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From My Desk - President Christine M. Riordan (logo)
August 2019
Diversity at Adelphi: Our Mission and Our Latest Milestones

“...in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”—Maya Angelou . These words sum up my August newsletter about the culture that we embrace and nurture at Adelphi. 

One pillar of our strategic plan, Momentum , is “to be a model of diversity and inclusion.” Our community works together to achieve that goal—and others are taking notice. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected Adelphi for a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award and our faculty for an Inspiring Programs in STEM Award for diversity in the science classroom. Three area school districts have already implemented our extraordinary model of a diversity program. Also, we now rank 4.5 stars (out of 5) on the Campus Pride Index.


Indeed, we are becoming a stronger model every day.

All the best,
Christine M. Riordan, Ph.D.
President
An Adelphi Scholar Focuses on African American Women and Intimate Partner Violence
African American women make up a disproportionate percentage of victims of intimate partner violence. Are they receiving the help they need? Bernadine Waller, MA ’ 10 , associate director of experiential learning at Adelphi's Center for Career and Professional Development and a PhD candidate in social work, just received a prestigious grant for her research—and, she is searching for an answer.
Discovering What He Was Meant to Do
During his time at Adelphi, first-generation student Ernesto Marcano Jr. ’19 took advantage of many leadership opportunities here. Now a graduate of the nursing program, he’s set to begin a career in pediatric nursing.
Alumni get groups of their own. The new LGBTQ+ and Allies Affinity Group joins the Multicultural Chapter to give our alumni with shared interests a place to connect, network and find support.
Helping students on the autism spectrum get career-ready. The Bridges to Adelphi program is renowned for helping students on the spectrum prepare for great careers. A new grant is making these vocational services even more supportive.
A vet's new mission. Graduate student and Air Force veteran Gavin Walters is not only doing research on the disparities in VA benefits offered to veterans—he runs a nonprofit that assists former service members who have mental health issues.
Mentoring program wins national award. Created five years ago to help students of color, Adelphi's expanding mentoring program has just received a prestigious Eduventures Innovation Award. The honor is only one measure of the program's success.
A new and groundbreaking college-readiness program for Hispanic students. This month, Adelphi's new Hispanic Community Partnership Program gave 17 local high school students a firsthand look at college life.
Meet our first two recipients of the new John J. Gutleber Memorial Scholarship—a communications expert and a social media star. This life-changing new scholarship helps students with physical disabilities continue their higher education at Adelphi.
Research: The Critical Role of Social Entrepreneurship
Renewable energy technology can bring a better life to rural villages in developing countries, but establishing those technologies isn't a simple task. Gita Surie, PhD, professor of management and department chair in the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business who used a Fulbright-Nehru fellowship to conduct research in India, found that social entrepreneurs must play a critical role in the spread of renewable technology. Find out why by reading " Electrifying Remote Villages ," a feature article in our Academic and Creative Research Magazine .
Honoring Traditions While Preparing for the Coming Year
The legendary coach and athlete Janet L. Ficke ’ 59 helped us celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Ficke Panther Golf Classic —another successful outing at the Hempstead Golf and Country Club. We also began making preparations within the department for the return of our student-athletes and staff, including placing signs in our hallways featuring parts of our Diversity Pledge , which each athlete signs at the beginning of the year. We also welcomed a new member of the department—Frank Russo, who is taking on the role of head coach for both men's and women's tennis.
Alumni Making a Difference: Kevin Mawae, MS ’06
The Pro Football Hall of Fame now boasts an Adelphi alum! My congratulations to Kevin Mawae , MS '06 , the former New York Jets star and eight-time Pro Bowler , who earned his master of science degree in sport management at Adelphi while playing for the Jets. He excelled in the classroom too, winning the Jack Foley Award as the most accomplished student in the program. He also worked with pediatric patients at NYU Winthrop Hospital, reflecting Adelphi’s commitment to giving back.
Momentum Tour 2019–2020
The 2019–2020 Momentum Tour begins on Thursday, August 15, at Clovis Point Vineyard and Winery in Jamesport, New York . The event, in beautiful Long Island wine country, will be hosted by Dina and Mark Misk, Adelphi parents of rising senior Morgan Misk. This is the first of many stops on this year's tour, including get-togethers on Long Island and in New Jersey, New York City, California, Arizona and Florida. Stay tuned for more information!