Featured Stories
Ashley Willoughby ’19 and Daniel Hernandez ’18
Ashley and Danny鈥檚 story began on Adelphi鈥檚 campus, where Greek Life events and mutual friends kept placing them in the same orbit. What started as casual run鈥慽ns at Student Activities Board programs soon grew into something more鈥攅asy conversations, shared laughter, and a connection that felt increasingly meaningful.
Some of their favorite memories were made right in the heart of campus. Danny still recalls Ashley doubled over laughing as he attempted to conquer the mechanical bull at Pantherfest鈥攁 moment that sparked a tradition they鈥檝e kept alive by returning every year. Ashley鈥檚 favorite memories were quieter: standing beside Danny at Spirit Weekend鈥檚 Casino Night, learning Blackjack from him and turning it into their own annual ritual.
Their relationship grew steadily and intentionally. They took their time, learned each other鈥檚 rhythms, and built a foundation rooted in communication and patience. That slow, thoughtful beginning shaped everything that came after.
After graduating鈥擜shley in 2019 and Danny in 2018鈥攖heir paths continued to unfold in meaningful ways. Ashley earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Touro University in 2022 and now works as a Physical Therapist at Professional Physical Therapy. Danny completed his service with the Marines and now serves as an accountant for Building Homes for Heroes, a veteran nonprofit in Island Park.
Together, they鈥檝e embraced adventure and new traditions. They got engaged on August 16, 2025鈥攔eturning to Adelphi for their engagement photos鈥攁nd are joyfully planning their August 14, 2027 wedding. They discovered a shared love of running and completed their first NYC Half Marathon side by side. Their travels have taken them from Aruba to Vermont to Disney (Danny鈥檚 first time), and they鈥檙e excited to explore Iceland this fall. And since 2017, they鈥檝e kept one of their favorite traditions alive: visiting the Jones Beach Christmas Light Show every year.
Looking ahead, they picture a life filled with love, dogs, future children, and a home that feels like their dream. They hope to keep traveling the world and collecting memories as bright as the ones they made at Adelphi.
Their advice to current students is simple but powerful: take it slow. In a fast鈥憄aced world, they found strength in patience鈥攇etting to know each other deeply before taking the next step. It allowed them to grow individually and together, and to truly enjoy the life they鈥檙e building.
Harris and Olivia with the panther on graduation day, May 2019; Bottom: On their wedding day; Announcing their newest adventure- their first child
Harris Cherpelis ’19, Olivia Minogue Cherpelis ’19, MA ’22
Harris and Olivia’s story began at Adelphi, long before either of them realized how much those first days would shape their lives. They met during freshman orientation鈥擥roup 7鈥攁nd while they chatted here and there, something clicked a little deeper at a soccer game during the first week of classes. From that moment on, they kept finding themselves in each other鈥檚 orbit: Greek life events, shifts at Campus Recreation, Olivia leading group fitness classes, and Harris working in Rec. What started as an easy friendship slowly grew into something neither of them wanted to ignore.
After ten years of dating, they married on October 11, 2025. Since graduating from Adelphi, Harris has completed PT school, and Olivia has been building her career in Dance Education, working toward tenure in the South Huntington School District. Now they鈥檙e preparing for their biggest adventure yet鈥攖heir first child, arriving July 2026.
Their advice to current students is simple: go for it. Don鈥檛 let fear of 鈥渞uining a friendship鈥� keep you from something real. Let your guard down, be yourself, and trust the timing.
As for the years ahead, they picture a life filled with growth, love, and plenty of time spent lifting together鈥攋ust like they did on their very first date at the Adelphi gym.