The first speaker of the day, bestselling author , continued those themes, inspiring the audience to understand the “irresistible power of strategic storytelling,” not only in the workplace but also in their personal lives. All participants received a copy of Kindra’s book, Stories That Stick, thanks to the generous support of those who donated to the Adelphi Women’s Leadership Fund.

“I was so glad that this conference started with an eye-opening speech and we had a chance to meet this wonderful speaker,” said ÇaÄźla Civan, a double major in communications and psychology.

The event was topped off by a keynote discussion, moderated by President Christine M. Riordan, with Emmy-winning co-anchor JuJu Chang of ABC News, who shared her career journey in the media industry, including her experiences balancing motherhood with her ambitions to advance in her field.

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Tal Sheynfeld ’05

was the perfect destination for Tal Sheynfeld ’05 when he was seeking a way to combine two passions: playing soccer at a competitive level and getting a quality education.

“At home, my parents always made sure I did my schoolwork and focused on advancing myself as a scholar. The pecking order was school first and sports second,” Sheynfeld recalled. Hailing from Even Yehuda, Israel, his journey to follow his passions had to wait until after his mandatory military service in his home country.

Upon graduation from high school, Sheynfeld served three years in the Israeli Defense Forces, reaching the rank of first sergeant. Despite the demands of military service, he managed to play soccer for local clubs and caught the eye of an Israeli talent scout connected to the collegiate soccer community in the United States.

With the help of a close friend, he connected with several American college coaches, narrowing his choices down to four schools. Ultimately, Â鶹ֱ˛Ą and its felt like the right fit. The day after being released from his military service, he jumped on a plane to start his first year.

He was immediately drawn to the strong sense of community that he felt at Adelphi—in particular, he recalls receiving guidance and mentorship from members of the men’s soccer support staff, including Abe Reece, Ronnie Schneider ’79 and Roby Young ’70.

Excelling on the Pitch and in the Classroom

Sheynfeld played for the Brown and Gold from 2001 to 2004, when the was an NCAA Division I program and a member of the now-defunct Atlantic Soccer Conference. The Panthers faced stiff competition, but more than held their own, notching wins over programs like Syracuse University, Seton Hall University and Stony Brook University.

“We had a really competitive program and the schedule was tough. We played against the best of the best. It was a great experience,” Sheynfeld recalled. “There were many foreigners (on the team), but you were placed into an existing community. Being a part of the team allowed me access to friends, guidance and I was able to learn from their experiences. It made the transition from Israel to the United States so much smoother. There was a lot of support from the team, athletic department, career center and older teammates.”

On the field, Sheynfeld earned first-team All-Conference honors as a senior in the fall of 2004. After college, he played professionally for the Long Island Rough Riders for two years, and he continues to play soccer recreationally in Florida. He has also represented the United States in the Maccabi Games, sometimes referred to as the “Jewish Olympics.”

While he was at Adelphi, Sheynfeld excelled academically. While majoring in finance, he was a two-time NSCAA/USC Ěý˛ą˛Ô»ĺĚýrecipient. Initially, he pursued computer science, inspired by Israel’s robust high-tech industry. However, during his first year, he found himself drawn to math and finance.

“I was in the computer science program for a year, and even though the classes were interesting and challenging, as I was immersing in other programs, the finance curriculum looked more like what I wanted to do, so I decided to major in it,” he said, noting that Adelphi’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business provided a diverse array of classes that allowed him to explore different fields within business, from economics and marketing to finance and statistics.

“What Adelphi allowed me to do was try a lot of things and figure out what I like and have the right tools to be successful. I came out of school knowing where I can have the most impact,” Sheynfeld said.

´ˇ˛ÔĚýeconomics class taught by Associate Professor David Machlis, PhD, was especially impactful. “Dr. Machlis was very passionate about the subject and very creative. It became contagious, and he made it very fun. It was when I became 100 percent sure that I made the right decision to switch to the business school,” Sheynfeld recalled.

Building a Successful Career

After graduating from Adelphi with a Bachelor of Science in finance, Sheynfeld earned an MBA from Columbia Business School. With 20 years of experience in investments and operations, he now serves as a managing partner at , a $4 billion-plus investment firm, where he oversees the direction and growth of the firm’s credit strategy.

Throughout his career, Sheynfeld has been involved in high-impact roles: He founded and served as chief executive officer and chief information officer of EMM Investments, led NTS Communications through a successful turnaround, and originated and executed middle-market transactions at CION Investments. His diverse experience has made him highly regarded for his ability to source, analyze, execute and monitor transactions while applying insights derived from successful operational exposure.

“My background and set of skills allow me to digest large amounts of data and be able to draw financial and operational conclusions. I also enjoy the collaborative environment of business and helping business owners unlock value in the companies they care so much about,” Sheynfeld explained.

Lessons Learned

Reflecting on his time at Adelphi, Sheynfeld emphasized the importance of time management and seeking help when needed.

“Between school and sports, it takes a lot,” he said. “You have to be very efficient with your time, focus and prioritize. When you don’t know something, ask for help. That’s what I told the younger guys who came after me, especially the foreigners. There are resources available for you. The Adelphi community cares and wants to see the students be successful, and to me that is the foundation for the success I have seen many Adelphi students have.”

His advice for current and future Panthers is straightforward: “Don’t be afraid to take risks and get out of your comfort zone. Bet on yourself. The cream always rises to the top, especially when you put the work in. Go to places that have upside potential (professionally and financially) and continue to utilize the valuable Adelphi alumni network. Don’t be shy to reach out for guidance.”

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“Adelphi’s Commencement speakers are selected because they are inspirational figures whose work aligns with important aspects of our University mission,” said Christopher Storm, PhD, Â鶹ֱ˛Ą provost and executive vice president. “We are grateful to Adm. James Stavridis and Joseph Moscola for playing such an important role in our 129th Commencement, inspiring Adelphi’s Class of 2025 and their guests with their wisdom, success and positive impact on society.”

Adm. James Stavridis,  Retired U.S. Navy Four-Star Officer and Former Supreme Allied Commander

Adm. James Stavridis, PhD, is partner and vice chair of global affairs for and chair of the . Previously, he spent five years as dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. A retired four-star officer in the , he led the NATO alliance in global operations from 2009 to 2013 as supreme allied commander, with responsibility for Afghanistan, Libya, the Balkans, Syria, counterpiracy and cybersecurity. Adm. Stavridis also served as commander of the U.S. Southern Command, with responsibility for all military operations in Latin America from 2006 to 2009. He won the Battenberg Cup for commanding the top ship in the Atlantic Fleet and the Navy League John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership, along with more than 50 U.S. and international medals and decorations, including 28 from foreign nations.

Adm. Stavridis earned a PhD in international relations from Tufts University and has published 15 books on leadership, character, risk, the oceans, maritime affairs and Latin America, as well as hundreds of articles in leading journals. His books include the novel (Penguin, 2021), a New York Times bestseller, and (Penguin, 2022). His most recent book, (Penguin, 2024), was published in October 2024.

Joseph Moscola, MBA ’06, Northwell Health Executive VP for Shared Services Strategy and Operations

Joseph Moscola is executive vice president for shared services strategy and operations at , New York’s largest health system, which cares for more than 2 million people each year and employs more than 85,000. For 25 years, he has been a transformational leader, driving culture, innovation and outcomes on the provider side of health delivery.

In his role as executive vice president, Moscola leads the strategy and execution of critical functions that drive and the care that team members provide, including digital transformation, facilities and property management, construction, real estate, and oversight of the enterprise’s centralized budget and resources. He also creates and leads strategic business initiatives that drive down costs while generating new revenue for the health system. In his previous role as chief people officer, Moscola led the organization to a 40 percent jump in team member engagement and a spot on and. Previously a cardiothoracic surgery physician’s assistant, he brings a unique customer perspective to his executive leadership roles.

Moscola has served on the Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Board of Trustees since 2023, providing crucial leadership and ensuring that Adelphi continues to deliver a transformative education to our students.

Learn more about Adelphi’s 2025 Commencement ceremony.

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The Fellows Program: Giving Back, Paying Forward

Demitrieus’ desire to share the lessons he’s learned along the way inspired his next big idea: the Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Leadership Fellows Program. He wanted to connect with current students and offer leadership and career advice to future executives. Partnering with Adelphi’s Office of Advancement and External Relations, Demitrieus helped lay the foundation for the Fellows Program, which launched in Fall 2024. A select group of students, known as Student Leadership Fellows, enjoy opportunities to interact with prominent alumni, or Executive Fellows. This collaboration has already made a lasting impact on the students and alumni involved.

Student Leadership Fellows got the chance to listen to the lessons Demitrieus shared over a meal he cooked for them in his New York City apartment. “I love working with students,” Demitrieus said, and his enthusiasm for listening to their stories is contagious. It is the conversations shared and relationships formed that have allowed the Fellows Program to take shape.

The first in his family to graduate high school, Demitrieus recalls the challenges he faced as he connects with other first-generation students who aspire to their own business success. Bridging what can be a “gap between book smarts and street smarts,” he notices that the students he’s met in the Fellows Program remind him of himself at that age. They are “hardworking and driven,” and he encourages them to learn from any experience life might throw at them.

Meaningful Mentor Relationships

Demitrieus arrived at Adelphi as a transfer student from SUNY Cortland in the late 1960s on a lacrosse scholarship, and soon discovered that teamwork, an entrepreneurial spirit and a game-winning attitude could take him to the highest levels of corporate success. He’s eager to share the credit for his success with mentors he was lucky enough to connect with during his career. Those relationships helped him build effective strategic teams—teams he is also quick to credit for contributing to his success. “Making myself available as a mentor and perhaps a role model to aspiring students was an easy and a quite natural extension of my everyday endeavors,” Demitrieus explained.

Roller Coaster Ride to Success

His career path didn’t exactly follow a straight line and, he said, was more like “sitting in the front seat of a roller coaster.” Demitrieus’ journey was never boring: from working at a Big Five accounting firm, to exploring the oil and gas industry, to heading up commodities trading at a major investment banking firm. He was tapped for management positions in Asia, which he recalls as a “transformational” time in his life—an opportunity he used not only to lead, but also to listen and learn. He worked to restructure the multinational SK Group and, soon after, his management career accelerated in the American high-tech and telecom sector at Ixnet, Frontier Communications and in industrial services engineering, where he served as CEO of Toronto-based Alumna Systems. After serving as president of Sherwood Valves and Harsco, Demitrieus diversified his corporate experience into biometrics and was eventually named CEO at EyeLock. Now, as managing director of Jameson Associates, an investment management and financial advisory firm, he leverages his extensive operating experience—and his listening skills—to provide clients with strategic and funding guidance.

At every turn of his journey, Demitrieus cultivated relationships and focused on “people-driven leadership,” which are the lessons he imparts to business and finance students in Adelphi’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business. His own experience in college centered on the connections he made as an and as a student, and the relationships that sustained him—most importantly, his marriage to high school sweetheart and Adelphi alumna Lynn, MA ’72, and his long friendship with lacrosse teammate Tom “MoTown” Motamed ’71. The Adelphi community , and Demitrieus’ latest involvement with Adelphi is a tribute to their unique fellowship.

Demitrieus is a true coach and a mentor to Adelphi students, as he encourages them to think deeply about engaging and collaborating in “people-to-people environments.”  “There’s a difference,” he notes, “between someone who’s really smart and someone who’s really effective,” and, often, it’s a willingness to truly listen and learn. His openness to lifelong learning reflects an important goal not only for the newest Adelphi Leadership Fellows, but for everyone: “to go home smarter than you were when you started the day.”

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To drive this mission forward, Adelphi offers several degrees in environmentalism, from a BA in Environmental Studies and a BS in Environmental Science to an MS in Environmental Studies. Through these programs, students are exposed to various environmental topics and fields, learn from experienced faculty, and gain the tools they need not only to achieve success, but also to have a positive impact on the planet. For some students, a degree from Adelphi combined with a higher degree achieves a goal of landing in the field of research and academia. Others work for companies that focus on environmentalism, sustainability, or environmental health and safety.

Here are some of the career paths our Adelphi alumni have taken with these degrees.

Pursuing Research and Academia

Elizabeth Buccheri ’18

After graduating from high school, knew she was interested in environmental sciences and conservation but wasn’t sure which area she wanted to focus on. Her answer: Adelphi’s BA in Environmental Studies. “Adelphi provided me with a broad understanding of the field of environmental science and gave me opportunities to test out all different disciplines at once, so I could better understand what I wanted to do,” she said.

Buccheri obtained hands-on experience working in laboratories and fieldwork procedures. She credits the faculty, particularly Aaren Freeman, PhD, Matthias Foellmer, PhD, and Beth Christensen, PhD, for giving her the support, skills and knowledge she needed to take her career in any direction.

It was Buccheri’s study abroad experience in Australia, though, that ultimately decided her career path in marine science. “It was my first time studying tropical ecosystems like rainforests and coral reefs, and the diversity blew my mind,” she said. “It was the best introduction to marine science fieldwork that I could have ever imagined.”

After graduating from Adelphi, Buccheri pursued a Master of Science in conservation science from the in Brisbane, Australia. From there, she pursued a PhD in coral reef ecology. She conducted research on the Great Barrier Reef while working as a tutor and leading field courses to the reef. She recently submitted her PhD thesis and hopes to have her doctorate confirmed within the next few months.

Buccheri is now back in New York, where she is making her first foray into an academic career as an adjunct professor at Adelphi. She plans to continue pursuing research and teaching at the university level, preferably in marine science and conservation. “My dream would be to put all of the things that I’m passionate about into one career where I could teach, do my own research, and lead international field courses to share these wonderful experiences with the next generation of scientists.”

From Environmental Studies to Environmental Health and Safety

Jonathan Ciappetta ’08, MS ’10

Jonathan Ciappetta ’08, MS ’10, began his journey at Adelphi as a biology major with plans to enter the medical field. After taking a few courses in the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences and enjoying them so much, he added a minor. By sophomore year he had the same number of credits in environmental studies as in biology. He had a decision to make.

Ciappetta realized that his true interests and passions were in studying environmental policies and how they impact the world around us—and switched his major to environmental studies. Then, in his senior year of undergraduate studies, he was working closely with a professor on an independent study project that expanded upon his work with the , studying losses in salt marsh habitat on the South Shore of Long Island. The decision to pursue his MS in Environmental Studies, and the idea for a large portion of his graduate thesis, was born when he realized the need to conduct core sampling to validate habitat losses he had been studying through historical aerial photographs.

Continuing his efforts with the Town of Hempstead for his graduate program, Ciappetta worked with endangered species, monitored water quality in the South Shore Estuary and worked on sustainability initiatives. “It was fascinating to see environmental regulations put into practice so close to Adelphi.”

Ciappetta’s first full-time job was as an environmental specialist with a consulting firm that focuses on hazardous material compliance programs in sectors such as higher education, healthcare, biotechnology, government and pharmaceuticals. This position gave him real-world, in-depth experience in the environmental regulations he learned about in college and a view into how businesses comply with those regulations.

In time, Ciappetta became specialized in working with healthcare accounts, playing an integral role in designing compliance programs for healthcare institutions. In 2019, he made the move to as director of compliance for its real estate department, working to tackle environmental, health and safety issues. Ciappetta’s role focuses on maintaining various aspects of regulatory compliance for agencies such the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York City Fire Department and the Department of Health at nearly 300 clinics, administrative offices and residential locations managed by the Mount Sinai Health System.

Ciappetta says his courses at Adelphi taught him skills that have proved essential in his career. “I learned to research the social, economic and technical aspects of policy and developed an understanding of the numerous perspectives to environmental issues and their implications, which often go deeper than the surface,” he said.

The Future of Environmentalism

With the recent transition to a new presidential administration, the future of environmental health and issues remains unclear. An early sign of a change in direction is the executive order issued to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, an international treaty signed by multiple countries that takes on climate change, which has critics are concerned that the administration will continue to disregard environmental health and policy.

Elizabeth Buccheri, however, remains optimistic. “The people that decide to work in this space are incredibly passionate and hardworking and make it possible for this field to continue.” While she acknowledges that the upcoming administration will make major changes, she believes that it’s important for people, now more than ever, to support their local and state-led environmental initiatives and continue to fight for the planet.

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When Armijos chose to attend Â鶹ֱ˛Ą, the decision was simple. With a competitive and a distinctive undergraduate program in sport management, it was the ideal environment for someone passionate about the business of sports. “It was easy to see the value in a place that offered both academic rigor and a thriving athletics community,” she said.

Memorable Moments and Lessons Learned

Armijos’ time at Adelphi was marked by unforgettable moments that shaped her both as an athlete and a leader. The highlight of her student-athlete experience came during the 2001–2002 season, when the women’s basketball team won the conference title and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament. However, her path to the tournament was far from easy.

“I tore my ACL just before the tournament,” she shared. “But there was no way I was missing the Big Dance. I played through the injury, all while keeping a smile on my face.” The team finished the season ranked No. 14 in the country, a testament to their resilience and drive, qualities that Armijos carried with her throughout her career.

Her education went beyond sports, though. A technology course with Leah Fiorentino, MA ’91, EdD, sparked her interest in the tech world. “Dr. Fiorentino’s passion for integrating technology with education inspired me,” Armijos recalled. “We built our own professional websites using HTML code, and I later returned as her teaching assistant, which gave me a deeper understanding of technology.”

Leveraging Leadership Into a Career Path

Armijos was more than just a student-athlete. Under the mentorship of Coach Kim Barnes-Arico, she said, she learned vital leadership lessons that would guide her professional journey: “Coach Barnes-Arico had an unwavering enthusiasm that pushed us to give our best every single day. Her relentless drive to succeed left a lasting impact on me, and it influenced my own coaching and leadership style.”

It wasn’t just about athletics for Armijos; it was about discovering her voice and leadership potential. “Adelphi helped me define my leadership style and provided a foundation for my career in education,” she said.

Even after graduation, Armijos’ connection to Adelphi remained strong. In 2013, she returned to the University to earn a , further solidifying her commitment to growth and education.

A Life Fueled by Passion

After graduating from Adelphi, Armijos’ career path took her into the world of athletics administration. Her dream was to become an athletics director, and she made that dream a reality. “Adelphi instilled in me a love for what I do. When passion drives your work, it doesn’t feel like a job—it feels like you’re living your dream,” she reflected.

Her early career involved teaching physical education and coaching multiple sports, giving her invaluable experience in athletics development. In 2013, she was given the opportunity to build a brand-new high school athletics program from the ground up. Over 15 years, her leadership helped the program grow into a powerhouse, securing 35 championships in the process. “The most rewarding moments came when my students accomplished skills they once thought were impossible. Watching them believe in themselves was pure magic.”

However, in 2022, Armijos faced an unexpected setback when the new administration at the school reassigned her, and she faced an uncertain future.

From Setback to Startup: Embracing the Tech World

Armijos’ challenges led her down an entirely new path. Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit she encountered at startup pitch events, she decided to combine her passion for technology with her love of athletics. In June 2023, she took a leap of faith. Armed with her newfound knowledge of coding and a desire to create solutions, she founded , a platform designed to streamline the hiring process for athletics coaches. It allows them to create digital rĂ©sumĂ©s with pictures, videos and audio, while employers can quickly find the right coach, reducing hiring time from days to minutes.”As an athletics director, I faced the challenge of filling coaching positions in the middle of a season,” Armijos explained. “Next Athletics Pro was born out of that need—creating a marketplace that connects coaches and employers more efficiently.”

Today, as CEO and founder of Next Athletics Pro, she leads the charge in revolutionizing the way sports organizations connect with coaches. “Having experienced both sides of the industry, I understand the challenges coaches and employers face,” she said. “Now I work with my tech team to continuously enhance the platform and expand our reach.”

Her proudest accomplishment remains her work in building a new athletics program from the ground up, but her latest venture brings her full circle—combining her love of sports with her growing expertise in technology.

Giving Back and Looking Forward

Armijos continues to be an advocate for education and community involvement. She has organized events like a varsity basketball doubleheader at the Barclays Center and donated used uniforms to children in Cameroon, Africa. “It’s about creating impact both locally and globally,” she said.

For current and future Adelphi students, Armijos has simple but powerful advice: “Start each day with gratitude, and when you hit your lowest points, return to it. In the face of adversity, remember—you are in the driver’s seat. You can either choose to be a victim, or you can take control, transform your pain into power and carve your own path forward.”

Armijos’ achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2014, she was inducted into the Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Athletic Hall of Fame, and she has received multiple awards for her leadership in athletics. Her journey from student-athlete to tech entrepreneur exemplifies the possibilities that await those who combine passion, dedication and a willingness to innovate.

Armijos’ journey is far from over, and as she continues to innovate at the intersection of sports and technology, her story will inspire future generations of Adelphi Panthers to reach for their dreams and never give up.

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Balboni’s Career in Homeland Security

Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, Senator Balboni was appointed chairman of the . In this role, he oversaw and sponsored almost every major law in New York relating to homeland security. He also served as an outside adviser to the Obama Presidential Transition Team and was a member of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s transition team. Balboni has served on numerous boards at the national level relating to national security.

After leaving government, Balboni founded , a homeland security, crisis management, government relations and business development firm. He is a regular contributor as a terrorism expert on national and local television and in print media.

Chair-Elect Balboni’s roots with Adelphi run deep. He has been a dedicated member of Adelphi’s board of trustees since 2018. He is also part of a legacy family at the University, as his uncle, two sisters, nephew and daughter all graduated from Adelphi. He was part of the adjunct faculty in the Department of Political Science and greatly enjoyed teaching on campus. His insights have been instrumental in Adelphi’s success during his tenure as a board member, and his demonstrated passion for service throughout his career makes him an ideal chair as Adelphi looks toward an ambitious future.

President Riordan Welcomes Balboni

“I am thrilled to formally welcome Chair-Elect Balboni into his new role, and I look forward to working together with our innovative and collaborative board as we advance our strategic priorities,” said President Christine M. Riordan. “I also want to express my deepest gratitude to outgoing Chair Marc Strachan, who partnered with our Executive Leadership team and me to build a remarkable transformation at Adelphi during and after the pandemic. His love for our University is evident during his enthusiastic participation in campus events and his ability to inspire a true sense of camaraderie among all of us. His remaining service as a board member will continue to be an asset to our entire community and a tremendous resource for our new chair.”

Chair-Elect Balboni said, “Looking back on my career, I realize that Adelphi gave me the foundation I needed to challenge myself to reach for new goals. The University is blessed to have outstanding leadership, educators and students. Adelphi is the answer to the question: ’Where do we go from here?’ I am proud to be given the chance to help lead.”

Learn more about the .

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