Onward and Upward: Adelphi’s Class of 2026 Celebrates at 130th Commencement

Adelphi University's Class of 2026 crossed the stage at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, in two commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 21. Surrounded by family and friends, Adelphi undergraduate and graduate students from all eight of the University's schools and colleges celebrated their milestones and achievements.

The Class of 2026 by the Numbers

This year, more than 2,100 Adelphi graduates received degrees at the Commencement ceremonies. Most graduates were from the University's College of Nursing and Public Health and the School of Social Work.

Adelphi's Class of 2026 represented 60 countries and 29 states, with 1,803 hailing from the State of New York. This year, the graduates ranged from 18 to 73 years old.

On Wednesday, May 19, 54 doctorate degrees were conferred at the Doctoral Hooding ceremony at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Adelphi Leaders Impart Words of Wisdom for Class of 2026

Christopher Storm, PhD, who has served as Adelphi's interim president for the past academic year, addressed the Class of 2026, reminding them that their Adelphi education has prepared them to meet the challenges of the future:

"Earning a college degree is no small feat-it requires perseverance, resilience and dedication. Each of our graduates here today has shown that and more on their Adelphi journey, and I hope you leave feeling empowered by what you're capable of achieving."

Representatives from the Class of 2026 also shared personal stories and inspiration with fellow graduates from the podium.

"Our story has been one of hard work, grit and determination each and every step of the way," said undergraduate Hussein Ali Rifath, Adelphi Student Government Association president. "But ultimately, those experiences have touched our lives. My friends, the road that lies ahead is one of hope. It's shaped by dreams that lie deep within each and every one of us."

Emily Ledesma '25, president of the Graduate Student Council, spoke about how Adelphi's inclusivity helped her feel seen and supported.

"I wish that I could tell first-year Emily that things would be different for a change, and that Adelphi would become more than a university; it would become a place where I felt seen, supported and accepted just as I was, and become a place that I consider a second home, one that is so hard to say goodbye to."

During this year's Commencement ceremonies, four honorary degrees were awarded to accomplished, inspiring alumni whose work is closely tied to Adelphi's mission. Honorees included: Joseph W. Westphal '70, PhD, former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Serena Martin '05, founder and executive director of New Hour For Women and Children; Christopher Pappas '81, a first-generation student who became founder, chairman, president and chief executive officer of The Chefs'​ Warehouse; and Z. Paul Akian '64, a technologist, entrepreneur and philanthropist who contributed to NASA's Apollo Program.

Ambassador Westphal shared, "The world does not need more spectators. It needs participants, people willing to engage and work hard and lead and stand for something meaningful. May you have the courage to begin, the strength to continue and the wisdom to enjoy the journey."

In Pappas' address to the Class of 2026, he encouraged the graduates to strive for excellence. "Whatever path you choose, do not settle for ordinary. When a door closest, look for the next door, and when it opens, run through it. Today, you mastered your courses. Now go master life."

President-Elect Michael Balboni '81, JD, Adelphi's first alumni president, addressed fellow Panthers at the ceremonies, asking them to stay the course and embrace challenges.

"You have to embrace what you've been given. Recognize it's not always going to be a straight line to where you want to go or where you're going to wind up. This University will be here for you. Go get 'em!"

Learn more about Adelphi University's 130th Commencement.