Share

Join us this fall for Spirit Weekend, the Annual Gala and the campaign that’s shaping Adelphi’s future
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
AU Adelphi Alumni

September 2025

Dear Friend,


As students settle into the new academic year, Adelphi continues to shine—recognized once again by Forbes’ 2026 America’s Top Colleges as the highest-ranked private university on Long Island for the third consecutive year. This honor reflects the very best of Adelphi: academic excellence, student success and alumni outcomes—such as undergraduate salaries 30 percent higher than the national average and our place in the top 25 percent of universities nationwide for social mobility.


These achievements celebrate not only our students, but also the lifelong impact of our alumni and the Panther pride we share. They remind us that Adelphi’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom—touching lives, strengthening communities and shaping a better world.


On October 11, our 25th Annual Adelphi University Gala will shine a powerful spotlight on that impact as we celebrate Bridges to Adelphi, our nationally recognized program for neurodivergent student education and advocacy. Bridges exemplifies the mentorship, innovation and support that help students thrive academically, socially and professionally. I warmly invite you to join us—in person or in spirit—as we celebrate this extraordinary program. Net proceeds will directly support Adelphi students through The Momentum Campaign: Extraordinary Impact, which has already raised $89 million toward its ambitious goal of $100 million by 2027.


Just before the gala, Spirit Weekend (October 3–5) is the perfect time to reconnect with your Adelphi family. Along with beloved traditions, such as our Spirit Carnival and Oktoberfest, we’re introducing some fun new Panther traditions. Find highlights of our events and accommodations below. 


Thank you for being part of what makes Adelphi strong, successful and special. I hope to see you soon at one of our many exciting fall events.





With Panther pride,

   

Thomas A. Kline, EdD

Vice President of Advancement and External Relations

Saturday, October 11, 2025, at The Garden City Hotel

This year, we proudly celebrate Bridges to Adelphi, our nationally recognized program for neurodivergent student education and advocacy. With guidance, mentorship and innovative support, Bridges empowers students to thrive academically, socially and professionally.


We thank our Bridges to Adelphi Board of Advisors and 2025 Gala Steering Committee for their leadership, generosity and commitment to student success.  

READ ABOUT OUR GALA >

ATTEND THE GALA >

SPONSOR OR ADVERTISE >

MAKE A GIFT >

And Finally… Our Legacy Family Spirit Award!

This year’s Legacy Family Spirit Award goes to the Eickelberg family, whose Adelphi story spans more than 70 years and three generations, beginning with Professor Warren Eickelberg’s 45-year career as a beloved faculty member and campus leader. His children and grandchildren carried forward his Panther pride as student-athletes, alumni and professionals, making the Eickelbergs an inspiring example of the deep connections that make our community so special.

MEET THE EICKELBERGS >

READ ABOUT OUR OTHER SPIRIT AWARD HONOREES FOR 2025 >

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH UPDATE

In early September, many faculty, staff, students and alumni took part in listening sessions with our executive search partner, DSG Storbeck, to help launch the search for Adelphi’s next president. To share your thoughts or submit a nomination, email adelphipresident@dsgco.com.

LEARN MORE >

READ THE BOARD CHAIR'S MESSAGE > 


Our Ninth Annual Spirit Weekend is October 3–5! 

Spirit Weekend brings together our entire Panther family with something for everyone to enjoy—from family-friendly carnival games to alumni reunions, home games and entertainment. It’s the perfect opportunity for students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, families and friends to come home to Adelphi! Visit our Spirit Weekend website for all the details.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3

Casino Night7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4

Alumni Brunch and Spirit Awards | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Spirit Carnival1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Oktoberfest at Adelphi1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
In the Classroom: WBAU: A Celebration of our Legacy and Impact1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. 

Back to the Ratt (21+) | 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Athletic Events (Check aupanthers.com for times and updates.)




SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5

Panthers for a Cause 5K, 1K, Kids Fun Run9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.





ALUMNI BENEFITS

Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns 

185 Colonial Springs Road | Wheatley Heights 


Enjoy more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins lighting up the night. 


October 3–November 1

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts


Use promo code adelphi.

GRAB THIS DEAL >

The Radio City Rockettes

New York City


Enjoy discounted tickets to witness this 100-year-old holiday tradition. Great tickets are limited in availability.


November 8 | 2:00 p.m.

Radio City Music Hall


RESERVE TICKETS TODAY >

Winter Lighting Ceremony

Garden City campus


Parents, families and alumni are invited to kick off the holiday season with Adelphi. Join us for a special happy hour of festive drinks and light bites before the Winter Lighting Ceremony.


December 2 | 5:00 p.m. 
University Center 113/114/115

JOIN US >

ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS

This fall, Samuel Adams ’08, Honors College Class of 2008, will star in CROOKED CROSS at New York’s acclaimed Mint Theater. Featured in The New York Times article15 Off Broadway Shows to See in September,” the play explores the rise of antisemitism and Nazi influence in 1930s Germany. Performances run through October.  

Adelphi adjunct professor of theatre and BFA in Theatre graduate James Joseph O’Neil ’88 will appear as Bob in Sarah Ruhl’s Becky Nurse of Salem at Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany, running September 26–October 19.  

Do you have an update to share? We’d love to highlight you. Share your news!

IN MEMORIAM

Mourning Trustee Emerita Angela Jaggar ’62, MA ’65, PhD


Adelphi Board of Trustees Member Emerita Angela Jaggar passed away on September 1, 2025. A generous philanthropist and devoted leader, Angela and her husband Scott made transformative contributions to Adelphi. Read more

Judith C. Cowan Johnston-Penney


Former faculty member, Judith C. Cowan Johnston-Penney passed away on December 28, 2024. A distinguished anthropologist and educator, Judith brought her global research, artistic spirit and boundless curiosity into the classroom during her tenure at Adelphi, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. Read more

Our comprehensive effort to build pride in Adelphi, engage our community and activate philanthropy to transform the lives of our students

JOIN US >

Alumni Benefits I Share Your News I Get Involved | FreeWill | Regional Chapters
Affinity Groups I Career Services I Give to Adelphi

Locations: Garden City • Hauppauge • New York City • New York’s Hudson Valley • Online
adelphi.edu • 800.ADELPHI

Best Colleges U.S. News & World Report National Universities 2024
Email Marketing by ActiveCampaign