Long Island University is especially grateful to our partners and sponsors. Your generosity has provided opportunity and access to quality higher education for the next generation of LIU students. As we celebrate our Centennial, we want to recognize and thank those whose leadership, philanthropy, and belief in our mission continue to strengthen the University and expand what is possible for our students. Your support not only honors LIU’s proud 100-year legacy but also helps shape its future by empowering talented students to pursue their ambitions, contribute to their communities, and become leaders in their fields. Together, we are accelerating the exceptional and ensuring that the transformative impact of an LIU education endures for generations to come.
Centennial Scholarships Champions & Benefactors
Anonymous (3)
Joan N. and Norman Bluestone Foundation
Dr. William J. Brunken ‘75
Frances Cofield ‘74
Carolyn Daurio ‘69
Michelle Gethers ‘83
Estate of Ruth Laemmel
Stephen Presser ‘74
Arnold ‘70 and Caryn Schaffer
Dawn Schock ‘81
John V. Scibelli ‘68
Strauss Family Office
Mehran Souroudi
LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY
GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
Presidential Sponsors
Steve ‘81 and Debbie ‘79 Hornstein
Gold Sponsors
Eric Krasnoff
A&A Elevated Facility Services
Frank Lalezarian and Family
Silver Sponsors
CORE Facility Services
RXR
Bronze Sponsors
Rao Anumolu H’ 18
Capital One
Clifton, Budd, and DeMaria, LLP
Dr. Kimberly R. Cline
Dan Fisher ‘67
Greg Galdi ‘76
Goldman Sachs
Brian Kilmeade ’86
Live Nation
Howard Lorber ‘70 ‘91, H’01
Mike Melnicke
The Schwarz Institute
Robert Sywolski ‘68
T.M. Bier and Associates
John Utendahl ‘80
Wally Findlay Galleries
LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chairman
Eric Krasnoff
President
Kimberly R. Cline*
Rao S. Anumolu H’18
Thomas M. Buonaiuto ’87
Daniel B. Fisher ’67
Gregory G. Galdi ’76
Michelle Gethers-Clark ’83
Justin Grant ’06
Steven S. Hornstein ’80
Bob Jahelka ’84
Alfred R. Kahn ’84, H’05
Frank Lalezarian
Brian K. Land ’86*
Sarabeth Levine ’64, H’14
Howard M. Lorber ’70, ’91, H’01
Winifred B. Mack ’76, ’85
Michael Melnicke
Michèle Bahnik-Mercier, ’99
Senior Vice Chairman
Michael P. Gutnick ’68
Secretary
Elizabeth Cheung Gaffney
Cynthia Naughton ‘93
Richard P. Nespola ’67, ’73
William R. Nuti ’86
Chintu Patel H’18
Cherie D. Serota
Clinton Severson
Sharon Sternheim
Ronald J. Sylvestri ’66
Trustees Emeriti
John R. Bransfield, Jr.
Eugene H. Luntey H’98
Theresa Mall Mullarkey
Thomas L. Pulling
*Ex officio
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026
The Plaza Hotel | New York City
PROGRAM
Opening Performance by Miguel Amell, Class of 2026
Welcome Remarks
Eric Krasnoff, Board Chairman Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, President
Main Course
Special Presentation by Dr. Mohammed Cherkaoui Senior Vice President for Research & Artificial Intelligence
Special Presentation by Adam Pascal & Performance by Julia Cama, Class of 2028
Live Auction & Scholarship Challenge Travis Demers, Class of 2003
Dessert
Closing Remarks
Michael Berthel, Vice President for Student Affairs
chairman ’ s message
On behalf of the Long Island University Board of Trustees, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our marquee event. Tonight, we gather to celebrate our remarkable institution and the people whose leadership, generosity, and dedication continue to advance its mission.
For 100 years, Long Island University has created opportunities for generations of students and families. Through periods of growth and transformation, LIU has remained grounded in the belief that education has the power to elevate lives and expand possibilities. That spirit continues to define our university today.
This evening is a celebration of the collective strength of the LIU community, including our students, alumni, faculty, supporters, and friends, whose commitment and belief in this institution have helped shape its enduring legacy. Because of their dedication and support, Long Island University enters its Centennial stronger than ever before and well positioned for continued success in the years ahead.
As we honor this historic milestone, we look ahead with confidence and optimism to LIU’s next chapter. Thank you for being part of this special evening and for your continued support of Long Island University.
With gratitude,
Eric Krasnoff Chairman
of the Board of Trustees, Long Island University
president ’ s message
Welcome to the Long Island University Centennial Gala. As we celebrate this historic milestone, we proudly honor 100 years of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, championship athletics, and transformational student success. For a century, Long Island University has empowered generations of students to lead with purpose, contribute to their communities, and make a lasting impact across every field and profession.
Tonight, we celebrate not only the achievements of our university, but also the mission that has defined LIU for the past 100 years: expanding opportunity, advancing innovation, and transforming lives through education. The scholarship support from this evening will directly benefit LIU students and help ensure they are able to pursue their degrees and realize their full potential. Your commitment to scholarships ensures that a world-class LIU education remains accessible and affordable for future generations of students.
We also proudly recognize our 200,000+ alumni, whose professional accomplishments, leadership, and service reflect the very best of Long Island University and the strength of our Centennial legacy.
Thank you for being part of this momentous occasion and for helping shape LIU’s next century.
Kimberly R. Cline President, Long Island University
100 YEARS OF ACCELERATING
1926
long island university founded
1931 brooklyn campus moves to former brooklyn paramount executive offices
1960 brooklyn paramount theatre acquired by liu
1929
brooklyn college of pharmacy joins liu
1951
hillwood estate acquired from marjorie merriweather post
1963 honors college inaugurated at the post campus , one of the first in the nation
1970
tilles center for the performing arts founded
1974
liu opens the nation ’ s first school of professional accountancy
ACCELERATING THE EXCEPTIONAL
1987
liu wins first northeast conference commissioner ’ s cup
2019 athletics unifies as a division i program
2021 named center of excellence for life sciences by dassault systèmes
2025 endowment reaches record $500 million
2013 dr . kimberly cline becomes 10 th president and first woman to lead the institution
2020 designated as a top 7% high - research university by carnegie classification
2021 the roosevelt school becomes home to the society of presidential descendants
2026 centennial year celebration begins
carnegie
STUDENT PERFORMER
Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Miguel Amell is a pop artist and actor, recently graduating Summa Cum Laude with a B.M. in Vocal Performance from the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment, where he obtained an Award for Academic Excellence in Music. Miguel premiered TU TYPE as his senior recital at the school, a show revolving around his original music, which he created, directed and starred in, and continues to perform around NYC. Along with the show, he released his newest single “Rompe la rutina”. With over a decade of experience in musical theatre, his latest credit showcased him as Man 1 in 35mm, as well as the production’s choreographer. Bringing his signature sazón to stages as a recording artist and actor, Miguel Amell continues to fuse art forms, genres and languages, crafting intimate spectacle. (IG: @migueamell)
SPECIAL PRESENTER
Adam Pascal, born in the Bronx and raised on Long Island, began performing in rock bands at age 12 and has built a career spanning Broadway, film, and music. He rose to fame originating the role of Roger in Rent, earning Tony, Drama League, and Obie nominations and awards, and later reprised the role on Broadway, the West End, tour, and in the film.
His Broadway credits include Aida, Cabaret, Memphis, Chicago, Disaster!, Something Rotten!, and Pretty Woman. Film appearances include SLC Punk! and School of Rock. A recording artist as well, he has released solo albums including Model Prisoner and Civilian. Most recently, he appeared Off-Broadway in Drag the Musical.
STUDENT PERFORMER
Julia Cama is a NJ-NY based actress, vocalist, and student from Morris Plains, New Jersey. She is a rising junior Musical Theatre Major at LIU Post and will be a part of the Shakespeare studies track this coming fall. She played the leading role Luanne in LIU’s Feels Like the First Time workshop in Fall 2025, the first of many successful projects to result from the Tilles Center’s New Works Initiative! She is proud to have reprised the role in the show’s staging in Spring 2026, and is excited to see what her next two years of education at LIU hold! Some of her favorite theatrical credits include, but are not limited to, Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, Fairy Godmother in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and Bea in Something Rotten!. She is also an award-winning jazz vocalist. She would like to thank her family for their endless support, Tom Dunn, without whom she would not have the opportunity to perform for you this evening, and everyone who contributed to Feels Like the First Time - The Foreigner Musical and The New Works Initiative. You can find her at JuliaCama.com!
SPECIAL PRESENTER
Travis Demers is a 2003 graduate of Long Island University. Travis is the Radio Play by Play voice of the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA, a position he has held since 2019. Additionally, Travis has broadcast games for various professional and college teams on a local and national level since 2003. Travis has been a mainstay on the Portland media scene since 2003, as a regular host on 620 Rip City Radio, 1080 The FAN and NBC Sports Northwest. He has also been a national host and anchor for SiriusXM. Demers has been an active member of the Portland Metro community by coaching youth and high school sports, as well as being involved in several charitable organizations, including serving on the board for Adopt-A-Gym. Born in Mt. Kisco, New York, Travis received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Broadcasting from Long Island University. He was elected to the Hall of Fame at WCWP in 2022. He has two young sons, Lincoln and Lawson, and resides in Sherwood, Oregon.
SPECIAL PRESENTER
Mohammed Cherkaoui, Ph.D., Long Island University Senior Vice President for Research and Artificial Intelligence, has been recognized as one of the world’s top 2% of scientists according to the Stanford Elsevier 2023 Report, and his research has received funding of approximately $800K per year over the past 2 decades in the field of advanced materials and nuclear engineering. Dr. Cherkaoui authored over 200 publications, including a groundbreaking Micromechanics Textbook published by John Wiley and a Nanotechnology Textbook published by Springer. His international accolades include a tenured professorship at a prestigious French university, followed by a professorship at Georgia Tech. He also held an Endowed Chair and professorship at both Mississippi State University and currently at Long Island University. Furthermore, he has received the France Medal from the National Center for Scientific Research, the Obama Award through the Material Genome Initiative, and the Lorraine Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer.
INTRODUCING THE AI2 CENTER AT LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY
Long Island University announces the launch of the AI² Center, advancing its position as a leader in artificial intelligence education, research, and innovation.
The Center brings together cutting-edge academic programs, industry partnerships, experiential learning, and state-of-the-art facilities to prepare students for the careers of tomorrow.
HIGHLIGHTS
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Degrees in Artificial Intelligence
Nation’s First Bachelor of Engineering in Digital Engineering
AI Competency Distinction Available to Students Across All Majors
State-of-the-Art 3D Design, Simulation, and Fabrication Facilities
Industry Partnerships Driving Innovation and Workforce Development
Home to Dassault Systèmes Center for Excellence
Faculty-Led Research Addressing Tomorrow’s Challenges
The AI² Center integrates artificial intelligence across all disciplines, equipping students with the skills, ethics, and confidence to lead in an AI-driven world.
Building the future of AI across every discipline.
— AI COMPETENCY DISTINCTION 9 Credits. Open to Every Major.
The AI Competency Distinction is available to all LIU undergraduates. Complete three courses — two required, one tailored to each discipline.
— AI INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Where Innovation Meets Experience.
Through the AI Innovation Challenge, students apply AI concepts in a collaborative environment designed to strengthen leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills across industries.
— FACILITIES FOR THE FUTURE
Advancing Education Forward.
A new state-of-the-art 40,000-square-foot innovation facility is breaking ground at the Post Campus, while a newly constructed 20,000-square-foot center at the Brooklyn Campus advances AI, medicine, and scientific discovery.
— CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE
A National Hub for Innovation.
Recognized by Dassault Systèmes as a Center of Excellence, LIU combines industry collaboration, advanced technologies, and leading researchers to shape the future of artificial intelligence.
SCAN QR CODE OR VISIT
LIVE AUCTION
THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE VIP EXPERIENCE
Join us for a VIP experience at the Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City! Each year, the First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF) hosts the children and families of fallen first responders for a breakfast and front-row view of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Your group of four will attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and preceding breakfast on 40th Street. Airfare and hotel not included.
Starting Bid: $1,000
LIVE AUCTION
MARTHA’S VINEYARD SUMMER EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a charming Vineyard cottage experience from August 31–September 5. This beautiful waterfront home comfortably sleeps 9 and includes a special one-hour “Tea with Tweed” experience with Teddy Roosevelt’s great-great-grandson.
Located directly on beautiful Lake Tashmoo, this charming cottage features a small private beach directly in front of the house with sweeping water views across the lake to Vineyard Sound. Comfortably furnished for easy family living, the home includes an eat-in French country kitchen, extensive library, secluded back garden, hammock, and benches on the bluff for taking in spectacular sunsets.
Enjoy peaceful mornings watching the sunrise over the lake, afternoons observing sailboats and fishermen passing toward the Sound, and evenings dining on the porch. Wonderful walking trails through farms, woods, and marshland lead to other secluded beaches. Vineyard living doesn’t get much better than this!
Starting Bid: $2,500
LIVE AUCTION
NBC SPORTS INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Go Live with the Legends: the Ultimate NBC Sports Insider Experience with NFL Executive Producer and Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Fred Gaudelli ‘82.
You and your guest will enjoy:
• All-Access VIP Entry to the live studios behind Sunday Night Football, Premier League Live, NBA on NBC, Golf Central, and more
• On-air photo moment - have a professional, on-set photo shoot - just like the pros
• Private lunch insider experience with a legendary NBC Sports producer, filled with unforgettable stories from the top of live sports TV
Must use between February 2027 - June 2027
Starting Bid: $2,500
LIVE AUCTION
WINGED FOOT GOLF CLUB FOURSOME
Experience one of the most iconic golf destinations in the country. Enjoy a round of golf for four at Winged Foot Golf Club’s west course, hosted by Doug Catalano. Located in Westchester County, New York, Winged Foot is renowned for its rich history, championship pedigree, and exceptional course design. The club has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and is consistently recognized among the finest golf courses in America.
This exclusive opportunity offers your foursome the rare chance to play one of the nation’s most prestigious private clubs while enjoying a day of outstanding golf and hospitality. Lunch is included as part of the experience. Experience to be scheduled on a mutually agreed-upon date, with July 15 preferred, subject to host and club availability.
Starting Bid: $2,500
LIVE AUCTION
NBA DRAFT LUXURY SUITE EXPERIENCE
Our last auction item is an unforgettable VIP basketball experience. Enjoy an exciting evening for you and 15 guests in your own private suite at Barclays Center for the 2026 NBA Draft.
This VIP package includes:
• Exclusive suite access for 16 guests
• Food and beverage in-suite catering
• Premium viewing of one of basketball’s biggest nights
• Free parking at the nearby LIU parking garage
Experience an incredible evening of basketball, luxury, and entertainment with friends, family, or clients at one of Sports’ Biggest Events!
Starting Bid: $2,500
Long Island University,
The Hornstein Family and Global Credit Advisers congratulate Long Island University on its Centennial Celebration Celebrating 100 Years of Accelerating the Exceptional.
The Hornstein Family and Global Credit Advisers
The Hornstein Family and Global Credit Advisers
“If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.”
Confucius
HAPPY FIRST
CENTENNIAL TO LIU
Eric and Sandra Krasnoff
Empowering Growth Elevating Futures
At A&A Elevated Facility Solutions, we believe leadership is built through opportunity, service, and vision.
We are proud to celebrate and support Long Island University and the 2025 Gala honorees
We are proud to support and celebrate Long Island University on this milestone achievement of 100 years accelerating the exceptional.
The Wright Family and the Museum of Democracy, along with distinguished alumni
Dr. Gladys Ayala, Jennifer Nassour, Richard Salat, and Ronald Sylvestri.
Their work continues to shape the future through civic engagement, education, and innovation.
Together, we celebrate the students of LIU and the values that unite us all: access, advancement, and impact.
Facility solutions that support progress, one space, one student, one future at a time.
Core Facility Services, raises a glass - and a wrench - in celebration and support of the 2026 LIU Gala
Core Facility Services proudly celebrates Long Island University in their Centennial. We are excited to help in Accelerating the Exceptional and positively impacting the next generation of LIU Students.
Congratulations to The Long Island University on its Centennial and is proud to support the next generation of scholars .
With deepest appreciation, Rao Anumolu H’18 and Family
to The Long Island University on Your Centennial Year and 100 Years of Excellence from the
Arlene and Daniel Fisher Foundation
JOHN UTENDAHL ‘80 CONGRATULATES
LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY ON THEIR CENTENNIAL AND IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCHOLARS!
FINDLAY GALLERIES
Est. 1870
Findlay Galleries proudly congratulates LIU on its Centennial, celebrating 100 years of education, creativity, and the cultivation of individual expression.
ROBERT SYWOLSKI MBA ‘68, CONGRATULATES
LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY ON THEIR CENTENNIAL AND IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCHOLARS!
Congratulations to The Long Island University as it celebrates 100 years of accelerating the exceptional.
Here’s to a legacy of achievement and accessibility - and to the countless students whose promise will define the century ahead.
With admiration and celebration, Greg ‘76 & Linda Galdi
McHugh Furnishings is honored to be part of Long Island University's Centennial Celebration and supporting its commitment to educational opportunities.
McHugh Furnishings is proud to support leading educational institutions providing thoughtfully designed learning environments. We look forward to many more years of partnership with Long Island University, supporting its mission to foster knowledge and growth for future generations.
Jeffrey B. Mulhall & The McHugh Team
www.mchif.com
HONORING A CENTURY OF LEADERSHIP INSPIRING THE NEXT 250 YEARS
As Long Island University celebrates its Centennial, The Society of Presidential Descendants proudly recognizes 100 years of educating leaders, advancing innovation, and strengthening the promise of America.
As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, we celebrate LIU’s enduring commitment to opportunity, civic engagement, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Congratulations on a remarkable first century — and on helping shape the future of our nation.
LIU ATHLETICS WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE
TONY BOZZELLA
BRYAN COLLINS
LAURA FEKETE ‘24
ALAN HAHN ‘93
RICHARD KAHN ‘74
BRENDON RODNEY ‘16
2010 SOFTBALL TEAM
2013 WOMEN’S LACROSSE TEAM
2022 BASEBALL TEAM
scan qr code to shop shark nation spirit store with discount code liu100
THE NEW YORK ISLANDERS AND UBS ARENA CONGRATULATE LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY ON 100 YEARS OF ACCELERATING THE EXCEPTIONAL
Sharon Sternheim ’73 and Zitomer are proud to support Long Island University’s Centennial and the next generation of LIU Students.
Proudly supports
Long Island University
Bob Sterling & Maryanne Durka www.stockbridgerisk.com
CONGRATULATIONS TO LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY ON CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF ACCELERATING THE EXCEPTIONAL.
This remarkable milestone reflects a century of dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and the success of its students and community.
As both a proud alumnus and Board of Trustees member, I am deeply honored to be a part of an institution with such a powerful legacy and an even brighter future. Here’s to continuing the mission of inspiring achievement and shaping generations to come. With a celebratory toast, Winnie ’76, ’85 & Bill Mack
Nicole & Charlie Prizzi ‘96, ‘99 are proud to support Long Island University in honor of its 100th anniversary
KPMG Private
MAKE BOLD MOVES
Congratulations on 100 Years of Accelerating the Exceptional!
KPMG LLP shares in Long Island University's commitment to shaping future leaders and fostering innovation.
