茄子视频鈥檚 Class of 2026 crossed the stage at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, in two commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 21. Surrounded by family and friends, Adelphi undergraduate and graduate students from all eight of the University鈥檚 schools and colleges celebrated their milestones and achievements.
The Class of 2026 by the Numbers
This year, more than 2,100 Adelphi graduates received degrees at the Commencement ceremonies. Most graduates were from the University鈥檚 College of Nursing and Public Health and the School of Social Work.
Adelphi鈥檚 Class of 2026 represented 60 countries and 29 states, with 1,803 hailing from the State of New York. This year, the graduates ranged from 18 to 73 years old.
On Wednesday, May 19, 54 doctorate degrees were conferred at the Doctoral Hooding ceremony at the 茄子视频 Performing Arts Center (PAC).
Adelphi Leaders Impart Words of Wisdom for Class of 2026
Adelphi’s Interim President Christopher Storm, PhD, addressing the Class of 2026 at the 130th commencement ceremonies.
Christopher Storm, PhD, who has served as Adelphi鈥檚 interim president for the past academic year, addressed the Class of 2026, reminding them that their Adelphi education has prepared them to meet the challenges of the future:
鈥淓arning a college degree is no small feat鈥攊t requires perseverance, resilience and dedication. Each of our graduates here today has shown that and more on their Adelphi journey, and I hope you leave feeling empowered by what you鈥檙e capable of achieving.”
Representatives from the Class of 2026 also shared personal stories and inspiration with fellow graduates from the podium.
Undergraduate Student Government Association President Hussein Ali Rifath walking to the commencement stage.
鈥淥ur story has been one of hard work, grit and determination each and every step of the way,鈥� said undergraduate Hussein Ali Rifath, Adelphi Student Government Association president. 鈥淏ut ultimately, those experiences have touched our lives. My friends, the road that lies ahead is one of hope. It鈥檚 shaped by dreams that lie deep within each and every one of us.鈥�
Emily Ledesma 鈥�25, president of the Graduate Student Council, spoke about how Adelphi鈥檚 inclusivity helped her feel seen and supported.
鈥淚 wish that I could tell first-year Emily that things would be different for a change, and that Adelphi would become more than a university; it would become a place where I felt seen, supported and accepted just as I was, and become a place that I consider a second home, one that is so hard to say goodbye to.鈥�
Joseph W. Westphal 鈥�70, PhD, former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia receiving an honorary degree at Adelphi’s 130th undergraduate ceremony.
During this year鈥檚 Commencement ceremonies, four honorary degrees were awarded to accomplished, inspiring alumni whose work is closely tied to Adelphi鈥檚 mission. Honorees included: Joseph W. Westphal 鈥�70, PhD, former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Serena Martin 鈥�05, founder and executive director of ; Christopher Pappas 鈥�81, a first-generation student who became founder, chairman, president and chief executive officer of ; and Z. Paul Akian 鈥�64, a technologist, entrepreneur and philanthropist who contributed to NASA鈥檚 Apollo Program.
Ambassador Westphal shared, 鈥淭he world does not need more spectators. It needs participants, people willing to engage and work hard and lead and stand for something meaningful. May you have the courage to begin, the strength to continue and the wisdom to enjoy the journey.鈥�
In Pappas鈥� address to the Class of 2026, he encouraged the graduates to strive for excellence. 鈥淲hatever path you choose, do not settle for ordinary. When a door closest, look for the next door, and when it opens, run through it. Today, you mastered your courses. Now go master life.鈥�
President-Elect Michael Balboni ’81, JD, speaking to Adelphi’s Class of 2026 at the 130th commencement ceremonies.
President-Elect Michael Balboni 鈥�81, JD, Adelphi鈥檚 first alumni president, addressed fellow Panthers at the ceremonies, asking them to stay the course and embrace challenges.
鈥淵ou have to embrace what you鈥檝e been given. Recognize it鈥檚 not always going to be a straight line to where you want to go or where you鈥檙e going to wind up. This University will be here for you. Go get 鈥檈m!鈥�
Learn more about 茄子视频鈥檚 130th Commencement.