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Adelphi hosts lectures from experts in their fields to enhance your understanding of local, national and international issues.

2023 Lectures

Festschrift

October 28, 2023 An International Celebration of the Academic Career and Contributions of Dean Jacques P. Barber, PhD, ABPP. Join us as we celebrate the contributions of Derner’s sixth dean, Jacques Barber, PhD, ABPP, to the Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi—and the field of clinical psychology at large.

Great Minds, Great Conversations: An Evening with Puja Shah ’03

March 1, 2023 Join us for a discussion with Puja Shah ’03, writer, yoga and meditation instructor, public health professional and activist, about her debut novel, For My Sister. Based on her experiences growing up in Indian culture and interviews with nonprofits serving survivors of trafficking, the story follows 16-year-old twins Amla and Asya, who are forced into sex trafficking in India. Torn oceans apart from their lives and each other, the sisters turn to the beauty of poetry and mindfulness and their deep bond as sisters for a chance at survival. Winner of the 2022 International Impact Book Award for Women’s Fiction and 2022 American Writing Award for Social Change, Shah shines a light on one of the modern world’s most ruthless industries—and the irrepressible hope, love, and courage that can arise from those trapped in it. This discussion will be moderated by Marsha J. Tyson Darling, PhD, special assistant to the president for strategic initiatives in executive leadership at Adelphi University.

Great Minds, Great Conversations: An Evening with Jeff Smulyan

April 12, 2023 Join us for a discussion with the founder and CEO of Emmis Communications, Jeff Smulyan, as he discusses his winding path to success and his newly released book, Never Ride a Rollercoaster Upside Down: The Ups, Downs, and Reinvention of an Entrepreneur. This discussion will be moderated by Adelphi University Trustee Steve Jones ’89.

An Afternoon with Professor Yunus: Creating A World of Three Zeros

March 21, 2023 These are the words of Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Bangladeshi economist world-famous for starting the microfinance movement. That movement is just part of Yunus’ mission to “put poverty in the museums.” A charismatic visionary, as much at ease with global leaders as he is with the poorest of street beggars, Professor Yunus believes everyone can play a part in reducing poverty. The best way they can do this, he believes, is not by writing out a check to a charity or through the trickle-down effect of hard-headed capitalism, but by means of a model that lies somewhere between the two. He calls this model “social business." Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing (GCCN) based in Dhaka, Bangladesh was founded by Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus in 2011. The GCCN has realized significant growth and success since its inception and now has more than 500 students enrolled at its new college site. Plans for continued expansion include establishing an academic partnership with Adelphi University in addition to continuing their relationship with the Glasgow Caledonian University. In January 2023, Adelphi’s College of Nursing and Public Health Dean Deborah Hunt and faculty member Ani Jacob went to Dhaka on a weeklong fact-finding mission to determine areas of collaboration and were impressed with the quality of GCCN’s curriculum.

Sprinting Toward Success with Two Legendary Adelphi Olympians

February 3, 2023 Adelphi Athletics hosted its 21st Annual Black History Month Program in conjunction with Great Minds, Great Conversations: Sprinting Toward Success with Two Legendary Adelphi Olympians. Olympians June Griffith Collison ’81, MBA ’84, and Dennis Collison ’80 came from their native Guyana to attend Adelphi. Here, they became standout track student-athletes and went on to represent their homeland in international competitions. They then attained success in their respective careers: Griffith-Collison in healthcare administration and Collison in law enforcement. A true Adelphi Ever After story, they met as students, married and are the parents of professional basketball player Darren Collison. Now, June and Dennis Collison reunite with their former teammate and current Adelphi trustee, Curtis Minnis ’77, to discuss breaking records, overcoming barriers and finding success—and to reminisce about their time together at Adelphi.

2022 Lectures

Great Books, Great Conversations: First Acts with Professor Emeritus Kermit Frazier

December 7, 2022 Kermit Frazier, professor emeritus of English at Adelphi, is a writer, playwright and television writer known for his work that often tackles difficult issues. In his new memoir, First Acts: A Black Playwright Comes of Age, Frazier tells his story of growing up in Washington DC during the civil rights movement while straddling two middle-class worlds, Black and white, and his inner struggles with stereotypes, identity, mild dyslexia and coming to terms with his sexuality. The event was hosted by Jacqueline Jones LaMon, JD, MFA, professor, writer, and vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Great Books, Great Conversations: An Evening with Nelson DeMille

November 10, 2022 This Great Books, Great Conversations event features best-selling author and longtime Long Islander Nelson DeMille. He is known for his thrillers, many of which—such as Gold Coast and Plum Island--take place in Nassau and Suffolk counties and feature locales Long Islanders will recognize. His new book, The Maze, brings back DeMille's beloved detective John Corey and is based on the actual and still unsolved Gilgo Beach murders. This event was hosted by Jacqueline Jones LaMon, JD, MFA, professor, writer, and vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Great Books, Great Conversations: Making Law: A Memoir of Good Times

April 12, 2022 We are joined by trustee emeritus Richard C. Cahn, who will be discussing his memoir, Making Law: A Memoir of Good Times. This unusual memoir, Making Law, weaves the stories of six dramatic, very public court cases into the fabric of the American legal system, and shows how lawyers and judges at every level of the system are our last remaining protection against tyranny. Cahn demonstrates that the integrity, independence and effectiveness of the court system needs to be preserved. This Great Books, Great Conversations event will be hosted by Jacqueline Jones LaMon, JD, professor, and vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion; and plastic surgeon and avid reader, Sybile Val ’99, MD.

From Practices to Theories and Back: How the Learning Sciences Responds to Educational Contexts

April 4, 2022 The learning sciences is a relatively new field of research in education that began in the late 80s. It is an interdisciplinary field consisting of researchers who study among other things, diversity, equity, and inclusion, cognition, domain learning, engagement, anthropological and sociological perspectives, computer science, and educational psychology. Learning scientists study learning as it happens in real-world contexts and design resources and environments to improve learning in those contexts through an iterative process of theory construction, design, implementation, and assessment. This can happen in schools, in informal places, at work, and online. Although the learning sciences is continually evolving, what remains true of the tenets of this educational field is that learning happens through mediated processes that most often require collaboration with others whereby learning is inextricably linked to context and culture. In this talk, I will provide an overview of the historical underpinnings of the field, how it is evolving, and current goals and challenges in learning sciences research. I will also offer examples from research and practice that illustrates how our work is applied and responds to critical issues we are collectively facing in society.

The Time for Social Work Is Now with Mit Joyner

March 8, 2022 In honor of Social Work Month and Women’s History Month we will be joined by Mildred “Mit” C. Joyner, DPS, MSW, BSW, LCSW, president of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Dr. Joyner will be in conversation with influential educators, leaders and scholars in the field – Dr. Carol Cohen, Erica Sandoval and Kari Tabag. As the world around us is rapidly changing, what is the role and purpose of social work? How can our profession reclaim its original mission and ensure social justice, equity and equality? Our keynote speaker and panelists will share their thoughts and ideas and challenge us to reassess our responsibility to the social work profession.

Universities, the Enlightenment, and Rising Standards of Living with Nobel Laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz

February 28, 2022 The Enlightenment represented a revolution in how we saw the world: Science gave us new tools to understand the universe around us, and advances in what came to be called the social sciences provide new insights into political, economic, and social organization. Underlying both were fundamental notions of truth and knowledge and how it could be ascertained. In turn, these advances provided the foundations for rising standards of living, improved health, and increasing longevity. Universities have played a central role in creating and disseminating knowledge and in enhancing our understanding of what is knowledge. Unfortunately, these advances and the institutions which promote them are now under challenge, threatening the future well-being of our society and advances in knowledge and standards of living. It is important to know why that is so and what can be done about it.

Chuck D and The Near Def Experience: Most Of My Heroes Don’t Appear On No Stamps

February 22, 2022 Join us for an Artist Talk with rapper and Adelphi alum, Chuck D ’84, ’13 (Hon.).

Great Books, Great Conversations: An Evening with Jacqueline Woodson ’16 (Hon.)

February 8, 2022 We are joined by Jacqueline Woodson ’16 (Hon.), New York Times bestselling author who will be discussing her works and writing process with poet and author Jacqueline Jones LaMon, professor and vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion. This Great Books, Great Conversations event will be moderated by avid reader, Sybile Val ’99, MD.

2021 Lectures

Great Minds, Great Conversations: Leadership in a Squid Game World

December 8, 2021 Join us as trail blazers, Marc S. Strachan ’81, Chairman of the Adelphi University Board of Trustees, and Luke Cooper ’98, JD, discuss the challenges of contemporary leadership, leadership differences from then to now, diversity in the workplace, and share lessons learned of what it takes to lead.

Mental Health Matters, No Shame in the Game: A conversation with US Women’s National Soccer Player, Julie Ertz

November 8, 2021 Have you ever wondered how an Olympic athlete fuels their mind and body? While it is vitally important, being an athlete is not just about physical conditioning—mental health and self-care play a huge role.

Great Books, Great Conversations: The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman '73, '02 (Hon.)

November 17, 2021 Join us as master storyteller Alice Hoffman '73, '02 (Hon.) brings us the conclusion of the Practical Magic series in a spellbinding and enchanting novel brimming with lyric beauty and vivid characters.

An Evening with Paul Ekman: A Giant in Our Understanding of Emotions

October 4, 2021 Renowned Psychologist Paul Ekman is the worldwide leader in explaining one’s emotions. Dr. Ekman’s talks share how to control one’s impulses and actions and help us understand and apply the idea of emotional control.

Great Books, Great Conversations: Buy Me Love by Martha Cooley

July 27, 2021 Join us for the first Great Books, Great Conversations. In this newly launched series, we will be joined by Adelphi authors. Our first selection is 'Buy Me Love' by Martha Cooley, bestselling author and Professor Emerita of English at Adelphi University.

Great Minds, Great Conversations: Trial by Fire

April 7, 2021 Join Scott James, Adelphi University President Christine M. Riordan, and moderator Liza Burby, author and faculty adviser to The Delphian, Adelphi University’s award-winning student newspaper, for a conversation about what compelled James to reinvestigate this case, his writing process, the role of journalism, and whether we can trust the safety regulations and justice systems that are meant to protect us.

Caregiving Challenges: What to Do About Dementia! with Professor Daniel Kaplan

March 25, 2021 In this session, you will be introduced to the basics of dementia care and communication, with significant time dedicated to answering the questions of attendees.

The Power of Giving with Wes Moore

March 22, 2021 Wes Moore, bestselling author and youth advocate, virtually visited Adelphi University to discuss the deeper meaning behind his book, The Other Wes Moore, and how we are products of expectations. Moore, the CEO of Robin Hood (one of the largest anti-poverty forces in the nation), a combat veteran, and a social entrepreneur, touched on how we can discover our own path to purpose and revealed that our truest work happens when we serve others. From the world of business, to giving back, to the journey of belonging, Wes Moore took us through a life well-lived. This conversation was moderated by Katie Laatikainen, professor of political science and academic director of Levermore Global Scholars.

Great Minds, Great Conversations: Secrets of the Hollow: Last Disintegrated School

March 11, 2021 A film screening and Q&A. Alicia Crowe ’85 and Alice Crowe ’85 discuss their short documentary, which shares the untold story of Thurgood Marshall’s fight in 1943 to desegregate the last segregated school in New York State—more than 10 years before his famous Landmark case, Brown v. Board of Education. Narrated by Chuck D, Adelphi alumnus, former member of WBAU Radio, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with Public Enemy and Lifetime Grammy Award recipient. This great conversation is moderated by Jacqueline Jones LaMon, vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. Film viewing made possible through support provided by the Adelphi University Libraries

Great Minds, Great Conversations: Keeping Up with The Times

March 4, 2021 Steve Jones ’89, President and Chief Operating Officer of Skyview Networks, and Ellen Pollock, Editor, Business Day, The New York Times discuss pressing issues of today, the role of news reporters, and decisions CEOs are making when it comes to corporate social responsibility. The conversation will be moderated by Rajib Sanyal, dean of theRobert B. Willumstad School of Business.

Collegiate Athletics: The Name Image and Likeness Debate

February 11, 2021 The NCAA is expected to approve changes that will allow Division I athletes to make money off their name, image and likeness (NIL for short) after decades of pushback and punishment where making any kind of revenue while an amateur was college sports’ cardinal sin. Join Professor Greg Bouris as we explore these changes to collegiate athletics and the great debate.

Great Minds, Great Conversations: A Giant Leap in a Time of Struggle

February 4, 2021 A walk through history as Ron Lee ’67, Chair, Adelphi University Board of Trustees, interviews Bob Beamon ’72, ’00 (Hon.), Olympic Gold Medalist and World Record Holder, about his record-shattering long jump, the Black Power Movement and his remembrances of Adelphi.

2020 Lectures

Great Minds, Great Conversations: Communicating through Life: A Journey through the Media Landscape

December 3, 2020 Gary Dell’Abate ’83, executive producer of The Howard Stern Show; and Jeff Filippi ’82, senior vice president of programming and production, executive producer at MSG Networks, Inc., will share the experiences they’ve had on their career journeys and offer insights about today’s media industry. This great conversation will be moderated by Peggy Cassidy, Chair of the Communications Department.

Nutrition That Builds Good Immunity

December 3, 2020 What we eat plays a role in helping our bodies prevent illness and disease. This winter it is more important than ever to boost our immune system. There is no one food that can prevent illness but in this micro session, you can learn how to adopt a healthy lifestyle to strengthen your immune system. We will discuss a variety of foods including, yes - chicken soup! Featuring professor Rachel Taniey.

Future Law: Emerging Issues in an Online World

November 19, 2020 Cyborgs, censorship and cyberwar. Join Professor Mark Grabowski as we discuss some of the emerging controversies and threats in cyberspace.

Creating Your Best You

November 7, 2020 In this discussion, Sophia Bush talked about her passions from education to having a balanced life, and everything in between. Sophia touched on her philosophy that activism and volunteerism is not a part of your life, it’s a way of doing life. She’s founded voting rights organizations and has been a powerful voice for racial justice and pay equity. Drawing from her own experiences, Sophia invites audiences to dare to care about everything.

Great Minds, Great Conversations: Disruption, Survival and Growth: How our Economy is Adapting to the Times

November 5, 2020 Join Kevin O’Connor ’84, President and CEO of Bridge Bancorp and BNB Bank and Adelphi University Trustee, Humera Qazi, ’93 Managing Director of Morgan Stanley as they explore how the economy is being affected by politics, the pandemic, social justice and technology. This great conversation, moderated by Rajib Sanyal, Dean of the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, will explore how politics, technology, the pandemic and social justice impact our economy and what that means for our future.

Master of Suspense: Hitchcock Part II

October 29, 2020 Take a second look at Alfred Hitchcock with Professor Salvatore Iacone exploring a selected variety of his landmark films produced from the 1930s through the 1950s just in time for Halloween.

Love and Relationships in the Time of COVID

October 22, 2020 Terri Orbuch, PhD aka The Love Doctor in conversation with Dana Boccio The COVID-19 pandemic is profoundly affecting our personal and social relationships. Many people feel isolated and lonely, both physically and psychologically. Dr. Terri Orbuch will share strategies and tools to maintain happy healthy relationships with your partners, families, friends, and neighbors during these unprecedented times. Come learn how to deepen or reset your relationships and grow stronger. She’ll also take questions and help you navigate the relationship challenges that arise as a result of COVID.

Primetime at Adelphi

October 14, 2020 A lively discussion with media experts on US politics: National Political Reporter for The Washington Post, Robert Costa and White House correspondent for the PBS NewsHour and a contributor for NBC News and MSNBC, Yamiche Alcindor, who will discuss politics surrounding the 2020 presidential election.

Thriving and Leveraging the Power of Mentoring Opportunities

September 24, 2020 This interactive discussion with Chotsani Williams West explores the implementation of mentoring programs in colleges across the United States to meet the salient needs of undergraduate students. Evidence illuminates the power of relationships leveraged by mentoring as part of student success initiatives in higher education, particularly for underrepresented students. Discuss the benefits of mentoring programs with a culturally responsive approach to address retention, persistence to graduation and to foster a sense of belonging.

The Yellow House with Sarah Broom

September 17, 2020 Sarah Broom discusses the themes of her inventive memoir, this year’s Adelphi Reads book and New York Times bestseller, The Yellow House, and the process of reflecting on one’s life, and the lives that came before. Broom discusses her creative process, obstacles she faced far beyond writer's block, and the lessons from the past she carries into the future.

The Power and the Beauty of the Landscape

September 10, 2020 A visual lecture tour on the history of and contemporary landscape painting and it's influence on me as a painter and artist. A landscape exploration from Japan, France, Ireland, New Mexico and the Hudson Valley Region. Explore how landscape artists react to the landscape's power and the beauty of the landscape. Featuring professor Kellyann Monaghan.

It Takes a Village: Building a Community of Scholars

August 27, 2020 Culture and community are central to an understanding of the human endeavors and identities we have in the contemporary world. To appreciate the idea of “it takes a village” from the perspective of culture, community and family—in all nations, races, and religions. Featuring Anne M. Mungai, PhD.

Economic Policies to Mitigate the Corona Contraction: Where We Were, And Are Headed?

August 20, 2020 This presentation will feature an analysis of the devastation of the economy by Covid-19, the swift emergency reaction by the Federal Reserve Bank and the historic bipartisan support by the Federal Government.

Reframing Crisis as an Opportunity

August 13, 2020 COVID-19 is terrible and has had a powerfully negative effect on our community. However, times of crisis provide unique opportunities to make net positive changes. I will discuss my thought process as the chair of the physics department, a faculty member leading an NSF-funded research team (whose work is more or less impossible now), and an advocate for my students and their careers.

The End of Globalization?

July 30, 2020 This brief talk will distinguish between Globalization and Globalism. Then it will focus on the forces, historical and current, that are shaping globalization. While it is true that we live in an interconnected and intertwined world, the current populist, nationalist, and protectionist mindset may forestall and upend further globalization.

Why Do We Get Older?

July 16, 2020 Since the discovery in the early nineties that genes can regulate how long organisms live, scientists are producing revolutionary discoveries that help us to understand how we age and why we age.

Pandemic Politics: Understanding the Federal Government Response

July 9, 2020 Much of the focus on the U.S. response to the coronavirus has focused on President Trump, the most visible politician in the nation. At the same time, the federal bureaucracy houses the agencies that respond to such emergencies. This micro class explores President Trump’s handling of the crisis and also the role of and pervasive weaknesses in U.S. government agencies charged with addressing such emergencies.

Take a Virtual Visit to the Met

June 25, 2020 The Metropolitan Museum of Art truly is a global museum. Join us as we explore a range of works housed at different departments and find out about the objects’ histories and, occasionally, mysteries. It would take years to see all the treasures of the Metropolitan Museum, so for this short virtual tour, we will visit just a few. We will explore a range of works housed at different departments and will find out about the objects’ histories and, occasionally, mysteries.

What was Hitchcock Trying to Tell Us?

June 18, 2020 This presentation will offer an inside look at Alfred Hitchcock by exploring a selected variety of his landmark films produced from the 1930s through the 1950s. Participants are encouraged to view three of Hitchcock's legendary films. prior to the class The instructor recommends The Lady Vanishes (1938), Rebecca (1940), and Rear Window (1954).

Justice in the Time of COVID-19

June 4, 2020 Are we seeing the end of mass incarceration? How is this pandemic affecting trends in criminal justice and what does that say about American society?

Disaster Epidemiology: A Day in the Life of a Disease Detective

May 28, 2020 When disease outbreaks or other threats emerge, epidemiologists are on the scene to investigate. In this brief session, you’ll get a snapshot view of public health efforts undertaken to confront disaster threats – whether they arise from a novel pathogen, a severe weather event, an act of terrorism, or any other crisis condition. Featuring K.C. Rondello.

2019 Lectures & Speeches

Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover

September 24, 2019 Tara Westover argues that education is not just about job training, but a powerful tool of self-invention. Her bestselling book, Educated, is an account of the struggle for self-invention. It is a story that gets to the heart of what education is and what it offers: the perspective to see one’s life through new eyes, and the will to change it.

Dottie Herman

November 2, 2019 During the 2019 Women’s Leadership Conference, we focus on “Becoming Your Most Powerful Self,” and our keynote speaker is the epitome of just that—and a leader in her respective industry. The remarkable real estate career and leadership journey of Dottie Herman, CEO of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, is truly inspiring.

Carolyn Quinn '87, RN

November 2, 2019 The executive director of Cohen Children's Medical Center and Adelphi alumna Carolyn Quinn '87, RN, gave the lunch keynote at the third annual Adelphi University Women's Leadership Conference. Hear her story and words of inspiration.

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