Mildred (Mil) Clegg Ackerley ’55, MA ’76, had a lifelong relationship with Adelphi. The valedictorian and senior class president of Richmond Hill High School, she attended Adelphi on a full academic scholarship.
“Mil probably could have gone to any college, but her dad was a high school teacher whose salary had to support eight children,” said her son Lee (Ackerley). “Adelphi offered her a scholarship and she never looked back.”
At Adelphi, she was active in organizations across campus, having served as a member of Delta Tau Alpha honor society, Delta Gamma Fraternity, Lantern Honor Society, Le Cercle Francais, the Math Club and the Judicial Board.
She graduated magna cum laude in 1955 with her undergraduate degree in mathematics, married and, while raising five children, returned for her graduate degree in education, which she earned in 1976.
Mil taught mathematics at New Hyde Park Memorial High School for 30 years, where she served as an adviser to the National Honor Society, director of student activities and the Sewanhaka Central High School District coordinator of the talented and gifted programs.
“She wanted every student to be the best version of themselves and was always available to meet with anyone who needed extra help,” said Lee. “She was a caring and demanding teacher with a big heart.”
Even after graduating from Adelphi—while raising a family, teaching and actively serving her Floral Park community—Mil maintained an impressive commitment to her alma mater.
“She was really proud of Adelphi,” said Lee. “That’s what drew her back again and again.”
She wanted every student to be the best version of themselves.
Mil served as director of the Adelphi University Alumni Association and then as alumni trustee on the Adelphi University Board of Trustees. She was honored in 2002 by Delta Gamma Fraternity for 50 years of membership and service.
In 2005, at her 50 th reunion, her children established the Mildred Clegg Ackerley ’55 Endowed Scholarship in Mathematics at Adelphi University. This scholarship helps many students achieve their dreams and will continue to do so in perpetuity. It is a lasting testament to Mil ‘s devotion to her alma mater.
Mil, who passed away in November 2015, was posthumously awarded the Ruth Stratton Harley Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award at Adelphi’s 120 th Commencement in May 2016.
Mil’s family, including her five children (Mary, Bob, Lee, Anne and Margaret), continue to keep her memory alive through their involvement and support of Adelphi.