Brookville, NY – On October 23, 2025, the Society of Presidential Descendants will host its 2025 Biennial Presidential Leadership Book Awards at the iconic University Club in New York City. The evening will be a rare gathering of America’s most prominent political families, as descendants of U.S. presidents come together to honor the authors who bring presidential history to life through powerful storytelling and scholarship.

Established to recognize outstanding works of non-fiction that deepen public understanding of the American presidency, the biennial award celebrates books that combine original insight, literary excellence, and historical depth. This year’s finalists—selected from a highly competitive field of nine distinguished titles—will be announced in early September. One winner, chosen by a panel of distinguished judges, will be revealed live during the October gala.

“This evening recognizes both scholarship and impact, celebrating authors who are historians as well as compelling storytellers,” said Tweed Roosevelt, president of the Society of Presidential Descendants and executive chairman of the Roosevelt School at Long Island University. “These are the voices shaping how we remember, interpret, and learn from our presidents.”

The event, hosted by former Congressman Steve Israel, will celebrate excellence in presidential scholarship and honor Mark K. Updegrove—president and chief executive officer of the LBJ Foundation—as the 2025 Distinguished Presidential Historian. Updegrove, an acclaimed author and leading authority on the American presidency, is being recognized for a lifetime of contributions to the public’s understanding of presidential leadership and legacy, including his work as director of the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and head of the LBJ Foundation.

The Presidential Leadership Book Awards offer guests an extraordinary opportunity to be immersed in history and conversation, surrounded by the descendants of past presidents and the authors who illuminate their stories for future generations.

Alumni Ray Dalio ’71 and Brian Kilmeade ’86 discussed a wide range of economic subjects in an exclusive 1:1 interview on Fox and Friends. Kilmeade asked Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, about his book How Countries Go Broke, the current value of the dollar, recent foreign trade policies, as well as Dalio’s experience at LIU. Watch the interview here.

LIU Athletics returned to the top of the Northeast Conference all-sports race, claiming the Brenda Weare Commissioner’s Cup for the fourth time in program history and the third time in five years. The Sharks claimed NEC tournament titles in men’s soccer and women’s lacrosse, also capturing regular season titles in women’s lacrosse, baseball, and softball. LIU has finished in the top five of the Cup standings in each of the last 10 seasons, cracking the top three five times in a row.

The 2025 Scholarship Gala raised over $2 million and honored the Wright family and the Museum of Democracy. The Museum of Democracy, housed at the Roosevelt School on the Post campus, is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive collection of American historical and political art and memorabilia, with over one million objects.

Alumna Maggie Peikon ’21, Manager of Communications at the American Hiking Society, appeared on the national AccuWeather Network to discuss National Trails Day – an initiative to encourage people get to outdoors and featuring an array of public events aimed at advocacy, trail service and building community outdoors. Watch the segment here.

Tony Dorazio ’86 was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Corning Energy, founded in 1904. Dorazio previously served as Managing Partner of Montgomery Group, an energy and utility consulting firm and held senior positions with global energy companies, including Duke Energy and BP.

Tracey Hodurski was named Director of the Howard Murad Inclusive Wellness Program established by internationally-renowned dermatologist and alumnus Howard Murad ’62. Hodurski, who spent the last two decades at CVS Health, most recently served as Senior Advisor of Enterprise Pharmacy Talent Strategy and has been a member of the LIU Pharmacy faculty since 2018.

Emmy-nominated musician Craig Brandwein ’87 released his latest work “Longing – A Love Across The Ages (An Opera In One Act).” With over five decades of experience, Brandwein has written, produced, and composed music for network television, corporate clients, recording artists, and musical theater. He is a voting member of the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), the organization that presents the Grammy awards.

Dalia Fahmy, Director of the International Relations and Diplomacy program, presented on “Beyond Polarization: Combating Islamophobia and Antisemitism as Twin Challenges” at the Euroarab Foundation for Higher Studies meeting in Granada, Spain. Fahmy previously served as a Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Policy and frequently appears on national media broadcasts to discuss international issues.