Introducing Adelphi's Prestigious Panthers and Spirit Court of 2023

On October 13 to October 15, Adelphi celebrated its seventh annual Spirit Weekend. Among the many activities held, one that has become a beloved tradition in itself is the naming of the Prestigious Panthers and Spirit Court.

The Prestigious Panthers and Spirit Court designations officially debuted at Spirit Weekend in 2018. In 2016, Adelphi once again named a Homecoming King and a Queen to rule over the Homecoming Court. In 2017, the Homecoming Court became the Spirit Court, and in 2018, the more gender-inclusive Prestigious Panthers took the crown, so to speak (the crowns have been replaced with plaques and sashes), from the king and queen.

The names may have changed, but the principle has stayed the same: recognizing and celebrating students who represent the best of Adelphi in terms of academic excellence, creativity, global awareness, community involvement and Panther pride.

Prestigious Panther Khamkay Inthavong said, “Serving as a Prestigious Panther is about fostering a culture of open dialogue and improvement. It means being a beacon to those who aren’t seen or represented as much and providing an outlet where every voice can be heard and where we can work together to better our campus.”

“I believe applying for and competing for the Prestigious Panther Award help students develop essential career readiness skills such as self-presentation, communication and prioritization,” said R. Sentwali Bakari, PhD, vice president for student affairs. “It can also encourage students to reflect on their experiences and articulate the impact of their leadership experience on campus and within the greater community.”

After postponements due to rain—and much anticipation—the Prestigious Panthers and Spirit Court were finally announced on October 15.

Prestigious Panthers

• Adam Ayroso is a biology major in the Joint Degree Program with SUNY Upstate Norton College of Medicine and a member of the Adelphi Honors College. He is on the executive boards of the Honors College and the Biology Club, an Honors College Biology Summer Research Fellow, a peer academic tutor in the Center for Academic Support and Enrichment, and a member of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society.
• Sophie Breslow is a social work major and in the Tri Delta sorority, a Bridges to Adelphi peer mentor, a National Society of Collegiate Scholars inductee and a member of Gamma Beta Phi National Honor Society.
• Khamkay Inthavong is majoring in management and international studies and minoring in Spanish and human resource management. She is also the public relations officer for Levermore Global Scholars and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and Her Campus.
• Lucia Lu is a biology major who is a resident assistant, chemistry lab teacher’s assistant, and Global Medical Brigades public relations officer.

Spirit Court

• Kennie Dionisio is a computer science major with a minor in communications. He is president of the Class of 2024, co-features editor of The Delphian, a Jaggar Community Fellows intern at North Shore TV, a peer assistant leader and a commuter assistant, and president of the Asian Students Intercultural Alliance, among other activities.
• Callum Ferguson is an ethics and public policy major and Levermore Global Scholar. He is a recipient of the 2023 Bhisé Global Learning India study trip and a resident assistant.
• Melissa Garber is a psychology major in the Honors College with a minor in theatre tech and design. Her activities include serving as vice president of Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, event coordinator of the Psychology Club and a peer assistant leader.
• Jolisa John-Lynch is a health sciences major with a minor in African, Black and Carribean studies. She is president of Black Students United, a peer assistant leader and a commuter assistant, an assistant in the Office of Residential Life and Housing, and a volunteer for the Panther Pantry.
• Amanda Pincus is a psychology major in the Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP) and a minor in child and family studies. She is president of the Panhellenic Council, president of Omicron Delta Kappa and a National Residence Hall Honorary.
• Michelle Sarker is a health sciences major with a minor in marketing. She is president of the South Asian Student Association, a peer assistant leader and a commuter assistant, a Leader of the First-Year Community Action Program, a member of the Gamma Beta Phi Society, and a Levermore Global Scholar.

“Serving as a Prestigious Panther is about fostering a culture of open dialogue and improvement,” said Inthavong. “It means being a beacon to those who aren’t seen or represented as much and providing an outlet where every voice can be heard and where we can work together to better our campus.”

Ferguson said, “Spirit Court to me means representing my communities and encouraging others to do what they desire.”

Bakari said both recognitions are important because they validate students’ leadership development and commitment to being involved and engaged in the vitality of campus life. “It acknowledges their contributions to the campus community, which elevates their visibility, reputation and academic and professional success, thus making them exceptional representatives of Adelphi University and the clubs, organizations and diverse communities they represent.”