We celebrated an inspiring 25th Annual Adelphi University Gala at The Garden City Hotel in Garden City, New York, on October 11, 2025.
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Supporting Success for Every Student
At the 2025 Adelphi University Gala, we honored the work of the Bridges to Adelphi program for neurodivergent students. Our new Bridges to Adelphi Board of Advisors members are leaders in advocacy for these individuals.
Photos From the 2025 Adelphi University Gala
With a record number of attendees and a sold-out event, this year’s Gala was an extraordinary success. Launch Gallery
Photos From the 2025 Adelphi University Gala
With a record number of attendees and a sold-out event, this year’s Gala was an extraordinary success. 13 Photos-
Attendees clap for one of several performances highlighting the skills of our neurodivergent community members.
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Congratulating our chair: (From left, standing) Trustee Marc S. Strachan ’81; Katy Carey, chair, Bridges Board of Advisors; Mitch Nagler MA ’06, Former Director of Bridges to Adelphi; Interim President Christopher Storm, PhD
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Honoring the Bridges to Adelphi Board of Advisors: (Left to right) Interim President Christopher Storm, PhD; Nicholas Hagedorn ’19; Carolyn Schiff; James P. Riley Jr.; Marie Bahnik; Katy Carey, chair; Thomas Kline, EdD, vice president of University advancement and external relations
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Donor and founder of the award-winning Bhisé Global Learning Experience, Bharat Bhisé, MBA ’78, taking a moment to enjoy the dancing at the Gala
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Declan Carey ’23, a graduate of the Bridges to Adelphi program, inspires the crowd from the podium.
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Singing “There’s a Place for Us,” Mina Cuesta reminded the audience that Bridges to Adelphi serves as a vital sanctuary of welcome and belonging for all neurodivergent students.
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Actionplay, a performance group featuring neurodivergent individuals, performs for the Gala crowd.
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Gala attendees enjoy time on the dance floor.
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Representatives from Cohen Children’s Medical Center, a Northwell Health hospital, display materials from Bee Mindful, an award-winning program that supports neurodiverse individuals in activities and sporting, entertainment and healthcare settings.
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Honored attendees at the Gala: (Back row) Interim President Christopher Storm, PhD; Scott Schiff ’24 and Reid Bahnik. (Front row) Annie Starr; Carolyn Schiff, Bridges to Adelphi Board of Advisors member and parent; Daniel Schiff, Adelphi parent; Marie Bahnik, Bridges Board of Advisors member and parent
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Attendees enjoy the band, and celebrate on the Gala dance floor.
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Chair of the Adelphi University Board of Trustees Michael Balboni ’81, JD, with daughter Michaela (left) and wife Stephanie (right).
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(from left) Thomas Kline, EdD, vice president of University advancement and external relations, with attendee Rich Tavarez from Jovia Financial Credit Union, an honored Adelphi corporate partner.
Celebrating Extraordinary Impact
At the 2025 Adelphi University Gala, we proudly celebrated Bridges to Adelphi, our nationally recognized program for neurodivergent student education and advocacy. With guidance, mentorship, and innovative support, Bridges empowers students to thrive academically, socially and professionally.
We are grateful to our Bridges to Adelphi Board of Advisors and 2025 Gala Steering Committee for their leadership, generosity and commitment to student success. Among them are several proud Adelphi *parents.
- Adelphi University Board Trustee Gregory Carey and Katy Carey*
- The Bahnik Family*
- Nicholas Hagedorn ’19
- Brian Jaccoma ’89
- Ashleigh and Justin Nelson*
- James and Ellen Riley and Family
- Carolyn Schiff*
Net proceeds support Adelphi students and the programs that help them to thrive. Through 2027, every act of generosity brings us closer to our ambitious goal of raising $100 million for The Momentum Campaign: Extraordinary Impact.
Gala Coordinator
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Contact-
Nexus Building 222