As 2025 wraps up, we’re counting down the moments that defined a year of momentum, milestone achievement, and Shark Nation pride. Together, they set the tone as Long Island University enters its Centennial Year, building on 100 years of impact, innovation, and opportunity.
LIU Reaffirmed as a Carnegie R2 Top 7% Research Institution
The Carnegie Classification reaffirmed Long Island University as an R2 High Research Activity institution, recognizing significant growth in research expenditures, faculty scholarship, and national research impact—marking a pivotal moment in LIU’s ascent as a research-driven university entering its Centennial.
Transformative $20.5M Gift Establishes the Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine
A landmark $20.5 million gift from the Lewyt Trust permanently named LIU’s College of Veterinary Medicine—one of the most significant philanthropic moments in University history and a defining investment as LIU enters its Centennial. The year also saw a $1 million gift from alumni Deb ’79 and Steve ’81 Hornstein, further strengthening veterinary education and student scholarships.
Scholarship Gala Surpasses $2 Million Milestone
The 2025 Scholarship Gala raised more than $2 million in a single night, honoring the Wright family and the Museum of Democracy while transforming access to education for future LIU students through unprecedented philanthropic support.
LIU Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art College of Science Facility
LIU broke ground on a $30 million, 40,000-square-foot College of Science facility—an unmistakable signal of the University’s commitment to research, innovation, and interdisciplinary discovery, and a cornerstone investment for LIU’s next 100 years.
LIU Returns to the Top in Sports
LIU Athletics returned to the top of the Northeast Conference, capturing the Brenda Weare Commissioner’s Cup for the fourth time in program history. The Sharks claimed NEC tournament titles in men’s soccer and women’s lacrosse, while also securing regular-season championships in women’s lacrosse, baseball, and softball.
Football Earns Historic FBS Victory
LIU football stunned Eastern Michigan with a landmark road victory, its first-ever win over an FBS opponent, earning national recognition as Stats Perform FCS National Team of the Week and marking a defining breakthrough for the program.
Men’s Ice Hockey Dominates Five-Time National Champions
LIU men’s ice hockey delivered one of the most stunning wins in program history, defeating five-time national champion Minnesota and earning a national top-12 ranking, cementing the Sharks as a rising force on the national stage.
Spirit Teams Claim Third Straight National Title
LIU Cheer, Dance, and Mascot teams captured their third consecutive national championship titles at the UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championships in Orlando, Florida, marking a rare three-peat and one of the most dominant runs in program history.
Lester Holt Delivers Defining Address at the George Polk Awards
Journalism icon Lester Holt took the stage at the George Polk Awards to deliver a powerful address on truth, courage, and accountability, marking a defining moment in the awards’ legacy and reaffirming LIU’s central role in fearless journalism.
Josh Groban Headlines Sold-Out Tilles Center
Josh Groban brought the house down at a sold-out Tilles Center performance, creating a signature cultural moment that elevated the arts on Long Island while supporting education and community programming through the performing arts.
Alumni Leaders Take the Commencement Stage
Alumni Steve Bandrowczak ’88, CEO of Xerox, and Howard Murad ’62, founder of Murad Skincare, returned to LIU to deliver commencement addresses that celebrated leadership, innovation, and the far-reaching impact of an LIU education.
LIU Celebrates Inaugural “40 Under 40”
LIU honored 40 exceptional young alumni during its inaugural 40 Under 40 Alumni Excellence Awards, recognizing rising leaders whose achievements and service reflect the strength of Shark Nation across industries and communities.
