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 Adelphi 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, 每日大赛 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 每日大赛 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 Adelphi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 Adelphi, 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 每日大赛. 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 每日大赛 Board of Trustees.

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Despite these impressive and lofty titles, Balboni has made himself accessible to the Adelphi community. And nowhere is this more evident than his TikTok series, Coffee With the Chair From a Chair. Although it was discontinued after Balboni鈥檚 ascension to president, this series offers a glimpse at a president who鈥檚 willing to listen to his students, hear their stories and share his own.

Creating a Series for TikTok

TikTok is currently one of the most popular platforms across social media. According to , approximately 63 to 68 percent of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 use TikTok, with one in five reporting that they use the app 鈥渁lmost constantly.鈥� 每日大赛 initially lacked a strong TikTok strategy, viewing it as just another hosting platform like YouTube. It was Adelphi鈥檚 board of trustees who recognized the missed opportunity of using this platform to engage with young people and prospective Adelphi students. Creating TikToks suddenly became a top priority for the University.

The board tasked the Office of University Communications and Marketing with producing TikTok content to share the Adelphi story with young people. In the end, the board chair himself, Michael A.L. Balboni, became directly involved in the project. He agreed to a refreshingly simple concept: unscripted, unrehearsed conversations with students over coffee. With near zero production costs and maximum authenticity, the series Coffee With the Chair From a Chair was born.

Each video featured Balboni chatting comfortably one-to-one with a different Adelphi student at the campus Starbucks. featured Adelphi ’26, a political science major who is now a business graduate student. She discussed her rigorous schedule and her favorite memories at Adelphi.

“Having the opportunity to sit down with then-chairman of the board Michael Balboni and be interviewed for the series was a really unique experience. It made University leadership feel much more connected to the student body, and when I learned he would become Adelphi鈥檚 next president, I genuinely felt like the University was heading in the right direction,” said Munayirji. The video quickly garnered more than 2,500 views.

featured finance major Jerry Iavarone, who talked about his Greek life friends at Adelphi and his family-owned gourmet Italian food market, . Iavarone’s is a favorite spot for many Adelphi students, including, as it turns out, Balboni himself鈥攚ho remembered going there as an Adelphi student.

鈥淚 was nervous at first because I didn鈥檛 know what to expect or if I needed to give specific answers to the questions. A few seconds in, I realized the interview was going to be a fun experience after Mr. Balboni brought up Iavarone Bros.”

This video amassed more than 10,000 views, making it Adelphi鈥檚 top-viewed TikTok at the time.

“I didn鈥檛 expect the video to take off like it did,鈥� said Iavarone.

Winning the Circle of Excellence Award

The execution and success of Coffee With the Chair From a Chair earned Balboni鈥檚 TikTok series an award nomination from the , a prestigious and global nonprofit association for educational institutions. Coffee With the Chair From a Chair wound up , bronze level, in the Communications/Digital Campaigns (Student-oriented) category. The CASE judges noted, 鈥淭he concept behind this campaign was great for student engagement, and we were impressed by what they accomplished without adding any extra resources and by getting their board chair to participate.鈥�

鈥淭his is a huge honor for our creative team, but it鈥檚 also a testament to how impressive our students are,鈥� said Balboni. 鈥淭he confidence and professionalism they have developed at Adelphi, as well as their natural charisma, truly shined in these videos. I had a great time discussing their favorite campus experiences, and I know their future is bright.鈥� Although , this particular victory highlights the University鈥檚 success with executing a TikTok strategy鈥攁nd it also marks a major win for Balboni as he begins his role as president of the University.

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I write to you today with a profound sense of gratitude, excitement and humility. It is the honor of a lifetime to be selected as the 11th president of 每日大赛. I want to extend my deepest thanks to the 每日大赛 Board of Trustees, Acting Chair William Fuessler and the Presidential Search Committee for their rigorous work and their confidence in me.

每日大赛 has been a central part of my whole life. When I graduated from Garden City High School, I attended my prom at the Ruth S. Harley University Center. I received my undergraduate degree in biology from Adelphi in 1981. It was during my studies in political science that I developed my interest in government and decided to go to law school.

After graduating from law school, I won a seat in the New York State Assembly, and my district included the Adelphi campus. During my interactions with the University, I reconnected with the late Professor Regina Axelrod, PhD, who encouraged me to join the adjunct faculty in the Department of Political Science.

After serving seven years in the State Assembly, I ran for and won a special election for the State Senate, and during that time I continued to teach at Adelphi. I was teaching on the tragic morning of 9/11 and was the first person to tell my students that our nation was under attack, linking me with them in perpetuity. I went on to chair the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs. My first public speech on homeland security was delivered at the Angello Alumni House at Adelphi.

My family鈥檚 roots here run deep. With a family legacy that includes my uncle, two sisters, my nephew and my daughter, Olivia (Class of 2015), I know firsthand the transformative power of an Adelphi education across generations.

It is a profound honor and privilege to be given the opportunity to help shape our University鈥檚 future. I will work tirelessly to understand the complexities of the education we provide and to engage the essential constituencies to build a consensus on how we design the University for tomorrow鈥檚 students.

I am incredibly optimistic about the future, especially because of the 鈥渄ual-engine鈥� leadership team we are building. The absolute heart of Adelphi is our academic mission and our exceptional faculty. I am thrilled to partner closely with Dr. Chris Storm in his new role as senior executive vice president of academic affairs and provost. His continued academic leadership will ensure that our curriculum, research and student success flourish while I focus on our external growth. I also want to personally thank Dr. Storm for his steadfast and expert guidance as interim president this past year.

Most importantly, as I prepare to officially step into this role, my immediate priority is to listen. In the coming weeks and months, I will be embarking on an outreach tour across campus to hear your insights, understand your priorities and needs, and collaborate on our shared vision. Whether you are a student, a faculty member, a staff member, a parent or an alumnus, your voice is essential to our success.

Adelphi gave me the foundation I needed to reach for new goals. I am so proud to be given the chance to give back and help lead this extraordinary community into its next chapter.

Thank you all for this incredible opportunity and for welcoming me home.

In Panther Pride,

Michael A.L. Balboni 鈥�81, JD
President

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This year, more than 2,100 Adelphi graduates participated in 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 每日大赛 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 每日大赛鈥檚 130th Commencement.

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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 Adelphi campus remains a vibrant, inclusive environment for all students and faculty to thrive in.

In tandem with this announcement, Adelphi鈥檚 board named Christopher K. Storm Jr., PhD, who has served as Adelphi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, Adelphi 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 Adelphi 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 Adelphi, 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 Adelphi.鈥�

Balboni assumes leadership at a time of remarkable advancement and financial strength for Adelphi. 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, Adelphi 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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As we open our doors for Spring 2026, I hope you are feeling rejuvenated and ready for a great semester ahead. Whether you are returning to campus, joining us for the first time or logging in online, welcome to Adelphi!

Over the next few months, I encourage you to take advantage of everything Adelphi has to offer and maximize your time here. Be exceptional in your studies and your work. Be supportive of your classmates and colleagues. Be involved in community service, clubs and activities. And above all, be open to new perspectives and opportunities.

The spring includes some of Adelphi鈥檚 signature events, from the Women鈥檚 Leadership Conference in March to the Writers & Readers Festival and the Scholarship and Creative Works Conference in April. The Performing Arts Center has a full slate of fantastic student and guest performances, the SPARK Center is expanding student research projects, and the Innovation Center is your hub for exploring new ideas and technology. Our also need our enthusiastic support as they strive for more championships and a third straight NE10 Presidents Cup.

The more you engage in the Adelphi community, the more you will see its true impact. Remember the critical role that higher education plays in our society, and that we are cultivating the future right here on our campus through inquiry and dialogue. I can鈥檛 wait to see what we will accomplish together to make our world brighter.

Have a successful semester, and don鈥檛 hesitate to contact my office with any questions or say hello when you see me.

Onwards and upwards,

Chris Storm, PhD
Interim President

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Nearly 400 Adelphi students currently rely on federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to meet their basic food needs. With reports that these benefits could be halted as soon as November 1 due to the , many in our community may soon face serious food insecurity.

We also know of 25 students whose homes have been affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and Haiti. Our Division of Student Affairs is reaching out directly to offer assistance, and these students will likewise benefit from our support resources.

At Adelphi, we believe food insecurity should never stand in the way of student success or Adelphi鈥檚 mission to transform lives. To prepare and respond, we are taking proactive steps by:

Our community may also support the expanded operations of our Panther Pantry in a few ways:

• Make a .
• Donate nonperishable food, personal care and household items. Donations can be brought to the Center for Student and Community Engagement office in the University Center, Room 123, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Volunteer to assist with pantry operations, food distribution or outreach. To volunteer, email divisionofstudentaffairs@adelphi.edu.
• Help spread the word to ensure every Panther knows this resource is here for them.

Even if SNAP is preserved through last-minute emergency funding by government entities, we see this as a call to action to do all we can to reduce food insecurity, which should never stand in the way of student success or Adelphi鈥檚 mission to transform lives. Together, our caring, connected community acts with compassion and purpose when they are needed the most. This is the heart of Adelphi.

With gratitude,

Chris Storm, PhD, Interim President, with Executive Leadership:

Susan Dinan, PhD, Interim Provost
R. Sentwali Bakari, PhD, Vice President for Student Affairs and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Carol Ann Boyle, MBA 鈥�17, Vice President of Infrastructure, Technology and Safety
Thomas Kline, EdD, Vice President of University Advancement and External Relations
Michael Rhattigan, Vice President of Finance

How You Can Help

• Give to the
• Volunteer at the pantry: email divisionofstudentaffairs@adelphi.edu
• Donate nonperishable items to the pantry at the Center for Student and Community Engagement, University Center, Room 123, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

How You Can Get Help

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According to , Adelphi鈥檚 next president will be asked 鈥渢o lead with strategic vision, passion, and optimism and serve as a tireless advocate for the University鈥檚 mission and its students, staff, and faculty.鈥� Adelphi’s mission is to transform lives through intellectual rigor, creativity, research, and deep community engagement across the arts and humanities, STEM and social sciences, and health and wellness. Rooted in tradition and boldly focused on the future, Adelphi is poised for its next era of innovation, growth, and success.

, posted nationally by higher education search firm DSG/Storbeck, highlights Adelphi鈥檚 six core values:

1. Academic excellence
2. Community and collaboration
3. Creativity and Innovation
4. Global awareness and diversity
5. Respect for the individual
6. Truth and integrity

The document also emphasizes Adelphi鈥檚 commitment to student success, noting 鈥渟mall classes, first-class faculty, and an award-winning commitment to student success and mobility.鈥� This approach allows Adelphi to successfully blend the experiences, resources, and opportunities of a major university with the personalized feel of a small college.

Adelphi is committed to full transparency throughout the presidential search process, and updates will be shared on the Presidential Search website.

Review of applications will begin in Fall 2025. , and all outreach will be kept confidential. The expected start date for the next president is Summer 2026.

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