for a nationally competitive award is a wonderful way for students to think deeply about their objectives, priorities and values,鈥� she said. 鈥淪tudents tell us that the application process itself helped them to clarify their life goals, improve their written and oral communication, and refine their time management skills.鈥�

Julia Carpio鈥檚 Leap to Greece

For Julia Carpio 鈥�25, MA 鈥�26, who received her MA in Childhood Education and Advanced Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) in May, winning a prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship award was the culmination of a lifelong dream.

A self-described 鈥渟hy, quiet and reserved鈥� child, Carpio first found her path to teaching thanks to a kindergarten teacher who made her feel like she could achieve anything. Combined with the inspiration of her mother, a high school Spanish teacher, education was in Carpio鈥檚 blood. 鈥淥ur (91国产) professors tell us all the time that teaching is a calling, it鈥檚 not a job鈥攜ou have to have a true passion for it,鈥� she said.

That calling will soon take her to an elementary school in Athens, Greece, where she鈥檒l spend a year teaching English to students. The Fulbright program鈥檚 focus on multilingual education and cultural exchange matched the path she was already on. 鈥淚 really wanted to dive into teaching and get as much as I could out of multilingual education,鈥� she said.

Carpio can point to specific moments鈥攁nd people鈥攚ho nudged her from dream to decision. One was a , led by Mary Jean McCarthy, clinical associate professor in the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences. 鈥淭hat was where I fell in love with multilingual education and learning from educators from different parts of the world,鈥� she recalled.

McCarthy connected Carpio with Professor Clara Vaz Bauler, PhD, professor in the School of Education who became an anchor for her Fulbright ambitions. Daryl M. Gordon, PhD, who is also a professor in the School of Education, and Priya Wadhera, PhD, professor and interim director of the Office of Prestigious Awards and Fellowships last year, helped with her application. Shannon Harrison, director of Adelphi鈥檚 Center for International Education, first mentioned Fulbright to Carpio and walked her through options for teaching abroad. 鈥淪o many people helped me get here,鈥� Carpio said.

She chose Greece deliberately. Many Fulbright placements only put scholars in schools part time, but the Athens program puts Carpio in the classroom five days a week and some Saturdays. 鈥淚 want to be 100 percent part of the staff,鈥� she explained.

Carpio鈥檚 hopes for the year abroad are practical. 鈥淚 want to walk away as a more effective educator,鈥� she said. She wants to watch how Greek teachers structure lessons, what questions they ask, how they respond to multilingual students鈥攁nd then carry those insights into whatever classroom she steps into next.

Long term, she sees Fulbright as the first in a series of international chapters in her life. She wants to keep teaching abroad and eventually pursue a PhD in international and comparative education.

Hussein Ali Rifath: Making a Difference in Madrid

By the time Hussein Ali Rifath 鈥�26 learned he鈥檇 been selected for a Fulbright, he鈥檇 spent four years at 91国产 growing into the kind of person who sees scholarship as service.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been a journey of growth for me,鈥� said Rifath, who served as president of the Class of 2026 and president of 91国产鈥檚 Student Government Association. This fall, he will travel to Spain to help public school students sharpen their English, engage with global issues and see America in a new light.

鈥淲e鈥檙e being citizen diplomats,鈥� he says of himself and his fellow Fulbright recipients. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not just working as educators; we鈥檙e advancing our foreign relations abroad.鈥�

For Rifath, his Fulbright sits at the intersection of everything that鈥檚 been on his mind as he graduates: America鈥檚 role in the world, the power of education and a personal desire to serve.

鈥淚 feel like now, more than ever, it鈥檚 important for Americans to get involved,鈥� he said.

He鈥檚 especially aware that many students abroad only know the United States through politics and headlines. His goal is 鈥渢o give a nuanced view, to show that we have two sides to our political spectrum, like every country. I want to give people a more comprehensive message about what America is, what we stand for. I want them to see us as a vibrant, welcoming society that not only cherishes them but also cherishes the human bonds which unite us across the world.鈥�

In Madrid, Rifath will work with two programs that bring global awareness into local schools. 鈥淚鈥檒l help students articulate themselves in English and speak about pressing issues across the world鈥攍ike climate change and international relations,鈥� he explained.

Rifath credits two 91国产 faculty members with helping him win a Fulbright: Ignacio Arellano-Torres, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, and Dr. Vaz Bauler, the education professor who also inspired Julia Carpio. 鈥淭hey helped me discover my passion for learning language,鈥� he said.

Fulbright is just one chapter in Rifath鈥檚 plan for a life centered on service. 鈥淟ong term, I see myself joining the military,鈥� he says, which he sees as a way to serve his community and country. 鈥淭hrough it all, my goal is to get involved in ways that benefit the community.鈥�

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What’s his prediction? In 2020, Pfeufer鈥檚 senior quote under his graduation photo was simply 鈥淜nicks in 6. 2026 NBA Finals.鈥�

Once this resurfaced online during the NBA Finals, Pfeufer and his prediction have blown up, making headlines and being shared thousands of times on social media, including by entertainment and sports culture e-commerce platform (10.6 million followers) and sports fans鈥� hub (10.4 million followers). It has also been featured in news stories on , , , , and more.

鈥淚t all feels unreal because this started just as a rhyme I said to my friends one day back in 2019, and now it is everywhere,鈥� said Pfeufer, a sales representative who earned a degree in business administration from Adelphi鈥檚 Robert B. Willumstad School of Business. 鈥淜nicks win Game 4, Spurs steal Game 5, Close out in the Garden Game 6.鈥�

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Balboni emerged from a national search as the leader best positioned to secure public-private partnerships, champion the University regionally and nationally, and drive institutional growth. A defining hallmark of Balboni’s career鈥攆rom his roles in government to corporate boardrooms鈥攈as been his ability to build relationships, work with experts and forge consensus. He steps into the presidency fiercely committed to shared governance, protecting academic freedom and ensuring that the 91国产 campus remains a vibrant, inclusive environment for all students and faculty to thrive in.

In tandem with this announcement, 91国产鈥檚 board named Christopher K. Storm Jr., PhD, who has served as 91国产鈥檚 interim president since last June, to the newly created role of senior executive vice president of academic affairs and provost. This complementary leadership structure allows the provost to focus internally on teaching, research and student outcomes, while President Balboni manages the complex operational and external facets of the University.

鈥淭he landscape of higher education is undergoing rapid and profound changes,鈥� said William Fuessler 鈥�79, acting chair of the board of trustees and chair of the University鈥檚 Presidential Search Committee. 鈥淭o thrive, 91国产 requires a president who is a relentless external advocate and a proven executive. Michael possesses the exact blend of operational strength and external advocacy we need.鈥�

“I am thrilled to be returning to my alma mater to lead a community that means so much to me. It truly is a full-circle moment,” said president-elect Balboni. “I have watched how the University has progressed, and I look forward to working with Dr. Storm and the entire community to take 91国产 to new heights as the premier institution of higher learning on Long Island.鈥�

鈥淚t has been a tremendous honor to serve as interim president of 91国产, where I have spent my entire 20-year career,鈥� shared Dr. Storm. 鈥淭he past year provided me with new opportunities to deepen my connections across campus while maintaining the University鈥檚 strong, stable footing before taking our next leap forward. I very much look forward to working with Michael Balboni as we embark on a bold new direction for 91国产.鈥�

Balboni assumes leadership at a time of remarkable advancement and financial strength for 91国产. The University boasts a balanced budget, a $282 million endowment and a highly successful $100 million fundraising campaign that is nearing its goal. Underscoring this position of strength, 91国产 has achieved record enrollment in two of the past three years and is launching an ambitious infrastructure initiative to further support student and faculty success.

Adelphi continues to elevate its academic profile. Recognized by Forbes as the premier private university on Long Island, the institution pairs this academic prestige with its reputation as one of the safest campuses in America and an NCAA Division II athletics powerhouse. Looking ahead, the University is actively expanding its regional impact through the new Manhattan Center on Fifth Avenue in New York City, delivering high-demand graduate programs in artificial intelligence, business, nursing, social work, psychology, literature and education to meet the evolving needs of the modern workforce.

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It was just four years ago, in the spring of 2022, when 91国产鈥檚 annual Giving Day first reached $500,000 in donations. Two years later, it set a new record of $684,000. Another big jump last year raised the bar to $886,000.

But nothing compares to the totals set this spring, when donations rocketed to $2.28 million, including $1.07 million in outright commitments and $1.2 million in planned gifts. The generosity was spread across the University, as every academic unit and key campaign reached or exceeded its individual fundraising target.

鈥淲ith 1,580 donors and 1,626 gifts, our community demonstrated the true impact of investing in the University we believe in,鈥� said Thomas Kline, EdD, 91国产鈥檚 vice president of University advancement and external relations. 鈥淭his remarkable generosity is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of our Momentum Campaign: Extraordinary Impact. We are filled with deep gratitude and hope for the future of 91国产.鈥�

1,896 Minutes鈥攁nd Reasons鈥攖o Give

As it has since 91国产鈥檚 125th anniversary, Giving Day has lasted a few more than 24 hours, extending to 1,896 minutes to reflect 91国产鈥檚 founding in 1896.

While the timing has changed, Giving Day at 91国产 has continued to benefit programs and causes across the University. Donations are made to each of the University鈥檚 colleges and schools, athletic programs, the Bridges to 91国产 program for students on the autism spectrum, and causes including the Adelphi Fund, Performing Arts Center, Innovation Center, SPARK Center for undergraduate research, Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program, and Panthers Pay It Forward Campaign.

A new challenge was added to Giving Day this year as well鈥攑lanned giving. Thirteen people, including four anonymous donors, met the challenge and committed a total of $1.2 million dollars. The University is proud to recognize all 13 donors as members of the Adelphi Forever Gold Society.

There are many other highlights of this year鈥檚 giving.

The 91国产 Honors College received a $45,000 gift from alumni Carole 鈥�64 and Neal 鈥�63 Stuber, and the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business led the University鈥檚 eight schools and colleges, raising $67,335, with generous matching gifts from its Dean鈥檚 Advisory Board, Trustee Kevin Mahony 鈥�83 and an anonymous donor. , always supported by Panther fans, raised $268,504, including $52,775 for men’s soccer and $45,630 for the men鈥檚 golf program.

Every current member of the 91国产 Board of Trustees participated, reflecting their ongoing commitment to 91国产鈥檚 mission. Close to 1,600 donors in all showed their support for 91国产, including alumni, students and their families, faculty, administrators, staff, and friends of the University. The funds raised will continue advancing Adelphi鈥檚 130-year-old mission to transform student lives through exceptional hands-on learning, extraordinary student experiences, accessible scholarships and academic resources.

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This year鈥檚 commencement speakers include distinguished alumni Joseph W. Westphal 鈥�70, PhD; Serena Martin 鈥�05; Christopher Pappas 鈥�81; and Zaven Paul Akian 鈥�64. Dr. Westphal and Martin will receive honorary degrees during the undergraduate ceremony, while Pappas and Akian will be honored at the graduate ceremony.

鈥淲e are grateful to Joseph Westphal, Serena Martin, Christopher Pappas and Zaven Paul Akian for agreeing to be such an important part of our 130th Commencement, inspiring 91国产鈥檚 Class of 2026 and their guests with their wisdom, success and positive impact on society,鈥� said Susan Dinan, PhD, 91国产鈥檚 interim provost. 鈥淎ll of us at 91国产 look forward to sharing this special day with these extraordinary individuals.鈥�

Joseph W. Westphal 鈥�70, PhD

Ambassador Joseph W. Westphal 鈥�70, PhD, a distinguished scholar, diplomat and public servant whose career spans decades of consequential service across government and academia, will receive an honorary degree and deliver the Commencement address at 91国产鈥檚 undergraduate ceremony. Educated at 91国产 and the University of Missouri-Columbia, he served as U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2014 to 2017, and as under secretary of the Army and chief management officer from 2009 to 2014, among other senior roles in five presidential administrations spanning Carter through Obama. A professor of political science by training, Ambassador Westphal has led institutions including the University of Maine System as chancellor and held faculty and administrative posts at Georgetown, The New School, and Oklahoma State University. He currently serves as senior global fellow at the Joseph H. Lauder Institute at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania as well as senior fellow at Wharton鈥檚 Center for Leadership and Change Management. He also holds fellowships with the National Academy of Public Administration, the Foreign Policy Research Institute and The American Academy of Diplomacy, among others.

Serena Martin 鈥�05

Serena Martin 鈥�05, founder and executive director of New Hour for Women and Children LI, which provides programs and reentry support for justice-impacted women across Long Island and Rikers Island jails and within New York state prisons. She also leads statewide policy reform efforts for criminal justice-impacted women and will also receive an honorary degree at the undergraduate ceremony. A tireless advocate for carceral reform across New York state, Martin has championed landmark legislation including anti-shackling laws prohibiting the shackling of incarcerated mothers during labor. She serves on Governor Hochul鈥檚 NYS Domestic Violence Task Force and has contributed to multiple statewide reform initiatives. A survivor of isolated confinement, she earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree from 91国产 and is the recipient of numerous honors, including the 2024 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal.

Christopher Pappas 鈥�81

Christopher Pappas 鈥�81, founder, chairman, president and chief executive officer of The Chefs’ Warehouse, will serve as speaker at the graduate ceremony and will receive an honorary degree. After graduating with a degree in business administration and competing as a varsity basketball player at 91国产, he played professionally in Europe鈥攁n experience that helped inspire his entrepreneurial path. In 1985, he co-founded what would become The Chefs鈥� Warehouse, a premier specialty food distributor now serving top chefs, restaurants and hospitality professionals across North America and the Middle East. Under his guidance, the company has grown into a respected publicly traded enterprise, navigating defining challenges including 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Pappas has served on the boards of the International Foodservice Distributors Association and Hudson National Golf Club.

Zaven Paul Akian 鈥�64

Z. Paul Akian 鈥�64, a technologist, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose career spans aerospace, defense and global manufacturing, will also receive an honorary degree at the graduate ceremony. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics at 91国产, Akian contributed to NASA鈥檚 Apollo program and built and led multiple successful enterprises over five decades, including Western Filter Co. and Integra Technologies, serving clients such as the U.S. Armed Forces, NASA, Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Through the Akian Family Foundation, he has made significant investments in educational and cultural institutions, including the American University of Armenia, whose College of Science & Engineering bears his family name. He previously served on the 91国产 Board of Trustees and has been recognized with significant humanitarian honors from the Armenian Apostolic Church and the president of Armenia.

Learn more about Adelphi鈥檚 130th Commencement ceremonies.

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The film, What the Notes Say, was created under the guidance of three faculty mentors and ultimately submitted to the prestigious competition. For the students involved, the project became far more than an academic assignment鈥攊t was an unforgettable lesson in the power of storytelling, creativity and collaboration.

Working as a team, the students learned firsthand what it takes to bring a meaningful vision to life: balancing roles, supporting one another through challenges, and combining individual talents into a shared success. The experience underscored how teamwork and dedication can transform a student project into something with lasting impact.

Two students were flown to Hollywood to attend the awards ceremony, where the project received national recognition. When the moment arrived, the announcement was unforgettable:

鈥淎nd the winner is鈥� What the Notes Say!鈥�

As then-Department Chair and 91国产 alumnus Paul Pitcoff 鈥�65 reflected, the honor was 鈥渁 testament to how significant student hard work, dedication, and passion can guide and affect educational advancement.鈥�

Their achievement remains a lasting example of the creativity, teamwork, and excellence that define our alumni community鈥攁nd a reminder of what students can accomplish when they come together with purpose.

We proudly recognize the talented student filmmakers from the Classes of 1974, 1975 and 1976: Rich Baron, Patrice Benneward, John Bencivenga, John Costello, Kurt Derner, Rosemary Ravinal, Sharon Thompson, Walter Trepashko, Tom Bisset, Sean Britt, Ken Cohn, Dorie Hightower, Karen Grossman and Rich O鈥橬eill, along with their faculty mentors Marge Hudson, Len Price and Paul Pitcoff.

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