The community is invited to the inauguration of Michael Balboni '81, JD—an event that headlines a week of celebration for our community.
Forty-five years after first riding to campus on his skateboard, Michael Balboni ’81, JD, will be officially installed as Adelphi University’s 11th president. This historic moment marks the first time an alumnus and native Long Islander has led the University in its 130-year history.
To celebrate this milestone, Adelphi is hosting a weeklong inauguration series of events, from Wednesday, December 2, through Sunday, December 6—blending academic prestige, community festivities and personal tributes.
An Inauguration Focused on the Future
Students enjoying the skating rink at the Winter Lighting Spectacular, just one of the festive highlights bringing winter magic to this year’s event during inauguration week.
The week kicks off Wednesday evening with Adelphi’s annual Winter Lighting Spectacular, a beloved community tradition that brings together students, faculty, staff and neighbors.
On Thursday, all are invited to the Hagedorn Distinguished Lecture, part of Adelphi’s Hagedorn Lecture Series on Corporate Social Responsibility. Drawing on his extensive career as a New York state senator and assemblyman, a national security expert, and an adjunct professor at Adelphi, President Balboni will moderate a timely discussion on “Ethics in the Age of AI.” He will be joined by a distinguished panel of industry leaders:
- LeeAnn Black ’83, COO of Latham & Watkins and Adelphi trustee
- Michael Dowling, CEO emeritus of Northwell Health and Adelphi trustee
- John Sexton, PhD, JD, president emeritus of New York University
A New Era and a Bold Strategic Vision
The week’s centerpiece is on Friday, December 4, with President Balboni’s formal Investiture Ceremony at the Center for Recreation and Sports. Following morning campus tours for visiting delegates and academic peers, the ceremony will include remarks from Board of Trustees Chair Leonard Achan ’99, former New York state senator and president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Charles Fuschillo ’83, former student-athlete Kyle Lewis ’26, and a student-led performance of the National Anthem.
President Balboni will share his vision for Adelphi’s next chapter—advancing academic excellence, forging partnerships that expand possibilities, and empowering students to shape the future of their professions, their communities and the world.
Reflecting on his journey from student to president, Balboni shared, “The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously noted, ‘No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.’ Adelphi has evolved in profound ways since I first stepped onto campus, and so have I. But ultimately, I am coming full circle to where my journey began—and I could not be more excited to lead my alma mater into its next chapter.”
As a tribute to Adelphi’s vibrant creative spirit and President Balboni’s unique personal journey—from state and national politics to entrepreneurship, all while maintaining his ties to Adelphi—the ceremony will feature multimedia storytelling, dynamic performances by Adelphi performing arts students, remarks from community members, and a musical tribute by the president’s daughter, Olivia, an Adelphi music major who graduated in 2015.
The festivities will continue at the Ruth S. Harley University Center for an Inauguration Celebration and Community Holiday Reception.
Registration and Event Details: All Are Welcome
Registration is required for all Inauguration Week events. For the complete schedule of activities, visitor FAQs and to RSVP, please visit adelphi.edu/inauguration.