Inclusive Community & Connectivity | 91��

For New York Knicks Athletic Trainer Heather Mau ’11, the NBA Championship Was a Thrilling Reward for Years of Hard Work

cscala — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:40:37 +0000

The Knicks’ championship run was magical. What was it like for you?

As clichéd as it sounds, it was emotional and incredible for many reasons. After the final buzzer went off, I couldn’t help but think back to when I was a freshman in high school, when I knew I wanted to become an athletic trainer, and to my journey from 91�� as an exercise science major all the way to the ultimate mountaintop—an NBA championship. It also made me look back at the support my friends and family have given me. They know firsthand how many birthdays, weddings and major life moments that I have missed since I started working in the NBA in 2016, and they have been so gracious throughout the years. Reflecting on all of that made me immensely grateful.

Were you part of the ticker-tape parade?

I was! It was truly the most magical hour and a half of my life. To see hundreds and thousands of people along the route was insane and intense in the best way possible. From the people on the street, to the folks within the buildings releasing shredded paper from floors above, to workers in the rafters of construction sites and people climbing the street signs and lights, it was nothing that I have seen before! It was incredible, something that I will remember for a long, long time.

How did you celebrate the championship?

I celebrated with my co-workers and our significant others and families in the back of the locker room after the game. It was an incredible two-and-a-half-hour display of pure joy and it was amazing to celebrate that moment with your co-workers who went through the grind of the longest season in NBA history with you, and your loved ones who have also experienced all of the ups and downs of the season with you.

The players were obviously under a lot of pressure during the playoffs. Did the pressure grow for you in each round?

Not really, to be honest. During times of pressure, I like to lean on routine. This has remained the same since . Stick to your routine, expect the unexpected, remain calm during times of adversity and figure out a solution when problems arise, and everything will be fine. I focused on what I always do as a trainer—help manage player injuries, create and establish injury prevention plans for the players assigned to me, and assist in the day-to-day operations of the athletic training room.

You had a quick cameo appearance on TV that eagle-eyed viewers might have noticed during Game One of the Finals. Did you hear from people who saw you?

Yes I did [laughing]. All my friends and family from back home in Hawaii and along the East Coast texted me to let me know that they saw me. It put a smile on my face and reminds me of how lucky I am to have a great support system.

Tell us about your journey from 91�� to the Knicks. How did your experience as a trainer with the Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals help you this year?

My journey from 91�� to the Knicks has been a long one. After I graduated with an exercise science degree from 91�� [now within the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences], I went on to earn my master’s degree in athletic training from Division I schools in California.

I started my professional career in college athletics, which set the foundation of my athletic training skills and management. I then moved into professional basketball as the head athletic trainer for the Los Angeles Lakers’ minor league team, the Los Angeles D-Fenders/South Bay Lakers [now the Coachella Valley Lakers].

Three years later, I received my “call up” to the NBA in 2019 and started working for the Dallas Mavericks as the assistant athletic trainer. In my fifth year with the team, we ended up going to the NBA Finals. Sadly, we lost to the Boston Celtics in five games, but it was a very eye-opening experience. Getting so close but falling short of your goal fuels you to get to the Finals even more. And if you are lucky enough to get there, you know what to expect when it comes to the media madness and the heightened feeling in the locker room and arena; everything becomes a little more familiar and not so new to you.

I took that previous Finals experience and applied it this past season. I was able to help my co-workers and other players by letting them know what to expect when it came to the Finals. The schedule is different than in any other series, so having that previous experience truly helped me remain calm and focused.

This is something of an on-court interview kind of question, but what did winning an NBA championship mean to you?

Winning an NBA championship means to me the culmination of all of my hard work and sacrifice that I have put in over the last 13 years. You think back on the times where you weren’t making a lot of money, working 14 hours a day, seven days a week with no days off in sight for months, and you say to yourself, “It was all worth the struggle.” Because the feeling of winning an NBA championship is something that money can’t buy.

How did your degree in exercise science at 91�� prepare you for this experience?

It helped me understand the demands of the body during exercise and what it does physiologically, hormonally and scientifically to the individual or athlete. The part of exercise science that I truly enjoyed during my time at 91�� was learning about the heart, reading an ECG and being able to understand what is happening physiologically at the Human Performance Lab.

What would you say to other exercise science majors who are reading this article?

I would say to really explore the various career paths open to you while you’re majoring in exercise science and decide whether you will need to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate. From there, make sure you do your research on the programs that you want to apply to, paying attention to the connections or affiliations that professors have access to and may share with you. It is true what they say: “It’s all about who you know and sometimes not what you know” when entering the job market.

Most important, be true to yourself, and always do the right thing. I have learned that in life and in my career. If I make sure that I do the right thing, it usually results in fewer issues and better results.

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Leading the Arts: Landmark Donation Secures 91��’s Performing Arts Spotlight

tshah — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 18:07:32 +0000

When arts patron and friend of the University Lee Steinberg made her generous bequest to 91��, it not only strengthened the future of the Adelphi Performing Arts Center—it shone a spotlight on the vibrancy of the arts at 91��.

“Lee Steinberg’s legacy gift reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of the arts,” said Thomas Kline, EdD, vice president of University advancement and external relations. “Her generosity strengthens not only our facilities, but the student experiences and creative opportunities that define 91��’s performing arts community.”

The $1.77 million gift supports immediate physical improvements at the Center as well as permanent, flexible funding for its ongoing capital, programming and operational needs. In recognition of her extraordinary generosity, the University has named the center’s Recital Hall in her honor—the Lee Steinberg Recital Hall.

The hall is one of the five state-of-the-art venues at the Center, along with the 500-seat Westermann Stage at the Concert Hall, the Olmsted Theatre, the Dance Theatre and the Black Box Theatre.

Adelphi’s Rich History in Theatre

Adelphi’s theatre, dance and music programs have produced generations of artists, none more illustrious than Jonathan Larson ’82, the late Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and composer of the iconic Broadway musical Rent. Larson majored in acting at 91�� and began composing music for small student productions and cabarets, often writing about topics like AIDS, addiction and homophobia, which would later inform his renowned works.

“He came in like a spark plug,” said Nicholas Petron, MA ’70, retired professor and chair of the Department of Theatre. “My first impression was: ’Who is this guy?’ He was a firecracker.”

Larson’s legacy lives on at 91�� through the $2 million Jonathan Larson Scholarship endowment, established by a bequest from the Larson Family Trust and a matching grant from the University. The endowment supports four annual scholarships for theatre students.

In 2015, 91�� also launched the annual Larson Legacy Concert Series at Center to celebrate the next generation of musical theatre creators. It has featured performances by recipients of Jonathan Larson Grants from the American Theatre Wing and artists who’ve gone on to Broadway stardom, like Michael R. Jackson, who won a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award in 2021 for A Strange Loop.

Adelphi also hosts The Poole Family Broadway Series, generously sponsored by Mary Jane ’62 and Thomas Poole, which brings Broadway legends, cabaret stars and musical theater revues to the center.

Empowering the Next Generation of Excellence in Music and Dance

Theater isn’t alone at 91�� as a pacesetter for university arts departments. The University’s dance department became one of the first established at a college in the United States when it was founded in 1938 by one of the leading lights of modern dance, Ruth St. Denis. Since then, it has been home to many prominent faculty members, including , Paul Taylor, Norman Walker, Carmen de Lavallade, Jack Cole and Hanya Holm.

In the music department, Pulitzer Prize-winning and Grammy-nominated composer , has been a professor since the early 2000s, nurturing new generations of musical talent while continuing to produce critically acclaimed oratorios. He was honored as one of only five University Professors at 91�� in 2004.

“One of the great things about 91�� is that it supports its faculty in its research—in my case, its creativity,” Dr. Moravec said. “I’m eternally indebted to 91�� for facilitating all of the work that I’ve done in the 25 years that I’ve been here at 91��.”

A Donor’s Lifelong Commitment to the Arts in New York

Lee Steinberg’s gift, which was received from her estate in July 2025, reflected her wish to support arts programming and performance centers on Long Island as well as her lifetime commitment to cultural institutions throughout the greater New York region. Steinberg, who briefly served on 91��’s Performing Arts Council, died in 2021 at the age of 106 and was posthumously added as a member of 91��’s Million Dollar Roundtable, which recognizes our most generous donors, whose cumulative giving exceeds $1 million.

In accordance with Steinberg’s intent, the University has established two funds to support the Adelphi Performing Arts Center—the Lee Steinberg Performing Arts Center Capital Fund, for immediate physical improvements, and the Lee Steinberg Performing Arts Center Excellence Endowed Fund, to provide permanent, flexible support for the center’s ongoing capital, programming and operational needs. This generous gift reinforces 91��’s reputation as a preeminent leader in arts education and performance in our region.

Enhancements to Center will elevate the experience of student performers, faculty directors, guest artists and audience members. Several capital improvements have already been funded through an initial $500,000 allocation, including:

A comprehensive refresh of the Olmsted Theatre, featuring new lighting, audience seating, carpeting, acoustic panels and painting, as well as the installation of a new digital sound mixing console
Brighter lighting in the Center’s second-floor dance studios
New house lights and work lights in the Concert Hall

Beginning in 2027, annual distributions from the endowment will ensure that the spotlight never fades—empowering generations of future artists to push creative boundaries and inspire the world from 91��’s stages.

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Trustee Leonard C. Achan ’99, and Family Establish the Leonard Achan Family Interfaith Center as a “Beacon of Light for the 91�� Community”

tshah — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:14:36 +0000

Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam. For trustee and alumnus Leonard C. Achan ’99, who grew up in New York City surrounded by this rich tapestry of faiths, the creation of the Achan Family Interfaith Center “is all about family.”

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 91�� was like a spark of light,” he recalled. “I never thought I might go to college—and 91�� 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 master’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 91�� 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 91�� community.

“This donation is going to allow students to have deeper, more meaningful experiences with one another,” promised Michael Hoffner, coordinator of 91��’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 91�� Students

According to Achan his role as an 91�� 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 91�� provides. And he has committed himself to doing everything he can to help them realize their dreams.

“I feel blessed to give back to 91�� and blessed to have a career in helping people,” he admitted. “91�� 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 91��’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 91�� community to embrace differences, discover commonality, and celebrate and explore individual faith and purpose, the Leonard Achan Family Interfaith Center is doing just that.

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Reign Makers: 91�� Athletics Rules the Spring to Presidents Cup Glory

cscala — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:58:47 +0000

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

Adelphi’s three-peat marks the first such accomplishment by any institution since 2009–2012, pushing the Panthers’ all-time Cup total to seven, third-most in conference history. On top of that, 91�� also won the NE10 Founders Cup and Pioneers Cup as the best men’s and women’s programs, respectively. It is the second time 91�� has swept those trophies in the three years they have been awarded.

Most telling, however, is what the Brown and Gold have done in the modern era: Since 2012–2013, no program has been more dominant, with 91�� now claiming seven of the last 14 Presidents Cups.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

’26, who pushed the nationally fourth-ranked Emily Buchanan of Mississippi College to a first-set tiebreak in 91��’s debut at nationals, was named the ITA East Region Senior Player of the Year, adding to a decorated résumé that includes , , an NE10 Elite 24 Award and First Team NE10 All-Conference praise in both singles and doubles.

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

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

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

Softball’s Remarkable Resurrection

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

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

“Carv”-ing Up the Opposition

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

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

In doing so, Carver joined a short list of distinguished Cats to earn All-America recognition, following in the footsteps of T.J. Santiago ’17 (2017), Ed Baram ’19 (2019) and Dawson Montesa (2025) in bringing the conference’s top pitching honor back to 91�� for the second time in as many years.

A Rising Tide

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

The 91�� men’s and went a combined 17-0 against conference opponents, outscoring them 299-122. The women’s tennis team’s 12-0 regular season run complemented the men’s team, capturing three of the last four NE10 regular season championships.

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

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

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Making History, Breaking Barriers: 91��’s First Fulbright Scholar in Residence

ckatz — Mon, 11 May 2026 21:12:17 +0000

The is one of the most highly competitive and unique programs in higher education. Designed to promote cross-cultural understanding and global collaboration, this program allows U.S. colleges and universities to host a foreign scholar for a semester or full academic year to internationalize their campus and enrich the university community.

The residency of Dr. Banerjee, a distinguished management scholar and experienced academic leader, was sponsored by and affiliated with the prestigious Levermore Global Scholars program—a program for students interested in global study and leadership.

A Historic First for 91��

The opportunity to become a Fulbright Fellow was brought to Dr. Banerjee by Hanna Kim, PhD, professor and chair of the 91�� Department of Anthropology and co-director of the Museum Studies Program. While honored, he initially hesitated due to his commitments at Ashoka University, where he was overseeing the commissioning of a new management school. “I wasn’t sure if I could get away for a whole semester,” he explained.

With strong support from his colleagues, Dr. Banerjee ultimately accepted the opportunity, adding that his motivation was “to try and understand the shifting sands in higher education that the U.S. is living through.” He felt that these insights would inform ideas and strategies to help build world-class global institutions in India.

As the first Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence ever hosted by 91��, Dr. Banerjee’s appointment carries special significance. “It is a matter of great honor for me,” he said.

Advancing 91��’s Global Educational Initiatives

Dr. Banerjee was sponsored by and affiliated with the Levermore Global Scholars program and the College of Arts and Sciences. During his time here, he helped advance 91��’s global educational initiatives by collaborating with scholars and engaging with the campus and local community.

Throughout the semester, Dr. Banerjee delivered three different lectures to 91�� students and faculty.

Careers at the Edge of Change: Global Stories and Innovation in Emerging Markets provided insight into real-world business challenges, innovations and strategies.
From Classrooms to Ecosystems: Time for Higher Education to Evolve in the Global Innovation Economy dove into how university education, particularly American higher education, looks to adapt to the rapidly evolving needs of global realities.
Innovation Ecosystems Unlock Civilizational Potential: The Case of India explored how campuses, startups and cultural narratives transformed entrepreneurship for young Indians and why building impactful organizations is a powerful expression of ambition, purpose sand leadership in contemporary India.

By residing in an on-campus apartment and judging high school students at 91��’s annual Scholarship and Creative Works Conference, Dr. Banerjee gain firsthand insight into the American student experience.

A Distinguished Academic Leader From India

Born in Kolkata, in the state of West Bengal, India, Dr. Banerjee has led a distinguished academic career. He earned both a PhD in economics and marketing science and a master’s degree in economics from Purdue University, as well as a BS in economics and mathematics and statistics from St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata. From his 18-year tenure at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad to his transformative roles as dean at Ahmedabad and Shiv Nadar universities—where he pioneered industry-academia collaborations—Dr. Banerjee has consistently elevated educational standards. He is currently the head of the Havells School of Management and Leadership at Ashoka University.

India and 91��: Deep Ties and Collaboration

Although his semester at 91�� is over, Dr. Banerjee sees significant potential for further collaboration between 91�� and institutions in India. He highlighted India’s growing importance in global higher education, fueled by a burgeoning student population eager to learn. “India has been the largest source of international students for 91��,” he observed, indicating that this creates a strong foundation for strategic partnerships. He also noted that Adelphi’s prime location in New York, combined with its thoughtfully designed and cost-effective programs, means that Indian student interest will only continue to expand.

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Opening Doors to Healthcare Careers on Long Island

cscala — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:33:45 +0000

This spring marks a milestone for communities across Long Island. The initial participants in two grant-funded programs implemented through the 91�� College of Professional and Continuing Studies are nearing completion of their certification courses.

“We partner with community groups that directly service community members as a way to provide opportunities for upward mobility for folks to get access and entry into careers that offer a livable wage,” says Sandra Castro, PhD, senior associate dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies at 91��.

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

Preparing Hempstead Adults for In-Demand Healthcare Roles

Students practicing phlebotomy techniques through 91��’s partnership with Hempstead Schools Adult Education.

When 91�� launched a partnership with and in late 2025, the response from the community was immediate. To identify and enroll students, the program turned to Hempstead Union Free School District’s Adult and Community Education Program, and demand quickly outpaced expectations. “We started with one cohort, and then about six weeks later, another cohort—and people are still calling to enroll,” says , director of adult and community education at Hempstead Union Free School District.

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

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

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

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

Supporting Formerly Incarcerated Women on the Path to Healthcare Careers

Women re-entering the workforce are learning skills to make them workforce-ready via 91��’s partnership with New Hour for Women and Children LI.

This May, the first student cohort will graduate from Empowerment Through Employment: 91�� and health careers program. Funded by a grant from , this program benefits formerly incarcerated women through New Hour For Women and Children LI’s network of community programs and support services. “Three out of four are moms, so we recognize that the need for higher education and licensure is really critical to creating a safe stable home and economic stability,” says Serena Martin ’05, founder and executive director of New Hour For Women and Children LI.

The program connects women to 91��’s professional certification courses to prepare New Hour For Women and Children LI members for in-demand healthcare careers such as clinical medical assistants, , , , and more. The grant also provided women with laptops and the software they need to complete their certification. “A lot of funders and higher education folks underestimate the cost for returning students who are living paycheck to paycheck,” Martin says.

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

To ensure success after graduation, 91�� provides support with résumé-building assistance, career counseling, interview preparation and job search assistance, individual counseling, and externship placement. Students also receive biweekly check-ins, in-person lunches with 91�� staff and a dedicated case manager.

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

Funding currently covers two cohorts over two years. The next will start in June with another group of women. Interest in the program has been strong since the launch—there’s already a waitlist for the next cohort—and New Hour For Women and Children LI and 91�� are actively seeking funding for additional cohorts in the future.

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

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When Life Doesn’t Pause for School: Caring for Caregivers Scholarships Help Students Complete Degrees

cscala — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:34:14 +0000

Recognizing these challenges, 91�� is taking aim at solutions that can help students earn their degrees while caring for children or elder family members. Whether that means starting school for the first time or returning to complete their education, the Caring for Caregivers scholarship aims to offer nontraditional students support while they earn their degree.

The scholarship, awarded by the Adelphi College of Professional and Continuing Studies (CPCS), strives to provide support for adult students of any kind. Sandra Castro, PhD, senior associate dean of CPCS, highlights the variety of students the scholarship helps. “We have a whole generation of students that are caring for siblings, parents, relatives. 91�� says ‘We see you’ and we want to support you in making your academic career,” she said.

The Caring for Caregivers scholarship has recently expanded from students in CPCS to any student at 91��. “I was floored by how many applications we received,” said Dr. Castro. The growing number of applicants highlights the importance of providing assistance to students who are parents or caregivers at 91��, and how impactful more family-friendly policies could be on campus.

Meet the Awardees

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

Fellow scholarship winner Jquan Collins said of his role as a caregiver, “I take pride in being dependable. To me, being a caregiver is not just about big moments, but also about the everyday effort, patience and responsibility that comes with putting others first.” Collins, who is studying business administration, said the motivation to attend 91�� came from a desire to open doors both professionally and personally. Becoming a father strengthened that motivation. “I want to set an example of hard work, discipline and perseverance for my children,” he said.

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

The Impact of the Scholarship

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

This scholarship is made possible by the Women’s Giving Circle, a group whose collective philanthropy celebrates, promotes and supports 91�� and its students, faculty and programs. “They’ve supported us the last four years in the different iterations of the scholarship,” said Dr. Castro. The Women’s Giving Circle, funded by member donations, is run by a team of volunteers who work to make it possible to provide financial aid to students. It’s through their continued support that students like Friday can keep taking care of the ones they love.

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

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Celebrating an Award-Winning Legacy in Film

ckatz — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:58:18 +0000

More than 50 years ago, in the early 1970s, a dedicated group of students in Adelphi’s Communication Department came together to produce a documentary highlighting Philadelphia’s Settlement Music School, an organization committed to helping disadvantaged young people thrive through the power of music.

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

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

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

“And the winner is… What the Notes Say!”

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

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

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

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Change Makers: Social Work Alumni Who Turned Passion Into Purpose

ahassan — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:50:05 +0000

She went on to acting school after graduation but, as a former foster child, she was always drawn to helping kids. In 2016, she combined her passions by creating , a nonprofit with chapters in New York and Atlanta, Georgia, that helps children heal from trauma through performance-based practice, turning their experiences into plays, films and photography.

Centeno isn’t alone in using her 91�� social work experience to create an organization outside the clinic, and the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is a key ingredient in their process. One of the nation’s highest-ranked social work programs, the 91�� MSW infuses human rights, racial justice and anti-oppressive practices throughout its curriculum, which includes classes focused on using law and legislation to promote policy change. A social action initiative each spring works with area nonprofits in antiracist and criminal justice advocacy work—perhaps serving as an inspiration to alumni who end up creating their own paths.

Healing Trauma Through The Arts

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

Centeno cites 91��’s program as a formative part of her career. When taking acting classes, she realized that performance wasn’t all that different from group therapy. “Acting is responding to something that is not real, so you have to tap into your emotions to get there,” she said. At the same time, foster children are often deeply skeptical of traditional therapy, worried their words will be used against them or their family. The performance-based practice, Centeno said, can help them overcome mistrust by recognizing that others feel the same way they do, and working together to produce a creative project.

“I remember one girl who wouldn’t speak to anyone when she first came in, but by the end of the program, she would not be quiet,” said Centeno. The proof is in the numbers: Foster Care Unplugged has a 93 percent retention rate—a level virtually unheard of in foster care programs—and surveys have found a rise in self-esteem of 23 percent after the 12-week program. In leading the program, Centeno draws upon the hands-on training she got at 91��. “So many classes weren’t just ‘read this text, write this paper,’” she said; rather, they put students in the shoes of clients through journaling and other experiential activities to develop empathy. “They taught me to actually live out the journey of the clients I was about to serve.”

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

Expanding Breast Cancer Education

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

Founding Hope for Pink in 2024 has further expanded Jean’s mission to advocate for policy changes on a higher level to expand treatment for underserved populations. At 91��, she took courses in political social work, and attended a certificate program at

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

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

Music in Dementia Care

Dan Cohen, MSW ’78, similarly focused on the political aspects of social work during his time at 91��. “My goal was not to be a counselor or do clinical social work, but more about what systems I might be able to help change,” he said. After earning his degree, his life took a detour into the technology field for four decades, but he always remained interested in social justice. When he heard about a new device called the iPod in 2006, he began volunteering in nursing homes, setting up elderly residents with music from their youth. He was amazed at the results. “You could have residents who were out of it for weeks or months, and then all of a sudden they spring to life,” he said.

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

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

As wonderful as music can be as a treatment, Cohen said, it struggles for recognition amid the deep-pocketed advertising budgets of pharmaceutical companies. He has since started a new organization, , to advocate on an international level, raising awareness and seeking to change policies to facilitate the introduction of music in gerontological settings. Among other endeavors, he’s been involved in work through the to expand access to music in care settings around the world, as well as efforts to free up money from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to devote to music and dementia efforts in the United States. “At 91��, I found some smart, passionate people who helped me focus my own skill set and understand a bit more about the paths to systems change,” he said. “My social work degree certainly laid the foundation for me to move confidently as I now try to make change.”

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

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A Magical Year for Alice Hoffman ’73, ’02 (Hon.)

cscala — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:19:31 +0000

It has been more than 30 years since Alice Hoffman introduced the Owens sisters to the world in her magical realism novel Practical Magic, but for the 1973 graduate of 91��, who received her degree in English from 91��’s College of Arts and Sciences, the magic just keeps getting stronger. As the literary community prepares for the third annual Writers & Readers Festival at 91��’s Garden City campus on April 15 to 17, Hoffman is at the center of a creative whirlwind that spans the page, the stage and the silver screen.

From launching a new trilogy set in the 1950s, to bringing Practical Magic to Broadway with help from a musical icon, Hoffman is proving that her storytelling is as potent as ever.

A Return to Her Roots

Founded by Hoffman herself two years ago, the Writers & Readers Festival returns to 91��’s Garden City campus from April 15–17. The event has become a staple of the New York literary scene, and this year’s lineup is no exception.

Hoffman will headline a keynote conversation with fellow No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult, focusing on the resilience of storytelling in an era of increasing book bans. She is also set to appear in a discussion of the writer-editor relationship alongside novelist Jessica Knoll and Scribner Books publisher Marysue Rucci.

Practical Magic 2, the Movie Sequel 27 Years in the Making

The phrase “midnight margaritas” is trending once again. Production has officially moved into the final stages for Practical Magic 2, scheduled to hit theaters nationwide on September 11. The film serves as a generational bridge, reuniting the iconic “aunts”—Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest—with stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. While the plot remains largely under wraps, it is confirmed to be inspired by Hoffman’s 2021 novel, The Book of Magic. Newcomers like Joey King, Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams and The Hobbit trilogy star Lee Pace join the coven, promising a sequel that explores the legacy of the Owens curse for a new era.

Published in 1995, Practical Magic was the basis for the 1998 film adaptation starring Kidman and Bullock as sisters descended from a long line of witches. The film became a cult classic, a supernatural drama blending romance with a story of sisterly bonds. The book went on to spawn a media franchise of the same name, which in addition to the film includes a 2004 television pilot (Sudbury), two prequels—2017’s The Rules of Magic and 2020’s Magic Lessons—and a sequel, 2021’s The Book of Magic.

From Page to Stage: The Practical Magic Musical

The most surprising development in the Hoffman universe is the leap to the theater. A stage musical adaptation of Practical Magic is currently in development. In a powerhouse collaboration, Hoffman is writing a book/script for the stage with playwright Peter Duchan (Dogfight), while 10-time Grammy winner Norah Jones will provide the music and lyrics in a collaboration with Grammy-nominated record producer Gregg Wattenberg. The project marks the first stage musical by Jones.

“This story of love and sisterhood is meant for the theater. Music is the heart and soul of Practical Magic,” Hoffman said of the project. “You can hear it as you read the book, even though it isn’t there. Now you will finally hear the story as I always imagined it. You will hear magic.”

Celebrating a Different Kind of Magic

Amid the witches and Broadway lights, Hoffman has also found time for a more personal project. She recently edited a new anthology titled The Best Dog in the World: Essays on Love.

The collection features 14 celebrated authors—including Isabel Allende, Amy Tan, Roxane Gay and Bonnie Garmus—sharing stories of the canine companions that changed their lives. Hoffman will discuss the collection at the April festival, offering a “love letter” to the loyal animal friends who teach us about empathy and unconditional love.

A New Era of Witchcraft

Hoffman is already inviting readers back into the world of the supernatural. Her latest novel, The Witches of Cambridge, is slated for release on September 8.

The book, which kick-starts a new trilogy, was inspired by Hoffman’s own recent academic pursuits. Set on a college campus in the 1950s, the story follows two students, Ava and Lauren, who find refuge from the shadows of McCarthyism within a secret society of witches. Early praise from authors like Leigh Bardugo describes the work as “rich with history, heartbreak, and magic.”

“I went back to school and what began as my term paper ended up as a novel about witches, love, magic, sorrow, betrayal, sisterhood and best friends,” Hoffman said.

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