ANNUAL REPORT 2025–2026
2025-2026
Executive Summary
The LIU 2030 Strategic Plan guides Long Island University’s decisions and investments across four goals:
STRATEGIC GOAL 1
Advance Academic Excellence Through Innovation STRATEGIC GOAL 2
Advance Solutions for a Sustainable Global Future STRATEGIC GOAL 3
Advance Exceptional Fiscal Health and Agility STRATEGIC GOAL 4
Advance Student Engagement Through Extraordinary and Distinctive Experiences
L
IU made measurable progress across
LIU also strengthened its foundation for the
all four goals in its centennial year.
future through continued fiscal strength,
Carnegie renewed LIU’s Carnegie
investment in academic facilities and more
classification for high research activity
than $24.5 million in gifts and pledges. The
and expanded interdisciplinary work in artificial
launch of the $250 million Centennial Campaign
intelligence, digital health, drug discovery
established priorities for scholarships, faculty,
and engineering. Researchers submitted 47
research and student opportunity.
competitive proposals totaling more than $54.5 million, while new academic programs and
Student achievement and engagement remain
industry partnerships connected students more
central to this progress. Enrollment growth,
directly to emerging fields.
national fellowships, original research, clinical
2 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
and professional experiences, grant expansion,
students participated in interprofessional
and athletic success reflect the breadth of an
Grand Rounds, ethics discussions and team-
LIU education. Together, these results
based learning. Study abroad engaged 76
demonstrate that Long Island University is
students from 32 majors in five countries,
advancing its strategic plan with purpose as it
while student-run businesses, consulting and
enters its second century.
publication projects connected coursework with professional practice.
STRATEGIC GOAL 1
Advance Academic Excellence Through Innovation Long Island University advanced academic excellence in 2025–2026 through innovative programs, stronger industry and community partnerships, and expanded research. Investments in academic and research infrastructure expanded opportunities across disciplines and positioned the University for continued growth.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY Convergence Science and the College of Science, Engineering and AI The development of LIU’s College of Science, Engineering and AI brings together the University’s strengths in computing, engineering, physics, life sciences, mathematics and health sciences. A formal partnership with Dassault Systèmes provides access to its 3DEXPERIENCE platform for advanced simulation, molecular
LIU faculty earned national scholarly awards
modeling, digital twinning and collaborative
including Fulbright honors and leadership roles
design. These capabilities support research
in professional organizations. Their achievements
across AI and data sciences, drug discovery and
raised the University’s visibility as a research
medical technology, veterinary medicine, and
leader, brought LIU expertise into national and
the humanities and social sciences.
international conversations, and opened new opportunities for professional collaboration,
The College produced more than 100 scholarly
external partnerships and student involvement in
achievements, including over 40 peer-reviewed
research.
publications and 60 presentations, while pursuing more than $15 million in competitive
At LIU’s Student Research Discovery Days,
research proposals. Faculty proposals to four
316 students presented 216 research projects,
National Science Foundation programs and the
with some projects completed by student
Booth Ferris Foundation further support the
teams. Nearly 800 health professions
College’s growth as a research center.
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 3
implications and apply it to problems in their fields. Participants can work with AI-focused postdoctoral fellows and use LIU’s simulation and fabrication laboratories. Together, the Center and distinction make AI preparation a defined part of the LIU student experience.
Experiencing the Future: Convergence Science in Practice In partnership with Dassault Systèmes, LIU launched Experiencing the Future, a threeweek summer program at the LIU Brooklyn Center of Excellence. Students gained handson experience in AI-driven drug discovery, medical imaging, virtual modeling and surgical
AI² Center and University— Wide AI Education LIU launched the AI² Center to bring artificial intelligence education, research and industry
simulation. Coursework in biology, chemistry and mathematics connected foundational study with applied research across healthcare, engineering and technology.
collaboration together across the University’s
Research and Scholarly Distinction
more than 150 academic programs. Building
LIU faculty and students advanced research
on LIU’s partnership with Dassault Systèmes
across health, science, education, technology and
and its 3D EXPERIENCE platform, the Center
the humanities. The work generated publications,
connects students and faculty with advanced
external funding and opportunities for students
simulation, digital engineering and research
to participate directly in scholarship.
tools. Its university-wide approach creates opportunities to apply AI in fields ranging from
Faculty across several schools advanced
healthcare and pharmacy to business, education,
proposals to the National Institutes of Health,
communications and the arts.
National Science Foundation, county agencies and foundations. Pilot collaborations and the
LIU approved seven AI courses for the Core
Dean’s Research Initiative in Health Professions
Curriculum and introduced the nine-credit AI
supported increased grant submissions and
Competency Distinction for students in every
research expenditures.
major. Through AI Fundamentals, AI Ethics and Society, and AI Innovation Lab, students
College of Pharmacy faculty produced 30 peer-
develop the knowledge to use AI, assess its
reviewed articles, up 15%; 38 research posters,
4 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
up 31%; and three book chapters, up 50%.
in Brooklyn in November 2025 and at Post in
Graduate students authored 15 peer-reviewed
December 2025. The Post simulation center
articles and submitted 31 meeting abstracts.
received international endorsement from the
Thirty-nine students presented at the ASHP
International Nursing Association for Clinical
Midyear Meeting, and 21 PharmD and master’s
Simulation and Learning.
students presented at LIU Discovery Day. • N ursing Career Fairs drew more than 220 Faculty scholarship also connected academic
registrants in Brooklyn and over 110 at Post.
expertise with public and professional needs. Lynn Cohen published a Routledge book on AI in early
• Pharmacy introduced a mandatory advising
childhood education, received a research grant
model for upper-level students. The
and organized a symposium at the 2026 American
NAPLEX Preparation Task Force reviewed
Educational Research Association Annual Meeting.
syllabi and examination outcomes to guide
Helisse Levine co-authored four peer-reviewed
improvements.
articles with students and mentored 23 student research teams preparing journal submissions.
• Veterinary Technology received full
Simon Sheppard published a book that reached
accreditation for 5 years and achieved a 93%
Amazon’s number one new release position in two
first-time pass rate on the Veterinary Technician
history categories, while Harvey Wolf Kushner
National Examination, compared with a 68%
co-authored a book, published two peer-reviewed
national average. Expanded clinical affiliations,
articles and guest-edited two journal issues.
a new simulation laboratory and a Cornell
Clinical Education and Professional Readiness LIU expanded clinical training, board preparation
University externship placement for the third consecutive year strengthened practical training. • Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine student
and employer connections across the health
Cayden Smith was elected president-elect of
professions. New technology gave students
the Student American Veterinary Medical
additional opportunities to practice complex
Association, extending a national professional
decisions before entering professional settings.
organization.
• Nursing introduced virtual reality headsets for
The incoming Pharmacy Class of 2030 enrolled
maternity instruction across both campuses
180 students, up from 125 in the Class of 2029,
and integrated an advanced simulator for
a 44% increase. Interprofessional education and
obstetric emergencies. Anatomage tables
co-curricular opportunities each expanded by
continued to support undergraduate and
33% through new healthcare and community
graduate health assessment labs.
partnerships.
• Computerized nursing testing centers opened
Faculty leadership reinforced LIU’s standing
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 5
across professions. Michael Masaracchio
Orchestra and at the LIU Gala.
was elected president of the New York State Chapter of the American Physical Therapy
• Billboard named the Roc Nation School to its
Association. John Keefe received the American
Top Music Business Schools list for a second
Psychoanalytic Association’s Scientific Paper
consecutive year. Graduates from their first
Prize for a second consecutive year. Pharmacy
class secured full-time positions at Roc Nation,
faculty held national professional and editorial
Electric Lady Studios, Vevo and other industry
roles and received an AACP Best Publication
organizations.
Award for research on ChatGPT as a source of medication information.
Creative Work
• Roc Nation School students developed ventures and pitched to executives from Universal Music Group and Live Nation. The School
Students worked alongside established artists and
advanced its Certificate in Immersive Sound
industry leaders to produce work for audiences
with Dolby, prepared faculty to teach with
and clients beyond the University. LIU also
Atmos technology, expanded Early Scholars
expanded the academic structures and facilities
high school partnerships and increased
supporting those experiences.
ProStudio programming. JPMorgan Chase supported financial coaching for aspiring music
• Through the New Works Initiative, students
executives.
helped develop Feels Like The First Time — The Foreigner Musical in a year-long
LIU’s George Polk School of Communications
collaboration with Foreigner and Broadway
now includes Film, Communications, Journalism,
professionals, including Artist-in-Residence
Broadcasting and the Brooklyn-based BFA in
Adam Pascal. Students originated roles in the
Acting for Theatre, Film and Television under one
April 2026 premiere, which received national
academic umbrella. New faculty appointments
press coverage.
across four disciplines strengthened students’ access to industry and scholarly expertise.
• Film students documented the musical’s
The Summer Writing Program complemented
creation, Digital Arts and Design students
this work with graduate-level workshops and
developed promotional materials, and the LIU
weeklong intensives led by visiting authors and
Marching Band performed Foreigner songs at a
publishing professionals.
sold-out Tilles Center concert. Business students applied their learning with • Post Theatre Company’s Macbeth, directed by
real clients and assets. Seventy students across
Broadway resident director Conner Wilson,
both campuses managed a Student Investment
led to two LIU students being hired at a
Fund portfolio of more than $230,000. The fund
Shakespeare festival. Students also performed
achieved a 73% return over five years.
with Adam Pascal, the New York Arabic
Fashion students completed a consulting project
6 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
in Paris for Adore Me, a division of Victoria’s
on Islamophobia and antisemitism recognized by
Secret & Co.
the United Nations and made 14 national media appearances. Shaireen Rasheed was selected as a
The LIU IQ program expanded domestic
Fulbright Scholar at the University of Jordan for
consulting opportunities, while the Dean’s
2026–2027 and elected to the board of the New
Scholar program provided mentoring and career
York Civil Liberties Union. Jeong-eun Rhee was
preparation.
elected to the Executive Council of the American Educational Studies Association and received a
The School of Business appeared on The
fellowship focused on antisemitism and Jewish
Princeton Review’s Best Business Schools list
identity in education.
for the 19th consecutive year. School of Business students visited the New York Stock Exchange,
LIU Libraries expanded the research resources
meeting traders and observing financial markets
and services underpinning academic work,
and attended Nasdaq’s Closing Bell ceremony.
including Elsevier’s veterinary backfiles and
Civic Leadership and Student Research LIU students engaged with public policy, diplomacy and civic life through research and professional experience. The Roosevelt School’s Model United Nations team won three awards at the November 2025 National Model UN
CINAHL Ultimate for nursing and allied health. The Digital Commons recorded more than 50,000 full-text thesis and dissertation downloads in Fall 2025, reaching readers in 187 countries. Library staff supported Discovery Day, accreditation visits and graduate thesis clearance. At Brooklyn, the Library relocated circulation services and introduced radio frequency
Conference in Washington, D.C.
identification inventory management.
The Roosevelt School established a Sigma Iota
Honors College
Rho chapter and inducted 13 students, advanced
The Honors College combined strong retention with
17 students as Pi Sigma Alpha candidates,
fellowship success, undergraduate research and
and awarded nine International Relations
growing employer and alumni engagement.
and Diplomacy Certificates. Enrollment grew in Criminal Justice, Political Science, and
• Honors enrollment reached 558 students
International Relations and Diplomacy. At LIU
across Post and Brooklyn. First-year retention
Post, the White House Experience and Museum
was 97%, and the average first-year GPA rose
of Democracy brought hundreds of high school
from 3.67 to 3.74.
students to campus for civic simulations. • Among the 170 students entering in Fall 2026, Faculty extended this work into policy and public
27% came from outside New York State, and
discourse. Dalia Fahmy co-authored a declaration
international enrollment doubled to 4.5%.
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 7
• Camila Tabora ’28 received a Watson Fellowship, the first for a student from an LIU campus outside the five boroughs since Post became eligible. Three students were Watson semifinalists, and Elizanne Warren Russell ’27 was a Fulbright U.S. Student Research Grant semifinalist. • Lucas Hornung ’25 earned a 2026 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship for research on cloud and rain formation, adding another nationally competitive outcome for LIU students. • Honors conferences across both campuses drew 315 attendees, up 103% since 2024, and featured 38 student research presentations. A program funded by alumnus William Brunken will support up to six summer research positions annually. • The second annual Honors career fair connected 59 students with 19 employers. All exit survey respondents rated it worthwhile, and several students secured jobs or internships. The Centennial CEO Speaker Series featured LIU Post alumna and AMC Networks CEO Kristin Dolan. Inaugural Honors alumni reunions generated more than $50,000 in
FACULTY RECOGNITION On April 28, 2026, Long Island University held its David Newton Faculty Excellence in Teaching Awards ceremony at the Gold Coast Cinema in Hillwood Commons on the LIU Post campus. Established in 1988 and endowed by former LIU trustee Abraham Krasnoff in honor of Dr. David Newton. The award recognizes seven faculty members each year for exceptional teaching and a commitment to improving teaching across the University. The 2026 honorees were Carrie Erving and Hannia Lujan-Upton of LIU Brooklyn; Jay Diehl, Valerie Clayman Pye, and Dogukan Ulupinar of LIU Post; Jadwiga Najib of the Schwartz College of Pharmacy; and Anait Levenson of the Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine. LIU faculty strengthened the University’s academic profile through publications, books, creative work, external funding and professional recognition. Their scholarship spanned health, technology, education, business and the arts, often bringing students into the research and connecting LIU with audiences beyond campus.
Health, Medicine and Clinical Practice
Faculty advanced research on disease, treatment and the preparation of healthcare professionals.
May 2026. Campaign priorities include a $25
• College of Science researchers published
million Honors College naming opportunity,
work in npj Digital Medicine, Frontiers
a $10 million endowed deanship and named
in Pharmacology, Nanoscale and ACS
undergraduate scholarships at $1.2 million each.
Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. Studies
A Global College student and her family also
addressed pediatric heart valve design, liver
established a $75,000 endowment for an annual
injury, drug toxicity, sustainable catalysts and
scholarship.
carbon dioxide conversion.
8 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
• Ping Lu received $314,879 as principal
Elizabeth Edgar, Ashley Greene, Gabriela
investigator within a $479,879 NSF collaborative
Reynolds and Thomas DiBlasi pursued NIH
award for carbon dioxide conversion research.
and foundation funding for work in suicide
Science faculty also pursued funding for
prevention, AI, speech therapy and anger
cardiovascular modeling, predictive oncology
assessment. C.C. Clauss-Ehlers published
and digital twins while expanding work with
research on autism spectrum disorder in girls
Brookhaven National Laboratory and the U.S.
and women. Nassau County recognized Anthony
Department of Energy. Students presented related research at American Chemical Society meetings, Brookhaven and undergraduate research symposia. • Pharmacy faculty Suzanna Gim, Rebecca Cope, Mina Chau and Janna Roitman presented at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting. Faculty published research on schizophrenia, resistant hypertension, polypharmacy, HIV care and prostate cancer. Jadwiga Najib contributed a chapter to O’Donnell’s Drug Injury, and Ramaswamy Kannappan submitted an NIH proposal on cardiac recovery. • Nursing faculty examined both patient care and clinical education. Adebukola Adeniran studied adherence to preventive care guidelines; Christine Grippi presented research on genomics education for nurses and nursing students; and Amy Warner published work on simulation as a way to develop students’ professional skills. Cindy Broholm contributed
Capetandes and Romulo Mendoza for their contributions to medical laboratory science.
Artificial Intelligence, Technology and Applied Research Faculty examined how emerging technologies affect healthcare, education, organizations and daily life results, including: • Juan Jaramillo presented research on bias control in AI and machine learning. Izhar Haq co-authored AI Impact: How AI Changes Processes, Services, and the Economy; Haq and Ed Weis also examined privacy, security and liability in AI-driven organizations. • Rebecca Rosner had two chapters accepted for publication on AI in accounting and auditing. Qiping Zhang presented two studies on experiential learning, ethics and AI tools at HCI International 2026. • College of Education, Information and
to national scholarship on inclusion in
Technology faculty published and presented
advanced practice nursing education.
research on AI, counseling, mental health, equity and educational technology at national
• John Keefe received the American
and international conferences.
Psychoanalytic Association’s Scientific Paper Prize for research on psychoanalytic interpretations and treatment outcomes.
• LIU librarians contributed peer-reviewed work on the use of academic resources and
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 9
technology. Mary Kate Boyd-Byrnes and Selenay Aytac published and presented research on library guides that support student mental health. Aytac also examined wind energy, carbon footprints and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Maria Zarycky studied how curriculum materials centers support information literacy and collaboration.
Business, Markets and Workforce Preparation Faculty connected research on organizations and consumer behavior with students’ professional preparation. • Yuko Minowa presented research on consumer culture and sustainability at international conferences, including events at Kyoto University. Herbert Sherman worked with students on published analyses of companies in four industry sectors, while Yudan Zheng collaborated with undergraduates on research into box-office revenue and online customer satisfaction. • Hatice Uzun advanced research on corporate governance, and Edward Rogoff contributed scholarship on healthcare and emerging technology.
Education, Counseling and Community Engagement Faculty applied scholarship to teaching, professional practice and community needs. • Alyssa Sceppaguercio developed a Career Pathways Training proposal with the Audacia Foundation and 1199, with $97,503 in proposed funding per student for 10 students. She received a Chi Sigma Iota chapter award and was appointed to a three-year editorial role. • Dogukan Ulupinar published peer-reviewed counseling research and presented at the national ACES conference. • Heting Chu’s research-methods text was named one of Routledge’s best-selling books of 2025. Bea Baaden engaged high school students in a digital scholarship project marking the 50th anniversary of the Island Trees book-banning incident. • Art therapy faculty studied how creative practice and virtual peer support can promote compassion and self-compassion.
Humanities, Performance and Public Scholarship
• Carol Boyer and Juan Jaramillo studied the
Faculty reached professional and public
relationship between state of incorporation
audiences through books, productions,
and firm value. David Jalajas examined how
documentary film and performance research.
experiential learning develops skills employers need. Zhaohui Zhang published research on
• Richard Israel directed the world premiere
geopolitical uncertainty and pharmaceutical
of Kid Gloves in Hollywood, staged readings
innovation, while Tong Bao continued his work
in Los Angeles and at LIU Brooklyn, and
on online consumer behavior.
directed The Wizard of Oz for 5-Star
10 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
Theatricals. Susan Zeig’s documentary
offered enrichment courses for students in
reached nearly 200 screenings and secured
grades K–9, including artificial intelligence and
PBS broadcasts scheduled through 2028.
robotics. Program revenue rose to $790,136, from $738,560 the prior year, an increase of
• Valerie Clayman Pye published research on Shakespearean performance, co-edited Revenge is Mad Hard: Fat Ham and the Question of Cultural Reclamation, and performed in Romeo and Juliet: The Symphonic Experience at Tilles Center. Kristen Abbott Bennett published Teaching Shakespeare’s Theatre of the World with Cambridge University Press. Faculty also presented dance and performance research in the United States and United Kingdom. • John Lutz published two books and a peerreviewed article on empathy, presented at national conferences, and contributed to LIU Studios’ Why We Need the Humanities and Is AI Intelligent? series. Thomas Fahy published The Life of the Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald,
approximately 7%. Hutton House offered more than 400 lifelong learning programs in person and online. New formats included author events, seminars and workshops on healthy aging. More than 30 community ambassadors promoted the program, and seats sold increased 7.5%, from approximately 1,750 to 1,882. The Au Pair Program expanded its course offerings and introduced Brightspace to improve registration, course delivery and certificate management. The English as a Second Language Program reviewed its offerings and pursued community partnerships and specialized courses for international students and adult learners. Both programs made operational improvements while responding to challenging market conditions.
produced additional scholarship on Fitzgerald and Truman Capote, and presented at an international Fitzgerald conference. Together, these accomplishments show the breadth of LIU faculty work and its connection to student research, professional practice and public life.
STRATEGIC GOAL 2
Advance Solutions for a Sustainable Global Future
SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
Long Island University advanced research
The School of Professional Studies extended
and students developed new approaches to
LIU’s educational reach from school-age
personalized medicine, expanded civic education
students to adult learners. The Long Island
and strengthened partnerships around the
Center for Gifted Youth, now in its 46th year,
world. International programs connected
with applications in human health, technology and public policy in 2025–2026. Faculty
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 11
classroom learning with research, internships
repurposing and digital modeling to investigate
and experience in communities across the globe.
potential treatments. Together, all of these
Research Productivity and Personalized Medicine LIU researchers submitted 47 competitive proposals totaling more than $54.5 million in FY2026. Proposals went to federal, state and
efforts advance LIU’s research in AI, biomedical engineering and precision medicine.
Applied Research and Community Health • The School of Health Professions’ Dean’s
local agencies and private foundations, including
Research Initiative contributed to a 40%
the National Institutes of Health and National
increase in grant submissions and an elevenfold
Science Foundation. Research collaborations
increase in research expenditures. Faculty
included Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Baylor
also advanced NIH proposals involving AI and
College of Medicine, Mount Sinai Health System,
healthcare and began pilot work with Dassault
the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and
Systèmes and Baylor College of Medicine.
Dassault Systèmes. • Ping Lu received $314,879 through an NSF A signature area of this work is digital-first
collaborative award totaling $479,879 for
drug discovery and personalized medicine.
research on catalysts that convert carbon
LIU’s Center of Excellence in Life Sciences is
dioxide. He also conducted sustainable
developing BioDom, a platform that brings
manufacturing research at Brookhaven National
together AI, biological research, simulation
Laboratory through a visiting faculty program.
and clinical data to improve how potential treatments are identified and evaluated. Its work
• Nicolas Gallo published studies on liver injury and personalized models of drug-related cardiac
focuses on three connected approaches:
risk. Kewei Li published research on pediatric •
AI-assisted discovery: Identifying disease
heart valve design and submitted NIH proposals
targets and potential drug candidates.
for growth-adaptive valve reconstruction and patient-specific modeling. Debarshi Ghosh
•
Virtual models of therapeutics: Simulating
published work on liver injury and proposed a
how drug candidates may behave in biological
digital twin model for predictive oncology.
systems. • Gaelle Laetitia Mouafo Mapikou and Ha Cao •
Virtual models of patients: Exploring
published research on AI-based group emotion
how patients with different biological
recognition. Christopher League contributed to
characteristics may respond to treatment.
an NSF-supported framework for scientific data processing.
The oncology program focuses on lung, brain, ovarian and pancreatic cancers, using drug
12 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
•
In partnership with biotech company
Aneuryst, LIU is investigating fasudil as
Research Conference and LIU Brooklyn
a potential treatment for subarachnoid
Discovery Day.
hemorrhage, a severe form of stroke. The project’s application to the National Institutes
• Short-term international participation nearly
of Health Small Business Innovation
doubled to 78 students across five courses
Research program received a perfect score.
in Greece, London, Costa Rica and Bali. Six courses were approved for 2026–2027,
• LIU researchers published a whole-organ virtual liver model in npj Digital Medicine to
and the Australia/Pacific Center expects 15 students in the fall.
study drug-induced injury across biological scales. Computational work on pediatric
• Global College added 27 partners, bringing
heart valves is exploring designs that could
its network to more than 125 institutions
accommodate a child’s growth, extending
and organizations. Every graduating senior
digital modeling toward patient-specific care. Collaborative proposals addressing mental health and opioid prevention in Nassau County targeted a combined $4 million, with similar work extending to Suffolk County. LIU secured a state grant of approximately $1 million to establish the Transformative Youth Justice Hub at LIU Brooklyn, involving faculty across education and political science.
Global College and International Education Global College extended LIU’s international educational experience through student research, partnerships, field learning and internships. • Nearly 90% of Global College’s incoming class came from outside New York State. For the eighth consecutive year, 100% of its seniors were accepted to present original research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. • Global College students presented 21 posters across that conference, the Global College
completed two 15-week internships, achieving a 100% internship placement rate.
Roosevelt School The Roosevelt School expanded LIU’s work in presidential history and civic education. More than $1 million from the U.S. National Archives is supporting the Virtual Library of the American Presidency, which preserves presidential family archives and oral histories for public access. A $2.3 million U.S. Department of Education grant, in partnership with The School House and American Emergent Curriculum, will serve at least 300 educators and produce 12 instructional modules on American history and civic education, with resources expected to reach approximately 50,000 students. Through the Society of Presidential Descendants, LIU hosted the 2025 Presidential Book Award, selecting Derek Leebaert’s Unlikely Heroes from nearly 100 nominated works. The School also launched a Presidential Leadership Series featuring descendants, historians and former White House leaders.
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 13
Hornstein Center The Steven S. Hornstein Center for Policy, Polling, and Analysis launched a national Presidential Leadership Poll through its American Opinion Panel. Developed with the Society of Presidential Descendants, the poll examines how Americans assess former presidents on integrity, judgment, communication, foreign policy and economic management. It connects the Center’s public opinion research with the Roosevelt School’s archives and civic education programs.
STRATEGIC GOAL 3
Advance Exceptional Fiscal Health and Agility Long Island University strengthened its financial foundation in 2025–2026 through philanthropy, external partnerships and sustained investment in its campuses. Centennial giving supported scholarships, academic programs and research, while capital improvements expanded facilities for teaching and discovery. These investments
Fall 2017-2026 Annual Tuition Rate Increase and Undergraduate Flat Rate Tuition Ten Year Comparative Trend with Competitive Benchmarks:
14 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
advanced the University’s strategic priorities and
LIU’s financial growth was accompanied
prepared LIU for its second century.
by improvements in student achievement,
Fiscal Health and Agility
stable freshmen enrollment, expansion and modernization of facilities, and implementation
In 2026, LIU continued demonstrating exceptional
of strategic initiatives outlined in the Annual
financial health and agility as guided by the
Report. The 2% tuition rate increase for 2027-
Strategic Plan reinforcing its position as a nationally
28, recommended for approval by the Board
recognized teaching and research institution. During
of Trustees in October 2026 will mark the
fiscal 2025-26, the University achieved several
fourteenth straight year of 2% tuition rate
notable milestones as total long-term investments
increases, during a period when national and
surpassed $650M and, as of July 31, 2026 net assets
regional rate increases have risen well more
surpassed the $1B threshold.
than this average. LIU’s cumulative tuition rate
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 15
increase of 20% over this timeframe compares with 36%, 39%, 42%, and 39% for regional institutions such as NYU, Fordham, Hofstra, and St. John’s universities, respectively. The University’s goals focus on delivering a high quality, affordable education; aligning resource allocation with strategic priorities; expanding and diversifying revenue sources; and growing the University’s long-term investment portfolio during a time where evolving Federal regulations including restrictions on loan programs and international
student enrollments continue to challenge our University and others across the nation. On July 1, 2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act went into effect, impacting Federal student loan borrowing limits and removing the Grad PLUS loan for thousands of new graduate students. LIU’s Finance division works closely with academic and administrative departments across the University to articulate performance metrics resulting in revenue and cost management to achieve the financial objectives
Comparative Annual Tuition Rate Increases Ten Year Ended Fall 2026
16 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
set forth in LIU’s strategic and long-range operating and capital plans. Critical to this strategy is continuously evaluating the University’s financial health and agility through the objective lens of independent agencies such Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service. During fiscal 2026, Standard & Poor’s affirmed its ‘A’- rating for LIU and improved the University’s outlook from ‘stable’ to ‘positive.’ The credit rating with Moody’s was affirmed at A3/stable, respectively. Key FY 2025-26 financial and related performance
indicators as of July 31, 2026 (unaudited) include: • P rojected $25M operating surplus supported by increasingly diverse revenue streams and resource allocations aligned with programmatic needs. • U niversity long-term investments valued at $653.1M, with 79% growth over the past 5 years. • Total assets of $1.23B and net assets of $1.05B,
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 17
Tuition Rate Increases Ten Year Ended Fall 2026 INSTITUTION
CUMULATIVE INCREASE
AVERAGE INCREASE
ADELPHI
47%
5%
HOFSTRA
42%
4%
FORDHAM
39%
4%
ST. JOHN'S
39%
4%
NYU
36%
4%
LIU
20%
2%
with 48% and 66% growth, respectively, over the past 5 years. • Continued capital investment exceeding $23M in 2025-26 and more than $166M over the past 5 years, funded by University operations, generous donors, and other external sources such as NYS grants. This investment is gamechanging for the University compared to $2M annually in the past. • Perfect 3.0 financial responsibility ratio with the U.S. Department of Education, and a “clean” Single Audit of Federal Financial Assistance programs with no findings. • S trong Composite Financial Index that exceeded 9 out of 10 for the fourth straight year.
18 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
Commitment to College Affordability LIU’s focus on college affordability continues attracting highly academically qualified students. Our commitment to 2% tuition rate increases since 2014 plays a pivotal role in the affordability of a LIU education as well as widening the affordability gap between LIU and other educational institutions in our region. The cumulative effect of this commitment shows compelling comparative results over the past decade.
Strong Enterprise Credit Profile The University’s strong financial position is well summarized by the independent assessment of University finances by the bond-rating agencies. In December 2025, Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (S&P) review for LIU affirmed its ‘A-‘ rating and improved the University’s outlook
from ‘stable’ to ‘positive.’ The credit rating with Moody’s that is currently at A3/stable, is anticipated for review in December 2026. The ratings remain comparatively strong given S&P and Moody’s negative outlook for the U.S. Higher Education sector as of September 2026. The table below provides an excerpt from the S&P Credit Opinion for Long Island University (dated December 18, 2025):
quantitative rating rubrics established by Moody’s and S&P. LIU evaluates its overall financial strength annually and over time through the Composite Financial Index which consolidates multiple dimensions of financial performance – liquidity, operating results, asset management, and debt capacity – into one clear number. Over the past decade, LIU has transformed its financial
Key Performance Indicators
position through balance sheet strengthening
The University reports a series of quantitative financial and related measures subject to formal
and sustainable operating performance. For 2025-26, the University again generated a 9.0+
Higher Education Sector as of September 2026 (S&P Credit Opinion for LIU (dated December 18, 2025)
Long Island University, New York—Enterprise and Financial Statistics—Fiscal year ending August 31 Medians for ‘A’ category rated private colleges and universities 8/31/26
8/31/25
8/31/24
8/31/23
8/31/22
12/31/24
Cash and investments to operations (%)
N.A.
151.7
142.0
123.8
115.5
162.1
Total cash and investments to total debt (%)
N.A.
824.7
675.3
533.2
456.9
364.1
Total adjusted operating revenue = unrestricted revenue less realized and unrealized gains/losses and financial aid. Total adjusted operating expense = unrestricted expense plus financial aid expense. Net operating margin = 100*(net adjusted operating income/adjusted operating expense). Student dependence = 100*(gross tuition revenue + auxiliary revenue) / adjusted operating revenue. Current MADS burden = 100*(maximum annual debt service expense/adjusted operating expenses). Cash and investments = cash + short-term and long-term investments. Average age of plant = accumulated depreciation/depreciation and amortization expense. MADS--Maximum annual debt service. N.A.--Not available. MNR--Median not reported.
Ratings List Outlook Action To
From
A/Positive
A/Stable
Education Long Island University, NY General Obligation
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 19
CFI score, representing the fourth straight
operating returns with continued investment
year the score has exceeded 9 out of a perfect
in talent, resources and support of effective
10 score.
operations. The schedule below provides the
Operating Performance
Strong operating performance remains critical
Board-approved budget and projected operating results (unaudited) for FY 2025-26 as of September 18, 2026:
to advancing the University’s exceptional fiscal health and agility, and achieving the goals
The impact of strong, sustainable operating
set forth in the University’s strategic plan. In
results over time has enabled the University
September 2026, the University projected strong
to expand and redirect resources toward
Operating Performance
Strong operating performance remains critical to advancing the University’s exceptional fiscal health and agility, and achieving the goals set forth in the University’s strategic plan in September 2026:
Revenues
FY 2025-26 Budget
FY 2025-26 Projected (Unaudited)
Tuition and fees, net $284,854 $267,934 Sales and services of auxiliary enterprise, net 30,372 29,860 Government grants and contracts 10,085 10,085 Private gifts and grants 10,500 4,986 Investment return designated for operations 19,900 24,774 Other sources 12,802 11,891 Net assets released from restrictions — 3,000 Total Revenues $368,513 $352,513
Expenses Salaries and benefits Supplies, repairs, utilities, and other expenses Depreciation and amortization Interest expense
$188,687 130,317 18,034 3,642
$171,363 129,240 19,300 3,450
Total Expenses $340,680 $323,353 Total Revenues Over Expenses $27,833 $29,178 Operating Margin 8% 8%
20 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
transformation. These resources support
and expansion, modernization and maintenance
critical University priorities, such as funding
of facilities. This strengthened financial position
for academic programs; increased scholarships
has keyed long-term investment growth,
for students; support for impactful student
improved cash and liquidity, fostered strong
initiatives; recruitment and retention of talent;
financial ratios, and empowered a culture of full
and expansion, modernization and maintenance
regulatory compliance.
of facilities. This strengthened financial position has keyed long-term investment growth,
Balance Sheet Strength and Liquidity
improved cash and liquidity, fostered strong
Key factors in determining the University’s
financial ratios, and empowered a culture of full
overall financial health, fiscal stability, and
regulatory compliance.
credit worthiness include a strong balance sheet with sufficient liquidity. As of July 31, 2026, the
The impact of strong, sustainable operating
University held more than $1B in total net assets, a
results over time has enabled the University
7.3 percent increase over the prior year.
to expand and redirect resources toward transformation. These resources support
LIU’s total net assets as of July 31, 2026, increased
critical University priorities, such as funding
more than $71M from a year earlier, with 66%
for academic programs; increased scholarships
growth since July 2021. The charts below provide
for students; support for impactful student
comparative July 31 balance sheet figures for 2026
initiatives; recruitment and retention of talent;
(unaudited) compared with 2021.
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 21
Long Term Investment Growth Growing the long-term investment portfolio remains a key strategic initiative for LIU. First and foremost, returns from this portfolio provide invaluable scholarships for deserving students, making their tuition more affordable. Our vibrant endowment decreases reliance on tuition for generating financial resources to operate the University and the newly established long-term investment fund supports investment in student scholarships, capital priorities and other strategic initiatives. Long-term investment growth comes in the form of endowed donor gifts; operating surpluses transferred to the portfolio; and market value increases. The link between
generations of LIU students. The University’s long-term investment portfolio was valued at $653.2 million (unaudited) as of August 31, 2026. The chart to the right presents the growth in LIU’s long-term investments for the 10 years ended August 31, 2025. During this time frame, the endowment has practically quadrupled its value.
Revenue Diversification A key tenet of the University’s strategic goal of advancing exceptional fiscal health and agility is continued growth and diversification of non-tuition revenue. For LIU, non-tuition revenues are comprised primarily of room and board revenue; investment returns designated for operations; private gifts and grants; government grants and contracts;
financial performance, investment growth,
other sources; and net assets released from
and student success is clear, and essential to
restrictions. Other sources primarily include
our goal of securing and sustaining a strong
revenues related to performing arts operations,
financial position for the institution and future
athletics, air rights amortization, commissions,
22 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
transcript and application fees, payment plan fees, camps, and rentals. For FY 2025-26, total non-tuition revenue is projected at $95.1 million compared with $91.1 million in FY 2024-25. This represents an increase of approximately 3.5%. Projected growth in nontuition revenue is driven primarily by year-overyear increases in investment return, room and board revenues, and private gifts and grants. LIU was slightly less tuition dependent in FY 202526 than a year earlier, with non-tuition revenue representing 25% and 26% of total net revenues, respectively, in each of these fiscal years.
Physical Plant and Capital Resources LIU invested more than $35 million in capital projects in FY2026, supported by institutional funds, government grants and donor contributions. These investments modernized facilities and reduced the average age of the University’s physical plant without issuing new
FY 2026 and 2025 Comparative Sources of Non-Tuition Revenue
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 23
capital debt. LIU’s capital plan aligns facilities, infrastructure and technology investments with academic and research priorities while addressing sustainability and deferred maintenance. Across both campuses, LIU upgraded spaces for drug discovery, digital engineering, advanced modeling and health sciences instruction. These investments include the following projects: •
Completed the Drug Discovery Cell Culture and Biologics Lab in December 2025.
•
Completed a barn at the Yaphank Farm with capacity for 50 cows and calves, along with a touchdown building for veterinary medicine students, in July 2026.
•
Built horse stocks for clinical training at the North Shore Equestrian Center on the LIU Post Campus in July 2026.
•
Broke ground on the 40,000-square-foot College of Science building at the Post Campus in July 2026.
•
Construction of the 3DS Digital Engineering Fabrication Lab, scheduled for completion in October 2026.
•
Construction of the NCAA regulation field hockey field, scheduled for completion in
•
Partnerships and Philanthropy LIU’s Centennial year brought alumni, donors
October 2026.
and partners together around the University’s
Completion of the two-field NCAA regulation
Offices of Development and Alumni Affairs
multipurpose project, scheduled for
supported 10 Centennial events that attracted
November 2026. The first field is already in
nearly 1,000 donors, alumni and friends. The
use, and the second is under construction.
Centennial CEO Series featured LIU alumni Ray
24 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
academic, research and student priorities. The
College of Science building
Dalio ’71, founder of Bridgewater Associates, and
a record $3.6 million in gifts and pledges, the
Kristin Dolan ’15, president and CEO of AMC
largest fundraising total for a single event in
Networks. Other events included Jonas Society
the University’s history. Held at the Plaza Hotel
gatherings, the Barron Veterinary Learning
in New York City, the gala brought together
Center dedication, Centennial Commencement
trustees, alumni, donors and community leaders
and the Centennial Scholarship Gala.
to celebrate LIU’s first century and invest in its next. Proceeds will expand scholarship
The LIU Centennial Scholarship Gala raised
opportunities for students across the University.
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 25
Learning Center. The new Centennial Champions society recognizes donors who commit $1 million or more to LIU and these generous donors will be celebrated and acknowledged annually beginning in 2027.
Corporate, Foundation and Government Partnerships LIU expanded partnerships supporting research, public health and workforce development. Its designation as a Dassault Systèmes Center of Excellence strengthened work in digital engineering and simulation. Government grants supported mental health and opioid prevention initiatives, while collaborations with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Brookhaven National Laboratory advanced health sciences research.
STRATEGIC GOAL 4
The 77th Annual George Polk Awards raised nearly $400,000, including gifts for two newly endowed awards. Across the year, LIU secured more than $18.9 million in gifts and pledges, with an additional $6 million in verbal commitments. Following the successful $200 million Campaign for LIU, the University launched Accelerating the Future: LIU Centennial Campaign, a $250 million effort supporting academic programs, scholarships, endowed faculty positions, athletics facilities and student success.
Transformational Gifts
Advance Student Engagement Through Extraordinary and Distinctive Experiences Long Island University strengthened the student experience from first contact through graduation in 2025–2026. The Fall 2026 freshman class grew 13.2% and the transfer class grew 27.4%, while LIU continued to increase freshman selectivity and academic quality. This growth stood out against the latest
A $7.5 million gift from Manuel ’68 and Clare
available national data, which showed a 1.6%
Barron supports the Lewyt College of Veterinary
decline in undergraduate enrollment at private
Medicine and names the Barron Veterinary
nonprofit four-year institutions in Fall 2025.
26 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
Graduate and international enrollment faced
EXPANDING RECRUITMENT AND ENROLLMENT
broader industry pressures, reinforcing the importance of focused recruitment in those
Admissions broadened recruitment locally, nationally and internationally through high school visits, college fairs, campus events, partnerships and virtual programs in 2025-26. Counselors began using the Recruiter App across recruitment activities, giving them access to prospective student records, application status and communication history while traveling and at events. This expanded use of data supported more informed outreach and enrollment decisions.
markets. Expanded admissions outreach, campus visits and enrollment programs connected prospective students with LIU. Growth in residential living, student organizations, campus events and athletics created more opportunities to participate and lead, while career programs, employer partnerships and alumni connections helped students translate their experiences into professional opportunities.
2025-26 Admission Results (Fall 2026 Profile)
DOMESTIC
% CHANGE
INTERNATIONAL
% CHANGE
TOTAL
Freshman
1,446
+12.3%
57
-5.0%
1,503
Transfer
546
+27.2%
25
+8.7%
571
Graduate
827
-15.0%
37
-62.6%
864
Veterinary Medicine
109
0
0
0
109
Event Attendance and Goals EVENT OVERVIEW
2023-24
2024-25
2025-26
2027 GOAL
Open House Attendance
2,530
4,833
5,012
5,250
Reception Attendance
217
399
404
500
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 27
Campus Visits and Recruitment Programs
ambassadors, allowing LIU to offer up to three
Among Swim With a Shark Week participants,
2023-2024. Nearly 89% of visitors reported being
campus tours per day. Tour attendance reached
Campus visits contributed to enrollment growth. 78.2% registered for fall classes, and all survey respondents said the program increased their likelihood of attending LIU. Approximately 60% of Accepted Students Day attendees enrolled, while 66% of Open House attendees said the event positively influenced their enrollment decision. The Student Ambassador Program grew to 35
very satisfied, and more likely to attend LIU. A new handbook and intensive training improved tour results and effectiveness. Group Tour attendance increased 76%, from 743 to 1,305 guests, reflecting expanded visits from entire classes and school groups to experience the LIU campus.
Local and Regional Recruitment
Campus Visits CAMPUS TOUR DATA
3,253, up from 2,800 in 2024-2025 and 2,200 in
Admissions expanded outreach through college fairs, ATTENDANCE
2023-24 Tour Attendees
2,200
2024-25 Tour Attendees
2,800
2025-26 Tour Attendees
3,253
Note: Severe winter weather affected two Open House events. A blizzard moved the January Brooklyn event online, while freezing temperatures reduced February attendance at LIU Post.
high school visits, campus events and partnerships with the Roosevelt School and High School Scholars program. Participation in college fairs rose from 403 in 2025 to 597 in 2026. High school connections increased from 456 to 616, while connections with high school juniors grew from 637 to 713.
Transfer Recruitment LIU strengthened transfer recruitment by giving
Admissions Recruitment LOCAL RECRUITMENT
2023-24
2024-25
2025-26
339 College Fairs
403 College Fairs
597 College Fairs
378 High School Connections
456 High School Connections
616 High School Connections
543 Junior Connections May - June
637 Junior Connections May - June
713 Junior Connections May - June
28 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
First Year Application Data FIRST YEAR APPLICATION DATA
2023-24
2024-25
2025-26
Applications
26,000
31,000
27,500
Acceptance Rate (%)
86%
82%
78%
Yield Rate (%)
10
7.4
8.1
Average SAT Score
1250
1260
1260
prospective students earlier information about
The leading out-of-state enrollment markets
how their credits apply, how long a degree
were New Jersey (67 students), California (41),
may take and what it may cost. The University
Pennsylvania (29), Texas (25) and Florida (24).
implemented a Transfer Portal, which will allow students to review transfer credits and help Admissions identify prospective applicants. Program-focused Transfer Tuesdays and expanded outreach to local community colleges provided more direct guidance and opportunities to develop transfer pathways.
National Recruitment
International Recruitment International enrollment declined, consistent with national trends, amid changes in federal visa requirements, limited visa appointment availability and elevated visa denial rates. LIU recruited more than 5,000 international applicants and issued more than 3,000 admissions decisions. Application
LIU participated in 416 recruitment events
turnaround time improved by 20% and
across 23 states outside New York, generating
completed applications increased by 15%. The
11,473 prospective students. The largest sources
University conducted more than 600 individual
were New Jersey (2,172), Florida (1,875),
consultations and 50 virtual recruitment and
Pennsylvania (1,142), Illinois (1,107), Maryland
admitted-student events.
(1,088) and California (894). Recruitment reached Canada, Brazil, Mexico, National Association for College Admission
Vietnam, Thailand and India, supported by more
Counseling fairs generated 7,273 prospects, or
than 25 international partnerships. LIU also
63% of the out-of-state total. Regional college
launched an International Student Ambassador
fairs generated another 2,563, and Admissions
Program and expanded outreach through digital
completed 139 individual high school visits.
marketing, virtual advising and direct messaging.
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 29
In response to changes in visa policies and consular processing, Admissions provided expedited I-20 processing, visa preparation webinars, deferral options and individual advising. Priorities for 2026–2027 include expanded recruitment in India, additional university partnerships and greater use of digital recruitment tools.
Virtual Enterprises Partnership LIU’s partnership with Virtual Enterprises International brought more than 3,500 middle and
Summer Honors College The 2026 Summer Honors College gave 175 rising high school juniors and seniors from 24 states an immersive introduction to LIU. During the oneweek program at LIU Post, students lived and learned on campus, selected from seven academic pathways, worked with LIU faculty and earned three college credits. Admissions and Student Success staff were involved throughout the experience. All participants attended an admissions presentation,
high school students to campus for conferences and
and rising seniors submitted applications to LIU.
competitions, including approximately 3,000 at
The University will track participants’ enrollment
the two-day Long Island Regional Conference and
outcomes to measure the program’s impact on
Exhibition at LIU Post. University representatives
future classes.
also participated in the Youth Business Summit at the Javits Center, which drew more than 5,000 students, educators and business professionals. School of Business and Admissions staff extended outreach to Virtual Enterprises partner schools. For Fall 2026, 1,072 program participants applied to LIU and 79 enrolled.
High School Scholars LIU Post’s High School Scholars dual enrollment program served 11,832 students in 1,420 classes across 92 public and private high schools and BOCES. Students earned 47,827 college credits through more than 130 LIU courses.
STUDENT LIFE LIU strengthened student life across both campuses through expanded opportunities to live, connect, lead and prepare for careers. Growth in on-campus living and participation in events, clubs and recreation reflected a more active student experience, while investments in facilities and services supported students’ daily needs.
Student Engagement LIU expanded campus events and Centennial programming, with eight Centennial events generating more than 1,100 student check-
LIU faculty visited more than 300 classes, bringing
ins. Signature Student Affairs events recorded
University instruction directly to participating
4,164 check-ins, up from 3,307 the prior year, a
schools. Twelve High School Scholars classes also
25.9% increase. Brooklyn student attendance at
visited LIU campuses for academic programs,
Homecoming more than doubled, rising from 146
faculty engagement and tours.
in 2024 to 339 in 2025.
30 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
Campus Recreation
•
fairs at Post and Brooklyn, connecting 335
Campus Recreation expanded club sports, wellness
students with 27 employers.
programs and student employment while generating revenue through concessions and summer camps. • Supported 16 club sports teams and 205 participants, revived intramural sports and extended fitness center hours. • Increased student employment from 64 to 84 positions, a 31.3% increase. Esports employed 24 students and offered six professional development sessions. • Added seven fitness machines and twice weekly yoga classes, which reached 74 unique participants. • 282 participants enrolled in summer sports camps, generating $136,875.
Student Leadership and Career Readiness LIU expanded opportunities for students to lead organizations, participate in campus life and
Held business and health professions career
Residential Growth As of August 2026, 1,410 students were living on campus, an increase of 199, or 16.4%, from 1,211 at the start of the prior fall term. Bathroom renovations in Brookville Hall, following upgrades in Queens, Kings and Nassau Halls, benefited approximately 652 students. LIU also expanded electronic tap access to Riggs and Post Halls, improving access and security for approximately 342 students.
Campus Access and Student Services LIU improved transportation options and access to course materials while making the Shark Nation Spirit Store more visible. •
Relocated the Shark Nation Spirit Store to the former bookstore space, creating a
connect with employers.
central location for LIU merchandise.
• Supported 264 active student clubs and organizations, which hosted 794 programs.
•
Moved textbook and course materials to a virtual Barnes & Noble bookstore.
• Launched a National Student Leadership Society opportunity expected to engage 300 students in
•
Maintained free Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) shuttle service for
leadership and professional development.
approximately 305 students through an •
increased University commitment.
Established a partnership with Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment that provided LIUspecific career opportunities and access to sports marketing professionals.
•
Partnered with LAZ Parking to offer discounted parking for Brooklyn students.
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 31
ALUMNI AND EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT LIU expanded opportunities for its network of 200,000 alumni to connect with the University and support students. The Office of Alumni and Employer Engagement launched the LIU Alumni Excellence Awards: 40 Under 40, an inaugural program recognizing 40 alumni under age 40 for achievement in their professions, academic fields and communities. The awards highlighted the range of paths LIU graduates have taken and created a new way to engage emerging alumni leaders. Alumni gathered at regional events in Miami, South Bend and Tampa, as well as at a men’s hockey meet and greet, the Centennial Hall of Fame ceremony at the Brooklyn Paramount and an Islanders game at UBS Arena. Shopping for Scholarships events, cooking classes and performances at Tilles Center offered ways to reconnect and support LIU.
Annual Fund Growth and Alumni Engagement Renewed outreach, events and alumni engagement drove LIU’s Annual Fund to $2,041,014, up 44% from $1,411,195 from the prior year. The Student Impact Team contributed to this growth through more than 30,000 calls connecting current students with alumni, sharing University news and inviting support. Building on this momentum, LIU has set a $3 million Annual Fund goal for August 2027 under the 2026-2027 theme: “The Next 100 Years Starts with You”.
Career Readiness and Employer Engagement LIU connected students with employers through
32 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
Accounting and Business career fairs and Nursing and Healthcare Professions career fairs on both campuses. The healthcare events welcomed more than 25 companies, giving students direct access to recruiters and information about career opportunities. The Accounting Society’s Jingle Mingle offered another setting for students to meet business and finance professionals. In partnership with JPMorgan Chase, LIU also held two Financial Literacy Conferences to help students build practical financial skills for life after graduation.
DIVISION I ATHLETICS LIU Athletics won the Northeast Conference (NEC) Brenda Weare Commissioner’s Cup for the fourth time, recognizing the combined performance of its teams across NEC sports. LIU also repeated as Men’s Commissioner’s Cup champion and finished second in the Women’s Commissioner’s Cup standings. “Fins Up” tradition made national news during men’s basketball team’s NCAA Tournament run. Featured on ESPN’s SportsCenter, the CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil, among other major national platforms. LIU filmed its third episode of The College Tour, this time highlighting its Division I athletics programs and game-day experience. Featuring Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Ice Hockey, Baseball, Softball and Cheerleading, the episode places student-athletes at the center of the story. Michael Berthel, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment, also discusses how
athletics shapes campus life and the experience of
Kahn ’74; fencer Laura Fekete ’24; basketball
current and prospective students. The episode is
coach Tony Bozzella; and the 2010 Brooklyn
scheduled for release on Amazon Prime Video and
Softball, 2013 Post Women’s Lacrosse and
LIU’s social media channels.
2022 Baseball teams. LIU alumnus and sports broadcaster Alan Hahn ’93 hosted the ceremony.
LIU held the Centennial Athletics Hall of Fame
LIU also announced a five-year partnership
class at the Brooklyn Paramount. Honorees
with the New York Islanders and UBS Arena
included Olympic track and field athlete Brendon
to elevate hockey in the Long Island region.
Rodney ’16; football coach and administrator
The partnership includes a four-team holiday
Bryan Collins; public address announcer Richard
tournament at UBS Arena on December 28–29,
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 33
2026. A $3 million campaign was launched to support improvements to the hockey experience at the Northwell Health Ice Center.
Athlete Highlights
and the regular season title was their second straight. Nicholas Finarelli was named NEC Pitcher of the Year; Joe Durso earned NEC Tournament MVP; and four players received All-NEC honors.
• BASEBALL won the NEC regular season and
tournament championships and advanced
• MEN’S BASKETBALL won the NEC regular
to the NCAA Regionals at the University of
season and tournament championships,
Georgia. The Sharks finished 30–22 for their
finished with 24 wins, the most in Sharks
third consecutive winning season. The NEC
history. LIU faced Arizona in the first round
tournament title was their third in five years,
of the NCAA Tournament. Rod Strickland
34 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
was named NEC Coach of the Year. Greg
the 2026 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading &
Gordon earned NEC Defensive Player of the
Dance Team National Championship.
Year and Tournament MVP; Jamal Fuller and Malachi Davis were First Team All-
•
E QUESTRIAN won the IHSA Region 4
NEC selections; and Fuller was named NEC
championship and advanced to the national
Scholar-Athlete.
championships after a second-place finish at the Zone 2 Finals. The Sharks placed sixth
•
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL reached the NEC
among 16 teams nationally, with Jenna
championship game for the fifth time in
Choinski and Lola Saunders each finishing
program history and the first time in the
second in their events.
Sharks era. The team’s 21 wins ranked fourth in program history, and its 14 NEC wins tied
•
•
MEN’S FENCING sent Mo Elsayed, Soma
for second. Kadidia Toure was named NEC
Somody and Andrew Gefell to the NCAA
Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year,
Championships. Elsayed and Somody reached
and Janessa Williams earned First-Team All-
the épée semifinals, placing among the top
NEC honors.
four in Division I.
C HEER AND DANCE captured their fourth
•
F OOTBALL defeated Eastern Michigan 28–23
consecutive national championship in the
for the program’s first victory over a Football
Open Spirit Program Game Day division at
Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent and was named Stats Perform FCS National Team of the Week. Center Grayson Lewis received a minicamp invitation from the Buffalo Bills. •
M EN’S GOLF Arjun Singh Bhatia won the NEC
individual championship, earned an NCAA Championship berth and was named NEC Golfer of the Year and First-Team All-NEC. Taimur Malik earned Second-Team All-NEC honors. •
MEN’S ICE HOCKEY defeated five-time
national champion University of Minnesota and placed third at the inaugural United Collegiate Hockey Cup. Brett Rylance and Nick Bernardo earned All-Independent honors, Noah Serdachny was named to the tournament team, and four players signed professional contracts after the season.
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 35
•
W OMEN’S ICE HOCKEY recorded its fifth
consecutive winning season and won seven of its final eight regular-season games. Grace Babington earned First-Team AllNEWHA honors, and Ryane Kearns earned All Sportsmanship recognition. •
M EN’S LACROSSE recorded a Division
I program high 11 wins and its third consecutive winning season. The Sharks finished second in the NEC and reached the conference tournament championship game for the first time. Seven players earned AllNEC honors. •
•
S OFTBALL won its second consecutive NEC
•
M EN’S SWIMMING won nine titles at the NEC
•
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL won its 13th NEC
W OMEN’S LACROSSE finished 10–7 overall
and 7–2 in the NEC for its third consecutive winning season. Five players earned AllNEC honors. Julia Trainor was named NEC Midfielder of the Year.
regular season championship and hosted the conference tournament for the second straight year. Lily Hinkle was named NEC Player of the Year, Kaylee Clarkson earned the Golden Glove Award, and six players received All-NEC honors.
Championships and set conference records in the 800-yard freestyle relay, 200-yard breaststroke and 1,650-yard freestyle. Finn Drysdale was named Outstanding Swimmer of the Meet, Mario Rodriguez Poulsem was named Rookie of the Meet, and Martin Navelsaker Beitveit earned NEC ScholarAthlete honors.
tournament championship and 12th regular season title, finishing 15–1 in conference play. The Sharks advanced to the NCAA Tournament, where they faced Nebraska.
TILLES CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Regional Culture/Educational Asset •
36 | LIU Annual Report 2025–2026
F or nearly 50 years, Tilles Center for the Performing Arts has connected Long Island audiences with leading performers, cultural organizations and educational experiences. Partnerships with Live Nation and AEG Bowery Presents, along with longstanding collaborations with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and Jazz at Lincoln Center, have established the Center as a major regional destination for the arts.
•
T he 2025–2026 season brought performers such as Josh Groban, Diana Ross, Derek Hough, Rhiannon Giddens and the Silkroad Ensemble, the Indigo Girls, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, Riverdance and Ballet Hispánico to Long Island. National tours included RENT in Concert, The Music Man and TINA: The Tina Turner Musical. The expanded Speaker Series featured 14-time Olympic medalist Katie Ledecky, author Malcolm
Gladwell, business journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory President Bruce Stillman. •
illes Center also remained a place T where young musicians could learn from accomplished professionals. The Essentially Ellington regional festival brought more than 200 high school students to campus for performances evaluated by Jazz at Lincoln Center clinicians and LIU faculty. Presented
LIU Annual Report 2025–2026 | 37
with Jazz at Lincoln Center, the third annual Tilles Jazz Fest featured the Buena Vista Orchestra. •
Arts education programs reached more than 17,000 children and adults. School matinees and in-school partnerships introduced students to live performance.
Experiential Learning in the Arts
RANKINGS AND ACCOLADES
National and regional recognition reflected LIU’s academic programs, research activity, transfer pathways, leadership and student experience. • T he Carnegie Classification reaffirmed LIU’s Research 2 designation for high research activity, placing LIU in the top 7% in the nation for research.
• T illes Center provided LIU students with internships and master classes that connected academic preparation with careers in the arts. Musical Theatre students performed alongside Adam Pascal in songs from RENT and appeared regularly in a pre-show cabaret series in the Goldsmith Atrium, reaching thousands of patrons. Music students joined the New York Arabic Orchestra for a sold-out performance in the Krasnoff Theatre, and the LIU Jazz Ensemble performed at the Centennial Scholarship Gala at the Plaza Hotel.
• F orbes awarded LIU an “A” in its 2026 College Financial Grades, placing the University among the top 16% of institutions evaluated for financial strength.
• T hrough the New Works Initiative, Tilles Center collaborated with Post Theatre Company and Foreigner on Feels Like the First Time The Foreigner Musical. Students participated in an October 2025 developmental workshop with Broadway professionals, including Pascal, and originated roles in the April 2026 world premiere. Film students documented the musical’s creation, Digital Arts and Design students developed concept art and promotional materials, and the LIU Marching Band performed Foreigner songs at the band’s sold-out Tilles Center concert. The project brought students into multiple stages of developing and presenting a new theatrical work
• L IU earned a record sixth consecutive Best College or University on Long Island award in the FourLeaf Best of Long Island awards. The University also won Best College/University Sports Program. President Kimberly Cline was named Best College/University President, and Ron Cooper was named Best Sports Coach.
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• President Kimberly R. Cline’s appointment as a commissioner of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education places LIU’s leader in a governance role with the University’s accrediting body. The appointment reflects the national recognition of her leadership in advancing LIU’s academic and institutional transformation.
• The Princeton Review named LIU to its Best Northeast college list. • L IU was named a Best National University by U.S. News & World Report. • L IU’s College of Management was named to The Princeton Review’s Best Business Schools
list for the 19th consecutive year and appears on its Best Business Schools (Northeast) list. • P hi Theta Kappa named LIU to its 2026 Transfer Honor Roll, recognizing institutions that support community college transfer students. • In Niche’s 2027 rankings, LIU placed No. 9 in New York for College Athletics and Nursing, No. 13 for Safest College Campuses. • L IU Athletics won the Northeast Conference Brenda Weare Commissioner’s Cup for the fourth time. LIU also repeated as Men’s Commissioner’s Cup champion and finished second in the Women’s Commissioner’s Cup standings. • P resident Kimberly R. Cline was named a 2025 Long Island Trailblazer by City & State New York, recognizing her leadership in higher education and regional economic development.
CONCLUSION Looking Ahead
As Long Island University celebrates its centennial, the accomplishments of 2025–2026 reflect sustained progress toward its vision for the future. Across campuses and disciplines, LIU strengthened its academic programs, advanced research, expanded opportunities for students and deepened its connections with industry and the communities it serves. The renewal of LIU’s Carnegie classification for high research activity affirms the growth of a research enterprise focused on consequential challenges. Faculty and students are bringing together expertise in artificial intelligence, health,
engineering, business and the arts, supported by partnerships that connect discovery with practical application. New academic and experiential opportunities are preparing students to contribute to this work and lead in their fields. LIU’s continued fiscal strength and growing philanthropic support provide a foundation for sustained investment. The Centennial Campaign sets an ambitious course for expanding scholarships, attracting faculty talent and developing the facilities and programs that will serve the next generation of students. Entering its second century, Long Island University is positioned to build on this momentum. The University remains focused on advancing knowledge, widening access to opportunity and preparing graduates to make a meaningful impact in a changing world.
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