“On behalf of the entire Adelphi community, we extend our deepest gratitude for the enthusiasm and generosity that made this year’s Giving Day such a tremendous success,” said Thomas Kline, EdD, vice president of University advancement and external relations. “This extraordinary support is creating life-changing opportunities for our students and shaping the future of our University.”

This year, donors had the opportunity to fund any of 20 distinct areas, ranging from individual schools, colleges and departments to specific student-centered initiatives and the Adelphi Fund, which addresses the areas of greatest need at the University and supports its strategic priorities. The vast majority of these areas surpassed their fundraising goals and benefited from individual donations and match challenges.

Giving Day 2025 Highlights

Adelphi’s 1,896 minutes of giving is a nod to our founding year of 1896. For us, Giving Day began on April 9, 2025 at 4:24 am and ended at noon on April 10, 2025.

• The raised an impressive $334,115 from 1,008 donors.
  • Men’s basketball was the top fundraiser, with $31,465, while baseball drew the most donors at 125.
  • Dennis McDonagh ’78 inspired giving with a $5,000 matching gift for men’s golf and a $75,000 challenge gift to fund a student-athlete refueling station.
  • Stephen ’83 and Kelley Outcault ’83 advanced the tally with a $75,000 gift to renovate the strength and conditioning room.
  • An anonymous $25,000 gift created an endowed award for student-athletes dedicated to community service.
• Trustee Kimberly Sluis, EdD, made a generous $40,000 commitment to support undergraduate research through the SPARK (Scholars Pursuing Arts, Research and Knowledge) Center.
• Howard Kassinove ’63, PhD ’70, and Tina Kassinove ’65, MA ’87, established a $25,000 endowment to support psychology student research and conference attendance.
• Robert B. Willumstad School of Business Associate Professor Rakesh Gupta committed $25,000 to fund international education experiences for students.
• Lynda Perdomo-Ayala ’78 established a $25,000 endowment to assist first-generation college students with tuition and alternative spring break opportunities.
• Kathryn Chiddo ’77 expanded her support of pediatric nursing students in the College of Nursing and Public Health with a $25,000 gift to her existing scholarship fund.
• Nehal Mehta ’93, MD, challenged students to give—and they answered. Their participation unlocked Dr. Mehta’s $25,000 endowed scholarship for students in need.
• Trustee Kevin G. Mahony ’83 matched $10,000 in gifts to the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, strengthening Adelphi’s commitment to future business leaders.

In total, all 25 match and challenge gifts were completed—amounting to $164,850—amplifying the day’s impact and sustaining momentum throughout the event.

Additionally, 1,327 donors made contributions of $250 or less, collectively raising $89,664, underscoring the powerful impact of grassroots giving.

Giving Day concluded with a $100,000 commitment from Savills North America, supporting the development of Adelphi’s new Manhattan Center. To commemorate the occasion, members of the Adelphi community gathered in New York City on April 10 for a groundbreaking ceremony and celebration.

Building Momentum Toward a Bright Future

This year’s Giving Day is part of The Momentum Campaign: Extraordinary Impact, Adelphi’s ongoing fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting student success, academic excellence and innovation across all campuses.

“We are deeply moved by the generosity and Panther pride demonstrated by our community,” said Dr. Kline. “These contributions are laying the groundwork for Adelphi’s bright future, and we are honored to have so many people join us on our journey.”

The post Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Celebrates Record-Breaking Giving Day appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą.

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. WhileĚýmajoring in finance, he was a two-time NSCAA/USCĚýĚý˛ą˛Ô»ĺĚýrecipient. Initially, he pursuedĚýcomputer science, inspired by Israel’s robust high-tech industry. However, during his first year, he found himself drawn toĚýmathĚýand 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˛ÔĚýeconomicsĚýclass taught by Associate ProfessorĚýDavid 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.”

The post Profiles in Success: Adelphi’s Commitment to Student Success Helped One Student-Athlete Achieve His Goals appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą.

The orchestrated a remarkable year, concluding the season with a 26-8 record. Under the guidance of Head Coach Dave Duke, the clinched their first NE10 regular-season championship since the 2011–2012 season, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history. This achievement propelled them into the NCAA Tournament, their first appearance under Duke and the program’s first since 2012, when they were led by James Cosgrove, now an NCAA Division III National Champion at Trinity College in Connecticut.​

Individual accolades further underscored the team’s success. ’s defensive prowess earned him the NE10 Defensive Player of the Year title. ’s exceptional leadership was recognized with his first NE10 Coach of the Year award, making him the first Adelphi men’s basketball coach to receive this honor. Offensively, both Andres Fulgencio and Dayshaun Walton were named NE10 First Team All-Conference, with Walton also securing a spot on the NABC All-District First Team.​

Men’s Lacrosse: Eyes on the Prize

The began its national title defense with high expectations, bolstered by its No. 1 preseason national ranking. A significant highlight leading up to the season was goaltender , making him the first Adelphi men’s lacrosse player to earn consideration for what is considered the Heisman Trophy of men’s and women’s college lacrosse. Renner was also honored by USA Lacrosse Magazine as its . The Panthers have already begun imparting their dominance with a 9-0 start to the season—making them one of only three teams in the country to still possess an undefeated record.

Swimming and Diving: Kakimseit’s Stellar Splash

The made waves this season, powered by the . His outstanding contributions were pivotal in Adelphi’s historic runner-up finish at the 2025 NE10 Championship in February, the program’s best since joining the league in the 2009–2010 season. Kakimseit’s individual point total of 60 earned him the prestigious NE10 Men’s Swimmer of the Meet honor. Then in March, he added to his trophy case by picking up his second-consecutive Swimmer of the Year award. He wasn’t the only aquatic Panther to win top awards from the conference, though. Freshman was honored as the NE10 Rookie of the Year, becoming the third Adelphi swimmer in four years to win the award, following Kakimseit in 2024 and in 2022. ’sĚýelection as Coach of the Year for the second-straight year completed Adelphi’s domination of the conference’s major awards.

Women’s Basketball: A Resilient Run

Under the leadership of alumna Head Coach Sade Jackson ’14, the Adelphi showcased resilience and determination. They advanced to the NE10 semifinals for the first time since their impressive 27-3 run in 2020, concluding the season with a balanced 15-15 record.

Softball: A New Chapter Begins

The Adelphi ushered in a new era with the appointment of Katie Apostolopoulos as the 10th head coach in Adelphi’s storied softball history. Apostolopoulos aims to build upon the solid foundation established over the past six seasons under Carla Campagna, who departed for Division I Iona University last summer. The team’s future looks promising as they strive to continue their legacy of success.Ěý

A Testament to Excellence

These accomplishments have propelled Â鶹ֱ˛Ą to a close second place in the through the winter season, reflecting the collective success of its athletic programs. As the Panthers continue to excel, they embody the spirit of champions, inspiring pride and anticipation for future triumphs within the Adelphi community.

The post A Wonderland of Wins: Adelphi’s Winter Sports Season appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą.

The post Dylan Renner the Ultimate Controller of the Crease appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą.

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.

The post From Athlete to Innovator: The Journey of Eliana Armijos ’03, MS ’13, From Adelphi to Entrepreneur appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą.

“Armas helped define the role of defensive midfielder, setting a high bar for future generations,” announced the at the time of his election. “He was a vital factor in the Chicago Fire winning an MLS Cup, a Supporters’ Shield [for the best regular-season record] and four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup [tournament] titles.”

An Adelphi Legend

Armas arrived at Adelphi in the fall of 1990 from the Long Island community of Brentwood, New York. He immediately made an impact on the field, helping the team set a school record for most wins in a season (14) and advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He led the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances in all, winning a slew of awards, including two All-New York State and NSCAA All-Region selections and two CoSIDA Academic All-America honors. As a senior, he led Adelphi in scoring and was voted team MVP.

After his playing days were over, Armas returned to Adelphi in 2011 to coach the team. By his second year, he had the team playing in the championship game of the Northeast-10 Conference Tournament following a stunning upset of the nation’s 10th-ranked team. He guided the Panthers to a second-straight conference championship game the next year as well as its first NCAA Tournament invitation since 2007 and first victory in the tournament since 2004—accomplishments that earned him NSCAA East Region Coach of the Year honors.

Armas’ fourth year as coach was just as successful, as the team compiled the best record of his tenure, 14-5-2, and rose as high as ninth in the nation. The year turned out to be his last at Adelphi, though, as he stepped down from the position in March 2015 to become an assistant coach of Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls.

“I’ve had an amazing experience in my four years coaching and mentoring the student-athletes of the Adelphi women’s soccer team,” he said at the time. “In a situation where I was supposed to be the teacher, the girls have been the ones who have given and taught me. I cannot say enough positives about the team, but they have changed my life forever.”

Advancing in the Coaching Ranks

Armas continued his coaching success in his first year with the Red Bulls, helping the team win the MLS Supporters’ Shield. In 2018, he was promoted to head coach and promptly led the team to another Supporters’ Shield and an appearance in the Eastern Conference Final.

In 2021, Armas moved to soccer’s biggest stage when he was named an assistant coach for one of the world’s most renowned teams, Manchester United. He moved to another assistant coaching position in England’s Premier League by joining the staff of Leeds United.

Armas returned to the MLS in 2024 and is now head coach of the Colorado Rapids. He made an immediate impact, leading the team to a club record 50 points and 15 wins. The Rapids qualified for the 2025 CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) Champions Cup and secured a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Armas was named a finalist for the Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year Award.

An Enduring Connection With Adelphi

Through it all, Armas has stayed close to his Adelphi roots, a point made by Danny McCabe, the University’s director of athletics and campus recreation.

“This is a well-deserved recognition for Chris’ many contributions to the sport of soccer in this country,” McCabe said at the time of Armas’ election to the Hall of Fame. “He had an outstanding playing career and currently enjoys a tremendous coaching career. He’s widely recognized as one of the best to ever play the sport in this country and this honor solidifies that notion. Chris has always represented Â鶹ֱ˛Ą and the Long Island community with class and we couldn’t be more happy for him and his family.”

The Adelphi connection extends beyond Chris in the Armas family. Both of his sons, Christopher and Aleksei, followed in his footsteps and played soccer for the Panthers. Both played the same position—midfield.

The post Rostered With the Greats: Chris Armas ’94 Elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą.

A 2011 Adelphi graduate and former four-year volleyball standout, Mau has broken new ground in the world of sports, recently stepping into the role of senior athletic trainer with the NBA’s New York Knicks.

Mau’s journey, marked by perseverance and a passion for both sports and medicine, serves as a beacon for women and individuals of Asian and Pacific Island heritage in a traditionally male-dominated profession.

Starring on the Volleyball Court at Adelphi

Mau’s love for sports began at a young age on the beautiful sun-drenched shores of Oahu.

Volleyball, a sport deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, gave her the chance to travel and compete, providing an early view of a world beyond her island home. “It gave me a great outlook on what’s out there,” Mau recalled.

She idolized Olympians like Robin Ah Mow—a fellow Hawaiian and now the head women’s volleyball coach at the University of Hawaii—as well as Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor. Mau felt especially connected to May-Treanor’s achievements despite being “on the shorter side” for a volleyball player, a challenge Mau could relate to at her own 5-foot-6-inch stature.

Mau’s journey to Adelphi was fueled by a desire to pursue volleyball at the college level and explore life on the East Coast. In 2007, she traveled nearly 5,000 miles from Hawaii to Long Island, where she quickly made her mark on . Over her four-year career, she amassed more than 3,000 assists and still ranks among the University’s leaders in both career assists and digs.

“I knew that I wanted to play volleyball in college and go far away from home,” she reflected. Adelphi became a second family to her, a community where she found support and lifelong friendships.

Earning Her Degree in Exercise Science

It was also at Adelphi where Mau discovered a passion for athletic training, often taping her fellow athletes’ ankles. Her degree in exercise science laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually lead her to the NBA.

“The exercise science program and my experience at Adelphi helped me see both sides of athletic training,” she explained. “Majoring in exercise science gave me an opportunity to learn the foundations of sports medicine and the tools to jump-start my athletic training career.”

After earning her BS in Exercise Science at Adelphi, Mau went on to earn a master’s degree in California and spent three years as an assistant athletic trainer at the college level. She entered the pros in 2016 as head athletic trainer for the South Bay Lakers, the NBA G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers.

On to the NBA

Mau with Mavericks’ guard and 5-time NBA All-Star Luka DonÄŤić. He is holding the trophy he received as the MVP of the Western Conference Finals.

Her big break came in 2019 with a call from the Dallas Mavericks, where she served as assistant athletic trainer for five years. It was a dream job at the top level of the American sports world, which she made the most of.

She helped win the NBA’s Athletic Training Staff of the Year award in her second and third seasons with the team. She spurred innovation, introducing a new wellness concept to the league by adding the NBA’s first emotional support animal to the training staff, a mini Bernedoodle named Bailey. And she had the thrill of playing an important role in the team’s march to the 2023–2024 NBA Finals.

Mau made her debut as the Knicks’ senior athletic trainer this season. Working with a team as iconic as the Knicks—particularly in a city as diverse as New York—is both a professional and personal triumph for her.

“The excitement around the Knicks is like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” she said.

Her return to the East Coast also brings her closer to family and allows her to work with Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ star who became her friend when he played with the Mavericks.

Breaking Down Barriers

In addition to her professional milestones, Mau sees her position as an opportunity to inspire others, particularly women and minority communities. As a woman of Asian and Pacific Island heritage, she’s passionate about breaking down barriers and proving that success in high-level sports is possible for people from all backgrounds.

“It’s about showing other girls from Hawaii that they can move away from home, do things at the highest level, and that it is possible,” she said. With her unique path and perspective, Mau is reshaping what it means to be an athletic trainer in the NBA.

Mau’s story, from her early days in Hawaii to her achievements with the Knicks, is a testament to pursuing one’s dreams.

For those lucky enough to work alongside her—or for any young athlete watching from afar—she represents a trailblazer who, with every step, redefines what’s possible.

The post Panther in the Pros: Heather Mau ’11, Senior Athletic Trainer for the New York Knicks appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą.