Sophomore swimmer and business major , a globetrotting son of a diplomat who at one time had no permanent place to call home, has made Â鶹ֱ˛Ą just that—a home. And not just for himself, but for a program and a community rising with him.

This season, Kakimseit not only repeated as the NE10 Championship Swimmer of the Meet and Swimmer of the Year, but helped lead the Â鶹ֱ˛Ą men’s swimming and diving team to a historic second-place finish at the 2025 NE10 Championship—it was the best finish in the program’s history, eclipsing last year’s third-place result, and a defining mark for a group that walked into the final day of competition in first place.

Swimming Medals in the Case, Not on the Mantel

Kakimseit holds the national flagĚýof Kazakhstan during first-year picture day, honoring his cultural heritage.

“Swimming is a lifestyle,” Kakimseit said. “It takes discipline, it takes intention. And every medal I’ve earned here? That’s our team’s success. That’s why they belong in Adelphi’s trophy case, not my dorm.”

Humility isn’t always a headlining trait in collegiate athletics, but it may just be the foundation of Kakimseit’s greatness. All his NE10 championship medals, along with his NE10 Swimmer and Rookie of the Year plaques from a year ago, are proudly displayed in the team’s trophy case that stands inside Adelphi’s Center for Recreation and Sports—a gesture emblematic of an individual who refuses to take sole credit for shared victories.

“Ryan is an outstanding young man,” described fourth-year head coach , who was also honored as the NE10 Men’s Swimming Coach of the Year for the second time in as many seasons. “He works four jobs, maintains a near-4.0 GPA, and still finds time to lead this team with integrity. He has helped transform this program in a significant way.”

Kakimseit swimming the butterfly event, in which he holds both individual records for AdelphiĚý.

Shattering Records, Redefining Expectations

The transformation is undeniable. Kakimseit owns school records in both the 100-yard backstroke and 100-yard butterfly, along with four of the program’s five relay records. The record board? Almost completely rewritten in Danin’s tenure, particularly this season.

But for Kakimseit? The journey wasn’t always linear. With a diplomat mother, he lived a transient childhood across multiple continents—a life of constant adaptation. That sense of impermanence would rattle most young athletes. It only propelled him forward.

“I know what it’s like to feel like a stranger,” he reflected. “But here, I know the faces when I walk into the [Ruth S. Harley University Center] or at the pool. I’m a name, not a number. That’s why I love Adelphi.”

Global Roots, Panther Pride

Kakimseit swimming the freestyle stroke during his first year as a Panther

Grounded in gratitude, Kakimseit’s character has inspired not just his teammates but other swimmers far beyond the Garden City campus.

“We’re a very international team. I always tell recruits, take the risk. If your heart believes in a program, follow it. The best-case scenario outweighs the worst tenfold,” Kakimseit explained.

A Mission to Elevate Adelphi Swimming

Despite the accolades to this point, he isn’t done. His sights are firmly set on qualifying for the NCAA Division II National Championship and helping the Panthers win their first-ever NE10 championship title.

“There’s a lot more to come,” Kakimseit said. “I need to get stronger, refine my training and keep pushing. But we’re going to do everything with more intent next year. We’re so close.”

Danin agrees, and he has a blueprint. The agenda includes more long-course training. A winter training trip to Barbados. Greater team commitment from the jump. “We were 34 points out this year. That’s a hair’s breadth. We’ll close the gap.”

The Ripple Effect for Adelphi Athletics

Kakimseit, pictured with his cap, ahead of his sophomoreĚýcampaign.

The stakes are as personal as they are professional. For Danin, the drive to build a persistent championship program isn’t just about medals—it’s about legacy. And for Kakimseit, a legacy is everything.

“I want to graduate and look back at how far the team has come,” Kakimseit stated. “More than what I leave behind on the record board, I want to see growth in my teammates as people.”

And yet, the numbers don’t lie. In just two years, he has become one of the most decorated swimmers in the conference’s history—only the fifth swimmer ever to be named NE10 Men’s Swimmer of the Year in consecutive seasons. He may be soft-spoken, but his marks do the talking.

“My job isn’t done until [Ryan is] an All-American,” Danin said. “We’re not resting until we get him to nationals.”

For a swimmer who gives more credit than he takes, legacy is already set in motion. The ripples of his impact are spreading far beyond the lane lines—and they’re just getting started.

The post Against the Currents: Ryan Kakimseit’s Relentless Rise in the Adelphi Pool appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą.

“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 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.”

The post Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Celebrates Record-Breaking Giving Day appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą.

Tal Sheynfeld ’05

was the perfect destination for Tal Sheynfeld ’05 when he was seeking a way to combine two passions: playing soccer at a competitive level and getting a quality education.

“At home, my parents always made sure I did my schoolwork and focused on advancing myself as a scholar. The pecking order was school first and sports second,” Sheynfeld recalled. Hailing from Even Yehuda, Israel, his journey to follow his passions had to wait until after his mandatory military service in his home country.

Upon graduation from high school, Sheynfeld served three years in the Israeli Defense Forces, reaching the rank of first sergeant. Despite the demands of military service, he managed to play soccer for local clubs and caught the eye of an Israeli talent scout connected to the collegiate soccer community in the United States.

With the help of a close friend, he connected with several American college coaches, narrowing his choices down to four schools. Ultimately, Â鶹ֱ˛Ą and its felt like the right fit. The day after being released from his military service, he jumped on a plane to start his first year.

He was immediately drawn to the strong sense of community that he felt at Adelphi—in particular, he recalls receiving guidance and mentorship from members of the men’s soccer support staff, including Abe Reece, Ronnie Schneider ’79 and Roby Young ’70.

Excelling on the Pitch and in the Classroom

Sheynfeld played for the Brown and Gold from 2001 to 2004, when the was an NCAA Division I program and a member of the now-defunct Atlantic Soccer Conference. The Panthers faced stiff competition, but more than held their own, notching wins over programs like Syracuse University, Seton Hall University and Stony Brook University.

“We had a really competitive program and the schedule was tough. We played against the best of the best. It was a great experience,” Sheynfeld recalled. “There were many foreigners (on the team), but you were placed into an existing community. Being a part of the team allowed me access to friends, guidance and I was able to learn from their experiences. It made the transition from Israel to the United States so much smoother. There was a lot of support from the team, athletic department, career center and older teammates.”

On the field, Sheynfeld earned first-team All-Conference honors as a senior in the fall of 2004. After college, he played professionally for the Long Island Rough Riders for two years, and he continues to play soccer recreationally in Florida. He has also represented the United States in the Maccabi Games, sometimes referred to as the “Jewish Olympics.”

While he was at Adelphi, Sheynfeld excelled academically. WhileĚýmajoring in finance, he was a two-time NSCAA/USCĚýĚý˛ą˛Ô»ĺĚýrecipient. Initially, he pursuedĚýcomputer science, inspired by Israel’s robust high-tech industry. However, during his first year, he found himself drawn toĚýmathĚýand finance.

“I was in the computer science program for a year, and even though the classes were interesting and challenging, as I was immersing in other programs, the finance curriculum looked more like what I wanted to do, so I decided to major in it,” he said, noting that Adelphi’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business provided a diverse array of classes that allowed him to explore different fields within business, from economics and marketing to finance and statistics.

“What Adelphi allowed me to do was try a lot of things and figure out what I like and have the right tools to be successful. I came out of school knowing where I can have the most impact,” Sheynfeld said.

´ˇ˛ÔĚýeconomicsĚýclass taught by Associate ProfessorĚýDavid Machlis, PhD, was especially impactful. “Dr. Machlis was very passionate about the subject and very creative. It became contagious, and he made it very fun. It was when I became 100 percent sure that I made the right decision to switch to the business school,” Sheynfeld recalled.

Building a Successful Career

After graduating from Adelphi with a Bachelor of Science in finance, Sheynfeld earned an MBA from Columbia Business School. With 20 years of experience in investments and operations, he now serves as a managing partner at , a $4 billion-plus investment firm, where he oversees the direction and growth of the firm’s credit strategy.

Throughout his career, Sheynfeld has been involved in high-impact roles: He founded and served as chief executive officer and chief information officer of EMM Investments, led NTS Communications through a successful turnaround, and originated and executed middle-market transactions at CION Investments. His diverse experience has made him highly regarded for his ability to source, analyze, execute and monitor transactions while applying insights derived from successful operational exposure.

“My background and set of skills allow me to digest large amounts of data and be able to draw financial and operational conclusions. I also enjoy the collaborative environment of business and helping business owners unlock value in the companies they care so much about,” Sheynfeld explained.

Lessons Learned

Reflecting on his time at Adelphi, Sheynfeld emphasized the importance of time management and seeking help when needed.

“Between school and sports, it takes a lot,” he said. “You have to be very efficient with your time, focus and prioritize. When you don’t know something, ask for help. That’s what I told the younger guys who came after me, especially the foreigners. There are resources available for you. The Adelphi community cares and wants to see the students be successful, and to me that is the foundation for the success I have seen many Adelphi students have.”

His advice for current and future Panthers is straightforward: “Don’t be afraid to take risks and get out of your comfort zone. Bet on yourself. The cream always rises to the top, especially when you put the work in. Go to places that have upside potential (professionally and financially) and continue to utilize the valuable Adelphi alumni network. Don’t be shy to reach out for guidance.”

The post Profiles in Success: Adelphi’s Commitment to Student Success Helped One Student-Athlete Achieve His Goals appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą.

The orchestrated a remarkable year, concluding the season with a 26-8 record. Under the guidance of Head Coach Dave Duke, the clinched their first NE10 regular-season championship since the 2011–2012 season, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history. This achievement propelled them into the NCAA Tournament, their first appearance under Duke and the program’s first since 2012, when they were led by James Cosgrove, now an NCAA Division III National Champion at Trinity College in Connecticut.​

Individual accolades further underscored the team’s success. ’s defensive prowess earned him the NE10 Defensive Player of the Year title. ’s exceptional leadership was recognized with his first NE10 Coach of the Year award, making him the first Adelphi men’s basketball coach to receive this honor. Offensively, both Andres Fulgencio and Dayshaun Walton were named NE10 First Team All-Conference, with Walton also securing a spot on the NABC All-District First Team.​

Men’s Lacrosse: Eyes on the Prize

The began its national title defense with high expectations, bolstered by its No. 1 preseason national ranking. A significant highlight leading up to the season was goaltender , making him the first Adelphi men’s lacrosse player to earn consideration for what is considered the Heisman Trophy of men’s and women’s college lacrosse. Renner was also honored by USA Lacrosse Magazine as its . The Panthers have already begun imparting their dominance with a 9-0 start to the season—making them one of only three teams in the country to still possess an undefeated record.

Swimming and Diving: Kakimseit’s Stellar Splash

The made waves this season, powered by the . His outstanding contributions were pivotal in Adelphi’s historic runner-up finish at the 2025 NE10 Championship in February, the program’s best since joining the league in the 2009–2010 season. Kakimseit’s individual point total of 60 earned him the prestigious NE10 Men’s Swimmer of the Meet honor. Then in March, he added to his trophy case by picking up his second-consecutive Swimmer of the Year award. He wasn’t the only aquatic Panther to win top awards from the conference, though. Freshman was honored as the NE10 Rookie of the Year, becoming the third Adelphi swimmer in four years to win the award, following Kakimseit in 2024 and in 2022. ’sĚýelection as Coach of the Year for the second-straight year completed Adelphi’s domination of the conference’s major awards.

Women’s Basketball: A Resilient Run

Under the leadership of alumna Head Coach Sade Jackson ’14, the Adelphi showcased resilience and determination. They advanced to the NE10 semifinals for the first time since their impressive 27-3 run in 2020, concluding the season with a balanced 15-15 record.

Softball: A New Chapter Begins

The Adelphi ushered in a new era with the appointment of Katie Apostolopoulos as the 10th head coach in Adelphi’s storied softball history. Apostolopoulos aims to build upon the solid foundation established over the past six seasons under Carla Campagna, who departed for Division I Iona University last summer. The team’s future looks promising as they strive to continue their legacy of success.Ěý

A Testament to Excellence

These accomplishments have propelled Â鶹ֱ˛Ą to a close second place in the through the winter season, reflecting the collective success of its athletic programs. As the Panthers continue to excel, they embody the spirit of champions, inspiring pride and anticipation for future triumphs within the Adelphi community.

The post A Wonderland of Wins: Adelphi’s Winter Sports Season appeared first on Â鶹ֱ˛Ą.