Adelphi celebrates the University’s 130th Commencement at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on May 21, 2026 with a morning ceremony for undergraduates and an afternoon ceremony for graduate students.
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Watch Adelphi’s commencement ceremonies and celebrate the Class of 2026 as they cross the stage and begin what’s next.
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation from Adelphi University! Find everything you need to know about Adelphi’s 2026 Commencement ceremonies here. If you’re graduating this year, check back often for the latest updates and details.
Adelphi’s 2026 Commencement was celebrated with two ceremonies, held at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Thursday, May 21. Undergraduate candidates will be recognized at our 10:30 a.m. ceremony and graduate candidates at our 3:30 p.m. ceremony.
Honorary Degree Recipients
Honorary degree recipients at Adelphi’s Commencement ceremonies are selected because they are inspirational figures whose work aligns with important aspects of our University’s mission. Our 2026 honorary degree recipients are:
Joseph W. Westphal ’70, PhD
A distinguished scholar, diplomat and public servant whose career spans decades of consequential service across government and academia. Ambassador Westphal will also deliver the commencement address at our undergraduate ceremony.
Serena Martin ’05
Founder and executive director of New Hour for Women and Children, which provides programs and reentry support for justice-impacted women across Long Island, NY and Rikers Island jails and within New York State prisons.
Christopher Pappas ’81
Is the founder, chairman, president and chief executive officer of The Chefs’ Warehouse, a premier specialty food distributor serving top chefs, restaurants and hospitality professionals across North America and the Middle East. Pappas will also deliver the commencement address at our graduate ceremony.
Z. Paul Akian ’64
A technologist, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose career spans aerospace, defense and global manufacturing.