A new program for Bridges to Adelphi alumni, symbolically named Bridges From Adelphi, aims to empower its graduates through career guidance, advocacy and inclusive partnerships with employers.
Fueled and motivated by their commitments to inclusion and student success, Adelphi University has been planning the official launch of its Bridges From Adelphi program, a division of the Bridges to Adelphi program, aimed at helping neurodivergent alumni navigate the transition from college to career.
The brand-new program is being led by Diana Damilatis-Kull ’10, MA ’12, MA ’14, director of the Bridges to Adelphi program. Their new efforts build upon the University’s long-standing mission of supporting neurodiverse students, this time extending that support beyond senior year and into the seemingly alien territory beyond graduation.
Connecting Neurodivergent Students With Employers
Bridges to Adelphi alumni, left to right: Nick Troiano ’21, Hannah Schultz ’22, Scott Schiff ’24, Declan Carey ’23
Bridges Board of Advisors member Nicholas Hagedorn ’19 describes the program this way: “It helps connect Bridges graduates to employers to gain employment, and then, just as importantly, it helps them maintain that employment by helping them by training employers to understand the nuances to managing a neurodivergent employee.”
“We’ve seen that about 85 percent of neurodivergent college graduates are unemployed or underemployed,” said Damilatis-Kull. “That statistic alone shows us that our alumni still need guidance and support after college. Bridges From Adelphi was created to help fill that gap.”
A New Network of Career Advocates
Bridges From Adelphi will soon form a corporate advisory board, inviting representatives from businesses such as Northwell Health and other local employers to collaborate directly with Adelphi. The goal in mind is to establish a strong network of advocates committed to creating inclusive hiring pipelines for neurodivergent graduates.
“We’ve seen such a positive shift under [Interim President Christopher Storm, PhD’s] leadership,” she said. “He’s been vocal about embracing neurodivergent students and ensuring they’re valued at every level of the University.”
She emphasizes that Adelphi’s broad culture has been instrumental and vocal in supporting these advances and commitments. This dedication was especially evident at the recent Adelphi University Gala, which focused on neurodiversity and where all funds raised went directly to the Bridges program and its new initiatives. For many families, the expansion of support into postgraduation life brings a new sense of relief and reassurance.
What Comes Next? Adelphi Offers an Answer.
Diana Damilatis-Kull ’10, MA ’12, MA ’14, director of the Bridges to Adelphi program, at her desk in the Bridges office (photo credit: James Beamer)
“When a student graduates, parents often worry: What comes next?” Damilatis-Kull said. “We want to give them peace of mind knowing their child has continued guidance—that they’re not alone after college.”
While Bridges From Adelphi focuses on alumni, the current students in the Bridges community are already feeling its impact. One student, Giovan Bertuccio, shared how much the program has shaped their college experience.
“I find it very helpful because you can get better as you go to the meetings, or you can make more friends by going to the events they offer,” Bertuccio said. “I’d recommend it to future Adelphi students because of all the things they offer.”
Career Pathways
Looking ahead, the Bridges team plans to launch the program officially in the coming year, with the hope that at least half of the alums who enroll will secure meaningful employment soon after. Future goals include developing a high school preparatory program to help younger students explore college readiness.
“Each student’s success is going to look different,” said Damilatis-Kull. “But if we can help them find confidence, independence and belonging beyond Adelphi, that’s what success truly means.”
With Bridges From Adelphi, the University continues to build not just career pathways, but a community that supports neurodivergent individuals every step of the way, from the University’s classrooms to their offices and workspaces.