Alumna Judith Ammerman Commits $500,000 for Adelphi’s First-Generation Students

The double alumna and longtime Garden City educator established a new endowed scholarship at Adelphi's 2026 gala.

At Adelphi University's 26th Annual Gala in September 2026, Judith Ammerman, MA '64, MS '73, committed $500,000 to establish an endowed scholarship for first-generation students. She joined President Michael Balboni '81, JD, and Thomas A. Kline, vice president of University Advancement and External Relations, to sign her gift agreement prior to the event.

Ammerman's commitment provided a fitting start to the evening's theme: A Celebration of Firsts. The Judith Ammerman First-Generation Endowed Scholarship Fund will support eligible undergraduate students who are the first in their families to attend college.

"There was no more perfect way to begin our 'Celebration of Firsts' than by honoring Judy's extraordinary generosity," Kline said. "Her profound commitment to our first-generation students perfectly captures the spirit of Adelphi, ensuring that the doors of opportunity remain wide open for those ready to pave a new path for their families."

Ammerman is a lifelong champion of learning, having taught mathematics at Garden City Middle School for nearly 30 years after several years teaching in Roosevelt, New York. Now retired and living in Florida, she made a special trip to Long Island for the celebration.

Her gift reflects a lifelong belief that education can change a student's future and create opportunities for generations to follow. In advice to the students her scholarship will support, Ammerman said, "Being the first in the family has some responsibilities! Get yourself off to a good start, crack open those books, write those papers and do a great job! Remember you have an obligation to set a good example for the rest of your family."

The new scholarship builds on her earlier $1.5 million planned gift to Adelphi. Announced in 2023, that separate estate commitment is intended to establish three endowed funds supporting undergraduate scholarships, faculty development, and University facilities and projects.

"Judy's steadfast belief in our students is truly inspiring," said Thomas A. Kline, vice president of University Advancement and External Relations. "Between her generous planned gift and this new endowed scholarship, her philanthropic impact will create a powerful ripple effect-removing barriers for our first-generation students and empowering them to achieve their boldest goals."

Nearly half of Adelphi's students are first-generation, including junior nursing student Liana Esau, who spoke at the gala about the pride and responsibility that distinction brings.

"As a first-generation student, I know I carry the hopes and dreams of those who came before me, and create new possibilities for those who will come after me," Esau said.