Featured Stories
Harris and Olivia with the panther on graduation day, May 2019; Bottom: On their wedding day; Announcing their newest adventure- their first child
Harris Cherpelis ’19, Olivia Minogue Cherpelis ’19, MA ’22
Harris and Olivia’s story began at Adelphi, long before either of them realized how much those first days would shape their lives. They met during freshman orientation—Group 7—and while they chatted here and there, something clicked a little deeper at a soccer game during the first week of classes. From that moment on, they kept finding themselves in each other’s orbit: Greek life events, shifts at Campus Recreation, Olivia leading group fitness classes, and Harris working in Rec. What started as an easy friendship slowly grew into something neither of them wanted to ignore.
After ten years of dating, they married on October 11, 2025. Since graduating from Adelphi, Harris has completed PT school, and Olivia has been building her career in Dance Education, working toward tenure in the South Huntington School District. Now they’re preparing for their biggest adventure yet—their first child, arriving July 2026.
Their advice to current students is simple: go for it. Don’t let fear of “ruining a friendship” keep you from something real. Let your guard down, be yourself, and trust the timing.
As for the years ahead, they picture a life filled with growth, love, and plenty of time spent lifting together—just like they did on their very first date at the Adelphi gym.
Clockwise from Top left: Laurie and Bob at Laurie’s Adelphi graduation; Laurie and Bob; Laurie and Bob with their children and grandchildren; Bob and Laurie at the Emmys
Laurie ’79 and Robert ’78 Palladino
Laurie and Bob’s story began long before their days at Adelphi. In 1972, their local church staged a production of Godspell. Laurie lit up the stage as a cast member, while Bob played guitar in the band. What started as a shared creative experience soon grew into something more, and a few months after the final curtain call, they began dating—setting the foundation for a partnership that would carry them through college and far beyond.
When they eventually found themselves on Adelphi’s campus, their time together became a cherished rarity. With classes on opposite ends of campus and schedules that never seemed to align, the simple act of sharing lunch felt like a small victory. Those quick meals—brief pauses in busy days—became some of their favorite memories, reminders that even in the busiest seasons, they always found their way back to each other.
Their story continued to unfold, and on October 27, 1979, they were married. After graduation, Laurie built a long and meaningful career in nursing, while Bob began working as an Audio Engineer for NBC Television in 1980. Together, they raised two daughters and made it a priority to travel as a family whenever they could, collecting memories across the years and miles.
Looking back, they offer simple but heartfelt advice to today’s students: treasure your friendships, because the experiences you share will stay with you. And when it comes to love, remember that understanding and respecting each other’s schedules, workloads, and commitments is essential—especially during the whirlwind of college life.
Now, having recently retired, Laurie and Bob are embracing a new chapter. Their days are filled with family time—especially with their grandchildren—and the hope of good health and new adventures. After a lifetime of shared moments, from a church production in 1972 to the present day, they’re still looking ahead with the same spirit that brought them together in the first place.