A Gala Launch for the Momentum Campaign

Adelphi announced the Momentum Campaign: Extraordinary Impact at the annual President's Gala on September 21, launching the public phase of a $100 million fundraising initiative to ensure the University's future as a premier institution and engine for social mobility.

What's the key ingredient of the successful launch of a major fundraising campaign?

Excitement.

This year's President's Gala provided plenty of it, along with inspiring addresses, entertainment provided by a Tony Award-nominated Broadway star and heartfelt tributes to some of Adelphi's most generous donors.

"We wanted the Momentum Campaign announcement to have extraordinary impact, and I believe it did," said Thomas Kline, EdD, vice president of University advancement and external relations. "We want our entire community to get excited about the campaign, get involved in it and take pride in it."

More than 270 alumni, friends, faculty members, students and their families attended the celebration, which was held at The Garden City Hotel on Saturday evening, September 21. The event raised more than $330,000 for the University.

This year's honorees were the members of Million Dollar Roundtable, benefactors who have given or committed $1 million or more to the University. Earlier in the day, Adelphi also unveiled a wall of plaques in the Nexus Building honoring each of the members of the Roundtable. Eight of the 26 donors attended the ceremony as well as the Gala: Diane Abbey '59; Carol Ammon, MBA '79, '10 (Hon.); Frank Angello '77 and Phyllis Angello; Bharat Bhisé, MBA '78, and Swati Bhisé; LeeAnn Black '83 and Jeffrey Black; Loretta Cangialosi '80; Angela Jaggar '62, MA '65, and Scott Jaggar; and Christine Motamed, who represented her husband, Thomas F. Motamed '71.

The Momentum Campaign has already secured $75 million of its goal of $100 million. The University expects to raise the remaining amount by the end of the campaign in 2027.

Welcoming the guests at the Gala, President Christine M. Riordan explained the significance of the moment and the importance of the task ahead.

"This campaign is large in ambition, but it is equally large in purpose," she said. "It is about ensuring Adelphi remains a premier institution of higher education for years to come and continues to be an engine for social mobility and student success.

"By joining us tonight," she continued, "you are a part of this influential moment in our history and a contributor to our vision. Working together, we can make an extraordinary impact on the lives of our students, our communities and society for generations to come."

See highlights from the 24th annual President's Gala.