Long Island University celebrated the winners of the 2025 George Polk Awards in Journalism during a distinguished luncheon ceremony at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Journalists from leading outlets, including The New York Times, ProPublica, The Atlantic, and CBS 60 Minutes, discussed their award-winning reporting spanning immigration, public health, executive power, war reporting, and more.

AMC Networks CEO and LIU alumna Kristin Dolan ’15 spoke during the second installment of the Centennial CEO Speaker Series. The executive discussed navigating today’s media landscape in the age of AI, building strong organizational culture, and what sets top interns apart. AMC Networks is home to The Walking Dead, the most-watched show in cable television history. Dolan earned her master’s degree in literature in 2015.

Long Island University, the New York Islanders, and UBS Arena have formed a five-year strategic partnership to grow hockey across Long Island and New York City. The collaboration includes the creation of the Empire State Holiday Invitational, an annual Division I men’s hockey tournament at UBS Arena, youth programs and student opportunities.

Broadway World highlighted the release of the original cast recording of the critically acclaimed and award-winning musical Vincent, featuring performances by LIU’s Post Theatre Company. Winner of the New York Theater Festival’s Best Score and Best Direction, the play is a contemporary reimagining of the inner life of Vincent Van Gogh.

LIU Equestrian punched their ticket to the national championship. Sophomores Madison Frankel and Janina “Nina” Dubicki will compete individually after strong performances at the IHSA Zone 2 Finals, earning third and second place finishes in the Cacchione Cup and Limit Flat.

LIU dedicated the Manuel & Claire Barron Veterinary Learning Center, made possible by a transformative gift of nearly $8 million from the Barron family. Manuel Barron ’68, H’12, founder of Barron Educational Series—a nationally recognized organization in standardized test preparation, including the SAT, ACT, and Regents Exams—built a lasting legacy in education.

Author, historian, and scholar James H. Read appeared on Talks with Tweed, a podcast on the American presidency hosted by Tweed Roosevelt—great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt and Chairman of the Roosevelt School. Read discussed his book, Sovereign of a Free People: Abraham Lincoln, Majority Rule, and Slavery, a finalist for the 2025 Biennial Presidential Leadership Book Award.

Rolling Stone featured the insights of Gimel “Young Guru” Keaton, Grammy Award-winning producer and Director of the Music Technology, Entrepreneurship & Production program at the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entrepreneurship at Long Island University. Keaton discussed the current and future impact artificial intelligence has on the music industry, highlighting how emerging technologies are reshaping production, creativity, and the broader business landscape.

LIU softball improved to 10–0 in NEC play, marking the best conference start in the Sharks history. Reigning NEC Player of the Week Lily Hinkle led the way with two home runs and five hits in a three-game sweep over FDU. Earlier this season, Nyae’ Villalta earned NEC Player of the Week honors twice. The Sharks hold first place in the conference and are 6–1 at home.

Education Professor Shaireen Rasheed has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar for the 2026–2027 academic year in Amman, Jordan. She will focus on developing curricular modules for educators working in contexts shaped by crisis, war, and climate displacement. This marks the third time Rasheed has received a Fulbright appointment.