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

“We 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 Adelphi’s Class of 2026 and their guests with their wisdom, success and positive impact on society,” said Susan Dinan, PhD, Adelphi’s interim provost. “All of us at Adelphi look forward to sharing this special day with these extraordinary individuals.”

Joseph W. Westphal ’70, PhD

Ambassador Joseph W. Westphal ’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 Adelphi’s undergraduate ceremony. Educated at ������Ƶ 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’s 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 ’05

Serena Martin ’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’s NYS Domestic Violence Task Force and has contributed to multiple statewide reform initiatives. A survivor of isolated confinement, she earned her bachelor’s degree from ������Ƶ and is the recipient of numerous honors, including the 2024 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal.

Christopher Pappas ’81

Christopher Pappas ’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 Adelphi, he played professionally in Europe—an experience that helped inspire his entrepreneurial path. In 1985, he co-founded what would become The Chefs’ 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 ’64

Z. Paul Akian ’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 Adelphi, Akian contributed to NASA’s 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 ������Ƶ Board of Trustees and has been recognized with significant humanitarian honors from the Armenian Apostolic Church and the president of Armenia.

Learn more about ������Ƶ’s 130th Commencement ceremonies.

The post ������Ƶ Announces 2026 Commencement Speakers, Honorary Degree Recipients appeared first on ������Ƶ.

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 Adelphi 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.

The post Celebrating an Award-Winning Legacy in Film appeared first on ������Ƶ.

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 Adelphi’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.

The post A Magical Year for Alice Hoffman ’73, ’02 (Hon.) appeared first on ������Ƶ.

As a liberal arts student, Jordan developed the analytical discipline and critical thinking skills that prepared him for law school and a successful legal career that spanned decades, including 35 years in the healthcare industry. He retired in 2009 and has always credited Adelphi with providing the foundation for his success.

Mark W. Jordan ’63 shares a quiet moment with his granddaughter, reflecting the family values and future generations his philanthropy at Adelphi helps support.

Establishing a Scholarship for Honors College Students

In 2013, Jordan established the Mark W. Jordan Scholarship to support Honors College students with strong academic promise and demonstrated financial need. His goal was simple: to help students experience the same transformative opportunity he received—an Adelphi education supported by scholarship assistance that allows them to focus on learning, growth, and possibility.

Reflecting on his commitment, Jordan said, “The education I received at Adelphi shaped my career, my path, and my leadership. Giving back each year is one way I can help ensure students today have that same foundation for opportunity.”

Growing Impact Through the Momentum 2 Endowment Match Campaign

Jordan deepened that commitment in 2022 when he became the first donor to participate in Adelphi’s Momentum 2 Endowment Match Campaign. With a $25,000 pledge to grow his scholarship, his gift was matched by the University—immediately doubling its long-term impact for students. His early participation helped set the stage for more to follow.

As part of the University’s Momentum Campaign: Extraordinary Impact, the endowment match initiative has helped expand scholarship support and strengthen Adelphi’s long-term investment in student success. By the end of the campaign’s third year in 2025, it had generated $6.4 million, created 56 new endowed funds, and strengthened 38 existing ones.

Today, Jordan remains deeply engaged as a lifelong learner and educator, delivering lectures on subjects as varied as Shakespeare, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Sir Ernest Shackleton and the Mutiny on the Bounty at institutions including the University of California, Berkeley; Santa Clara University; the University of South Carolina; and California State University, East Bay, as well as the Walnut Creek Library Foundation, which he and his wife, Cindy, also support. They spend much of their free time traveling and have visited all seven continents.

Leadership Giving

Because his giving reflects the many ways philanthropy can take shape in support of Adelphi’s mission, Jordan is recognized in all four of Adelphi’s Leadership Recognition and Giving Societies (LEAD):

• the Levermore Leadership Society, recognizing annual giving of $1,000 or more,
• our Eighteen-Ninety-Six Roundtable Society, honoring lifetime giving totaling $100,000 or more,
• Adelphi’s Forever Gold Society, thanking alumni and friends whose estate plans or planned gifts include the University,
• and the Dedicated Panther Society, celebrating donors who give every year.

Across his endowed scholarship, annual giving, and planned gift, Jordan’s generosity will advance the priorities that shape our University’s future: scholarships, academic excellence, life-changing student experiences, a modern and beautiful campus, and a diverse and vibrant community. His story reflects the powerful cycle of philanthropy—students supported by Adelphi who later return to create opportunity for those who follow.

The post From Scholarship Student to Alumni Donor: Mark W. Jordan ’63 appeared first on ������Ƶ.

Art students not only learn how to paint, draw and sculpt—they also learn to think. “The art department prepares students to be creative problem solvers, and we give our art students a wide range of skills based in the studio arts as well as in design, digital art and technology,” said Kellyann Monaghan, professor and chair of the Department of Art and Art History.

Adelphi offers degrees to appeal to different areas of interest, including Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art and Design Education, and Art History. Students benefit from small classes led by successful artists, branding experts and seasoned educators, along with real-world experiences like internships, collaborative mural projects and career preparation courses. “We function like a small art and design school within the larger University,” Monaghan said. Students can develop skills in complementary fields like psychology, business and communications. This flexibility helps them tailor their career paths to their interests.

Those paths are broader than many people assume. Adelphi art alumni work as photographers, art directors, school educators, art therapists, and in many other fields. “Students don’t have to be starving artists,” Monaghan said. “There are lots of different ways for them to make a living in the world.”

Case in point: Meet several Adelphi alums who built a thriving career with their art degree.

Turn a Creative Vision Into a Thriving Agency

Carl Timpone ’08, Portrait, Editorial and Commercial Photographer and Partner at Visual Natives

Photographer graduated at the start of an economic recession. Jobs were scarce, but the creativity and independence Adelphi fostered helped prepare him to think outside the box. He began sneaking backstage at concerts to take photos of musicians, which quickly led to creating album artwork. “My job was just to listen to the music, listen to their lyrics and translate that into a visual form,” Timpone said.

As he gained experience and became more successful, he partnered with a graphic design graduate he met through the music scene and launched an agency——that is still in operation today. Their clients span record labels, the fashion industry, enterprise companies, and legacy artists like Stevie Nicks and Def Leppard. “What I enjoy most about my career at this point is the ability to think quickly and creatively and the human connections that I make with the subjects, even if it’s brief,” he said. And those subjects happen to be Hollywood’s biggest stars, from Cynthia Erivo to Timothée Chalamet, and music industry icons like Post Malone and Chappell Roan.

The post What Can You Do With an Art Degree? appeared first on ������Ƶ.

The Role of the New Board of Advisors

The newly formed Board of Advisors brings together alumni from a wide range of professional fields, creating a direct bridge between the College and today’s workforce. The board members will serve as advisors—sharing real-world insight into industry trends, new and evolving career opportunities, and how the College can better prepare and assist students—effectively positioning them for professional success. Through their experience and networks, the board will help advance the college’s academic mission, while opening doors to experiential learning, mentorship and philanthropic support.

“This board reflects the breadth, talent and impact of our alumni community,” said Dean Wang. “Their perspectives and experiences will help us ensure our programs remain relevant, inclusive and forward-looking, while keeping student success at the center of everything we do.”

Meet the College of Arts and Sciences Board of Advisors

The board of advisors was purposefully constituted to reflect the disciplinary, demographic and experiential diversity of ������Ƶ. The board currently consists of six professionals whose careers span STEM, education, law, medicine, the arts, public service and cybersecurity.

Katie Aragon ’09, MA ’22, earned a BFA in studio art and an MA in Art Education from ������Ƶ and is an art teacher at While at Adelphi, she was a member of the Honors College and served as a University tour guide. She later earned a master’s degree in museum education from the Bank Street College of Education and spent several years teaching in museum settings. Her work reflects a deep commitment to arts education and student engagement.

, a three-time ������Ƶ graduate, with a BS in computer science and mathematics, a master’s degree in mathematics, and a doctorate in mathematics, is a professor of computer science at Hunter College of the City University of New York. He was previously a senior member of the technical staff at the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute and CERT Research. He is an expert in computer and network security, cryptography, privacy and anonymity. He previously served as a senior security architect at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, has been published widely and has mentored students for more than 20 years.

, holds a BS in physics from ������Ƶ and a doctorate in engineering from Cornell University and is currently a technical program manager at Northrop Grumman. She is the co-founder of Career Factory 360, a career consulting and development company. A 10 Under 10 honoree, Dr. Grayson is a strategic engineering leader with more than a decade of experience managing cross-functional teams. She is also a global keynote speaker, bestselling author, and a passionate advocate for mentorship and representation in STEM fields.

Barry Gross ’68, JD, earned a BA in history from ������Ƶ and a JD from Albany Law School. He has practiced law for more than four decades, handling more than 1,250 cases during his career. Gross is a founding partner of and serves as a member of the Adelphi Panther Club Executive Board. His experience offers the college a perspective on legal practice, ethics and alumni engagement.

Joseph Lombardo ’75, MD-PhD, a retired physician with more than 30 years of experience in anatomic and clinical pathology, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from ������Ƶ and a MD-PhD from SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Board-certified, Dr. Lombardo served as chairman and laboratory director at several hospital-university medical centers. Among his many accomplishments, he established a full-service virology and STD laboratory at UMDNJ-NJ Medical Center (now the Rutgers School of Biomedical and Health Sciences) and identified the first case of HIV-2 in North America. Dr. Lombardo has numerous publications and has taught in medical schools both in the US and abroad.

, serves as dean of social sciences and humanities at De Anza College in Cupertino, California. He earned a bachelor of arts in political science in 2006 and master’s degree in the Scholars Teacher Education Program in 2007 at ������Ƶ. Dr. Ramos then furthered his education, obtaining a Doctor of Arts in history and education from St. John’s University. He will complete his second doctorate, a PhD in sustainability, from Prescott College in May 2026. A member of Adelphi’s 10 Under 10 young alumni recognition program, his research focuses on world poverty and sustainable development. Dr. Ramos’ leadership experience brings valuable insight into academic innovation and student-centered learning.

What’s Ahead

The board of advisors will meet twice annually and will work closely with Dean Wang to advance strategic priorities outlined in the College’s strategic plan. In the short term, the board will partner and support student research and experiential learning and career opportunities, as well as faculty interdisciplinary teaching and research. Looking ahead, the College plans to strategically grow the board, while maintaining its cohesiveness, to continue building a future-focused and preeminent institution of liberal arts and sciences where every student is promised a high-impact college education.

“This is just the beginning,” Dr. Wang said. “Our board of advisors represents a powerful partnership between alumni and the College—one that will help us prepare students not just for their first job, but for lifelong impact.”

The post College of Arts and Sciences Announces Inaugural Board of Advisors appeared first on ������Ƶ.

The Legacy of Bad Company

Recently, Bad Company returned to their old stomping grounds for a walk down memory lane. At the baseball diamond where Bergelt once played varsity, they admired the renovated clubhouse bearing a plaque in his honor and recalled watching games from their Linen Hall windows. They got to catch up with Danny McCabe, director of and the new head baseball coach Mike Gaffney, whose father, Bill, was Bergelt’s teammate in the ’70s.

Stories, laughs and jokes were traded among the friends—one about a “borrowed” bathrobe, another proudly claiming to be “31–1” over their four-year intramural basketball career. They marveled at the changes to campus, like the 76,000-square-foot Center for Recreation and Sports (CRS), which expanded and modernized the amenities of their cherished Woodruff Hall era.

Inside the CRS, Dennis, Neil, Tony and Steve posed by the and a plaque in honor of Bad Company. Made possible in 2018 through a generous gift from McDonagh, the fueling station is an essential stop for Adelphi’s 23 varsity teams, providing free recovery shakes and snacks to the student-athletes. Two graduate student-athlete leaders, (men’s basketball) and (volleyball), took a moment to personally thank McDonagh for his support of their success on the court and in the classroom.

The post Bad Company Returns to Adelphi appeared first on ������Ƶ.

Those grainy hallway videos were the first steps on a path that would eventually lead Molina to ������Ƶ’s dance program, gigs with Lil’ Kim, Yailin la Más Viral and other artists, appearances in multiple music videos, and a coveted spot as a featured dancer in a Bad Bunny music video—all while building a career as a teacher, choreographer and mentor for the next generation.

Building a Dance Career From Scratch

Molina’s earliest training didn’t come from studios or competitions. It came from family parties—festive Dominican gatherings that included fun, informal dance competitions for the kids—and from whatever dance videos she could find online. “My parents didn’t have enough money to take me to dance,” she said. “I started learning through YouTube videos.”

Formal training followed in middle and high school at the Bronx Dance Academy and then the Talent Unlimited High School in Manhattan. After school, she headed to the Martha Graham School’s Teens at Graham program, where she discovered modern dance and even performed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. For a while, she thought her future might be with a modern company like Martha Graham or on a Broadway stage.

Then she realized she didn’t want to choose between fine art and commercial work. She wanted to do all kinds of dance.

Finding Her Place in Adelphi’s Dance Program

When it came time for college, she chose Adelphi. “This is not only a school for dance, but it has so many different career paths and so many different majors and minors,” Molina said. “I wanted to be in a broader community and have friends who majored in other things.”

She enrolled in Adelphi’s dance program in 2019, focusing on ballet and modern—what is called “concert dance.” Teachers like Orion Duckstein, associate professor and chair of the dance department, and adjunct professor Jennifer Kreichman, saw something different in Molina—a student determined to keep one foot in the concert world and the other in the commercial dance scene.

While many classmates stayed on the traditional track, Molina commuted to Midtown Manhattan after her Adelphi classes to take hip-hop and urban dance classes. Her days were stacked: academic classes, technique, rehearsals, then the train ride into the city for more class—along with time to record and post on social media. “I was juggling everything at the same time,” she said. “But teachers like Orion and Jen gave me that space to embrace both my commercial side and concert side.”

Balancing Graduation With Dance Performances With Lil’ Kim

By the time Molina neared graduation in 2023, her résumé was already growing.

The first big-name artist she got to dance with was Lil’ Kim. Through connections she’d made in New York classes, a choreographer recommended her for a gig. Soon she was appearing in Lil’ Kim shows in Pennsylvania, Las Vegas and New York, “I was balancing graduating and then being on a flight the next day to perform with her in Vegas,” Molina said.

Then came a turn toward the Latin music world. She joined the team for Yailin la Más Viral, a Dominican artist gaining international attention. “We did our first mini tour that took us to Baltimore and Virginia.”

A Featured Dancer for Bad Bunny

For many dancers, performing with Bad Bunny is a dream. Molina’s chance came in late 2023, but it arrived wrapped in mystery. A friend who had performed with big names helped her get a job as a featured dancer/extra for a big club-scene video. The call sheet didn’t include the star’s name. “They just said, ‘It’s for this major artist. We can’t say who.”

Even when she got to the set—an abandoned warehouse in New York transformed into a huge, pulsing nightclub—no one said who the star was. The music she rehearsed to gave no clue, either.

After hours of practicing moves, the moment finally arrived. The star walked out.

“I was like, ‘Oh my God. Like, this is Bad Bunny in front of my face right now,’” Molina said. “I couldn’t believe it.”

It was an experience of a lifetime—and experience built on a lifetime of hallway practice, packed schedules and saying yes to every opportunity.

Inspiring New Directions in Adelphi’s Dance Program

Molina’s career isn’t limited to performing. Thanks in part to relationships forged at Adelphi—especially with Kreichman, who invited her to co-choreograph a piece for a concert at Adelphi—; works as a dance educator/teaching artist in New York public schools through the 92nd Street Y; choreographs for emerging artists; casts dancers; and does movement coaching to help performers develop stage presence and personal style.

She’s also watched Adelphi’s program evolve. “Because of people like Orion, now there’s more space for commercial dance at Adelphi,” Molina said. “I see jazz, I see hip-hop there.”

Using Her Adelphi Dance Degree as a Launch Pad

For students dreaming of a life in dance—or parents wondering if it’s a realistic career path—Molina points to three things that helped her succeed: versatility, authenticity and consistency.

“Never put yourself in a box,” she said. “Whatever you want to try, go for it. As long as you’re determined, remain a good person, remain true to yourself and are consistent, you can make it.”

She also stresses the importance of social media as both a portfolio and networking tool.

“Social media is the biggest form of networking,” Molina said. “I think the biggest reason I’ve been blessed to be booked by these people is because I’ve been able to show people my personality through my social media.”

The post From Dancing in Bronx Hallways to Performing with Bad Bunny: Frida Molina ’23 appeared first on ������Ƶ.