Inclusive Community & Connectivity | ��Ĵ�ý

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 ��Ĵ�ý 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 ��Ĵ�ý.

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 Adelphi’s partnership with Hempstead Schools Adult Education.

When ��Ĵ�ý 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 Adelphi’s partnership with New Hour for Women and Children LI.

This May, the first student cohort will graduate from Empowerment Through Employment: ��Ĵ�ý 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 Adelphi’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, Adelphi 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 Adelphi 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 Adelphi 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, ��Ĵ�ý 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. Adelphi 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 Adelphi. “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 Adelphi, 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 Adelphi 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 Adelphi 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 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.

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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 Adelphi 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 Adelphi 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 Adelphi’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 Adelphi. “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 Adelphi, 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 Adelphi. “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 Adelphi, 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 Adelphi, who received her degree in English from Adelphi’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 Adelphi’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 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.

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Adelphi’s New High School Teacher Pipeline Program Helps Communities “Grow Their Own”

tshah — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:19:00 +0000

An innovative new program from the ��Ĵ�ý Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Science, the K–12 Teacher Education Pipeline, is helping communities on Long Island turn today’s high school students into tomorrow’s teachers—all in their own backyards.

The Teacher Pipeline program does more than address today’s national teacher shortage crisis. As a “grow your own” initiative, it creates a direct pathway from local high schools to Adelphi’s Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP), an accelerated program that grants students undergraduate and graduate teaching degrees in just five years, saving them time and tuition.

“It’s connecting two ends of a pipeline,” said Emily Kang, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs at the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences, the program’s creator. “Though Adelphi has strong numbers in our undergraduate teaching programs, we’re always looking to recruit more young people who are enthusiastic about the field. Now, high school students who want to start their careers early can do so while earning college credit.”

A Pipeline That Benefits Everyone

Dr. Kang calls the program a “win-win” for both high schoolers and Adelphi’s education department. In addition to training the next generation of qualified educators, it’s also enhancing engagement, academic interest and retention within high schools by putting career opportunities front and center. Research has shown that high school seniors tend to experience a drop in motivation, leading to lower retention rates by graduation. But for the students enrolled in the Teacher Pipeline program, “everything they do counts,” Dr. Kang said. “They’re seeing the fruits of their labor immediately.” With the program’s headstart, they’ll also be able to earn a college degree in three years, reducing the time and cost barriers that keep many interested students from pursuing teaching careers.

Built to Serve Each District’s Needs

There’s no “one size fits all” model for the Teacher Pipeline. Adelphi worked with partner school districts—including Freeport, Mineola and East Meadow—to develop different models that meet each district’s needs. Students in Mineola schools are bused to Adelphi four days a week to take Adelphi courses, for instance, while Freeport students are bused twice a week. Meanwhile, students in East Meadow take equivalent courses at their home schools, taught by qualified district personnel. Courses cover the fundamentals a high schooler would need to proceed through STEP, such as community, schools and society; adolescent/child development; sociolinguistics and children with special needs.

Field experience is also a core component of the program. One day a week, students observe K–12 classrooms in their home districts, gaining hands-on experience while strengthening connections to their communities and potential future employers.

Sparking “Remarkable Growth” in High School Students

Pipeline students receive plenty of support on their journey. As soon as they join the program, they’re able to access all of Adelphi’s regular support services, from writing and subject-specific tutoring to assistance from the Student Access Office. Within the program, they benefit from mentor relationships with Adelphi faculty, as well as their own peer networks. According to Dr. Kang, ties between participating students are incredibly strong. “They’re gathering together to help each other out with assignments,” she said. “We’ve seen remarkable growth in terms of maturity and community.”

LaShonda Gardenhire, an adviser at Freeport High School, says her students are so excited about the program—and their own growth—that they’re spreading the word themselves. “We’re seeing an increase in hard skills like academic ability. Students are engaging with educational pedagogy at a level beyond what we’d ever expect from teenagers.” Participants’ soft skills are evolving, too. Gardenhire reports an increase in confidence, public speaking aptitude and eagerness to take on leadership roles within the district and the local community.

For Communities, by Communities

Once Pipeline participants complete their undergraduate degrees, they can go on to a one-year graduate program that prepares them to acquire New York state licensure and a master’s degree—and return to teach in their home districts, resulting in a cycle of community-based educator development that can be repeated year after year.

“If you know the community you’re teaching in, you know how to work within it,” Dr. Kang noted. “This program is diversifying the workforce while minimizing that transitional shock for new teachers.”

The value of recruiting teachers to lead classrooms where they once learned is “not even quantifiable,” Gardenhire said. “They’re bringing an emotional investment in their community, a place where they grew up and probably still have family. And by coming full circle, they’re making a huge impact on their students. They are their own success stories. They can say to their students, ‘I sat in that seat. I went through this system. And look at me now.’”

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The Science of Winning: Inside Adelphi’s Human Performance Lab

tshah — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:02:53 +0000

Behind the steady hum of treadmills and the gentle whir of metabolic testing machines stands ��Ĵ�ý’s Human Performance Lab—a lab dedicated to exploring the human body’s limits and capabilities for more than four decades. Serving as a rich resource for both education and innovation, the lab has become a pivotal space for students in the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences, researchers and endurance athletes alike.

“With a mission focused on students first, we enhance academic learning in health and sport sciences, facilitate groundbreaking research and assist individuals eager to elevate their physical potential,” said exercise science professor Robert Otto, PhD, who has worked in the lab since 1981.

For Exercise Science Students, a Living Lab

Nestled within Adelphi’s exercise science facilities, located in the lower floors of Woodruff Hall, the lab transcends traditional textbook education. Here, exercise science students immerse themselves in hands-on learning experiences, actively measuring crucial physiological concepts such as metabolism and muscle function with state-of-the-art equipment.

The lab helps prepare students for careers in strength and conditioning and personal training, and it remains the only university-based adult fitness cardiac rehabilitation program in the New York tristate area.

Students earning their MS in Exercise Science, in particular, leverage the lab for critical research projects required for their degree. Current investigations are wide-ranging, spanning from evaluating compounds that enhance oxygen efficiency during exercise to analyzing the effects of beetroot juice on muscle blood flow.

Initially centered on metabolic testing, advancements over the years have introduced new equipment and innovative testing.

“We built this lab from the ground up,” Dr. Otto reflected. “Over time, we’ve incorporated body composition testing, force measurement and muscle activation analysis.”

For Elite Athletes, Machines and Measurements to Boost Performance

Today, exercise science students and researchers can assess body composition in the lab using tests like:

Skinfold measurements
Hydrostatic underwater weighing

These assessments provide vital insights into the balance between fat and lean muscle mass—essential information for high-performance athletes, and the health students who work with them.

Among its many features, the lab boasts a specialized cycle ergometer that measures physical work output with unparalleled precision. “It can range from zero to 2,500 watts in one-watt increments,” Dr. Otto explained. “This allows us to measure the force each leg produces with pinpoint accuracy.”

For high performance athletes like triathletes, that makes an impact on performance.

Dr. Otto shared the example of a competitive triathlete who consistently ranked among the top regional contenders. After undergoing efficiency testing and refining their training approach, the athlete saw a performance improvement of approximately 2 percent, a seemingly minor gain for some. But even 2 percent can make a tremendous difference in the field of elite-level competition.

“In fact, for elite athletes, a 2 percent improvement is monumental,” Dr. Otto noted, emphasizing the athlete’s subsequent success on the national stage.

Metabolic testing is another feature of the lab. By measuring oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production during exercise, researchers can gauge how the body metabolizes fuel. Dr. Otto further elaborates, “Understanding caloric expenditure at specific paces enables athletes to precisely plan their nutritional intake for competitions.”

Boosting Health and Wellness in the Community

While primarily dedicated to exercise science student education and research, the lab directly assists the broader community. Members of the public can schedule tests to assess resting metabolic rate, body composition and maximal oxygen consumption; valuable measurements for anyone looking to enhance fitness or manage weight.

“A resting metabolic rate indicates the minimum caloric intake needed for basic survival,” Dr. Otto explained, reinforcing the lab’s role in promoting health and wellness.

The lab’s long-standing presence on Long Island has set it apart from similar facilities, and Dr. Otto noted that students from other universities often visit to observe demonstrations and familiarize themselves with the innovative equipment.

Ultimately, the Human Performance Lab is more than a collection of machines and data charts. It embodies the intersection of scientific inquiry and human aspiration, empowering students, athletes and community members to gain deeper insights into the body’s performance and explore pathways for improvement.

Dr. Otto explained the mission of the lab with just a few words.

“We measure how the body works,” Dr. Otto concluded. “Then we use that information to help individuals perform better. “

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Communications Alum Interviews NYC Mayor Mamdani About Critical Issues Facing New Yorkers With Disabilities

ckatz — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 20:24:36 +0000

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A Quiet Room, a Campuswide Impact: Inside Adelphi’s Mindfulness Center

ckatz — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:23:32 +0000

On a gray Tuesday afternoon, a handful of students slip into a quiet room on the third floor of the Ruth S. Harley University Center and drop their backpacks by the door. They enter the silence of the Mindfulness Center and sit beneath the room’s canopy, lit by a wall of twinkling lights that change color to set the mood.

As phones go dark and eyes close, Michael Hoffner, the founding coordinator of the center, guides them to be here and in the moment. For half an hour, on a campus and in a culture built on constant doing, the only task is to stop.

Stress Relief From the Pressures of Student Life

College students arrive on campus carrying heavy loads: classes, jobs and family responsibilities. Add pressure to perform well, along with the sense that your future hinges on your actions, and daily life can feel like a pressure cooker.

To address that, many colleges are simply designating “quiet rooms.” But Adelphi has gone a step further by creating a dedicated sanctuary for stress relief. Located within the renovated University Center, the Mindfulness Center—which opened in 2022—is a true retreat featuring soaring ceilings, soft twinkling lights and the calming scent of essential oils. A licensed social worker ordained in the Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village Buddhist tradition, Hoffner was a natural choice to shape the new center.

“Integrating mindfulness into the college experience is something that is valuable on so many levels,” Hoffner said. It can transform “the energy of the campus as a whole” when more people show up calmer and more grounded.

The center’s weekly rhythm is simple: drop‑in mindfulness sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hoffner leads the meditations himself, inviting students to set down their to‑do lists, notice their breathing and rest.

For many, that’s an unfamiliar experience.

At Adelphi, Achieving Mindfulness Isn’t a Solitary Pursuit

Paloma Jose-Day, a senior majoring in psychology, first tried mindfulness on her own. Like many people, she quickly ran into frustration. Sitting alone with her thoughts didn’t feel calming. It felt impossible, even overwhelming.

Coming to the Mindfulness Center changed that. Practicing in a room with others, supported by Hoffner’s quiet guidance, finally helped her “get it.” The presence of other students made mindfulness feel less like a private test she was failing and more like a shared practice she could grow into over time.

Jose-Day has been going to weekly 30-minute guided sessions at the center since she transferred to Adelphi in Fall 2024. The experience has quietly reshaped her daily habits.

“I didn’t go to the Mindfulness Center to quit my phone, but that’s what happened,” she said. “I’m not reaching for it first thing in the morning anymore. I wake up, stretch, breathe and think about my day instead.” She has stopped doomscrolling while she eats lunch, too, she said. “When I’m eating now, I’m not looking at my phone. Instead, I’m actually enjoying my food.”

Achieving mindfulness can even be part of career preparation. Ryan Mijumbi, MA ’24, a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Adelphi’s Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, says the techniques he’s learned at the center will help him in his career.

“The same mindfulness skills I practice here—being aware of myself, the space and the other person—are exactly what I’ll need in the therapy room with my clients,” he said.

It has also made his life better. “For me, the Mindfulness Center is a quiet place where I can step out of the chaos of grad school, breathe and remember that despite everything, it’s going to be okay,” he explained. “Mindfulness didn’t help me pass any tests, but it kept me going when grad school stress and burnout were at their worst.”

Weekend “Retreats”—Right on Campus

Recently, the Mindfulness Center mission has grown.

A weekend mindfulness retreat on campus has drawn about 125 participants over the past two years. Students practice sustained silence, meditation and mindful activities.

An alternative spring break retreat offers an even deeper dive. Hoffner and his team take a small group of students to a Buddhist monastery in the Plum Village tradition. Past trips have gone to retreats in upstate New York and Mississippi. This year, 12 students will spend a week at a monastery in California.

There, they join the daily rhythm of monastic life. Practices that feel strange or uncomfortable to students on the first day often become cherished by the end of the week, Hoffner said. “When it’s time to leave, many students ask the same question: How do I bring this back with me?” he explained.

Building a Mindfulness Community on Campus

Hoffner is now helping launch a mindfulness residential community at Adelphi, bringing together a handful of students to live together on campus. Next year, the program will expand into a full‑fledged community.

“Our mindfulness practice is not intended for us to escape the world,” Hoffner said. “It’s actually here to help us encounter the world more deeply so that we’re not running away from the world, we’re actually leaning in and showing up more fully.”

He hopes his students’ experiences will help build a new normal: a community where mindfulness isn’t an escape hatch, but a way of meeting the world with steadiness, courage and care.

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College of Arts and Sciences Announces Inaugural Board of Advisors

ckatz — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:30:51 +0000

��Ĵ�ý’s College of Arts and Sciences introduces its first-ever board of advisors, bringing together a cohort of accomplished alumni to guide the college’s strategic direction and strengthen opportunities for students over the next decade. Established for the 2025–2026 academic year, the board will work with Dean Vincent W. Wang, PhD, and faculty leadership to further academic development, carve out new career pathways, expand community engagement and provide philanthropic support.

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 ��Ĵ�ý. 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 ��Ĵ�ý 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 ��Ĵ�ý 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 ��Ĵ�ý 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 ��Ĵ�ý 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 ��Ĵ�ý 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 ��Ĵ�ý. 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.”

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