Inclusive Community & Connectivity | 果酱视频 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:33:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 Change Makers: Social Work Alumni Who Turned Passion Into Purpose /news/change-makers-social-work-alumni-who-turned-passion-into-purpose/ Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:50:05 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=828644 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 Foster Care Unplugged, a nonprofit with chapters in New York and Atlanta, Georgia, that helps children heal from trauma through performance-based practice, turning their experiences into…

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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鈥檛 alone in using her 果酱视频 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鈥檚 highest-ranked social work programs, the 果酱视频 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鈥攑erhaps serving as an inspiration to alumni who end up creating their own paths.

Healing Trauma Through The Arts

A Playbill cover for Somewhere Between, a modern stage play inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, presented by Deus Beni Productions and Foster Care Unplugged in partnership with NYC Children. The cast of nine young people and adults poses against a purple dramatic background. Performance dates are March 27 and 29, 2026, at the Mark O'Donnell Theater at the Actors Fund Arts Center in Brooklyn, NY.

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 果酱视频’s program as a formative part of her career. When taking acting classes, she realized that performance wasn鈥檛 all that different from group therapy. 鈥淎cting is responding to something that is not real, so you have to tap into your emotions to get there,鈥 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.

鈥淚 remember one girl who wouldn鈥檛 speak to anyone when she first came in, but by the end of the program, she would not be quiet,鈥 said Centeno. The proof is in the numbers: Foster Care Unplugged has a 93 percent retention rate鈥攁 level virtually unheard of in foster care programs鈥攁nd 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 果酱视频. 鈥淪o many classes weren鈥檛 just 鈥榬ead this text, write this paper,鈥欌 she said; rather, they put students in the shoes of clients through journaling and other experiential activities to develop empathy. 鈥淭hey taught me to actually live out the journey of the clients I was about to serve.鈥

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 鈥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. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 find a lot of information provided for women who look like me or who are in my age group,鈥 said Jean, who is Haitian American. 鈥淵ou had to dig for it.鈥 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鈥檛 adequately inform patients about genetic testing or the importance of monitoring after treatment.

Founding Hope for Pink in 2024 has further expanded Jean鈥檚 mission to advocate for policy changes on a higher level to expand treatment for underserved populations. At 果酱视频, she took courses in political social work, and attended a certificate program at

A group of women pose together in front of a step-and-repeat banner for the Spring Forward Sweat Fete Pink Awareness Health & Fitness Event, surrounded by pink and white balloons. Most participants wear bright pink athletic wear; one woman in the center holds a Spring Forward Consulting, LLC award or plaque.

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鈥檚 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. 鈥淚 was always interested in having a broad impact, knowing that policy is important, because that鈥檚 where change happens,鈥 she said.

Music in Dementia Care

Dan Cohen, MSW 鈥78, similarly focused on the political aspects of social work during his time at 果酱视频. 鈥淢y goal was not to be a counselor or do clinical social work, but more about what systems I might be able to help change,鈥 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. 鈥淵ou could have residents who were out of it for weeks or months, and then all of a sudden they spring to life,鈥 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鈥 treatments. As he dug into the science, he found that exposing elderly patients to music is associated with a 48 percent decrease in depression. 鈥淚f you had a pill that did that, every doctor would want to prescribe it,鈥 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.

An older woman wearing headphones raises her arm expressively while listening to music, seated on a sofa next to a smiling man who watches her with delight. A framed painting of a bridge hangs on the wall behind them.

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鈥檚 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. 鈥淎t 果酱视频, 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,鈥 he said. 鈥淢y social work degree certainly laid the foundation for me to move confidently as I now try to make change.鈥

The 果酱视频 MSW program is available in three locations鈥Garden City, Hauppauge, and Poughkeepsie鈥攁nd, this fall, will also be part of the University鈥檚 new Manhattan Center.

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A Magical Year for Alice Hoffman ’73, ’02 (Hon.) /news/a-magical-year-for-alice-hoffman-73-02-hon/ Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:19:31 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=828497 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 果酱视频, who received her degree in English from 果酱视频’s College of Arts and Sciences, the magic just keeps getting stronger. As the literary community prepares…

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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 果酱视频, who received her degree in English from 果酱视频’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 果酱视频’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 果酱视频鈥檚 Garden City campus from April 15鈥17. The event has become a staple of the New York literary scene, and this year鈥檚 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”鈥擲tockard Channing and Dianne Wiest鈥攚ith stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. While the plot remains largely under wraps, it is confirmed to be inspired by Hoffman鈥檚 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鈥2017鈥檚 The Rules of Magic and 2020鈥檚 Magic Lessons鈥攁nd a sequel, 2021鈥檚 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.

鈥淭his 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鈥檛 there. Now you will finally hear the story as I always imagined it. You will hear magic.鈥

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鈥攊ncluding Isabel Allende, Amy Tan, Roxane Gay and Bonnie Garmus鈥攕haring 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鈥檚 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.”

鈥淚 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,鈥 Hoffman said.

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果酱视频鈥檚 New High School Teacher Pipeline Program Helps Communities 鈥淕row Their Own鈥 /news/adelphis-new-high-school-teacher-pipeline-program-helps-communities-grow-their-own/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:19:00 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=828268 An innovative new program from the 果酱视频 Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Science, the K鈥12 Teacher Education Pipeline, is helping communities on Long Island turn today鈥檚 high school students into tomorrow鈥檚 teachers鈥攁ll in their own backyards. The Teacher Pipeline program does more than address today鈥檚 national teacher shortage crisis. As a…

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An innovative new program from the 果酱视频 Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Science, the K鈥12 Teacher Education Pipeline, is helping communities on Long Island turn today鈥檚 high school students into tomorrow鈥檚 teachers鈥攁ll in their own backyards.

The Teacher Pipeline program does more than address today鈥檚 national teacher shortage crisis. As a 鈥済row your own鈥 initiative, it creates a direct pathway from local high schools to 果酱视频鈥檚 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.

鈥淚t鈥檚 connecting two ends of a pipeline,鈥 said Emily Kang, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs at the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences, the program鈥檚 creator. 鈥淭hough 果酱视频 has strong numbers in our undergraduate teaching programs, we鈥檙e 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.鈥

A Pipeline That Benefits Everyone

Dr. Kang calls the program a 鈥渨in-win鈥 for both high schoolers and 果酱视频鈥檚 education department. In addition to training the next generation of qualified educators, it鈥檚 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, 鈥渆verything they do counts,鈥 Dr. Kang said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e seeing the fruits of their labor immediately.鈥 With the program鈥檚 headstart, they鈥檒l 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鈥檚 Needs

There鈥檚 no 鈥渙ne size fits all鈥 model for the Teacher Pipeline. 果酱视频 worked with partner school districts鈥攊ncluding Freeport, Mineola and East Meadow鈥攖o develop different models that meet each district鈥檚 needs. Students in Mineola schools are bused to 果酱视频 four days a week to take 果酱视频 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鈥12 classrooms in their home districts, gaining hands-on experience while strengthening connections to their communities and potential future employers.

Sparking 鈥淩emarkable Growth鈥 in High School Students

Pipeline students receive plenty of support on their journey. As soon as they join the program, they鈥檙e able to access all of 果酱视频鈥檚 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 果酱视频 faculty, as well as their own peer networks. According to Dr. Kang, ties between participating students are incredibly strong. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e gathering together to help each other out with assignments,鈥 she said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e seen remarkable growth in terms of maturity and community.鈥

LaShonda Gardenhire, an adviser at Freeport High School, says her students are so excited about the program鈥攁nd their own growth鈥攖hat they鈥檙e spreading the word themselves. 鈥淲e鈥檙e seeing an increase in hard skills like academic ability. Students are engaging with educational pedagogy at a level beyond what we鈥檇 ever expect from teenagers.鈥 Participants鈥 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鈥檚 degree鈥攁nd return to teach in their home districts, resulting in a cycle of community-based educator development that can be repeated year after year.

鈥淚f you know the community you鈥檙e teaching in, you know how to work within it,鈥 Dr. Kang noted. 鈥淭his program is diversifying the workforce while minimizing that transitional shock for new teachers.鈥

The value of recruiting teachers to lead classrooms where they once learned is 鈥渘ot even quantifiable,鈥 Gardenhire said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e bringing an emotional investment in their community, a place where they grew up and probably still have family. And by coming full circle, they鈥檙e making a huge impact on their students. They are their own success stories. They can say to their students, 鈥業 sat in that seat. I went through this system. And look at me now.鈥欌

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The Science of Winning: Inside 果酱视频鈥檚 Human Performance Lab /news/the-science-of-winning-inside-adelphis-human-performance-lab/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:02:53 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=828166 Behind the steady hum of treadmills and the gentle whir of metabolic testing machines stands 果酱视频鈥檚 Human Performance Lab鈥攁 lab dedicated to exploring the human body鈥檚 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…

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Behind the steady hum of treadmills and the gentle whir of metabolic testing machines stands 果酱视频鈥檚 Human Performance Lab鈥攁 lab dedicated to exploring the human body鈥檚 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.

鈥淲ith 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,鈥 said exercise science professor Robert Otto, PhD, who has worked in the lab since 1981.

For Exercise Science Students, a Living Lab

Nestled within 果酱视频鈥檚 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.

鈥淲e built this lab from the ground up,鈥 Dr. Otto reflected. 鈥淥ver time, we鈥檝e incorporated body composition testing, force measurement and muscle activation analysis.鈥

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鈥攅ssential 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. 鈥淚t can range from zero to 2,500 watts in one-watt increments,鈥 Dr. Otto explained. 鈥淭his allows us to measure the force each leg produces with pinpoint accuracy.鈥

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.

鈥淚n fact, for elite athletes, a 2 percent improvement is monumental,鈥 Dr. Otto noted, emphasizing the athlete鈥檚 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, 鈥淯nderstanding caloric expenditure at specific paces enables athletes to precisely plan their nutritional intake for competitions.鈥

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.

鈥淎 resting metabolic rate indicates the minimum caloric intake needed for basic survival,鈥 Dr. Otto explained, reinforcing the lab鈥檚 role in promoting health and wellness.

The lab鈥檚 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鈥檚 performance and explore pathways for improvement.

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

鈥淲e measure how the body works,鈥 Dr. Otto concluded. 鈥淭hen 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 /news/communications-alum-interviews-nyc-mayor-mamdani-about-critical-issues-facing-new-yorkers-with-disabilities/ Wed, 18 Mar 2026 20:24:36 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=828010 The post Communications Alum Interviews NYC Mayor Mamdani About Critical Issues Facing New Yorkers With Disabilities appeared first on 果酱视频.

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A Quiet Room, a Campuswide Impact: Inside 果酱视频鈥檚 Mindfulness Center /news/a-quiet-room-a-campuswide-impact-inside-adelphis-mindfulness-center/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:23:32 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=827443 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…

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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 果酱视频 has gone a step further by creating a dedicated sanctuary for stress relief. Located within the renovated University Center, the Mindfulness Center鈥攚hich opened in 2022鈥攊s 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鈥檚 Plum Village Buddhist tradition, Hoffner was a natural choice to shape the new center.

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

The center鈥檚 weekly rhythm is simple: drop鈥慽n mindfulness sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hoffner leads the meditations himself, inviting students to set down their to鈥慸o lists, notice their breathing and rest.

For many, that鈥檚 an unfamiliar experience.

At 果酱视频, Achieving Mindfulness Isn鈥檛 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鈥檛 feel calming. It felt impossible, even overwhelming.

Coming to the Mindfulness Center changed that. Practicing in a room with others, supported by Hoffner鈥檚 quiet guidance, finally helped her 鈥済et it.鈥 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 果酱视频 in Fall 2024. The experience has quietly reshaped her daily habits.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 go to the Mindfulness Center to quit my phone, but that鈥檚 what happened,鈥 she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 not reaching for it first thing in the morning anymore. I wake up, stretch, breathe and think about my day instead.鈥 She has stopped doomscrolling while she eats lunch, too, she said. 鈥淲hen I鈥檓 eating now, I鈥檓 not looking at my phone. Instead, I鈥檓 actually enjoying my food.鈥

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

鈥淭he same mindfulness skills I practice here鈥攂eing aware of myself, the space and the other person鈥攁re exactly what I鈥檒l need in the therapy room with my clients,鈥 he said.

It has also made his life better. 鈥淔or 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鈥檚 going to be okay,鈥 he explained. 鈥淢indfulness didn鈥檛 help me pass any tests, but it kept me going when grad school stress and burnout were at their worst.鈥

Weekend 鈥淩etreats鈥濃擱ight 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. 鈥淲hen it鈥檚 time to leave, many students ask the same question: How do I bring this back with me?鈥 he explained.

Building a Mindfulness Community on Campus

Hoffner is now helping launch a mindfulness residential community at 果酱视频, bringing together a handful of students to live together on campus. Next year, the program will expand into a full鈥慺ledged community.

鈥淥ur mindfulness practice is not intended for us to escape the world,鈥 Hoffner said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 actually here to help us encounter the world more deeply so that we鈥檙e not running away from the world, we鈥檙e actually leaning in and showing up more fully.鈥

He hopes his students鈥 experiences will help build a new normal: a community where mindfulness isn鈥檛 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 /news/college-of-arts-and-sciences-announces-inaugural-board-of-advisors/ Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:30:51 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=827286 果酱视频鈥檚 College of Arts and Sciences introduces its first-ever board of advisors, bringing together a cohort of accomplished alumni to guide the college鈥檚 strategic direction and strengthen opportunities for students over the next decade. Established for the 2025鈥2026 academic year, the board will work with Dean Vincent W. Wang, PhD, and faculty leadership to…

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果酱视频鈥檚 College of Arts and Sciences introduces its first-ever board of advisors, bringing together a cohort of accomplished alumni to guide the college鈥檚 strategic direction and strengthen opportunities for students over the next decade. Established for the 2025鈥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鈥檚 workforce. The board members will serve as advisors鈥攕haring real-world insight into industry trends, new and evolving career opportunities, and how the College can better prepare and assist students鈥攅ffectively positioning them for professional success. Through their experience and networks, the board will help advance the college鈥檚 academic mission, while opening doors to experiential learning, mentorship and philanthropic support.

鈥淭his board reflects the breadth, talent and impact of our alumni community,鈥 said Dean Wang. 鈥淭heir 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.鈥

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 果酱视频. The board currently consists of six professionals whose careers span STEM, education, law, medicine, the arts, public service and cybersecurity.

Katie Aragon 鈥09, MA 鈥22, earned a BFA in studio art and an MA in Art Education from 果酱视频 and is an art teacher at While at 果酱视频, she was a member of the Honors College and served as a University tour guide. She later earned a master鈥檚 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 果酱视频 graduate, with a BS in computer science and mathematics, a master鈥檚 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鈥檚 Goddard Space Flight Center, has been published widely and has mentored students for more than 20 years.

, holds a BS in physics from 果酱视频 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 鈥68, JD, earned a BA in history from 果酱视频 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 果酱视频 Panther Club Executive Board. His experience offers the college a perspective on legal practice, ethics and alumni engagement.

Joseph Lombardo 鈥75, MD-PhD, a retired physician with more than 30 years of experience in anatomic and clinical pathology, earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology from 果酱视频 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鈥檚 degree in the Scholars Teacher Education Program in 2007 at 果酱视频. Dr. Ramos then furthered his education, obtaining a Doctor of Arts in history and education from St. John鈥檚 University. He will complete his second doctorate, a PhD in sustainability, from Prescott College in May 2026. A member of 果酱视频鈥檚 10 Under 10 young alumni recognition program, his research focuses on world poverty and sustainable development. Dr. Ramos鈥 leadership experience brings valuable insight into academic innovation and student-centered learning.

What鈥檚 Ahead

The board of advisors will meet twice annually and will work closely with Dean Wang to advance strategic priorities outlined in the College鈥檚 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.

鈥淭his is just the beginning,鈥 Dr. Wang said. 鈥淥ur board of advisors represents a powerful partnership between alumni and the College鈥攐ne that will help us prepare students not just for their first job, but for lifelong impact.鈥

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Expanding the Field: 果酱视频 Launches New Premier Men鈥檚 Club Lacrosse and Soccer Teams /news/sports-clubs/ Tue, 17 Feb 2026 21:59:12 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=827067 果酱视频 believes that athletics are important for every student. But what if you don’t earn a spot on 果酱视频’s highly competitive varsity lacrosse or soccer teams? This fall, there is a solution. Beginning in Fall 2026, 果酱视频 will introduce premier club offerings in men鈥檚 soccer and men鈥檚 lacrosse, creating expanded opportunities for students who…

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果酱视频 believes that athletics are important for every student.

But what if you don’t earn a spot on 果酱视频’s highly competitive varsity lacrosse or soccer teams?

This fall, there is a solution.

Beginning in Fall 2026, 果酱视频 will introduce premier club offerings in men鈥檚 soccer and men鈥檚 lacrosse, creating expanded opportunities for students who want to play in a competitive league, with full-time coaching and intercollegiate games.

The move reflects a broader vision for : To ensure participation in competitive sports remains a defining and accessible part of campus life.

has long played a central role in the identity of the University. With 19 national championships, 果酱视频 has built a tradition of excellence that resonates well beyond its Garden City campus. The and teams account for a remarkable 10 of those titles, making them two of the most storied programs in the University’s history.

Now that legacy is opening new doors.

Building on 果酱视频’s Championship Lacrosse and Soccer Tradition

The has begun paving the way for a dynasty, entering the 2026 season as the in the land, after winning back-to-back and , the most recent of which was a 9-8 overtime thriller to stun The University of Tampa in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Interest in the program is at an all-time high, and lacrosse continues to be a hotbed as one of the most popular collegiate sports in the region.

The , which staked its only national championship in 1974 (the University鈥檚 first, in fact!), has remained nationally competitive in recent years. Under head coach , the Panthers have appeared in the NCAA Tournament three times and earned a place in the rankings in five of Book’s eight seasons.

The launch of premier club soccer and lacrosse is not a replacement for that success. Instead, it is an extension of it.

鈥淭hese premier club sports programs are an extension of the strong campus life that Panther Athletics has always supported,鈥 said , 果酱视频 director of athletics and campus recreation. 鈥淭hey will complement our varsity, club and intramural offerings and give students another meaningful way to connect with the University through sport.鈥

What Makes Premier Soccer and Lacrosse Clubs Different

Unlike traditional student-run club teams, 果酱视频鈥檚 premier club programs will have full-time coaches, regular practices and competitive schedules against peer colleges offering similar high-level club experiences.

鈥淭hese premier club sports serve as an elevated experience,鈥 McCabe discussed. 鈥淭he professional coaching component is the key differentiator. Students will receive high-quality training and structured competition while still enjoying the flexibility that club sports provide.鈥

For students who want to continue improving and competing at a high level, this pathway offers another avenue to catch the eye of 果酱视频鈥檚 varsity squads.

鈥淐ertainly, for students who want to continually improve at their sport, this provides a unique opportunity to compete after high school and potentially try out for varsity teams.鈥

Expanding Access and Opportunity in Athletics at 果酱视频

At its core, this initiative is about widening access.

Competitive sports are often described as one of the most rewarding aspects of college life. 果酱视频鈥檚 leadership believes that experience should not be limited to a select number competing only at the varsity level.

鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting to know that we will offer athletic opportunities to every kind of athlete,鈥 McCabe noted. 鈥淔rom intramurals to club to varsity, our students will have options to stay active and be part of a vibrant campus community.鈥

A Model for the Future of College Athletics

Men鈥檚 soccer and men鈥檚 lacrosse will be the first premier club sports at 果酱视频, serving as the initial launch of a model designed to expand structured athletic opportunities across campus.

鈥淭here are a number of schools offering high-level club experiences like this,鈥 McCabe said. 鈥淲e look forward to competing with those institutions as schedules are developed and continuing to evaluate how this model may work with other sports.鈥

The University鈥檚 long championship history remains a point of pride. Now, with the launch of premier club sports next fall, that tradition of excellence expands to include even more student-athletes.

At 果酱视频, the message moving forward is clear: Competitive opportunity and campus engagement can go hand in hand.

And the foundation remains the same.

Athletics are for everyone.

Students interested in learning more can reach out by email or by filling out an interest form:

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果酱视频 Selected as Flagship Launch Location for LumiNicole鈥檚 On-Campus Beauty and Wellness Retail Expansion /news/adelphi-university-selected-as-flagship-launch-location-for-luminicoles-on-campus-beauty-and-wellness-retail-expansion/ Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:32:47 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=827008 果酱视频 is the first University where LumiNicole automated retail stores will be installed鈥攑ositioning the University as a national model for integrating retail innovation with student success. 鈥淥ur partnership with LumiNicole is about meeting students where they are and continuing to evolve the campus experience,鈥 said Maggie Yoon Grafer, 果酱视频鈥檚 associate vice president of university advancement…

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果酱视频 is the first University where LumiNicole automated retail stores will be installed鈥攑ositioning the University as a national model for integrating retail innovation with student success.

鈥淥ur partnership with LumiNicole is about meeting students where they are and continuing to evolve the campus experience,鈥 said Maggie Yoon Grafer, 果酱视频鈥檚 associate vice president of university advancement & external relations. 鈥淎s the first university to bring LumiNicole鈥檚 automated retail technology to campus, we鈥檙e doing more than adding convenience; we鈥檙e positioning our Garden City campus as a leader in retail innovation, creating meaningful job opportunities for our students and ensuring this partnership gives back to our community.鈥

鈥攆ounded by and two entrepreneurs with a track record of building and scaling beauty and wellness platforms by solving access and distribution challenges鈥攁ims to transform how beauty and wellness products reach consumers in high-traffic, nontraditional environments. Its expansion to install smart retail machines in higher education institutions to reach college students鈥攕tarting with 果酱视频鈥攊s a key part of this initiative.

鈥淭he 果酱视频 launch represents an important milestone for LumiNicole and for how campuses can thoughtfully support student well-being,鈥 said LumiNicole Co-Founder Kendra Bracken-Ferguson. 鈥淭his partnership provides convenient access to beauty and wellness essentials that meet everyday needs, while intentionally creating paid, on-campus opportunities for students. Together with 果酱视频, we鈥檙e reimagining how retail, education and career exposure can intersect in ways that meaningfully support academic success and long-term career readiness.鈥

Creating Career Development and Scholarship Opportunities For 果酱视频 Students

In addition to the automated retail store, LumiNicole will partner with 果酱视频 to provide job development and other opportunities, including an internship, a brand ambassador program for 果酱视频 students and a scholarship. The LumiNicole Beauty & Wellness Scholarship was established to support 果酱视频 students whose studies align with chemistry, science, supply chain, technology, manufacturing, marketing, communications and operational infrastructure that powers modern beauty and wellness businesses.

鈥淔rom the beginning, LumiNicole was designed to do more than sell products; it was built to create pathways for career advancement and education,鈥 said LumiNicole Co-Founder Leslie Roberson. 鈥淭he LumiNicole Beauty & Wellness Scholarship reflects our shared commitment with 果酱视频 to experiential learning, industry alignment and career readiness. Through hands-on retail experiences, paid internships and our student ambassador program, we鈥檙e helping prepare the next generation of professionals for the evolving beauty and wellness industry.鈥

The LumiNicole automated retail stores will include from brands such as BeautyStat, founded by 果酱视频 alumnus Ron Robinson ’87.

鈥淎s an 果酱视频 alum and the founder of a science-backed beauty brand, it鈥檚 incredibly meaningful to see innovation and opportunity coming full circle on campus,鈥 said Robinson. 鈥淟umiNicole鈥檚 presence at 果酱视频 creates real exposure for students to learn how modern beauty and wellness businesses operate, from formulation and supply chain to merchandising and consumer engagement. I鈥檓 proud to be part of a partnership that not only brings great products to campus, but also opens doors for students who aspire to build careers in this industry.鈥

果酱视频 and LumiNicole will host a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony and launch event to unveil the automated retail stores at 果酱视频’s Garden City campus on Thursday, March 26. Robinson and other executives from beauty and wellness companies who have products featured in the machines will be in attendance.

Learn more about 果酱视频’s partnership with LumiNicole.

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果酱视频 Deltasigs Experience Leadership and Connection at National Conference /news/adelphi-deltasigs-experience-leadership-and-connection-at-national-conference/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:27:04 +0000 /?post_type=news&p=825544 Last August, Gabrielle Stafford found herself exploring downtown Palm Springs, California with new friends from New Mexico, Arizona and right there in the Golden State鈥攃onnections she鈥檇 made during Delta Sigma Pi鈥檚 Grand Chapter Congress. Stafford and other members of 果酱视频鈥檚 chapter attended the biennial event, held August 6鈥10, 2025, thanks to funding from the Robert…

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Last August, Gabrielle Stafford found herself exploring downtown Palm Springs, California with new friends from New Mexico, Arizona and right there in the Golden State鈥攃onnections she鈥檇 made during . Stafford and other members of 果酱视频鈥檚 chapter attended the biennial event, held August 6鈥10, 2025, thanks to funding from the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, joining hundreds of Deltasigs across the country for four days of networking, leadership workshops and fraternity business. 鈥淏eing able to meet people through the commonality of Delta Sigma Pi who were from different places and pursuing different careers was definitely the most valuable part,鈥 Stafford says.

For Stafford, the 56th was an opportunity to expand her network and develop her professional skills. As vice president of chapter operations and a voting delegate, Stafford got an inside look at the legislative process. 鈥淚 was really excited to learn about the process of voting and to be in a parliamentary procedure-style election,鈥 she says. 鈥淭o be able to think about the operations of the organization and how changes could affect certain things was really valuable.鈥

Sam Dotterman, an 果酱视频 Deltasig who attended the conference as an alternate delegate, also enjoyed learning about how organizations function. 鈥淭hat was the best part of the whole conference鈥攈earing what the other chapters across the country are like and how they operate,鈥 he says.

Connecting, Problem-Solving and Plenty of Networking

Talking with other Deltasigs helped 果酱视频 members brainstorm solutions for issues their chapter faced. 鈥淏eing able to connect with chapters that are the same size who had the same problem and hearing how they approached it was really valuable,鈥 Stafford says. Those conversations inspired them to build local partnerships for fundraising events and service hours.

Outside of legislative meetings, conference attendees could participate in education sessions led by alumni working in different companies. Sessions covered various business- and career-related topics, such as AI in the workplace, leadership development, how to land competitive internships and networking. Dotterman, who鈥檚 interested in a career in financial services, received practical career advice, from how to format his r茅sum茅 to the importance of applying for internships early.

He also appreciated the opportunity to build networking skills. 鈥淚 hadn鈥檛 had the experience where I鈥檇 fly across the country and have to talk to a bunch of new people,鈥 Dotterman says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 a really good skill to develop.鈥

His networking paid off: He met an alumna on the flight to California who鈥檚 helping him apply for an internship.

Founding Deltasig Alumna Sings the Fraternity鈥檚 Praises

Networking and professional development opportunities like this are exactly why Deborah Viola 鈥84, PhD, a founding member of 果酱视频鈥檚 Delta Sigma Pi chapter and current Robert B. Willumstad School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board member, supports events like the Grand Chapter Congress. 鈥淟earning how to network when you鈥檙e younger is so beneficial鈥攊t鈥檚 much harder to acquire these skills once you get older,鈥 she says. Many of the relationships she built as a Deltasig continue showing up today. 鈥淵ou may not keep in touch with the folks you aligned with when you were younger every day, but chances are they鈥檙e in your field,鈥 she notes.

Social events at the conference facilitated these connections. Stafford鈥檚 casual basketball conversation at arcade night with a group of entrepreneurs made it easy to connect with them the next day to learn about their startup. 鈥淚t made people more approachable,鈥 she says.

Beyond individual connections, the conference format itself helps students develop as business professionals. 鈥淧ersonal and professional growth really comes from attending these conferences and meetings,鈥 Dr. Viola says. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e in business, you really need to understand others鈥 perspectives, and as a student, you challenge yourself more and appreciate what you鈥檙e learning in class.鈥

To maximize these benefits, Stafford recommends full participation. By attending as many sessions and social events as possible, she met professionals in fields she鈥檚 exploring, like forensic accounting. 鈥淚鈥檝e been interested in forensic accounting for a while, but it can be hard to find people who are in the field, as it鈥檚 a bit more up-and-coming,鈥 Stafford explains. Showing up to events gave her the opportunity to ask a forensic accountant about his experience working in the field. 鈥淭he things he didn鈥檛 like about it were things that really interested me about it, so that was kind of funny,鈥 she says.

Both Stafford and Dotterman returned to campus with strong connections and opportunities to pursue during their time at 果酱视频. 鈥淭he experience has really continued to open the door,鈥 Stafford says.

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