Every Voice

Dear Adelphi Community,

I hope the new semester has renewed your energy and enthusiasm for expanding and connecting. Spring 2024 promises many new opportunities for our community to strengthen our ties and appreciation for one another.

Throughout January, National Mentoring Month was observed across the country. As the founder and director of Adelphi’s award-winning mentoring program, I was proud to welcome our community to our annual celebration last week with our corporate partner Jovia Federal Credit Union.

Today, I encourage you to reflect on the impact of a mentor in your life and how you may be a positive influence on others. If you would like to sharpen your mentoring skills, consider participating in a workshop like Mentoring Practices to Create Safe and Resilient Spaces or even contributing your time and resources as part of Adelphi’s Mentoring Program.

Throughout February, we'll honor Black History Month with a number of events celebrating the rich culture and contributions of Black people throughout history. Please continue to check the calendar all month as more events are added. All are welcome to join us.

Guiding and Inspiring Student Success at Adelphi University was an uplifting evening with heartfelt remarks and testimonials from mentors and mentees. We thank our partner, Jovia Federal Credit Union, for hosting this special event.

Guest speaker Sacsha Flowers Calixte, Jovia’s Professional Development Counselor, shared the importance of charting a path to career success by relying on our unique strengths and resilience. Keynote speakers, mentor Brent Russell and mentee Malcolm Bryan, shared the importance of reciprocity and showing up for each other. We thank them for their service as Veterans and for their unwavering commitment to mentoring.

Student Mentees and Award Winners:

Malcolm Bryan, economics, Willumstad School of Business (pictured above)
Adriana Merizalde, business management, Willumstad School of Business (pictured above)

Mentors and Award Winners:

Diana Damilitats-Kull, director of Bridges to Adelphi
Cathy Harrison, executive assistant and office manager, Division of Student Affairs
Gregory Miller, administrative assistant, University Libraries, Chair of Pride Committee
Brent Russell, ’14, LMSW, director of veteran services, Mental Health Association of Nassau County

Campus and External Partners and Award Winners:

Martha Giraldo Riordan, assistant director of the Collegiate Science and Technology Program
Anne-Marie Romain, graduate assistant, doctoral candidate, Derner School of Psychology
Richard Tavarez, community engagement officer, Jovia Financial Credit Union
Anna Zinko, assistant vice president of the Division of Student Affairs

I am grateful and blessed to be a mentee in the Mentorship Program. My mentor, Cathy Harrison, has provided me with the tools for networking success and created a welcoming environment since our initial meeting. She wears two hats in our relationship—as a trusted friend and academic mentor, and she does an amazing job distinguishing between them. Under her guidance, I have grown as a person and academically. Cathy has equipped me to become the successful woman I aspire to be. I thank Chotsani for pairing me with her; you have changed my life forever."

—Adriana Merizalde, Class of 2026, Circle K Secretary, Hispanic Community Partnership Program Peer Advisor

Resources for Support and Connection

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) — Support resources are free for all employees. Call 877.622.4327 or visit MyCigna.com.

Interfaith Center — A welcoming space for individuals of any faith who seek spiritual guidance and support. Call 516.877.3113 or email auinterfaith@adelphi.edu.

Multicultural Center — An inclusive environment for cross-cultural interaction that fosters and affirms all individuals, the center is open to all community members.

Student Counseling Center — Call 516.877.3646 or email scc@adelphi.edu for counseling or support.