Panthers Who Serve

U.S. Air Force Veteran

Donald J. Wolk served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956, working in electronic countermeasures on highly classified projects during the early years of the Cold War. After completing his military service, he pursued graduate study at Adelphi University, earning his PhD in Clinical Psychology in 1963. He describes Adelphi’s nationally respected doctoral program as an exceptional educational experience that helped launch his career in psychology. His military service and academic achievements together reflect a lifelong dedication to intellectual curiosity, professional excellence and public service.

“The program was extremely highly rated in the United States. It was fantastic! Could not have been better.”

U.S. Army

After graduating from Adelphi University in 1966, William Greenhut answered the nation’s call by enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. He served as an infantry officer along the Korean Demilitarized Zone, ultimately becoming a battalion operations officer and earning both the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge after being wounded in action. Following his military service, Greenhut built a distinguished four-decade career in diagnostic ultrasound, teaching at leading medical institutions and helping shape the education of future healthcare professionals. In retirement, he has become an accomplished writer, competitive athlete and dedicated member of the veteran community, continuing a lifetime defined by resilience, service and learning.

U.S. Navy

Elliot Gordon’s journey of service began through Cornell University’s Naval ROTC program before serving aboard the USS Cheboygan County (LST-533) and later in Kodiak, Alaska. While stationed there, he applied to Adelphi University, where he earned his master’s degree while assisting with laboratory instruction under biology professor Raymond Grillo, PhD. His Adelphi education opened the door to doctoral studies at New York University and a distinguished career in toxicology spanning decades in both industry and consulting. Gordon also continued his commitment to service through the US Navy Reserve, retiring with the rank of commander after many years of military leadership.

“Graduation ceremony is long forgotten; the oath, never.”

U.S. Air Force

Sal Napolitano’s commitment to service was shaped long before he wore a military uniform. Growing up surrounded by relatives who served during World War II, he developed a deep respect for military service and the opportunities it provides. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving four years that took him from bases across the United States to Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and Southeast Asia. Following his military service, Napolitano earned his MBA from Adelphi University and built a successful career in banking and community leadership, carrying forward the discipline, curiosity and sense of purpose he developed in the Air Force.

“My plan to see the world worked out well.”

U.S. Navy

A conversation with an Adelphi professor inspired Robert Darling to pursue military medicine, launching a distinguished career that included more than 25 years in the U.S. Navy as a flight surgeon and emergency physician. He became the first emergency medicine physician to serve the President of the United States at the White House and aboard Air Force One and Marine One, later helping lead the nation’s medical response to the 2001 anthrax attacks. Today, he continues his lifelong commitment to protecting others as a physician, educator and medical director, crediting Adelphi’s mentorship with setting him on a path of extraordinary service.

U.S. Navy

Scott Gibney retired from the U.S. Navy as a captain after a distinguished 30-year career supporting the strategic sealift capabilities that are essential to the nation’s defense. His work took him to ports throughout the Middle East, Europe and Asia while he served in increasingly senior leadership roles, including commanding officer. Gibney credits the MBA he earned at Adelphi University with helping prepare him for promotion to captain and the responsibilities of executive leadership. He also recognizes the steadfast support of his wife, Susan, whom he met during his time at Adelphi, as an important part of his personal and professional journey.

U.S. Navy

Robert Poole served in the U.S. Navy from 1986 to 1990 aboard an amphibious landing ship as a hull technician and damage controlman. His military service taught him the importance of discipline, readiness, teamwork and remaining steady under pressure—qualities that have guided him throughout his career. After completing his service, he attended Adelphi University, where he strengthened his leadership, communication and professional skills while building on the resilience he developed in the Navy. Today, he credits both the Navy and Adelphi with helping shape his commitment to purposeful leadership and lifelong service.

“My Navy experience taught me resilience. Adelphi helped me turn that resilience into direction.”

U.S. Marine Corps

Thomas Hayes entered the U.S. Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program while completing his master’s degree in adolescent education at Adelphi University and reported to boot camp just two weeks after graduation in 2012. Assigned as a machine gunner with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines, he credits both his collegiate athletic experience and leadership opportunities at Adelphi—including serving as a eesident assistant and competing on the men’s lacrosse team—with preparing him for military service. Hayes later deployed to Afghanistan with a company that included longtime Adelphi connections, reinforcing his belief in the enduring value of relationships built through shared experiences. Today, he continues to draw on the leadership, discipline and network he developed through both the Marine Corps and Adelphi in his careers in law enforcement and education.

“The opportunities you take can always lead to a network that will take care of you, if you take care of it.”

U.S. Air Force

Gavin Walters enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2003 with a desire to serve something greater than himself. Although his military career was shortened by medical challenges, the experience shaped his lifelong commitment to leadership, resilience and advocating for fellow veterans. After earning his degree from Adelphi University, Walters transformed his lived experiences into a career of service, gaining the knowledge and skills to champion veterans, service members and their families. Today, as Executive Director of the Dwyer Coalition for Military Veterans & Families, he works to strengthen support systems across New York state while continuing to lead with the values instilled through both military service and his Adelphi education.

“The foundation I built through my military service, combined with the education and mentorship I received at Adelphi, continues to shape my approach to leadership.”

U.S. Army

Carmelo Soto joined the U.S. Army in 2005 after overcoming early setbacks and uncertainty about his future. During 12 years of military service, he developed the resilience, determination and leadership skills that would later help him pursue higher education and a career dedicated to helping others. Through Adelphi University’s Advanced Standing Program, Soto earned both his Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work, while also completing a Spanish Translation certification. He credits Adelphi’s faculty, Student Access Office and supportive learning environment with helping him achieve educational goals that once seemed out of reach and preparing him to become an advocate for future generations.

“It wasn’t easy, but I used the discipline I learned in the Army and the immense support provided by Adelphi’s faculty to make my education dreams come true.”

U.S. Army

Nadiym Drake has served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years, beginning his military career while he was still an Adelphi University student. After enlisting in 2003, he joined the ROTC program through Hofstra University and was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduating from Adelphi in 2005. During his time on campus, Drake served as president of C.A.L.I.B.E.R. and as a Resident Assistant in Eddy Hall—leadership experiences he says prepared him for the many responsibilities he would later assume as an Army officer. Now attending the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he remains grateful for the opportunities, mentorship and leadership foundation Adelphi provided during his undergraduate years.

U.S. Army

Nicholas Perez earned his degree in political science from Adelphi University in 2019 before embarking on a career of military service as a U.S. Army Ranger. Stationed at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii, he continues to serve while pursuing a Master of Science in Law Enforcement Intelligence at Florida State University. Perez credits Adelphi with strengthening his ability to think critically, communicate effectively and analyze complex issues—skills he relies on every day in both military service and graduate study. Completing the rigorous U.S. Army Ranger School remains one of his proudest accomplishments, reinforcing the values of discipline, perseverance and teamwork that continue to guide his career.

U.S. Army

McClifford Genois has dedicated more than two decades to military and public service, building a career defined by leadership, integrity and a commitment to protecting others. Throughout his service in the U.S. Army, he has held roles in military police operations, investigations, protective services, training management and security operations, leading soldiers while supporting complex missions in collaboration with federal, state and local agencies. His education at Adelphi University strengthened the analytical, communication and leadership skills that complemented his extensive military experience and reinforced his commitment to ethical leadership. Today, he continues to serve while applying the lessons of both military service and higher education to make a positive impact in the communities around him.

U.S. Army

First lieutenant Isabella G. Aparicio earned her nursing degree from Adelphi University in 2023 before commissioning as an officer in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps through Adelphi’s partnership with the Long Island ROTC program. She began her military career at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where she cared for wounded service members, government leaders and patients evacuated during Operation Epic Fury. Today, she serves as a clinical nurse Officer in charge at Fort Meade, overseeing soldier medical readiness while supporting military operations throughout the Washington, D.C., region. Aparicio credits Adelphi’s outstanding faculty, supportive mentors and close-knit nursing community with preparing her for a career of military leadership, compassionate patient care and continued service to her country.

U.S. Army

After graduating from Adelphi University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, Alexandra Sacripante was commissioned as a second lieutenant through Adelphi’s Culper Battalion Army ROTC program. A standout Panther softball player, she credits the teamwork, discipline and leadership she developed balancing athletics, academics and ROTC with preparing her for the demands of military service. Today, she serves as a UH-60 Black Hawk pilot at Fort Polk, Louisiana, flying training and operational missions in support of Army readiness. Sacripante says the foundation she built at Adelphi—with the support of her professors, coaches and teammates—continues to guide her every day, proving that “the lessons learned as a Panther can carry graduates farther than they ever imagined.”

“My team looks a little different, the uniform has changed, and the stakes are higher, but the lessons I learned at Adelphi are with me every single day.”

Blue Star Mother | Parent of an Active-Duty U.S. Air Force Airman

Andrea Nordquist knows that military service is a commitment shared not only by those who wear the uniform, but also by the families who love and support them. As the mother of an active-duty Air Force servicemember, she has watched her son grow into a leader, a husband and a father while serving his country around the world. Although military life has brought moments of worry and uncertainty, Nordquist says it also fills her with immense pride to witness the skills, confidence and sense of purpose her son has developed through his service. Her story reminds us of the sacrifices of our military families who provide the unwavering support that makes their service possible.

“It warms my heart at night. It doesn’t do much for my nerves, but in every sense of the word, I am very proud of him.”