Featured Stories
Clockwise from Top left: Cathi and David on their wedding day; Cathi and David at their 50th Reunion celebration during Spirit Weekend 2025; Cathi and David on their graduation day, 1975; Cathi and David on campus
Catherine ’75, MA ’77 and David ’75, ’79 Rivera
Cathi and David Rivera’s journey began in September 1971 at Adelphi’s new student orientation. What started as a chance meeting quickly grew into a deep friendship, nurtured by shared experiences and a vibrant campus life. Their love story is one of connection, growth, and enduring partnership—rooted in the heart of Adelphi.
During their undergraduate years, Cathi served as a Resident Assistant in Eddy Hall for four years, while David was active on the governing board for Linen Hall. Their involvement extended beyond dorm life—they both participated in campus food and dormitory committees and immersed themselves in Adelphi’s social scene. After graduating in 1975, Cathi became a Resident Hall Director at Earle Hall, where she pursued her master’s degree in Studio Arts.
David returned to Adelphi to earn a second degree in Nursing, and together they lived in an apartment in Earle Hall. Their time on campus was filled with academic focus, cultural exploration, and meaningful relationships. They fondly recall hopping on the Long Island Railroad to attend art exhibits, science lectures, and cultural events in New York City—experiences that enriched their education and deepened their bond.
On August 14, 1977, they were married at the Salisbury Inn in Eisenhower Park. Though rain moved their outdoor ceremony indoors, the day was filled with joy and Adelphi spirit. Cathi planned the wedding with help from her colleagues at the university, even sewing the bridesmaids’ gowns herself. A favorite memory: taking wedding photos on Adelphi’s campus before the caravan of cars headed to the celebration.
After graduation, Cathi and David built a life defined by creativity, service, and family. Cathi worked in student personnel at SUNY Stony Brook and taught art to high school students at Chaminade before moving to Miami in 1982. There, she taught middle school art for 41 years in Dade County Public Schools, earning accolades including Teacher of the Year for Miami-Dade County, the State of Florida, and the Southwestern United States. Her art and handcrafted jewelry have been exhibited across the country and internationally, and she continues to teach at institutions like the Arsht Center, Fairchild Gardens, and the Lowe Art Museum.
David worked as an ICU nurse at Mineola Hospital and later at the Miami Heart Institute before becoming a biomedical pacemaker representative for Medtronic. Now retired, he volunteers alongside Cathi as a docent at the Lowe Art Museum. Together, they’ve raised two daughters and are proud grandparents to two granddaughters—one pursuing a future in orthodontics through the IB program, and one just beginning her journey at age four.
Their advice to students? “Love wasn’t instantaneous—it grew from friendship, shared experiences, and mutual respect. Adelphi gave us the space to build lasting relationships and a foundation for our future. Embrace the community, live on campus, and immerse yourself in all that Adelphi offers.”
Looking ahead, Cathi and David remain hopeful and grateful. They continue to travel, nurture their family, and cherish the relationships that began over 50 years ago at Adelphi. Their story is a testament to the power of connection, resilience, and the lifelong impact of a university that truly feels like home.
Kelli and Sean enjoying one of their favorite pastimes, hiking.
Kelli and Sean at an Adelphi track meet
Sean Kildare ’19 and Kelli Smith ’20, MA ’21
Our story at Adelphi began in 2017. I had just transferred in as a junior, joining the cross country and track team, while Kelli was already thriving as a sophomore on the same team. We quickly discovered both lived in Massapequa. Kelli suggested we carpool to “save gas,” a suggestion that changed our path forever. As student-athletes, our dates consisted of activities that didn’t spend much money: long runs through the Massapequa Preserve, hikes in the Hudson Valley, sunsets at the beach, and when we wanted to splurge country concerts.
I graduated in 2019, and Kelli followed in 2020, and 2021 earning her Master’s degree. We’ve become the “textbook” Adelphi couple: a teacher and a nurse. Our journey continued beautifully as we got engaged in 2022 and bought our first home in South Huntington in 2023. Now, in August 2025, we’re eagerly anticipating our wedding, ready for the next chapter of our lives together.
We continue to explore new hiking trails, push our limits with running, play tennis and volleyball and attend as many country concerts as our schedules allow. At home we are usually preparing for our wedding or doing DIY projects to our new home.