Adelphi University broke records for Giving Day 2025, fueled by the University's Momentum Campaign, Extraordinary Impact, and the generosity of the entire Adelphi community. The theme, 1,896 Minutes of Giving, honored Adelphi's founding in 1896.
Thanks to the overwhelming support of 1,879 donors, Adelphi University raised an unprecedented $886,067 during its eighth annual Giving Day on April 9 and 10, making it the most successful Giving Day in the University’s history. The collective impact of this 1,896-minute campaign, which surpassed its goal of $500,000 by 77 percent, was driven by the shared dedication of alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the University.
“On behalf of the entire Adelphi community, we extend our deepest gratitude for the enthusiasm and generosity that made this year’s Giving Day such a tremendous success,” said Thomas Kline, EdD, vice president of University advancement and external relations. “This extraordinary support is creating life-changing opportunities for our students and shaping the future of our University.”
This year, donors had the opportunity to fund any of 20 distinct areas, ranging from individual schools, colleges and departments to specific student-centered initiatives and the Adelphi Fund, which addresses the areas of greatest need at the University and supports its strategic priorities. The vast majority of these areas surpassed their fundraising goals and benefited from individual donations and match challenges.
Giving Day 2025 Highlights
Adelphi’s 1,896 minutes of giving is a nod to our founding year of 1896. For us, Giving Day began on April 9, 2025 at 4:24 am and ended at noon on April 10, 2025.
- The Athletics Department raised an impressive $334,115 from 1,008 donors.
- Men’s basketball was the top fundraiser, with $31,465, while baseball drew the most donors at 125.
- Dennis McDonagh ’78 inspired giving with a $5,000 matching gift for men’s golf and a $75,000 challenge gift to fund a student-athlete refueling station.
- Stephen ’83 and Kelley Outcault ’83 advanced the tally with a $75,000 gift to renovate the strength and conditioning room.
- An anonymous $25,000 gift created an endowed award for student-athletes dedicated to community service.
- Trustee Kimberly Sluis, EdD, made a generous $40,000 commitment to support undergraduate research through the SPARK (Scholars Pursuing Arts, Research and Knowledge) Center.
- Howard Kassinove ’63, PhD ’70, and Tina Kassinove ’65, MA ’87, established a $25,000 endowment to support psychology student research and conference attendance.
- Robert B. Willumstad School of Business Associate Professor Rakesh Gupta committed $25,000 to fund international education experiences for students.
- Lynda Perdomo-Ayala ’78 established a $25,000 endowment to assist first-generation college students with tuition and alternative spring break opportunities.
- Kathryn Chiddo ’77 expanded her support of pediatric nursing students in the College of Nursing and Public Health with a $25,000 gift to her existing scholarship fund.
- Nehal Mehta ’93, MD, challenged students to give—and they answered. Their participation unlocked Dr. Mehta’s $25,000 endowed scholarship for students in need.
- Trustee Kevin G. Mahony ’83 matched $10,000 in gifts to the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, strengthening Adelphi’s commitment to future business leaders.
In total, all 25 match and challenge gifts were completed—amounting to $164,850—amplifying the day’s impact and sustaining momentum throughout the event.
Additionally, 1,327 donors made contributions of $250 or less, collectively raising $89,664, underscoring the powerful impact of grassroots giving.
Giving Day concluded with a $100,000 commitment from Savills North America, supporting the development of Adelphi’s new Manhattan Center. To commemorate the occasion, members of the Adelphi community gathered in New York City on April 10 for a groundbreaking ceremony and celebration.
Building Momentum Toward a Bright Future
This year’s Giving Day is part of The Momentum Campaign: Extraordinary Impact, Adelphi’s ongoing fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting student success, academic excellence and innovation across all campuses.
“We are deeply moved by the generosity and Panther pride demonstrated by our community,” said Dr. Kline. “These contributions are laying the groundwork for Adelphi’s bright future, and we are honored to have so many people join us on our journey.”